THE
HISTORY OF CAPE COD:
THE ANNALS
OF
BARNSTABLE COUNTY
AND OF
ITS SEVERAL TOWNS,
INCLUDING THE DISTRICT OF MASHPEE.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
BY FREDERICK FREEMAN.
BOSTON:
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR,
BY GEO. C. RAND & AVERY, 3 CORNHILL.
1860.




Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by
GEO. C. RAND & AVERY,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.
ELECTROTYPED AT THE
BOSTON STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.




THE
HISTORY OF CAPE COD:
THE ANNALS
OF
BARNSTABLE COUNTY,
INCLUDING
THE DISTRICT     OF MASHPEE.
BY
FREDERICK FREEMAN.
VOL. I.
"'THE BENEFITS OF GOD ARE TO BE KEPT IN FRESH MEMORY, AND PROPAGATED
TO POSTERITY."- Rev. William Leverich,first Minister on the Cape.
BOSTON:
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR,
BY GEO. C. RAND & AVERY, 3 CORNHILL.
18 6 0.








TO THE
HoN. DAVID      SEARS, PRESIDENT,
AND TO TIIE
VICE   PRESIDENTS     AND   EXECUTIVE      COMMITTEE
OF TIIE
$age     Cn^    3sso-hation        of  ostoan,
EACH AND ALL
HIGHLY AND DESERVEDLY DISTINGUISHED AND ESTEEMED;
TOGETIER NOBLY REPRESENTING
TIHE CIVILIAN, NOT COVETOUS OF OFFICE OR FAME;
TIIE JURIST, FOREMOST AMONG IIIS PEERS;
TIE ABLE ADVOCATE;
TIE MERCHANT, OF LARGE VIEWS AND PROUD INTEGRITY;
THE ENTERPRISING SHIP-OWNER;
TILE MAN OF LETTERS;THIS FIRST VOLUME,
INCLUDING     THE HISTORY      OF CAPE COD,
IS MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,
BY
TIIE AUTHOR.








PREFACE.
THESE volumes are submitted to the public,
without claiming for them that they are entirely
free from mistakes or errors. Such total exemption can hardly be expected of a work of the
kind. But that the present work is as free from
any of date or fact, as the utmost care would
effect, is confidently believed. It might, indeed,
have been, in its details, more particular and
circumstantial: but the aim of the writer has
been to avoid prolixity, as also carefully to
avoid offence to persons or families, so far as
obligation to truth would permit.
The constant deterioration, and sometimes
destruction, of public records, and the scattering
and loss of family documents in the form of
letters and other manuscripts and private papers,
urge the importance of preserving in more durable form what may be proper for the public eye,
and of most interest. It has been well remarked,
(7)




8                 PREFACE.
that "in treasuring up the memorials of the
fathers, we best manifest our regard for posterity."
It is not to be expected that the affairs of a
single county will be greatly interesting to the
public generally; but to such, at least, as are
connected with CAPE COD, these volumes will, we
trust, be of some interest. T/hey, surely, will not
regret that a portion of its history is rescued
from oblivion. Even in regard to those portions
of the history of more recent date, such as shall
be on the stage fifty or one hundred years hence
will have feelings similar to our own in regard
to the long past.
The writer would have been much gratified
could he have given a fuller view of men of distinguished reputation, who acted their several
parts well in earlier times. If omissions occur,
or defects, in delineating the characters of the
departed, the unavoidable absence of the requisite information must be the apology. Some of
the most meritorious may have been passed by,
whilst others less conspicuous or useful in their
day have been noticed. It is much easier to
regret the necessity, than to supply the remedy.
"None but those experienced in this department
of toil" can appreciate the labor, the perplexity,




PREFACE.                  9
the disappointments, or the time required by,
and the expense attendant on it. If some landmarks have been set up to encourage and aid
future researches, the attempt will not have been
in vain. To undertake the task of doing ample
justice to the memories of the more recently
departed, and especially of living men of distinguished claims, is a labor too delicate to be
consistent with the present plan.
The writer, has endeavored honestly, faithfully,
unbiased by prejudice, to pursue the one object had originally in view, with a determined
inquiry for the truth in the narration of events
and the relation of facts. His purpose has been
to do this, without undue regard to the sentiments, civil, political, or ecclesiastical, of any
man, or set of men; still, he has felt nothing
but profound deference to the opinions of the
wise and good, of whatever name, station. or
party.
Whatever views may be entertained, by hiimself or others, of the religious dogmas of some
of the early settlers of the Old Colony, or of the
errors into which they sometimes fell, (which he
is perfectly free to attribute "to the age in which
they lived," and to the resistless force of circumstances,) he cannot but thank God that the first
VOL. I.   2




10                PREFACE.
Christian Sabbath's light that dawned upon the
first settlers in this colony was religiously celebrated, and that the shores of Cape Cod were
then and there made vocal with the praises of
the Almighty. It augured well for the future;
it was a pleasing comment upon the past.
That the principles of the gospel were planted
here, must be acknowledged by all as having
furnished the palladium of our liberties. The
trials of the early settlers, causing them to feel
their mutual dependence, and the necessity
which forced them to rely each colony on the
others for mutual support and defence, contributed, without doubt, to correct solme anomalies
in their views, and to a general diffusion, at
length, without alloy, of the true principles of
religious and civil liberty; thus preparing the
way for the foundation of that national government, ultimately, which has been enjoyed by
their descendants - the glory of the states, the
perfection of ages, the admiration of the world!
It can hardly be supposed that our ancestors
fully anticipated the benefits they were to deliver
to society; in fact, it must be confessed, their
own course was, at the first, in many respects
retrograde t tthe progress of liberty, or even
toleration: still, we hazard nothing in saying,




PREFACE.                11
the emigration of these men eventually produced
the noblest revolution in the public mind, and
in political power, that the world had ever
known. Confined in the beginning to narrow
limits, it adlvanced, gradually, with unfolding and
increasing light, until that change of public
sentiment assumed an importance proportioned
to the greatness of the events that were to
follow. The aye was one when the rights of
society were but just being revealed.
It cannot either be regarded as otherwise
than fortunate for our common country, that the
early settlers of New England were emigrants
from  a country advanced in civilization, and
that they were so generally distinguished for
intelligence and enterprise, and were impressed
with the importance of universal and early education. Whether the colonization of any portion
of our land originated in religious persecution,
as is by some confidently asserted, - so confidently and extensively that it is regarded by
many as partaking of high misdemeanor not to
admit it without qualification, and not to take it
for granted almost without inquiry, - or whether
chiefly in schemes for the pursuit of gain, with
the desire of the undisputed right to maintain
peculiar religious dogmas and polities without




12                PREFACE.
any contradiction, is a question which it is no
part of our present duty to discuss, least of all
to decide. Perhaps even the seeming admission
that it is, at the present day, a mooted question,
may be sufficient to prejudice the writer in the
view of some, and bring upon him animadversion. If so, let it be. That the early settlers of
both the Plymouth and Massachusetts colonies
were men of strong religious feeling, admits of
no doubt. That they were free from the infirmities of nature, let him assert who will. That
they were men of stout hearts, indomitable perseverance, industry, and enterprise, was never
questioned. And that, although they struggled
long and hard amidst many impediments, we
may well challenge the annals of the world to
produce another instance of a nation rising, in so
short a space of time, to an equal degree of
power and freedom, wealth and population, true
greatness and renown, we unhesitatingly assert.
That the great advantages derived to civil and
religious liberty by the emigration of our fathers
and their settlement of the country were owing
alone to their personal character and first intentions, we do not pretend to claim. Although
the first planters were moral, exemplary, and
pious, their progress towards the present state of




PREFACE.               13
society was, most assuredly, owing to a combination of causes, as has been already suggested.
Whether their first and great object was to
establish their own religious views and polity,
or to adventure in their capacity of a trading
company, or both, it is evident they had no
design of founding a nation, and that what
ultimately developed was the result of events
quite unforeseen.  At the same time, these
events and results in good degree grew out of,
were influenced by, and tended to, a state of
things consonant only with stern religious principle.
It has been well remarked, "It would ill become the descendants of these men to reproach
them; but it would still less become their
posterity to show a distrust of their prevailing
merits, by any attempt to conceal the defects
that are incident to human affairs, - defects,
too, so exceedingly overbalanced on the whole by
wisdom, perseverance, and success." The early
settlers have on all sides been most unjustly
treated; the character of the Puritans especially
suffering alike from both extravagance of praise
and censure. The sober certainty of truth it
would often be difficult to ascertain, in the midst
of such violent contrasts.




14                PREFACE.
The succession of events that finally brought
the United States to their national union, independence, and glory, were not without the
instrumentality of a succession of noble men,
men who acted well their several parts in the
great drama. Their illustrious deeds are worthy
to be recorded in the temple of immortal fame,
and their names should be perpetuated. Their
deeds can never die: their names should live.
Their marked traits were religious principle,
patriotism, and valor,- joined to resolution,
perseverance, and enterprise, - supported by
industry, economy, and self-denial. The revolutionary war, in respect to its causes, progress,
and effects, it is true, belongs to the history of
no particular part of our country; hence that
alone which has seemed necessary to the connection of subjects and transactions of local
interest, or to explain matters in hand, has been
given.  Less than this would have left the
record measurably unintelligible.
The difficulties that grew out of diverse views
were the most serious part of the revolutionary
trials; and the violence of feeling engendered
was, to some of the towns on the CAPE, of a
dangerous character. The writer has had no
motive to color or distort the naked facts; and




PREFACE.               15
if he has erred at all in the record he has made,
it has been by passing as lightly over some
important transactions, in deference to the final
prostration of the royalists, as a regard for truthfulness would allow. At the present day, we
can look with discrimination on the opposers
of the revolution, distinguishing between the
honest, conscientious loyalists, and the baser
sort whose ends were mercenary. That the WHIGS
were only desirous of carrying out what they
sincerely believed were patriotic views, is evident
from the fact that no personal considerations
of consanguinity, or otherwise, prevented their
inflexible determination for the rigqht, and that
no spirit of revenge urged them beyond the
attainment of the object. Victors are usually
magnanimous. That the adverse party, because
they were prostrated, found it difficult to forget,
or even to forgive, may be inferred by any one
conversant with the workings of human nature.
As to the men of our own day, they are all
patriots, however much they differ one from
another; so that in the present age may be
found, in different parts of our country, descendants from tories who are democrats par excellence,
and descendants of whigs of the revolution who
rejoice under other appellations; all patriotic,




16                PREFACE.
all friends of freedom, all true to their country,
all abhorrent of monarchists, all glorying in the
advocacy of liberty and equal rights, whether
democrats, whigs, republicans, Americans, American republicans, national democrats, or- we
indeed quite forget the various and often changing names assumed, or sobriquets by which
parties are designated; the recollection of them
being entirely beyond our gift or vocation. It
must suffice for the writer, that, whatever minor
views now divide the American people, we enjoy
a system of civil, religious, and literary institutions, so free, pure, and perfect, - protected by
military discipline so independent in true merit,
and supported by a balance of power in the three
departments of government so complete, - that
what the Saxon heptarchy of the fifth century
endeavored to conceive, and what the ninth
century, under Alfred the Great, labored to
improve, has with us, as nowhere besides, been
realized and established,-the result of the
wisdom and toils of our fathers. Not to see
this, would prove us blind indeed. Not to
acknowledge this, would prove us ungrateful.
In recording the occurrences of the war of
1812, and matters both prior to and consequent




PREFACE.               17
upon it, we have been content to be very brief;
for the time has not arrived when the full history
of that period may be written in a work like the
present. Our own recollection would furnish us
with much of local incident and anecdote for that
era, were it permissible. The history, however,
of the almost entire of Massachusetts, would be
the history of conflicting party views on the
Cape, with this important exception -that
Barnstable County lent the influence of its majority to sustain the national administration.
The record of more recent dates is purposely
confined to few occurrences of more general
interest.
In respect to ecclesiastical affairs, our object
has been to follow the order of events with some
particularity, so long as the quasi union of state
and church existed. As denominations began
to multiply, it has been deemed sufficient that
more prominent events simply be noticed, leaving to those who choose to dwell on ecclesiastical
divisions and strifes to look to other sources for
information.
For any defects that may exist in the present
VOL. I.   3




18                PREFACE.
work, the author begs indulgence; of its errors,
if such there be, he can only say, they were
undesigned. If, with an impartiality scorning
to cover up all infirmities of men he reveres, and
with an honesty of purpose too stern to deny
their delinquencies, he has failed to secure commendation from the narrow-minded and bigoted,
or has fallen short of the apprehensions of the
wise and good, he must be allowed to add, in
the language of another, that "he never had in
view, in this work, an object so contemptible
as that of writing eulogy under the guise of
history."
We are not unaware of the popular impression
of the day, that history, to be attractive, must
be clothed in the garb of hyperbole, or the guise
of fiction; and that, whilst the public taste
demands that all that is written shall be in
heroics to satisfy the partiality of admirers, it
may be quite convenient for literary caterers to
yield to that taste. It is not strange that a
judicious observer has seen occasion to remark,
" It might be well that some modern Cervantes
should send us another knight errant, of peerless honor, stainless virtue, dauntless courage,
and truthful love, to make us so laugh at our
own follies, by his whole-souled and simple



PREFACE.                 19
hearted extravaganza, as to bring )ackl things
to the modesty of nature."  But we doubt if the
cure could be thus effected. The disease has
proceeded so far, that the demand seems to be
inflexible that every thing  most serious be
presented in paradox, whether in history, the
teachings of the pulpit, or elsewhere. It has
become absolutely necessary, in order to attract
attention. Learning must be made picturesque;
that which should be sober narration must be a
historical novel bewildering by its adroit mixture of truth and falsehood; the most sublime
mysteries and awful truths must be presented
with at least a fair equivalent of humor; and
the commonest incidents of life must be dramatized, to give effect. With this popular miania,
the writer confesses he has no sympathies. He
aims only at a plain, unvarnished cxpose of facts:
the reader must make his own inferences, form
his own opinions, and draw upon his own imagination for embellishments.
If there shall appear a paucity of material for
so full a history of some periods of our progress
as might be desired, or of incidents to give zest
to the recital, it must be remembered that it is
no part of our present duty to crecte; the records,




20                PREFACE.
scanty as they may be, we are necessitated to
take as we find them. The inhabitants of the
Cape have at all times been men whose disposition was to pass their life in industrious,
peaceful, and useful occupations - with little
taste for parade, with little ambition to chronicle
their own doings; and if at any time they have
mingled in political heats, it has been simply
because the occasion and duty required it, and
not that they were ambitious of notoriety. We
hazard nothing in saying that had the influence exerted and the services rendered been
as tenaciously registered here as in some of the
New England towns, the history of events would
have been of more animating interest. As a
learned and eloquent descendant of Cape Cod
has well remarked, " Our village fathers little
imagined how the eye of posterity would strain
after every simple record they should leave.
What they did, they did for the peace of their
firesides, for the safety of their country, for the
satisfaction of their consciences and their feelings: that it should make them famous, was a
thing they did not so much as dream of."
SANDWICH, April, 1858.




CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
PAGE
Situation, Name, and Extent. -First Discovery by Gosnold.- Subsequent Visits by Navigators. - De Monts, Weymouth, Captain Smith,
and others.- Dermer, Pourtrincourt, Hudson, &c....... 27
CHAPTER II.
Prior Discoveries, and Prominent Theories and Reminiscences. - Columbus, Americus Vespucius, De la Vega, the Cabots, Willoughby, Frobisher, Gilbert, and Raleigh.- The Ancients........             46
CHAPTER III.
The Assay of the Leyden Pilgrims at a Settlement, and their Arrival at
Cape Cod. - The Compact. - Election of Governor. - First Christian
Sabbath............ 59
CHAPTER IV.
Explorations of the Cape by the Pilgrims. - Mistaken Policy towards the
Natives......................  69
CHAPTER V.
Further Explorations by the Company, and final Departure of the Mayflower for Plymouth. - Patent for Northern Virginia. - Pierce's Patent. 80
CHAPTER VI.
Subsequent Intercourse with the Cape. - Iyanough of Cummaquid. -
Aspinet of Nauset. - Effects of Hunt's Perfidy. - Indian Tribes. - The
Ship Fortune touches at the Cape. - Cape Cod a Granary for the Early
Settlers at Plymouth. - Mattachiest. - Monamoyick. - Manomet visited by Dutch, French, and English............    94
CHAPTER VII.
Continued Intercourse with the Cape.- Trading House established at
Manomet. - Patent. - Great Storm. - Troublous Times. - Declaration
of Rights......................111
(21)




22                         CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VIII.
Settlements on the Cape begun. - Sandwich. - Important Events, and
Progress of the Colony. - Yarmouth and Barnstable. - Deputies to the
General Court. - Qualifications for Habitancy restricted.- A rigid
Surveillance over the new Settlements........... 127
CHAPTER IX.
Patent surrendered and Charters granted.- Court instituted.- Laws,
Vindication of the Clergy, and Lands granted. - Narragansetts. - The
Ministry. - An Abandonment of Plymouth and Removal to Nauset contemplated. - Lands bounded. - Differences adjusted. - Confederation.
-Nauset settled. -Laws enforced........... 151
CHAPTER X.
Customs, Dress, Mode of Living in the Early Days of the Colony. - General Simplicity, Industry, and Economy...........      178
CHAPTER XI.
Progress of the Colony. -Toleration. - Municipal Regulations. -Extension of Settlements on the Cape. - Witchcraft. - Long Hair and
Beards. - Society in England for propagating the Gospel among the Indians. - Watch over the Churches. - Fisheries. - Civil and Moral Delinquencies. - Preparations for War. - Severities towards the Quakers.
- Remarkable Events................ 192
CHAPTER XII.
Laws enacted. - Religious Dissensions and Insubordination. - Quaker
Troubles. - Lands at Yarmouth, Sandwich, Barnstable, &c. - Oath of
Fidelity. - Selectmen. - Settlement at Monamoyick. - Saconnessit. -
Indian Church at Mashpee. - Divers Troubles, Complaints, and Accusations.............. 215
CHAPTER XIII.
Doings of the Royal Commissioners.- Concessions in Favor of Religious
Freedom. - Grant of Lands at Monomoyick, and attendant Difficulties. - Religious Instruction of the Indians. - Remarkable Events. -
Schools.-Difficulties with the Indians apprehended.- Settlement of
Ministers required. -The Fisheries. - Free Schools. - Indians give in
their Adhesion................. 254
CHAPTER XIV.
The Indian War. - Its Progress. - Great Sacrifice of Life and Property.
-King Philip slain. - Distress of the Colonies. - The Cape vindicated. - Irish Sympathy. - The Acquisition of Mount Hope. - Severe
Laws against the Indians. - Commission from England. - Select Courts.
- Oath of Fidelity. - Charters vacated.......... 277




CONTENTS.                               23
CHAPTER XV.
The Colony divided into Counties, and Barnstable County erected. - Arrival of Andros, and the Governor superseded. - Extension of Cape
Towns. - Revolution in England, and Restoration of the Government.
— French and Indian War. - Annexation of Plymouth Colony to
Massachusetts, and Extinction of the former Government. - Andros
dismissed. -Efforts to obtain a Charter........... 309
CHAPTER XVI.
Arrival of the new Charter, and Assumption of Government by Sir William Phipps. - Harwich incorporated. - Phipps superseded. - Passing
Events. - Pirates. - Earl of Bellamont. - Extension of Cape Settlements. - Gov. Stoughton. - Gov. Dudley. - The Fisheries.- Monamoyick. - Bills of Credit. - Dangerfield incorporated, and Name changed
to Truro. - Chatham incorporated. - The Precinct of Cape Cod...327
CHAPTER XVII.
Gov. Shute. -A Singular Project.- A New Town. - Governor's Salary. - Bills of Credit. - Gov. Burnet. - Ecclesiastical Discontents. -
Provincetown incorporated. - Courts in Barnstable. - Speculations. -
Difficulties with Government. - Gov. Belcher. - Expedition to Cuba.
-Land Bank. -Gov. Shirley. -Great Awakening....... 352
CHAPTER XVIII.
The French War. - Rev. George Whitefield. - Cape Breton. - Peace. -
England and France again at Variance. - Union of the Colonies. - Expeditions to Nova Scotia, Crown Point, and Niagara. - Gov. Pownal
succeeds Shirley. - Sir Francis Bernard comes into Power. - The Cape
Towns desire fewer Courts.- Wellfleet is incorporated, also Mashpee,
as Districts. -England becomes arrogant.........  379
CHAPTER XIX.
The Mother Country becomes oppressive. - Stamp Act. - Taxes imposed.
- Soldiers sent over.- Convention. - Certain offensive Acts repealed.
- Duty on Tea retained. - Pocasset a Parish. - Gov. Hutchinson. -
Public Meetings. -Tea destroyed. -Tea Ship ashore at Cape Cod.Fire in Sandwich Woods. - Gen. Gage. - Boston Port Bill. - League
and Covenant. - General Congress. -Diverse Views among the People.
- Movement in Barnstable County...........                  406
CHAPTER XX.
Proceedings of the Body of the People. - Gathering at Sandwich. - Resolves. - General Agreement. - Leader chosen. - March to Barnstable.
- Respect shown to Col. Otis. - Assemble at the Court House. - Previous Proceedings reaffirmed by an increased Assemblage. - The Court
not permitted to proceed to Business. - Liberty Pole. - Confessions and
Recantations. - Demands made of the Court. - Committees of Vigilance.
-Address to Hon. James Otis. - His Reply. - Resolutions adopted. -




24                          CONTENTS.
Resignation of Crown Officers. - Address to the Court, and Reply. -
Subsequent Proceedings. - Tories are enraged, insolent, and revengeful. - Desperate Effort at Vindictiveness. - The Assassins secured. -
Whigs indignant fly to avenge the Act. - Conciliatory Address. - Deference to the Laws. -Three thousand People accompany their late
Leader to Barnstable. -The Assassins humbled, implore Forgiveness,
and submit to the Will of the People.........    430
CHAPTER XXI.
The Cape Towns awake to the Importance of the impending Crisis. -A
County Congress. - Gov. Gage alarmed. - Countermands his Orders
for a Meeting of the General Court. - The Court meet and denounce
him. — Resolve themselves into a Continental Congress.-Battle of
Lexington. - A Call to Arms. - Bunker Hill. - Congress prepares for
Defence. - Commander-in-Chief. - Local Items. - Vigilance to counteract the Tories. -Importance of Cape Cod Harbor. - Letter from
Hon. James Otis.- Defence of the Coast......... 466
CHAPTER XXII.
Gen. Gage retires, and Howe is in Command. - Gen. Washington takes
Possession of Boston.-The Council the Administration, with Hon.
James Otis of Barnstable President. - The Cape Towns instruct their
Representatives to obtain from the Continental Congress a Declaration
of Independence. - Independence declared. - The Colonies reduced to
great Straits. - Application from South Carolina. - British Transportship ashore. - Loyalists. - French Ship ashore. - Captures by the British.- Loyalists. -- Ship ashore at Provincetown with Refugees. - Salt
Manufactures. - Local Affairs. - New Constitution...... 488
CHAPTER XXIII.
New   Constitution. - Refugees. - Requisitions for the Army. - Home
Defences. - Tories. - Ship Somerset. - Depredations by the Enemy. -
Reenlistments for the Army. - General Distress. - Decease of Col.
Otis. - Magee Storm.- Alliance with France. -Vigilance to counteract
the Designs of Tories. - Prices regulated. - Gloomy Aspect. - Grievous
Exactions. - Dissensions. - State Constitution. - Requisitions and Defences. - Importance of the Fisheries. - A dark Hour. - Cessation of
Hostilities. -Peace. -Effect. -Decease of James Otis Jr.... 510
CHAPTER XXIV.
The Anniversary of Independence a perpetual Institution. - Shays' Rebellion. - Constitution of the United States. - First President of the United
States. - National Bank. - Dennis incorporated. -t- Revised Constitution. - Whiskey Insurrection. - Ecclesiastical Changes. - Mails. - Orleans incorporated. - Troubles with France. - Washington's Decease.
- Political Contests. - Brewster incorporated. - Embargo. - NCon-Intercourse Act. - Port of Entry. - Local Legislation. - Impressment of
Seamen. - Domestic Manufactures. - Preparations for War... 516 




CONTENTS.                               25
CHAPTER XXV.
The Alternative. - Religious Freedom. - The Courts. - Embargo. - Political Asperities. —Declaration of War.-Prostrating Effect on the
Cape. - Position of the Country. - Politics of the Cape. - Exposure.
- Demands of the Enemy. - Local Legislation. - Internal Dissensions.
- Peace. - Returning Prosperity. - Algerine War. - Bank of the
United States. - Awful Storm. - Manufactures. - Hersey Bequest. -
Lighthouses...................... 593
CHAPTER XXVI.
Commercial Reverses. - The Mails and Post Offices. - Florida. - Separation of Maine. - Missouri Compromise. - Falmouth Bank. - Pirates.
-Political Exasperations. - The Tariff. - Cape Cod Harbor. - Glass
Manufacture. - Disasters at Sea. - Barnstable Bank. - Public Offices
destroyed. - Political Changes. - Treaties..........        613
CHAPTER XXVII.
Bank Veto. - French Spoliations. - New Tariff. - Nullification threatened.-The Cholera. -Mashpee, enlarged Privileges to.-The Deposits. - Panic. - Surplus Revenue. - Commercial Crisis. - Celebration at Barnstable. - Agricultural Society. - Disasters at Sea. - The
Cambria. - Cape Cod Railroad. - Severe Winter. - Successive Events.
- Mashpee Indians. - Cape Cod Association organized. - Province
Lands. - Celebration. - Provincetown Bank. - Bank of Cape Cod. -
Telegraphs. - Propagation of Fish. - Representation. - Canal... 631
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Mashpee, its Situation and Extent. - Natural Divisions. -Missionary
Ground. - Lands secured. - Church constituted. - Succession of Ministers. - Adaptation for Plantation. - Character of the People. - Laws
extended over them. - Good Soldiers.- An amusing Letter. - Discontents. —Efforts to secure Freedom. —Rights of Self-Government.
-Improvement.-Review............... 674
CHAPTER XXIX.
Statistics. - Government. - Representatives to Congress. - State Senate.
— Massachusetts House of Representatives. - Courts of Justice. -
Qualification of Civil Officers. - Probate. - Deeds. -Treasurer.Clerks. - County Attorney. - High Sheriff. - Coroners. - Military.. 729
CHAPTER XXX.
COXCLUSION. - The Right Arm of Massachusetts. - Inhabitants. - Occupations. - Love of Home. - Education. - Schools. - Religion. - Salubrity of Climate. - Agriculture. - Soil. - Topography. - Winds and
Tides. - Manufactures. - Fisheries. - Migrations. - Census. - Graduates..................... 741
APPENDIX......... 763
VOL. I.           4








ILLUSTRATIONS.
Engraved by  To face page
1. RICHARD SEARS,.........   Bradford..  138
2.  JAMES OTIS............ Grozelier...  2743.  JOHN WALLEY,.......  324
4.  THOMAS PRINCE,.........  Andrews.. 3.58.5.  NYMPHAS MARSTON,.....  Grozelier....  374
6. NATHANIEL FREEMAN,.....  464
7.  DANIEL  DAVIS,.............  468
8.  ROLAND R. CROCKER........  Buttre....  572
9.  WATSON FREEMAN,.........Grozelier....  600
10. JONATHAN LEONARD,....... Sartain..  612
11. GEORGE THACHER,......... Grozelier... 622
12.  ABNER DAVIS,...............  640
13. DAVID CROCKER,.......... <.   646
14. OBED BROOKS,......... 666
15.  JOHN  COLLINS,..........   Sarony...  670








THE
HISTORY OF CAPE COD,
AND
ANNALS OF THE COUNTY OF BARNSTABLE.
CHAPTER      I.
Situation, Name, and Extent. -- First Discovery by Gosnold. - Subsequent
Visits by Navigators. - De Monts, Weymouth, Captain Smith, and others.
- Dermer, Pourtrincourt, Hudson, &c.
CAPE COD, the south and south-east bound of the great
bay from which the State of Massachusetts (hence
also sometimes called the Bay State) takes its name, is a
long, irregular peninsula of sixty-five miles in length,
(seventy-five on the south shore route,) by from five to
twenty in breadth, and embraces the entire of the
County of Barnstable.
The name is sometimes limited, as, indeed, originally
intended, to that portion only that constitutes its
terminus, and which lies N. lat. 420 4/, W. long. from
Greenwich 70~ 14'; but the name is now generally
applied to the whole peninsula, and the residents in
any and every part of the county, and the descendants
of those who have resided here, proudly claim the
name Cape Cod for the whole thirteen towns, Sandwich,
(27)




28             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Barnstable, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Dennis, Harwich,
Brewster, Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro,
and Provincetown, the district of Mashpee included —
for every inch of land from the narrow isthmus near
the west line that divides Barnstable County and the
County of Plymouth, to Wood End and Race Point.
The first discovery of Cape Cod by a European is
generally conceded to BARTHOLOMEW GOSNOLD, the intrepid
mariner of the west of England, who, on the 26th of
March, 1602, sailed from  Falmouth, in Cornwall, in a
small bark, with thirty-two men, for the coast known
at that time as North Virginia. Instead of proceeding,
as was usual, by the way of the Canaries and West
Indies, he kept as far north as the winds would permit,
and was, for aught that appears to the contrary, the
first Englislman who came in a clirect course to this part
of the American continent. In fact, it is not certain
that any European had ever been here before.1    Hakluyt, indeed, mentions the landing of some of Sir Humphrey Gilbert's men upon some part of the coast, in
1583; but it was evidently farther eastward, upon what
was afterwards known as Nova Scotia.
On the 14th of May, 1602, Gosnold made land; and,
standing to the south, the next day, May 15, soon
found himself    embayed with a mighty headland,"
which at first appeared c like an island, by reason of the
large sound that lay between it and the main."   This
1 Hutchinson.
2 The land first made by Gosnold was on the eastern coast, which
he called Mavoshen, about 43~ north. Here he met with a shallop
of European structure, in which were eight savages, one of whom
was dressed in European clothes; from which he naturally concluded
that some unfortunate fisherman of Biscay or Brittany had been
wrecked on the coast. Hutchinson. Belknap.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       29
sound he called Shoal Hope. Near this cape, "within a
league of the land, he came to anchor, in fifteen fathoms,"
and his crew took a great quantity of cod-fish, from
which circumstance he named the land Cape Cod.
It was described by him as " a low, sandy shore, but
without dangers, in the latitude of 420."  The captain,
with Mr. Brierton and three men, went to land, and
found the shore bold and the sand very deep." A young
Indian, with plates of copper hanging to his ears, and
with a bow and arrow in his hand, came to him, and, in
a friendly manner, offered his services. Bancroft confidently asserts that Cape Cod was the "first spot in
New England ever trod by Englisla;len;" and the eminent
historian is, for aught that appears to the contrary,
correct in this position.
On the 16th, Gosnold coasted southerly, and, at the
end of twelve leagues, discovered a point with breakers
at a distance; attempting to double which, he carme
suddenly'into shoal water. To this point of land he
gave the name of Point Care: it is the same now called
Sandy Point, and forms the south-eastern extremity of
the county.
Finding himself surrounded by shoals and breakers,
the vessel was brought to anchor until the coast and
soundings could be examined by an exploration in the
boat. During this time, some of the natives made him a
visit. One of these Indians had a plate of copper upon
his breast, twelve inches by six; others had pendants of
the same metal suspended from their ears. They all
had pipes and tobacco, of which they were very fond."
In surveying the coast, breakers were seen off a
point of land which he called Gilbert's Point: it is now
called Point Gamminon, and forms the eastern side of the
harbor of Teyannis.




O0            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
On thle 19th, passing the breach of Gilbert's Point in
four or five fathoms of water, he anchored a league or
more to the westward of it. Several hummocks and
hills appeared, which at first were taken to be islands;
these were the high lands of Barnstable and Yarmouth.
To the westward of Gilbert's Point appeared an
opening, which Gosnold imagined to have a communication with the supposed sound that he had seen westward of Cape Cod; he therefore gave it the same name,
Shoal Hope; but finding the water to be no more than
three fathoms deep at a distance of a league, he did
not attempt to enter it. From this opening the land
tended to the south-west; and in coasting it he came to
an island to which he gave the name of Martha's
Vineyard. The island he described as distant eight
leagues from  Shoal HIope, five miles in circuit, and
uninhabited; full of wood, vizies, and berries. On it
were seen abundance of deer, and around it were taken
abundance of cod.
From his station off this island, where the bark rode
in eight fathoms of water, he sailed on the 24th, and
doubled the cape of another island next to it, which he
called Dover Cliff;1 and this course brought him into a
sound, where he anchored for the night, and the next
morning sent his boat to examine another cape that
lay betwixt him and the main, from which projected a
ledge of rocks2 a mile into the sea, but all above water,
and not dangerous.
Having passed around these rocks, the vessel came
to anchor again, in one of the finest sounds which he
1 " The cliff is supposed to be the eastern half of a small island
which was called by the natives Onky Tonky, since corrupted into
Uncle Timmy." Belknap.
2 The rocky ledge is called Rattlesnake Neck." Belkna7p.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                31
had ever seen.    To this he gave the name of Gosnold's
Hope.1    On the northern side of it was the main; and
on the southern, parallel to it, at a distance of four
leagues, was a large island, which he called, in honor of
his Queen, Elizabeth.     On this island he determined to
take up his abode, and pitched upon a small woody
islet in the middle of a fresh pond as a safe place to
build a fort.
A little to the northward of this large island lay a
small one, half a mile in compass, and full of cedars.
This he called Hill's Hap.2
On the opposite northern       shore appeared another
and similar elevation, to which he gave the name of
Hap's Hill.3
By this description of the coast, it is evident that
the sound into which Gosnold had now           entered was
Buzzard's Bay.4
1 Buzzard's Bay.
2 " Hill's Hap now consists of two very small islands, called Wickpeckets. There is every appearance that they were formerly united;
and there are now a few cedars upon them."  Belknap.
3," Hap's Hill, on the opposite part of the main, is a small elevated
island, of an oval form, near the mouth of a river which passes
through the towns of Wareham and Rochester, and is a conspicuous
object to navigators."  Belknap.
4 Belknap says, "The island which Gosnold called Martha's
Vineyard was not that which now goes by the name, but a small
island, the easternmost of those which are known by the name of
the Elizabeth Islands. It is called by the Indians Nenimisset. Its
present circumference is about four miles; but it has doubtless been
diminished since Gosnold's time, by the force of the tides, which set
into and out of the bay with great rapidity. Its natural productions
and pleasant situation answer well to his description; and deer are
frequently seen and hunted upon it: but none were ever known to
have been on the great island now called Martha's Vineyard, which
is more than twenty miles in length, and was always full of inhabitants. For what reason and at what time the name was transferred




3 2            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
The island on which Gosnold and his company took
up their abode was Cuttyhunk.'
Whilst some of Gosnold's men labored in building a
fort and storehouse on the small island in the pond,
and a flat-boat to go to it, he crossed the bay in his
vessel, and discovered the mouths of two rivers: one
was that near which lay Hap's Hill, and the other that
on the shore of which New Bedford now stands.
After five days' absence, Gosnold returned to the
island, and was received by his people with great ceremony, on account of an Indian chief, who, with fifty of
his men, was there on a visit.     To this chief they
presented a straw hat and two knives; the hat he little
regarded, but the knives he highly valued.        They
feasted these savages with    fish  and  mustard, and
diverted themselves with the effect of the mustard on
their noses.  These Indians were occasional visitants at
the island, for the purpose of procuring shell-fish. Four
of them   remained, after the others were gone, and
helped Gosnold's men to dig the roots of sassafras, with
which, as well as furs bought of the Indians, the vessel
was loaded.
After spending three weeks in preparing a storehouse, when they came to divide their provision, there
was not enough to victual the ship and to subsist the
planters till the ship's return. Some jealousy also arose
about the intentions of those who were going back;
and after five days' consultation, they determined to
from the one to the other, I have not learned." Allen says, " This is
supposed to have been the small island cNo-man''s-land."
1 Belknap, in his notice of Gosnold, supposes the islald on which
the settlement was attempted, to be Naushaun; but this, it would
seem, he afterwards was convinced was a mistake, for the cellar of
Gosnold's storehouse was discoverable elsewhere in 1797.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             33
give up their design of planting, and return to England.
On the 18th of June, therefore, Gosnold sailed out of
the  bay   through  the   same passage    by which    he
had entered it, and arrived at Exmouth, England,
July 23.
Gosnold's intention was to have remained, with a part
of his men, and to have sent Gilbert, who was second
in  command, back to England, for further supplies.
After his return, he was indefatigable in behalf of
settling colonies in America, and was one of those
who embarked in the next expedition for Virginia,
where   he   had  the   rank  of counsellor, and    died
in 1607.
Gosnold's  attempt at settlement on       Cuttyhunk,
Hutchinson supposes, "i is what Josselyn, and no other
author, calls the first colony of New Plymouth;" for he
says, it was  begun in 1602, near Narraganset Bay." 
In 1603, DE MONTS, having obtained of Henry IV.,
of France, a patent for the planting of L'Acadie and
Canada, from lat. 400 to 46, -i. e., the'whole country
between the Island of Cape Breton and the shores
below HIudson River, -prepared for a voyage; and, in
1604, ranged along the coast from the St. Lawrence to
Cape Cod, and to the south of it.   With CHAMIPLA N and
1 The island in the lake on Cuttyhunk Island was purchased, in
1856, by Thomas Nye, Jr., Esq., and others, of'New Bedford, with
the intention of erecting a summer resort upon it. It is a beautifull
spot, susceptible of being made a most delightful retreat. Gosnold
describes its former varied exuberance in glowing terms: there was
"the rank vegetation of a virgin soil: noble forests, wild firuits and
flowers, -the eglantine, the thorn, and the honeysuckle, - the wildpea, the tansy, and young sassafras, — strawberries, raspberries,
grape-vines, - all in profusion."
VOL. I.      5




34            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAIPDORE for pilots, he visited divers rivers, bays, and
harbors.'
From the time of Gosnold's discovery, in 1602, English and other vessels were constantly in the habit of
visiting the New England coast; and it may be proper
here to note, that as the French had led the way in
colonizing other parts of America, so they were first
in exploring several portions of this northern region.  In  the  spring  of 1604, De Monts, accompanied by the future founder of Quebec, entered
Annapolis River, in Nova Scotia, and granting a territory, extending some miles from its mouth, to one of
his companions, sailed for the Schoodic, or St. Croix
River, which  now   forms part of the north-eastern
boundary of the United States. An island was chosen
for the residence of the party, and fortified.   The
privations of one winter, however, caused them     to
abandon this locality the following spring, and to join
the rest of the immigrants on the pleasant River of
Annapolis. The same season, an exploring party, led
by De Monts, ascended the Kennebec River, erected a
cross, and took possession of the territory, in the name
of the King of France.
"Whilst these expeditions were in progress, English
enterprise was also excited.  On the pretence of discovering a north-west passage, a party left Great
Britain. After touching at a few places in Maine, the
vessels ascended the Penobscot River, probably a
considerable distance, and the commander also erected
a cross -' a thing,' le says, I never omitted by Christian
1 (' He did not go into the Massachusetts Bay, but struck over from
some part of the eastern shore to Cape Ann, and so to Cape Cod,
and farther southward.' Canplctizn.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                35
travellers.'  Thus, in the same year, perhaps the same
month, the symbol of man's salvation was planted on
the banks of the two noblest rivers in Maine.            The
leaders of both     these   expeditions were Protestants.
The English enterprise was disgraced by the seizure of
five of the natives, who were carried to Great Britain.'
1 In 1605, the commander in this expedition, Captain Weymouth,
in the employ of Lord Arundel, having kidnapped the five natives,
took them to England. On his arrival in Plymouth H-arbor, Sir
Ferdinando Gorges, then governor of Plymouth, and commanding in
the harbor, took three of these natives into his family. Hle found
them docile and intelligent, and obtained from them much information
in regard to the country. Gorges was the intimate friend of Sir
Walter Raleigh; both were naval commanders, and indefatigable in
their projects of adventure. What was learned fiom these natives
excited a more intense desire to make further discoveries for gain.
These Indians were all subsequently returned; and throughl the
influence of two of them, first restored, the adventurers who, in 1607,
attempted a settlement on the Kennebec, were kindly received by the
natives. But a native of the Island Capawock, (Martha's Vineyard,)
who had been treacherously taken from thence by a fishing ship, and
had been " shown about in London as a sight." and whose name was
EPENOW, was also brought to Gorges; and from him   Gorges was
delighted to learn that a mine of gold existed on that island. The
story, it is hardly necessary to say, was ingeniously invented by the
artful Epenow, (who had not lived among the white people without
discovering their all-absorbing spirit of adventure and love of gain,
and also learning something of their vices,) to secure his return to his
home, as a pilot to the mine in this now much talked of Eldorado.
Epenow's ingenuity was not destined to disappointment; for, in June,
1614, all due preparations having been made, he sailed in one of
Gorges' ships, accompanied also by Assacumet and others kidnapped in
1611 by Harlow. On the arrival of the ship at Capawock, the principal
inhabitants of the island, among whom were some of Epenow's own
kinsmen, came to the ship, thus furnishing him the opportunity for a conference, during which he contrived for his escape. The Indian visitors,
on departing, promised to return the next day, with furs for traffic.
Epenow had pretended that, if it were known he had discovered tle
secrets cf his country, his life would be in danger. Harley, the




36               THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
This act of unqualified baseness was, however, providentially made productive of good."'
In 1606, April 10, James I., King of England, made
a grant, by patent, of all the country in North America
between    lat. 34~   and   45~ north, which      he  called
Virginia; and divided it into two districts, North and
South Virginia; the      southern   part, situate between
340 and 41~, he granted to a London Company, formed
for the purpo.se of colonizing America and converting
its savage inhabitants to the Christian religion; the
northern    part, situate  between    41~   and   450~ to   a
Plymouth Company, for the same purpose; but neither
of them   was to plant within one hundred miles of the
other.2   The territory granted to the latter company
was identical, to a great extent, it will be perceived,
with that given to De Monts by the King of France.
captain of the ship, was distrustful, and not only bad his captive
carefully watched, but, the more effectually to prevent his escape, had
dressed him in long clothes, that might be easily laid hold of, should
there be occasion. The Indians appeared the niext morning, in twenty
canoes. Keeping at a distance, the captain called to them, making
signs for them to come on board. They declining to do so, Epenow was
ordered to urge them. Mounting the forecastle, he hailed them, as
directed, and at the same momlent jump)ed into the sea, his friends
advancing to receive him, and sending a shower of arrows into the
ship. The captain and crew were taken entirely by surprise, and
Epenow effected his escape. Thus vanished golden dreams, and the
ship returned to England in disappointment.
1 We have here copied Bartlett; but the facts are found in various
ancient memoranda.
2 " By this interdiction, the middle region was neglected, and a bait
was laid to attract the attention of foreigners."  Gorges. - By
the London Conmpany will be understood an associate company composed chiefly of eminent London merchants; and by the 1-Plymouth
GCompany, a like association of l erelants in Plymouth, England.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               37
The religion of the Church of England was established
in the colonies to be formed.
Late in August of the following year, (the same that
dcates the founding of the colony at Jamestown, Virginia,) C public thanks to Almighty God were offered up
on a peninsula in the Kennebec River, near its mouth,
by a party who had       landed from    ships sent out by
the Plymouth Company to colonize their patent.             A
sermon was delivered on the occasion, their charter
was read, and rules for the government were promulgated.   Buildings for public use, including a church,
and a few    slender cabins, were erected, with a rude
fortification."l
T The patentees of the northern colony, who, in 1607, attempted a
settlement at Sagadahoc, (Kennebec,) and laid the plan of a great
state, were not successfil. The winter was extremely severe, both in
America and in England. The president of the company (George
Popham) dying at the settlement, and Sir John Popham, his brother,
who was the great promoter of the design, dying in England, that
same winter, -also Sir John Gilbert, the brother of the admiral of
the fleet, - and other discouragements interposing, - the whole
number who survived the winter went back to England in 1608,
and the design of the plantation was for the present abandoned.
It has been remarked, that, this same year, 1607, the first effectual
attempt was made at a settlement in South Virgilia. WAe may
add, in the words of The Frontier JILssionary, by Rev. Mr. Bartlett, that, "As by the royal letter of instructions, given to the early
colonists, the religion and polity of the Church of England were
distinctly established, and as religious services were held, and a
sermon preached on the day of the debarkation of the colonists, at
Kennebec, by their chaplain, who also officiated during the time the
colony remained, it is certain that, on the shores of Atkins's Bay, the
hallowed strains of England's ritual were heard at no infrequent
intervals, daring the autumn of 1607 and the succeeding winter.
And, therefore, these are the first instances of the use of the liturgy,
and the performance of the rites of the Episcopal church, in any part




38               THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1614, Captain JOHN SMITH, the        celebrated navigator, having    quitted  the   colony of South Virginia,
sailed for North Virginia, on a fishing       and whaling
voyage, and ranged the coast from Penobscot to Cape
Cod.   He made a map of the country, which was first
called by him New England.' He embarked for London,
of the United States north of Virginia. And not only so, this was
THE FIRST PROTESTANT WORSHIP AND PREACHING, BY AN ORDAINED
MINISTER, IN ANY PORTION OF THIS VAST TERRITORY" of New EnIgland. See also Williamson's History of iicaine; Bancroft's Uinited
States; Purchas; Hakluyt; iMatine Historical Collections, &c.  The
minister of this colony was RICHARD SEYMER. It is thus evident
"that the members of the Church of England made provision at a
very early date for the spiritual wants of the colonies."  The colony
of De Monts, before spoken of, "was made up of Romanists aZnd
Protestants. L'Escarbot, the chaplain, was a Hugtyenot."  It may
also be shown that " another part of North America witnessed the
celebration of divine worship, and the administration of the Lord's
supper, forty-two years before' the Pilgrims' landed on these shores."
See Hakluyt's Account of Frobisher's Voyages.
1 King Charles, upon the presentation of the map to him by
Captain Smith, changed the name of North Virginia to that of
NWlr ENGLAND; and hence, in the patent that was granted by
King James, in 1620, to the Duke of Lenox, Ferdinando Gorges,
and others, the company was styled "The Council of Plymouth, in
the County of Devon, for settling and governiing New England,"
which country was to extend from 40~ to 48~ north. AWThat is now
called New England was at that day regarded as an island -a
mistake not corrected in Old England so late as the time of an official
despatch of Lord North, during our revolution.  In the epistle
dedicatory of ROBERT CUSHMAN to his " loving fiiends the adventurers for New England," December 12, 1621, prefixed to his
Sermon,o preached at Plymouth, in New England, lie says, " New
England, so called, not only (to avoid novelties) because Captain
Smith hath so entitled it in his description, but because of the resemblance that is in it of England, the native soil of Englishmen: it
beinlg much what the same for heat and cold in summer an(l winlter;
it being champaign ground, but no high mountains, somewhat like the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              39
leaving his own ship in the command of Thomas Hunt
to load with fish for Spain.  After Hunt had completed
his lading and was ready to sail, he perfidiously enticed
on board the ship sundry Indians belonging to Nauset,
(afterwards known as Eastham,) and then basely seized
on these unsuspecting and confiding men, who were
allured by the promise of trade, and confined them in
the hold.   He carried them, seven in number, (with
twenty others which he kidnapped, belonging to Patuxet,) to Malaga, where he sold the most of them       at
twenty pounds a man; and would have sold the whole
twenty-seven in the same way, had not certain monks of
that city interfered and rescued the few that remained
unsold.   So cruel a deed as that perpetrated by Hunt
could hardly fail to kindle in the hearts of the Indians,
wherever it became       known, a fire of hatred      and
revenge.   The remembrance of it lasted         for many
years, causing all future attempts at commerce with
the Indians to be attended with more or less difficulty
and danger.     On sundry occasions, indeed, they executed on Europeans, for this and other instances of
perfidy, deep revenge.1
soil in Kent and Essex; full of dales and meadow ground, full of
rivers and sweet springs, as England is. But principally, so far as we
can yet find, it is an island, and near about the quantity of England,
being cut out from the main land in America, as England is from the
main of Europe, by a great arm of the sea, which entereth in 40~,
and runneth up north-west and by west, and goeth out either into the
South Sea, or else into the Bay of Canada. The certainty whereof,
and secrets of which, we have not yet so found as that as eye
witnesses we can make narration thereof; but if God give time and
means, we shall, ere long, discover both the extent of that river,
together with the secrets thereof; and so try what territories, habitation, or commodities, may be found, either in it or about it."
Hunt was not the only one, nor was he the first, as we have seen,




40               THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Both   English   and   French    adventurers    continued
their voyages to the coast, for fish and furs, trading
with the natives; but with little success, from      1615 to
1617, in consequence of a pestilence raging among the
natives of New England, sweeping off great numbers
and interrupting all trade.
MR. THOMAS DERMER, in a ship of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, sailing to New England, in 1619, found many places,
before populous, allost desolate, and the few remaining
inhabitants either sick or but scarcely recovered.        At
Monamoyick, (Chatham,) he was taken prisoner by the
Indians, but finally succeeded in obtaining a release.'
that kidnapped the native Indians. Except where these and similar
acts of atrocity were perpetrated, and became known to the Indians,
the natives of New England were ever unsuspicious, hospitable, and
kind. Nor is there much reason to doubt that the troubles which Mr.
Smith and the other first settlers at Jamestown experienced with the
Indians were   not unprovoked; for, in a previous unsuccessful
attempt,'the leader of the adventurers, Mr. Lane, had slain a sachem,
and killed and taken captive other Indians; and Sir Riclhard Grenville had burned a whole Indian town, and destroyed their corn, in
revenge of some Indian having stolen a cup. Indians are not apt to
forget in a day such cruelties.
1 "February, 1619, Sir F. Gorges sent Captain Dermer, in a ship
of two hundred tons, to New England, to fish, and sent with him
Tisquantum, one of the natives which Hunt had brought away. May
26, he arrived at the native place of the savage, and found all dead."
Prince.-In this voyage, Captain Dermer sailed through the whole
passage between the main land and Long Island; thus being the first
to demonstrate the insular position of the latter land. Touching at
Capawock, he was recognized by Epenow as one of those in Gorges'
employ, and was, in consequence, on going ashore, attacked by the
natives, whose resentment of injuries received was still burning.
Deriner defended himself with his sword, and escaped; but not until
after receiving fourteen wounds that probably caused his death, for
it occurred soon after. Several persons - all but one of the boat's




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        41
Although favorable accounts were published by
Captain Smith and others, and a favorable opinion
of the country generally entertained, there seemed
to be but little disposition  among the people for
colonizing in " so remote and uncultivated a part of the
world," for some years.
Some feeble attempts, indeed, were made by the
French to establish plantations, but they were routed
by the English in 1613. De Monts, finding St. Croix,
in the winter of 1605, intolerably cold, his people
sufferink so much from the scurvy that thirty-six of
them died, resolved to leave with the remaining forty,
who having been all sick yet lingered, and seek a
comfortable station in a warmer climate. Sailing along
the coast of Norombega,- a name which had been
given by some European adventurers to Penobscot
Bay, - he finally came to Malebarre, as Cape Cod was
then called by the French. Discouraged by the nuumbers of the natives, he returned to Port Royal, preferring safety to pleasure. There he was joined by
Dupont, in a ship from France, with fresh supplies, and
a reenforcement of forty men. After many discouragements and adventures, he, in the summer of 1606,
prevailed on Pourtrincourt to unite with him in another
voyage to Cape Malebarre.    Circumstances led De
Monts and Dupont to return to France; but Pourtrincourt, with Champlain, Champdore, and others, made
their way to the cape. Here they were entangled
among shoals, as soon as they came in sight of the
object of their voyage; their rudder was broken, and
they were obliged to come to anchor at a distance of
crew which landed - were killed in the affray. Here we see some of the
fruits of the perfidy of Hunt and others. Life of Gorges. Also Prince.
VOL. I.     6




42           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
three leagues from the land. The boat was then sent
ashore, to find a harbor of fresh water, which, by the
kindly information of one of the natives, was accomplished. Fifteen days were spent in this place, (probably Monamoyick, now Chatham,) during whlich time a
cross was erected, and possession taken for the King of
France. When the bark was repaired and ready to sail,
Pourtrincourt took a walk into the interior, whilst his
people were engaged in baking bread. In his absence
some of the natives had visited his people, and a hatchet
was missing; for the supposed offence, guns had been
fired at the natives, and they had fled. On Pourtrincourt's return, he saw several parties of Indians, male
and female, engaged in carrying away their children and
their corn. As he and his company passed, they hid
themselves. At this unusual course of conduct he was
alarmed; but much more so when, early the next morning, a shower of arrows fell among his people, killing
two of them, and wounding others. The Indians, having
taken revenge, fled. It was useless to pursue them.
The dead were buried at the foot of the cross; but
whilst the funeral service was being performed, the
Indians were seen dancing and yelling, as if in mock
concert, at a convenient distance. When the French
had retired on board their bark, the Indians took down
the cross, and dug up the dead bodies, stripping them
of their grave clothes, which they carried about in
mock triumph.
This unhappy quarrel gave Pourtrincourt a bad idea
of the natives. HIe attempted to pass farther around
the cape, but was forced back by contrary winds to his
former harbor. The natives now, doubtless feeling that
they had enjoyed ample revenge for the murderous
indignity inflicted on them, seemed pacifically inclined,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              43
and offered to trade; whereupon six or seven of them
were seized by the French and put to death.         They
again left the harbor, but the wind was yet unfavorable.  At the distance of six or seven leagues, they
discovered an island, but the wind would not permit
them  to approach it; they therefore gave it the name
of Douteuse, or Doubtful.     This was probably either
Nantucket, or Capawock, now called Martha's Vineyard.
To the harbor where he lay he gave the name of Port
Fortune.   With his wounded men, whose lives were
considered in danger, he resolved to sail for Port Royal
at once, relinquishing all hope of obtaining any better
place of settlement.
What part of Cape Cod was visited by HUDSON, in
1609, it is impossible to say; but that, when, after his
second voyage in behalf of English adventurers, to find
a passage   to India by the north, he went over to
Holland, and entered into the service of the Dutch,
and t/zeitr East India Company fitted out a ship for
discovery, and put him in commnand, he discovered Cape
Cod, and landed upon it, appears from      the journal of
the  voyage.'   Nor can we assert that it was /here
1 This Captain Hudson, an Englishman, now in the service of the
Dutch, on his voyage to discover a north-west passage to India, had,
as is well known, discovered that noble river which still bears his
name; and there, in or about the year 1614, Dutch adventurers made
permanent settlements-one at Manhattan Island, where the city of
New York now stands, and one at Albany. The country was called
the New Netherlands, and the settlement on Manhattan Island was
named New Amsterdam, which names they retained until the conquest of the country by the English. It was not until 1664, when
Charles II. of England, being at war with the Dutch, gave that part
of the country to his brother, the Duke of York, that the now great
metropolis of our land received its present name, which was given in
honor of the duke.




44              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
that he    found   occasion   to  record   the  following
incident; indeed, we think we must relinquish          the
honor of having the Cape considered as its location;
but in his journal of one of his voyages, written by
himself, is the following: "June 15.       This morning
one of our company, looking       overboard, saw   a   amermaid, and   calling  up  some of the company to        see
her, one more came up, and by that time she was come
close to the ship's side, looking earnestly on the men.
A little after, a sea came and overturned her.      From
the navel upward, her back and breasts were like a
woman, (as they say who saw       her;) her body as big
as one of us; her skin very white; and long hair
hanging down behind, of color black.        In her going
down, they saw her tail, which was like the tail of a
porpoise, and speckled like a mackerel.      Their names
that saw her were Thomas Hilles and Robert tRayner."'
For Cape Cod, we have not the honor to this day even
of recording a visit from the famous " sea serpent."
It is well known that Sir Ferdinando Gorges and
1 Captain Hudson must not, however, claim for his men alone the
honor of so strange a sight; for another claims the privilege of having
seen a mermaid's comptanion. Thomas Glover, who published, in the
eleventh volume of Transactions of the Royal Society, an account of
Virginia, relates that, when alone in a sloop on the Rappahannoc,
three leagues from the mouth, he heard " a great rushing and flashing
of the water," and that looking, he saw near him " a most prodigious
creature, much resembling a man, standing right up in the water, with
his head, neck, and shoulders, breast and waist to the cubits of his
arms, above water. His skin was tawny, much like that of an
Indian; his head sleek and pyramidal, without hair; his eyes large
and black, and so were his eyebrows; his mouth very wide, with a
broad, black streak on the upper lip, turning upwards at each end like
a mustachios; his countenance grim and terrible." After gazing a
sufficient time at Mr. Glover, "the animal plunged down, and cast his
tail above water, like the tail of a fish."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.          45
Captain John Mason, the former governor of Plymouth, in Devonshire, had, aided by Sir John Popham and others, spent twenty thousand pounds each
in attempts for a settlement on the Kennebec, in 1607
and after, and were compelled, for the time being, to
give over their designs and submit to the sacrifice.
Thus one hundred and twenty years had passed
since the discovery of the northern continent by the
CABOTs, without any demonstratedly successful attempt;
for Jamestown, although already in its infancy, was
yet only struggling for life.'
It is, however, "a notable fact, whether considered
in a commercial, political, or scientific point of view,
that the cod fishery had become a subject of deep,
extensive, and uninterrupted concern, from the period
immediately subsequent to the discovery of this continent, in 1497. As soon as it was known in England
that Cabot found these northern waters were the
resorts of innumerable fish,. especially'of that kind
which savages called baccalos,' —i. e., the cod fish,the  adventurous traders and mariners of England
and France were active in the prosecution of fishing
voyages to this continent. The statesman began to
invoke the aid of the highest arts of diplomacy to
protect the rights of the bold fishermen, and the lover
of natural science has ever since contemplated with
admiration the innumerable dwellers in the great deep,
which the incessant toil of man has not exhausted." 2
1 Virginia was given by patent to the London Company, in 1606.
For twenty years previous to this time, attempts had been made to
establish a colony there. The first permanent colony was that at
Jamestown, which place was the first permanent habitation of the
English in America.
2 Hon. Francis Brinley to the Senate of Massachusetts, 1854.




46             THE HISTORPY OF CAPE COD,
CHAPTER II.
Prior Discoveries, and Prominent Theories and Reminiscences.- Columbus,
Americus Vespucius, Ie la Vega, the Cabots,'Willoughby, Frobisher, Gilbert, and Raleigh. - The Ancients,
IT is very possible that the reader may apipreciate
some condensed account of earlier disco eries tll:t
that made by Gosnold in 1602. In onr remarks litherto, we have felt constrained to confine on.r pen to
those th-ings only which relate to, or are of i-Iterest
as connected wtith, the subject of our history.:ult
it is suggested that, since so large a proportion of
the inhabitants of the Cape are essentially navigators, it may be interestintr to t       lhem1  at ieast, even
were they clannish, (which they ate riot, -- nver Awere
a people less so, - for the very fact that they are calledt
to visit all climes, and are much of their life in distant
lands, tells that they must, of all men, friom'the very
circumstances of the case, have expandedl views and a
feeling of common brotherhood witll all teope, ) to
look back beyond Gosnold's time, and conte a tlte t le
order of events. And it imay be'well asl-  d i\ n 1 wht
district of this contiinent are the people of C1'   Cod
not domestically interested?   iWhere is the setion
of our common country in which the vine thla t was
planted oni the Cape has not struck its root's    Alter
having travelled extensively tnhrouohl'l thoe ialmost entire
length and breadth of our Union, and in the Britishl
Provinces, the writer has never found any pos it)iof  of
importance wher    are re not to tbe found 1tose of Cape




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        47
Cod origin. He has been impelled to the conclusion,
that, after all that may be found here to endear our
birthplace to us, it is emphatically true, without the
embellishments of poetic license, that
"aMan is the nobler growth our soil supplies;"
and that, in this particular, the Cape has been wonderfully prolific. Its enterprise is every where felt.
It has been said that this new world was known,
and partly inhabited too, by Britons, or by Saxons
from England, some hundreds of years before the time
of the Spaniards coming to it; and reference is made
to conferences between the Mexicans and Spaniards at
the Spaniards' first arrival, as well as to the relies, and
terms, and words, which were found existing among
the Mexicans, - and also to Britain's annals.
True, Christopher Columbus, the Genoese, has, by
general agreement, the honor of being the first European that opened a way to the new world, in 1492;
and from him it might with more justice have received
its name than from Americus Vespucius, the Florentine, who, five years after him, in 1497, explored the
southern regions of the continent. Still, De la Vega
says that Sanchez, a native of Helva, in Spain, had,
before the time of Columbus, explored these coasts,
being driven hither by storm, on a voyage to the
Canaries, and that he, on his return, gave to Columbus
an account of his discoveries.
The two Cabots, in the employ of Henry VII., did
in fact discover the continent in 1497, whilst the main
land was not discovered by Columbus until 1498.
The voyages and explorations of Willoughby, Frobisher, Gilbert, and others, besides Raleigh, and their




48            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
attempts to settle English colonies in the deserts of
Western India, are a matter of record.
If we would go back farther, and inquire how
America came first to be peopled, perhaps the Discourses
of Hornius, De Ori0gine Getimnl Amlericawrwwm, or Woodward's Natural History of the Earth, and other similar
works, may be worthy of examination.
We must be content ourself, however, in this place,
to glean a few fragments of hypotheses. And first, the
account given by a Russian who had been an officer
of prime note in Siberia: says he,'There is beyond
the Obi a great river called Kawoina, at the mouth
whereof discharging itself into the Frozen Sea, there
stands a spacious island, very well peopled, and no less
considerable for hunting an animal whose teeth are in
great esteem. The inhabitants go frequently upon the
side of the Frozen Sea to hunt this monster, and
because it requires great labor with assiduity, they
carry their families usually along with them. Now, it
many times happens that, being surprised with a thaw,
they are carried away, I know not Awhither, upon huge
pieces of ice that break off one from anothe'. For my
part, I am persuaded that several of those hunters
have been carried upon these floating pieces of ice to
the most northern parts of America, which is not far
from that part of Asia that juts out into the Sea of
Tartary. And that which confirms me in this opinion
is this -that the Americans who inhabit that country
which advances farthest towards that sea have the
same physiognomy as those islanders.'"   Thus the
"Vayode of Smotensko."
Dr. Belknap, in his learned Dissertation on the Circumnavigation of Africa by the ancients, and its probable consequences, the population of some parts of




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               49
America, has furnished matter for reflection and much
speculation on the part of those who would aim            to
solve this difficult question.
This much is conceded: the first navigators of whom
we have an account were the Phoenicians, scattered
along the coasts of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
A spirit of commerce and naval enterprise commenced
with them   and the Egyptians as early as two thousand
years before Christ.'    As early as the days of Moses,
they navigated the western coast of Africa, and as far
north as Britain.   From    Britain they obtained tin and
lead,2 which, according to the universal testimony of
the ancients, were not then found in any other
country.
There can be no doubt, from        ancient history, that
1 "This opened the way for the Egyptian colony which Cadmus
led into Greece, where, in about three hundred years after, it led to
the expedition of the Argonauts to Colchis in quest of the golden
fleece, which opened the way for the commerce of Greece, and laid
the foundation of her future naval glory. The ships of Greece bore
her heroes to the Trojan war, in the year of the world 2900. About
the time of the expedition of the Argonauts, it extended from Phcenicia into Africa, and the ships of Tyre planted the colony of Carthage. In about five hundred years after this, it extended from Troy
into Asia, into Europe, and planted the Roman state; and in about
five hundred years after this, it opened the contest for the Island of
Sicily, between the rival states of Carthage and Rome, and laid the
foundation of the naval glory of Rome and her future conquests.
During this long period of naval enterprise and adventure, about
eighteen hundred years, open boats, or galleys, that could be managed
by rowers as well as sails, were the only ships known or in use; and
all their expeditions were conducted along the shores of such seas as
they explored, without daring to lose sight of land. This continued
to the first of the fourteenth century, when Goya discovered the
secrets of magnetism, and taught the use of the mariner's compass."
Butler's United States.
2 Numbers xxxi. 22.
VOL. I.       7




50            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Sesostris, King of Egypt, maintained commercial intercourse with India and Ethiopia, by the way of the Red
Sea. The voyages of the Phoenicians and Hebrews to
Ophir, in the time of Solomon, were at least circumnavigations of Africa.
The earliest account of any voyage recorded in
history is that (given by Herodotus, the most ancient
of historians, the sacred writers excepted) performed
by order of Necho, King of Egypt, six hundred and
sixteen years before the Christian era. The voyage
required nearly three years, which was also the time
required by Solomon's ships, in their voyages to and
from Ophir. Their manner was to go on shore, in the
prosecution of these voyages, to sow the corn and
gather the harvest required for their sustenance.
The progress of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians
in their knowledge of the globe was not dictated by
the desire of commerce merely, but to discover new
countries, and to explore unknown seas. These discoveries were indeed subservient to commerce; for, in
the reign of Solomon, the king's ships, with the servants of Huram and the navy of Tarshish, every three
years brought ivory, silver, and the gold of Ophir.1
The prophet Ezekiel, who was contemporary with Necho,
mentions, in his account of the merchandise of Tyre,
ivory, ebony, and the persons of men, evidently designating African commodities.  Some idea of the strength
and materials of the ships of the Tyrians, and of their
seamanship, may be gathered from Ezekiel's apostrophe
to Tyrus:' They have made all thy ship-boards of
fir trees of Senir; they have taken cedars of Lebanon
to make masts for thee; of the oaks of Bashan they
1 2 Chron. viii. 18. and ix. 21.  2 Ezek. xxvii. 13, 15.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       51
have made thine oars. Thy wise men, 0 Tyrus, were
thy pilots.  The ancients of Gebal, the wise men
thereof, were thy calkers."
Of the voyage of'" Sataspes, the man of the AchTemenides," much has been said; but that such a voyage
was undertaken, with the consent of Xerxes, about
five hundred years before Christ, there can be little
doubt; nor that the circumnavigation of the African
continent was then already demonstrated a practical
thing.
Of the voyages mentioned by Pliny, that of Hanno,
the Carthaginian, is best authenticated, who sailed from
Carthage with sixty galleys, each carrying fifty oars,
having on board thirty thousand men and women, with
provisions and articles of traffic, on a colonizing expedition to the western coast of Africa.
The fact of the circumnavigation of Africa by the
Phoenicians and Egyptians appears to be clearly proved
by ancient history, as also by confirmatory discoveries
reserved for the fifteenth century. These voyages,
together with those of the Carthaginians, have suggested to many minds the thought that portions of the
American continent may have been peopled from
beyond the Atlantic.
The discovery of the Canary Isles by the Carthaginians is a fact well attested. Pliny speaks of them
as then destitute of inhabitants, but containing veesigia
cediiciorttm — the remains of buildings.  They must
then have been inhabited before the Carthaginian
discovery. In Plutarch's time, the Fortunate Islands
were not only inhabited, but were celebrated for their
fertility. But when Madeira and Porto Santo were
discovered by the Normans and Portuguese, both were
uninhabited.




52           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
A question, hence, has arisen: if these islands were
some time inhabited, and then deserted, what became
of the inhabitants? Glas, in his history of these
islands, in 1764, refers to the fact that two thirds of the
Canary Isles are covered with calcined rocks, pumice,
and black ashes, formerly thrown from volcanoes. He
supposes that some of the inhabitants may have been
destroyed by these eruptions, and others may have
abandoned the country to go in quest of more secure
habitations. It has been asserted by some that they
passed over to America.
Again, it has been supposed that ancient navigators
may have been driven by currents and tempests to the
westward, and thus brought to the continent or islands
of America —in confirmation of which many such
cases of more modern date may be adduced, as also
such facts as that mentioned by Herrera, the Spanish
historian, of Columbus having found parts of vessels at
the Island of Guadaloupe.
In the class of fortuitous visits to America is mentioned the fact that Vasco Nunez met w-ith a colony of
negroes in the Gulf of Darien, who seemed not long to
have been planted there, and which A' must have come
in canoes."
Cabral, the Portuguese, in 1500, in a voyage to India,
to his surprise found himself ashore in an unknown
country, which proved to be the coast of Brazil.
Numerous instances might be named illustrative of
the manner in which America may have proved an
asylum to ancient navigators. That the continent was
peopled in part by Phoenicians, has been ably maintained by many.
The idea that the Indian, or red man, w-as the most
ancient or orig inal man in America is not clearly




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        53
demonstrated; neither is the assertion made clear that
these men were every where of the same race or
people. That the Indians of America belonged to the
same general family, may be very probable; and the
attempts made to trace their connection with the most
ancient nation in Asia are not without the appearance
of great probability. It is asserted that the Hindoos
were the Indians of Asia. Again, it is stated that the
American Indians bear much resemblance to another of
the nations of Asia-the Tartars. The Tartars, joining upon India, spread over the northern parts of Asia,
and extended to the eastern coasts of the Pacific. In
Peru, it is said, were found relics of Chinese customs
and manners. So that the conclusion of many has
been, that, though the red man of America was of the
same origin with the red man of Asia, their descent
was not from any particular nation, but from several
on the eastern continent.
No insuperable difficulty attends the idea of such
emigrations. The continents of Asia and America
approach so nearly to each other, that at no time
within the period of history was the navigation of the
rudest tribes unequal to the passage. Nor is it improbable even that the red man might have found
a passage to this continent altogether by navigation.
The Malayans possessed in former times much the
largest trade of the Indies, and their ships visited not
only all the coasts of Asia, but those of Africa, particularly Madagascar, and even extended their voyages
and migrations to the Marquesas and Easter Islands 
a space including nearly one half the circumference of
the globe. It has been regarded as highly probable,
that the same people who spread over the islands in
the Pacific at times arrived on the western shores of




54 lTHE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
this continent.   In both ways might people from        different nations in Asia find a passage to America, and at
very different periods of time.
The Esquimaux, differing in many respects from the
red men, were early spread over the most northern
parts of America.     Their migrations had extended to
Norton's Sound, Oonalashka, and Prince William's Sound,
fifteen hundred leagues from their stations in Greenland
and Labrador; and their appearance, it is shown, denotes them    to be the same with the Laplanders, the
Zemblans, the Samojeds, and the Tartars, in the East.
The passage from the northern parts of Europe to
America was certainly an easy one at a very early
period.   The voyage from Norway to Iceland, and from
Iceland to Greenland or the coast of Labrador, was
practised from the earliest times of which we have any
account.   None doubt that in the ninth century the
Norwegians had planted and settled their colonies in
Greenland;1 and it is confidently asserted        that the
1 The ancient inhabitants of Norway and Denmark were distinguished by the name of Normans. Their situation near the sea
coast, and the advantages presented by the sea over a rough soil and
cold climate, led them at an early period to the science and practice
of navigation. They built their vessels with the best of oak, and
constructed them in such a manner as to encounter the storms and
billows of the northern ocean. They covered them with decks, and
furnished them with high forecastles and sterns. About the end of
the eighth century, the Normans began to make themselves distinguished by their predatory excursions. In the year 861, they
discovered Iceland, and soon had a colony there. In 889, Greenland
was likewise an object of attention. Biron, an Icelander, made
voyages every year to different countries for traffic. There cannot
be much doubt that in 1002 they were in Newfoundland, where were
already a people whom, from their diminutive size, they denominated
skrgelings, or dwtafs. In subsequent voyages it is supposed that
they visited different parts of the New England coast. It is thought




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                55
Esquimaux were derived from       the same people in the
north-west parts of Europe, and        that their descent
must have been from      the Tartars of Asia, from whom
the  Laplanders, in    the  north-west parts of Europe,
originated. That all the present inhabitants of the
earth are derived from the race of Adam, is generally
regarded an established fact; and that the Esquimaux
and the Indians were both descended from the men of
Asia, it is easy to imagine, although the demonstration
may be more difficult. The peoples found in America,
in whatever part, or of whatever name, were not more
distinguished   by  differences of complexion, stature,
features, customs, or peculiarities of any kind, than
the inhabitants of other parts of the globe.       Whether
these differences were     originally  caused by climate,
manner of life, or other circumstances, this one thing
seems to be generally conceded - the inhabitants were
not of a different primary origin or location.
by some highly probable that they spent a short season at
the head of Narraganset Bay; and the inscription on the rock at
Dighton is believed to corroborate the hypothesis. A discovery of
more recent date, on an island near the shores of Maine, gives additional plausibility to the theory that the coasts of North America
were visited by Northmen some centuries before natives of England
or France came hither. On a small island near Monhegan was
found, in 1808, a curious inscription, made on the side of a rock. On
the top of the rock were found three holes perforated, about one foot
apart, as if to accommodate a tripod. The characters on the side
are eighteen in number, and that accomplished Oriental scholar, Dr.
Jenks, has pronounced them  Runic in their origin. In 1834, in
digging down a hill in the vicinity of Fall River, and not far remote
from the Dighton rock, a human skeleton was exhumed in a remarkable state of preservation, under the envelopments of which was a
breastplate of brass, a belt composed of brass tubes, and brass arrows
in a sort of quiver. The skeleton and appendages had no resemblance to that of the Indian relics, but rather to drawings taken
from Palenque.




56           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
That Indians scattered through the continent should
have formed themselves into distinct tribes, was a
natural consequence of their position; and that, subsisting long in tribal forms as a distinct people, they
should have at length acquired distinct dialects, was
also natural. It has been asserted, with much show of
plausibility certainly, that there are circumstances
seeming to claim for them an antiquity fully equal to
that of any of the nations of the other hemlisphere.
But we must not prolong these desultory reminiscences and speculations. There is much in regard to
the whole subject that must, probably, ever remain a
mystery.
Still, we may be pardoned, if we remind the reader
of Hakluyt's account of Madoc, the Prince of Wales,
who, in 1170, discovered a new country in the west,
which has been supposed to be America, and who
brought a colony of his countrymen to the newlydiscovered land long before the days of Columbus:
"After the death of Owen Gwynneth, his sons fell at
debate who should inherit after him. For, the eldest
son born in matrimony, Edward or Torweth Drwydion,
was counted unmeet to govern, because of the maime
upon his face; and Howel, that took upon him all the
rule, was a base son, begotten of an Irish woman.
Therefore David gathered all the power he could, and
came against Howel, and fighting with him, slew him;
and afterward enjoyed quietly the whole land of North
Wales, until his brother Torweth's son came to age.
MADOC, another of Owen Gwynneth his sons, left the
land in contention between his brethren, and prepared
certain ships with men and munition, and sought
adventures by sea, sailing west, and leaving the coast
of Ireland so far north that he came to a land unknown,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       57
where he saw many strange things...    He left
most of his people in that western country, and
returning back for more, went again with ten sails."
Whether the destination of Madoc was Mexico, the
West Indies, North Carolina, the Mississippi, Nova
Scotia, Madeira, the Azores, or elsewhere, has long been
matter of speculation, and must, for aught that we see,
always remain in uncertainty.  Respecting all the
hypotheses that have been started, we are at best
compelled to adopt in effect the opinion expressed by
Bancroft, when speaking of the traditions respecting
the "Northmen:" "The story of the colonization of
America thus rests on narratives mythological in form
and obscure in meaning-ancient, yet not contemporary."
We must not, however, conclude this part of our
subject, without giving the reader the benefit of the
novel mode hit upon by the learned Dr. Mather to
settle the knotty point which has puzzled so many
theorists.  Whilst some have ascribed the original
peopling of America to the remnants of the antediluvian inhabitants escaped from  the general deluge;
some to a band of emigrants from the old world soon
after the dispersion of the grandsons of Noah; some
to the Japanese, by way of the Pacific Ocean; some to
the Carthaginians, by way of the Atlantic; some attributing the result to the Greeks; some to the Jews;
some saying that the original inhabitants came from
the north-east coasts of Asia; some, that they migrated
from  the north-west shores of Europe; others, that,
during the three years' voyage of the Tyrian fleet sent
by King Solomon in search of elephants' teeth and
peacocks' tails, the Phoenicians proved to be the fortunate discoverers;- in short, Phoenicians, Scythians,
VOL. I.    8




58              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Tartars, Chinese, Spaniards, Swedes, Norwegians, Welsh,
all have their advocates;- Dr. Mather most adroitly
cuts the gordian knot at once: he says,' The natives
of the country had been forlorn and wretched heathen
ever since their first landing here; and though we
know   not when or how they first became inhabitants
of this mighty continent, yet we may guess that probably
the devil decoyed these miserable salvages hither, in
hopes that the gospel should never come here to
destroy or disturb his absolute empire over them. But
our Eliot was on such ill terms with the devil as to
alarm  him" (ristsm teneatis!) " with sounding the silver
trumpets of heaven in his territories, and make some
noble and zealous attempts towards ousting him of his
ancient possessions here.   There were, I think, twenty
several nations of Indians upon this spot of ground,
and our Eliot was willing to rescue as many of them
as he could from    the old usurping landlord of America." 1 After so lucid an hypothesis, all further speculation must end.
1 See iMther's Jlagnalia, vol. ii. part 3d. And yet even Eliot was
punished by the magistrates for censuring their treatment of the
Indians! Both he and the zealous Gookin were "threatened, and
dare not for some time leave their houses, or go into the street." We
are told that such was " the rage of the people, that the governor of
Massachusetts gratified them with a victim: an Indian was executed."
Bancroft and others.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        59
CHAPTER      III.
The Assay of the Leyden Pilgrims at a Settlement, and their Arrival at
Cape Cod. - The Compact. - Election of Governor. - First Christian
Sabbath.
IT was reserved for the company who, in 1608, had
removed to Amsterdam, in Holland, and thence to Leyden, to accomplish the result in New England. These
began, in 1617, to meditate a removal to some new
country, notwithstanding the discouragements of former attempts. Whether to go to Guiana, the fame of
which had about this time spread abroad, through the
influence of Sir Walter Raleigh, or to Virginia, was the
question; but the idea of a settlement in a new country somewhere, was seriously entertained. Their neighbors, the Dutch, labored to persuade them to go to
Hudson's River, and settle under the patronage of the
West India Company. But having a decided preference for the government and protection of England,
they finally applied to the Virginia Company for a
patent.l
The Virginia Company favored the application; but
various causes combined to postpone final action until
the latter part of the year 1619, when, eminent merchants of London engaging to adventure their capital
in the enterprise, the necessary preparations were
mnade, and the July of 1620 found the first company
of emigrants at Southampton waiting to embark on
1 Mr. Bradford and Mr. Cushman were sent as agents to London,
to agree with the Company.




60           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
board of the two ships, the Speedwell and the Mayflower, that were being made ready to receive them.
Thus, after residing in Holland twelve years, they
sailed, August 6, the whole number of emigrants being
one hundred and twenty. Still, disappointments must
needs await them. They were obliged to put into
Dartmouth for repairs August 13, one of the vessels
proving leaky. Putting to sea again August 21, the
same cause compelled them to put back again to Plymouth, and leave one of their ships, the Speedwell, Reynolds master, which was pronounced unfit for the
voyage. The number of emigrants was also diminished
by the lessened accommodations. Sailing again from
Plymouth, England, September 6, in the Mayflower,
Jones, with one hundred and one passengers, intending
to go to what was known as Virginia, or the coast at or
near the Hudson River, they found themselves, " after
many boisterous storms, in which they could bear
no sail, but were forced to lie at hull for many days
together," carried so far northward that, November 9,
they fell in with Cape Cod,' "the which being made,
and certainly known to be it, they were not a little
joyful." After tacking, and bearing south a while, they
became discouraged, changed their course again, doubled
the Cape, and finally entered and came to anchor in
Cape Cod harbor, November 11, 1620.
After their first making the Cape, they had still hoped
to find some place about Hudson River for a settlement;
but sailing in its direction about half a day, they fell in
among roaring shoals and breakers, and seemed to be
in great danger. These shoals were the same that
Captain Gosnold had encountered, and which led him
1 South shore.




ANNALS OF BIAINSTABLE COUNTY.             61
to call the land Point Care, and the shoals Tucker9s
Terror; and which the French and Dutch called M],valebarre.l
The fact was, the Dutch themselves had at this time
an eye upon the place of the Miayflower's supposed
destination, intending themseives to settle a plantation
on the Hudson, and it is alleged hlad bribed the piloto2
We confess that we attach but little importance to this
story of the bribery of the Dutch captain, for circumstances combine to favor a different view.        We are
rather disposed to cherish the faith which [tacbes thal,
it was an overruling power that delayed the Pilgrims
so long on their voyage, and determined their approach,
after the severities of winter had beguin      to a bleak
shore, creating a necessity to land.
They were of course, disappointed at finding themselves at a point so remote from      the object of their
intention; but it was already late in the season9 and
the faiigues of the voyage had been too severe to aIllow
themn to think of putting to sea again.l      The-weather
had been unfavorable during the whole voyage; the
Chatlham.
2 The Dutch West India Company,s it is asserted, who would have
been quite willing to have had them settle in some of their colonies,
ascertaining that they would continue their allegiance to En;,,lamd,
were apprehensive of the consequences of their settlement on the
utldson; for the title to the river and adjacent country was as yet
unsettled between England and Holland.
3 They had, by their agents, negotiat ed withn tlhe -South irlinia
Companiy, and obtained permission to transport thems- elves to Americat,
within their limits~" Failing to obtain all that indulloellce tlher desired from the crown, uonder hand and seal, still they w-ere c otent
thatt it lhad been declared, that "the k inm  woould crnnive at, thlemi, prtovided they behaved peaceably."  So, ccasting themielves on the care
of divine Providence, 1thy ventured to America"'




62              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
ship was leaky, and the people almost constantly wet.
One young man had died at sea, and one child had
been born.
Arrived at their anchorage in Cape Cod harbor, they
seem  to have felt, as many a tempest-tossed mariner
has often felt since, that they were in good quarters.
It " is a good harbor and pleasant bay, circled round,
except in the entrance, which is about four miles over
from land to land, and compassed about to the very sea
with oaks, pines, juniper, sassafras, and other sweet
wood.' It is a harbor wherein a thousand sail of ships
may safely ride.    There we relieved     ourselves with
wood and water, and refreshed our people, while our
shallop was fitted to coast the bay to search for a habitation.2  There was the greatest store of fowl that we
ever saw. And every day we saw whales playing hard
by us, of which, in that place, if we had instruments
and means to take them, we might have made a very
rich return, which, to our great grief, we wanted.   Our
master and his mate, and others experienced in fishing,
professed we might have made three or four thousand
pounds' worth of oil.   They preferred it to Greenland
whale fishing.   For cod we assayed, but found none;
there is good store, no doubt, in their season.  Neither
got we any fish all the time we lay there, but some few
1 That this harbor was once thickly skirted by a heavy growth of
wood, is evident from the stumps still remaining one hundred years
ago, (see Mass. Nag. vol. iii. p. 150,) and from the name WVood E:End.
As late as the year 1740, there were oaks in the woods north-west of
East Harbor. Mass. Hist. Coll. viii. p. 204.
2 On the day of their arrival, they landed sixteen men, headed by
Captain Miles Standish, and well armed, to procure wood and reconnoitre the place. They also immediately commenced repairing their
shallop; that they might explore the harbor and the shores.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               63
little ones on the shore.   We found great muscles, and
very fat and full of sea pearl.'...  The bay is so
round and circling, that before we could come to anchor, we went round all the points of the compass."2
The permission from     the Virginia Company was of
no use to them here; and having neither authority nor
form  of government: they felt themselves obliged, for
the sake of order, to.form themselves into a body politic, by a written instrument, before disembarking.3
Their first act after their arrival (to their honor be it
said) was to " fall on their knees and offer thanksgivings
to God, who had brought them      safe, and delivered them
from so many perils."    Had all the company been members of the Leyden congregation, it is possible they
might have relied on the rectitude of each and all,
without resort to any procedure that imposed restraints.
But their servants were not of this number, and insubordination might arise.     Therefore, after solemnly invoking the throne of grace, it was proposed that forty1 "Though muscles are found in Cape Cod harbor, yet the sea clam,
or hen, seems to be meant."  Hist. Coll. - The narrative says, "We
could not eat them, for they made us all sick that did eat, as well sailors as passengers. They caused us to cast and scour; but we were
soon well again."  Purchas. - The sea clam is a shell fish that the
epicure might covet; but there is a part of it always to be rejected.
If this be not understood, and that part be retained, such effects may
be expected to follow.
2 The narrative continues, " We could not come near the shore by
three quarters of an English mile, because of shallow water, which
was a great prejudice to us; for our people going on shore were
forced to wade a bow-shot or two in going a-land, whlich caused many
to get colds and coughs; for it was, many times, freezing weather."
" They were, in a sort, reduced to a state of nature; and some of
the strangers received in London dropping some mutinous speeches, as
if there were now no authority over them, this people, before they
landed, wisely formed themselves into a body politic."  Pri'nZCe.




64             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
one persons, including all the male emigrants of age,
should subscribe the following compact, as the basis of
their government:1"In the name of GoD, amen. We whose names are
underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign
lord, King James, by the grace of GOD, of Great Britain,
France, and Ireland, king, defender of the faith, &c.,
having undertaken for the glory of GOD, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our king and
country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do, by these presents, solemnly
and mutually, in the presence of GOD and of one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a
civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by
virtue hereof, do enact, constitute, and frame such just
and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet
and convenient for the general good of the colony,
unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.
"In witness whereof, we have hereunder subscribed
our names, at Cape Cod, the 11th day of November, in
the year of the reign of our sovereign lord, King James,
of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of
Scotland the fifty-fourth, anno Doinini 1620."
1 "This day, before we came to harbor, observing some not well
affected to unity and concord, but gave some appearance of faction, it
was thought good that there should be an association, and agreement
that we should combine together in one body, and to submit to such
government and governors as we should by common consent agree to
make and choose, and set our hands to this that follows, word for
word." ilrourt's Relation.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                65
This compact was agreed to, and subscribed in the
following order: —
No. in                          No. in
Family.                         Family.
1. Mr. John Carver,*... 8    30. Thomas Williams,... 1
2. Mr. William Bradford,*. 2  31. Gilbert Winslow,..... 1
3. Mr. Edward Winslow,*.5    32. Edmund llfargeson,... 1
4. Mr. William Brewster,*. 6  33. Peter Brown,....... 1
5. Mr. Isaac Allerton,*... 6  34. Richard Butteridge,... 1
6. Capt. Miles Standish,*.  2  35. George Soule,3
7. John Alden,........ 1     14. Mr. Stephen Hopkins,*.. 8
8. Mr. Samuel Fuller,..... 2  15. Edward Tilley,*... 4
9. Mr. Christopher MJlartin,* 4  16. John Tilley,*...... 3
10. Mr. William Mfellens,*.. 5  17. Francis Cooke,.... 2
11. Mr. William White,*... 5  18. Thomas Rogers,.. 2
12. Mr. Richard Warren,... 1  19. Thomas Tinker,*..... 3
13. John Howland,2             20. John Ridgdale,.....   2
21. Edward Fuller,*..... 3    36. Richard Clarke,..... 1
22. John Turner,.......   3   37. Richard Gardiner,.... 1
23. Francis Eaton,*...... 3    38. John Allerton,.....    1
24. James Chilton,...... 3    39. Thomas English,.... 1
25. John Crackston,...... 2   40. Edward Dotey,4
26. John Billington,.....4    41. Edward Leister.4
27. loses Fletcher,...... 1
28. John Goodman,...... 1
29. ]Degory Priest,.......  1
The Hon. Francis Baylies, in his History of New
Plymouth, says, Thiis brief, comprehensive, and simple
instrument established a most important principle, a
principle which is the foundation of all the democratic
1 It seems that to those we have given titles was conceded the Mr.;
those marked * brought their wives; and that all those who are Italicized were in their graves before the end of March. Of the one
hundred and one English settlers, were twenty females accompanying
their husbands, and forty-two children and servants.
2 Of Carver's family.
3 Of Edward Winslow's family.
4 Both of Stephen Hopkins's family.
VOL. I.       9




66            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
institutions of America, and is the basis of the republic;
and however it may be expanded and complicated in
our various constitutions, however unequally power
may be distributed in the different branches of our
various governments, has imparted to each its strongest
and most striking characteristic.
" Many philosophers have since appeared, who have,
in labored treatises, endeavored to prove the doctrine
that the rights of man are unalienable, and nations
have bled to defend and enforce them; yet in this dark
age, the age of despotism and superstition, when no
tongue dared to assert, and no pen to write, this bold
and novel doctrine, which was then as much at defiance
with common opinion as with actual power, of which
the monarch was then held to be the sole fountain, and
the theory was universal that all popular rights were
granted by the crown,- in this remote wilderness,
amongst a small and unknown band of wandering outcasts, the principle that the will of the majority of the
people shall govern, was first conceived, and was first
practically exemplified.
" The pilgrims, from their notions of primitive Christianity, the force of circumstances, and that pure moral
feeling which is the offspring of true religion, discovered a truth in the science of government which had
been concealed for ages. On the bleak shore of a barren wilderness, in the midst of desolation, with the
blast of winter howling around them, and surrounded
with dangers in their most awful and appalling forms,
the pilgrims of Leyden laid the foundations of American liberty."
Thus was executed, in Cape Cod harbor, the first
instrument probably that the world ever saw, recognizing true republican principles, intrusting all powers in




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               67
the hands of the majority;' and the same day, proceeding to an election of officers, John        Carver was
unanimously chosen to officiate as governor2 for one
year.3
Government was thus regularly established; and the
next day, being Sunday, was observed as a day of rest.
Without daring to assume that, among the numerous
adventurers to    New    England   in years anterior, the
Christian Sabbath was never before observed in proper
manner, it may be claimed that here, at Cape Cod, was
its first religious observance by the pilgrims on these
shores.4  It were strange indeed if it were not also
observed during all the Sundays that intervened, to the
10th of December following, notwithstanding the remarkable assertion often made, that the Sunday which
1 John Quincy Adams has said, " This is perhaps the only instance
in human history of that positive, original, social compact, which
speculative philosophers have imagined as the only legitimate source
of government."
2 This was the first political act, after submitting themselves to a
government, by signing the compact. The legislative and judicial
power was in the whole body, and the governor was the sole executive
officer. The government regulation and discipline ecclesiastical remained as when under the superintendence and instructions of Robinson.
3 Governor Carver dying April 5, Mr. Bradford succeeded him as
governor, with Mr. Allerton as assistant, who, by renewed elections,
were in office for several years.
4 "Thirteen years before a landing was made on'Forefather's
Rock,' the wilderness of Maine echoed to the sound of a pure and
fervent liturgy." Indeed, it appears that "Protestant worship and
preaching were continued in the Kennebec some time even previous
to Popham's expedition.... In a little chapel built after the savage
fashion, L'Escanbote gave public religious instruction to the colonists
on Sundays and at other times."  See the Frontier Missionary, by
Rev. Wim. S. Bartlett; 2d vol. Collections of the Protestant Episcopal
Historical Society; see also previous pages.




68           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
was the third day after the explorers came to anchor
under Clark's Island, in Plymouth or Duxbury harbor,
viz., December 10, "was the first Christian Sabbath
ever observed in New England."
It seemed at the time of the arrival of the Mayflower perhaps hardly possible that the event would
come to be regarded as so important an era in history
- one of those great waymarks by which we measure
the track of time. But its results can hardly be overestimated. Like those of the voyage of Columbus,
which marks another era, at a time when Europe was
just emerging from its'night of a thousand years;"
when, by the aid of the mariner's compass, he steered
u due west," and made his grand discovery; and when
the edict went forth that the ocean should be the highway of nations, and that from the camel and the caravan the commerce of the world should be transferred
to swift ships and proud navies, borne by every wind
to every clime; and when merchants were destined to
become merchant-princes, and human nature to claim a
higher destiny,- it is a subject for vast thought, and
seems to be exhaustless.
Let it be borne in mind, that when the ever-to-beremembered Mayflower - a vessel, indeed, of no great
capacity, but freighted with destiny- crossed the ocean,
the mighty influences of the mariner's compass, the art
of printing, the revival of learning, and the reformation, had been in operation only about a century, and
that it was not until the close of the fifteenth century,
that the old world had heard of the new, and we are
the more forcibly struck with the number and greatness
of the events that have since transpired.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             69
CHAPTER IV.
Explorations of the Cape by the Pilgrims. - Mistaken Policy towards the
Natives.
THE company who       had gone on shore the day
previous, after the signing of the compact and the
election of their governor, (sixteen men, well armed,
with Captain Miles Standish at their head, to fetch
wood and to reconnoitre,) made. a very satisfactory
and encouraging report, on their return at night: they
had seen no house, nor a human being; but found
the place to be "a small neck of land;' on this side
where we lay is the bay,2 and the farthest side the sea;3
the earth, sand hills,- much like downs in Holland, but
much better; the crust of the earth, a spit's depth,4
excellent black earth; all wooded with oaks, pines,
sassafras, juniper, birch, holly, vines, some ash, walnut;
the wood for the most part open and without underwood, fit either to go or ride in."
Some sixteen days were required for the repairs of the
shallop, which was drawn to the land for the purpose;5
1 " The men appear to have landed on Long Point, which tradition
says has been much diminished in its length, breadth, and height."
Hist. Coll.
2 " By the bay is intended the harbor. They also called Plymouth harbor a bay, as they did the harbor of Cummaquid, or Barnstable." Ib.
3 " That is, Barnstable Bay proper." lb.
4," The depth of a spade." Ib.
5 They had "been forced to cut her down, for the purpose of
bestowing her between decks, and she was much opened." Jiourt.




70            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
and in the mean while the people found much employment and recreation on shore.l
Impatient of the delay in repairing the shallop, (" for
the carpenter made slow work of it,") some were
desirous of exploring the country at once by land.
This was considered dangerous, and inconvenient, too, as
it would require them to carry their provisions on their
backs. This was finally rather permitted than approved, since all felt anxious to know "whether the
place would answer for them to seat in or no." As
they sailed into the harbor, there had sseemed to
be a river opening itself into the main land;" and this
they wished to verify. " So with cautions, directions,
and instructions, sixteen men were sent out, with every
man his musket, sword, and corselet," under the conduct
of Captain Miles Standish, Wednesday, November 15.
They marched about a mile by the sea, when they
saw several Indians, with a dog, coming towards them.
The Indians, discovering their approach, whistled for
the dog, and then disappeared in the woods. They
followed after them; but the Indians, seeing that they
were pursued by armed men, " ran with might and
main."   Following them   about ten miles by their
tracks, they perceived the Indians had circuitously
returned "to the same way they went," and at the
turning found they had run up a hill, to see whether
they were   still followed.  So our adventurers set
three  sentinels, kindled a fire, and  encamped for
the night.3
1 " Our people went on shore to refresh themselves, and our women
to wash, as there was great need." ilIourt.
2 " They probably had been set ashore at the east side of Mill
Creek, and their course was on the Barnstable Bay side." Hist. Coll.
3, Probably near Stout's Creek." Ib.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              71
Early next morning they again followed the track
of the Indians, until they had compassed the head of
a long creeks' where the pursued took to another wood.
Still pursuing, " through bushes, under hills, and along
valleys,2-  tearing our very armor in pieces, -    finding
no Indians or houses, -   and thirsty, finding no water,
having with us no drink save a little bottle of aqza vifce,
— and having no victuals save biscuit and Holland
cheese, -  at last, we came into a deep valley, full of
brush, wood-gaile, and long grass, through which were
little paths; and there we saw       a deer, and found
springs of fresh water,3 and sat down and drank our
first New England water with as much delight as we
ever drank in all our lives."
Directing their course full south, they came to the
shore;   and   there, according   to  directions received
before leaving   the ship, made     a fire  as a signal.4
Going through another valley to       find the supposed
river, they found a fine clear pond       of fresh water,
being about a musket-shot broad, and twice as long,5
near which were many vines and much sassafras,
and which pond was much frequented by fowl and
1 "East-harbor Creek." Hist. Coll.
2 " This is an exact description of that part of Truro called Eastharbor, except that the trees and bushes have disappeared." Ib.
3 " In this valley is the village of East-harbor. In the valley is
Dyer's Swamp, around which were springs."  Ib.
4  The course from Dyer's Swamp to the pond is south."  lb.
5 "This pond gives name to the principal village of Truro. It
begins near the western shore, and extends east. In some maps it is
not laid down; in others it is erroneously made to communicate with
the bay. East of it, on the Clay Pounds, stands the lighthouse. The
greatest part of this pond is now filled with grass and flags in summer,
though it is still a pond in winter, as in 1620 it probably was at all
seasons." Ib., year 1801.




72             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
deer.' Passing on from thence, was found much plainground, about fifty acres fit for the plough, and signs
of the Indians having formerly planted corn there.
Thinking it best, in order to reach the supposed
river by the surest route, to travel on the sea shore,
they soon became wearied by the sands; they then
"struck into the lands again,"3 and found a path to
certain heaps of sand, one of which was " covered with
mats, and had a wooden thing like a mortar whelmed
on the top of it, and an earthen pot laid in a little hole
at the end thereof."  "We, musing what it might be,
digged and found a bow, and, as we thought, arrows;
but they were rotten.   We supposed there were many
other things; but because we deemed them graves, we
put in the bow again, and made it up as it was, and
left the rest untouched, because we thought it would
be odious unto them      to  ransack their sepulchres.
We went on farther, and found new stubble, of which
the Indians had gotten corn this year, and many
walnut trees full of nuts, and great store of strawberries, and some vines. Passing thus a field or two,
we came to another where the corn had been newly
gotten, and here we found where a house had been,
and several old planks laid together;4 also a great
kettle, which had been some ship's kettle.  Here was a
1 "Deer have been seen near this pond by persons now living."
Hist. Coll., year 1801.
2 "The land on the south side of the pond is an elevated plain." Ib.
3 " Probably at the Great Hollow." Ib.
4 <, From the Great Hollow, they travelled south to the hill which
terminates in Hopkins's Cliff. This they named Corn Hill. Indians
formerly dwelt in great numbers on this hill, and shells are still
ploughed up there in great quantities. Hopkins's Cliff is on the
north side of Pamet River, in Truro, and Great Hollow, north of the
cliff." lb.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            73 
heap, newly made, in which were found bt'skets of corn
in the ear, some red, some yellow, some mixed with
blue, which was a goodly sight.      The baskets were
round, and narrow at the top, and held each three or
four bushels, and were very handsomely and cunningly
made.   Whilst digging up the corn, sentinels were
placed around. We took the kettle, and filled it with
corn, for two men to carry on a staff and each mana
filled his pockets with as much corn as we could carry;
the rest we buried again, for we were so laden with
armor that we co-uld carry no more.
" Not far from this place we found the remainder of
an old fort, or palisade, which, as we conceived, had
been made by some Christians.    This was hard by that
place where we thouJght was the river.     We found it
dividing itself into two arms by a high banku standing
in its moutlh the bank reaching from    the sea.   That
which was next unto us was the lesser,2 the other arm
being twice as large, and not unlike to be an harbor for
ships; but whether it be a fresh river, or only an
indrauglht of the sea, we had no time to discover.3
Here also were two canoes, one on either side. That
night we came back to the fresh water pond, and there
encamped, making a barricade to the windwaSrd of us,
and kindling a great fire. We kept good watch, with
l "This is an accurate description of the entrance of Pamet
River. The high bank is now called Old Tom's Hill, and it is the
termination of a neck between the two creeks. When Truro was
first planted, this neck, with other lands, was reserved for the Indians." Hist. Coil.
2 " Hopkins's Creek. There is on it a body of salt marsh. The
depth, when the tide is in, is five feet." Ib.
3 " Pamet River, extending almost entirely across the township,
being separated from the ocean only by a narrow beach. On its
banks is a body of salt marsh." Ib.
oL..       10




74             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
three sentinels, through the night, which proved very
rainy, every one standing when his turn came; and
five or six inches of match was kept burning.'In the morning we sunk our kettle in the pond.
In the woods, on our way home, we lost our way.'
Wandering, we came to a tree where a young sprit
was bowed down over a noose, and some acorns strewed
underneath, set by the Indians to catch deer. William
Bradford, being in the rear, came     up, and whilst
examining it, it gave a sudden jerk, catching him by
the leg. It was a pretty device, made with a rope of
the Indians' own making, which we brought away with
us. Getting out of the wood, about a mile too high
above the creek,2 we saw three bucks, - we had rather
have kad one of them; we also sprang three couple of
partridges. In the creek were great flocks of wild
geese and ducks. Marching some time in the woods,
some time on the sands, and some time in the water up
to our knees,4 we at length came near the ship, and the
long-boat came off to fetch us. We were weary, and
welcome home, delivering our corn into store to be
kept for seed, purposing to make satisfaction, should
we meet with any of the inhabitants of that place."
Subsequently, November 27, as soon as the shallop
was ready, twenty-four men were appointed, and armed,
1 "The woods was terminated by a pond, by the side of which they
travelled and then through a valley continuing east towards the
ocean." Hist. Coll.
2 "This brought them about a mile south-east of East-harbor
Creek." lb.
3 "Their muskets had become useless, because of the wet."
Mourt.
4 "They appear to have waded through Stout's Creek, and also
through Mill Creek, and to have passed on to the end of Long Point,
from which the ship lay at a distance less than a furlong." Hist. Coll.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             75
to go forth and make further discoveries.   The captain
of the Mayflower, Jones, joined the party, with several
of his seamen, making in all thirty-four men.       The
weather was rough, and, with the shallop and long-boat,
they were soon forced to make harbor for the night;
but a portion of them     marched six or seven miles
farther, appointing for the shallop to meet them      as
soon as the weather would permit.'
All that day and night it blew      and snowed, and
froze withal.  The next day, about eleven o'clock, the
shallop coming, they sailed for the river before discovered, which they named Cold Harbor.       c We found
it not navigable for ships, yet we thought it might be
a good harbor for boats, for it flows there twelve feet2
at high water.    Landing our men between the two
creeks,3 we marched four or five miles by the greater
of them,4 and the shallop followed us. Night coming on,
and our men being tired of marching up and down the
steep hills and deep valleys,5 which lay half a foot thick
with snow, we made there our rendezvous for the night,
under a few pine trees; and as it fell out, we got three
geese and six ducks for our supper, which we ate with
soldiers' stomachs, for we had eaten little all that day.
1 "East-harbor. The men were landed on the point" which forms
the harbor. Hist. Coll.
2 "The mouth of Pamet River, or Cold Harbor, [in Truro,] is
twelve feet deep at high water. Thence the river gradually shoals to
five feet, which is the depth at the lower bridge. This is to be understood of the lowest summer tides." Ib.
3 " The men were landed at Old Tom's Hill." Ib.
4 "From Old Tom's Hill to the head of Pamet River, the distance
is about three and a half miles as the hills run, or three miles in a
straight line. The tradition is, that Pamet River was formerly deeper
than it is at present, and if so, the shallop might follow." Ib.
5 " This is an exact description of the land on Pamet River." lb.




76           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
"We marched to the place where we obtained corn
formerly,- Corn Hill,- and found the rest of which we
were very glad. We also found, on digging at another
place, a bottle of oil. We went to another, which we
had seen before, and found more corn, and a bag of
beans. We found yet another heap. So that we had
in all about ten bushels." A portion of the party
returned to the ship, December 1, in the shallop, with
the corn, and eighteen encamped that night, ready for
other discoveries.
Marching thence five or six miles in the woods, and
then returning another way, " as we came into a plain
ground, we found a place like a grave, but much larger
and longer than any we had yet seen, and covered with
boards. Resolved to dig it up, we found first a mat,
under that a bow, then another mat, and under that a
board about three quarters long, and finely carved and
painted, having three tines or broaches on the top, like
a crown. Also between mats we found bowls, trays,
dishes, and such like trinkets. Then under a fair, new
mat, two bundles. We opened the greater, and found
in it a quantity of fine, red powder, surrounding the
skull and bones of a man. The skull had fine yellow
hair on it, and some of the flesh. There was also
bound up together a knife, a pack-needle, and two or
three old iron things. These were enclosed by a
sailor's canvas cassock and a pair of cloth breeches.
The red powder was a kind of embalmment, and yielded
a strong, but not offensive, smell. It was as impalpable
as the finest flour. We opened the lesser bundle; it
contained the same kind of powder, and the head and
bones of a little child, the legs and other parts of which
were bound with strings and bracelets of fine, white
beads. There was also by it a little bow, and some




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       77
other odd knacks. We brought away with us sundry
of the prettiest things, and covered up the corpse
again. After this, we digged in sundry like places, but
found no more corn, nor any thing else but graves.
"Whilst thus ranging and searching, two houses,
lately dwelt in, were discovered; but the people were
gone. The two sailors who made the discovery, having
their pieces with them, and hearing no one, entered
the houses and took some things, but dare not long
remain. Others now went, and found the houses to be
made of long, young sapling trees bent and both ends
stuck in the ground. The houses were thus made
round, like an arbor, and covered down to the ground
with thick and well-wrought mats. The doorway was
not over a yard high, with a mat hung up for a door.
The chimney was a wide, open hole at the top, with a
mat to cover it at pleasure. In the centre of these
dwellings were four trunches driven into the ground,
with small sticks laid over, on which were hung the
pots and what they had to seethe. Mats were around
about the fireplace, probably for beds. These dwellings
were double-matted; those within the walls were fairer
and newer. In the houses were wooden bowls, trays,
and dishes, earthen pots, hand-baskets made of crab
shells wrought together; also an English pail, with two
iron ears, but wanting a bail. There were also baskets
of sundry sorts, and of various sizes and qualities.
Some were curiously wrought with black and white in
pretty work, and sundry other of their household stuff.
We found also two or three deer's heads, one whereof
had been newly killed, for it was still fresh. There
were also a lot of deer's feet stuck up in their houses,
harts' horns, eagles' claws, and such like things; also
several baskets of parched acorns, pieces of fish, and a




78           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
piece of broiled herring. We found also a little silkgrass, tobacco seed, and other seeds which we knew
not. Without were sundry bundles of flags, sedge,
bulrushes, and other stuff to make mats. There w-as
stowed away in a hollow tree some venison. Some of
the best things we took away with us, but left the
houses standing as they were."
On the morality of these entire transactions, the
author does not feel that he is called upon to pronounce. But the profanation of the graves, to say
nothing of the taking of the kettle, corn, beans, &c.,
was unfortunate. The policy carried out too often, in
the early intercourse of the white man with the
natives, was, to say the least, too much in imitation of
that of Hunt, -at best, not calculated to secure the
Indians' favorable regard.
Indians were always remarked for the reverence
which they entertain for the sepulchres of their kindred. Tribes that have passed generations exiled from
the abodes of their ancestors have been known, when
by chance they have found themselves travelling in
the vicinity, to turn aside from  the highway, and,
guided by wonderfully accurate tradition, have crossed
the country for miles to some tumulus, buried perhaps in woods, where the bones of their tribe were
anciently deposited, and there have spent hours in
silent meditation. In the early records, it may be seen
that the planters had defaced the monuments of the
dead at Passonagesit, and had plundered the grave of
the sachem's mother of some skins, &c., with which the
grave had been decorated. Influenced by the sublime
and holy feeling of which we have spoken, the sachem,
whose mother's tomb had been violated, gathered his
men together, and addressed them in beautifully simple




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        79
and pathetic language —an affecting   instance, we
cannot but think, of filial piety, if not so remarkable
a specimen as might be offered of Indian eloquence.
We may not, indeed, give his speech in full, or do
justice to it. The gist of it, however, is contained in
the words in which the spirit of his mother seemed,
-"when the glorious light of the sky was under the
earth, and the birds had ceased to sing, and he had
sought for repose," to reproach him: Behold, my son
whom I have cherished - see the breasts that gave thee
suck, and the hands that lapped thee warm;...
see now the sachem's grave defaced!"  As a great patriarchal family, such injury offered to one was a sacrilege felt by all; and that which is sometimes attributed
by the white man to caprice or perfidy, arises in the
Indian's breast from deep, noble, and generous motives.'
Whatever may be said of the heathenism of the
Indians, it is clear that they believed in an invisible
and superior power, who governs the destinies of men.
Some will have it that they believed in two supreme
gods, or great spirits - the good and the evil. Hence
their sacrifices, with all the tumultuous ceremonies of
their powwous and zwar dances. If their enmity was strong,
their friendship was warm and affectionate. They seldom had personal quarrels, and never were disposed to
steal from, rob, or defame each other. Whenever a
family had occasion to leave their hut, or wigwam, it
was sufficient for them to set up a stick against the
door: this was their lock, and proved a religious security to their dwellings from invasion by Indians. They
were also rigid against adultery. Their mode of warfare was, to be sure, by surprise; and this grew out of
their peculiar circumstances - isolated and without the
modern appliances or instruments of war.
1 Washington irving.




80             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAPTER V.
Further Explorations by the Company, and final Departure of the Mayflower
for Plymouth.- Patent for Northern Virginia. - Pierce's Patent.
"MUCH disputation fell out soon after this excursion
about the place where we should abide, and a company
was chosen to go out upon a third discovery.     We set
out Wednesday, December 6. It was a long time before we could get clear of a sandy point which lay
within a furlong of the ship.l    It was cold, and the
weather hard, which caused several of the company to
be very seasick.' At length, clearing the point, and
hoisting our sails, we were within an hour or two under
the weather shore and had smoother water and better
sailing.
" After sailing six or seven leagues by the shore, and
seeing neither river nor creek, we at length met with a
tongue of land, being flat off from   the shore, with a
sandy point.2  We bore up to gain the point, and found
a fair income or road of a bay, being a league over at
the narrowest, and some two or three in length.    Making directly over to the land before us, we saw, as we
drew near the shore, some ten or twelve Indians, who
appeared very busy.3   As soon as they saw us, they ran
1 "The end of Long Point." Hist. Coil.
2 " Billingsgate Point. This point then joined the land north of it;
but it is now an island." Ib. - The locations are doubtless correct,
but the distances are magnified.
3 They were engaged in cutting up a grampus. Prince's Annals.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY,            81
to and fro, as if they were carrying something away.
We landed a league or two from them, and had much
ado to put ashore any where, it lay so full of flat sands.1
When we came to shore, we made a barricade, procured
firewood, set out sentinels, and prepared to lodge. We
saw the smoke of fire made by the savages about four
or five miles from us.
" In the morning, December 7, our company divided,
some in the shallop and some on shore, to discover the
place. We found it to be only a bay, without either
river or creek flowing into it. This place we were
minded to call Grampus Bay, because we found many
of that species of fish there.2 Following the track of
the Indians in the sand, we came to where they had
struck into the woods by the side of a pond.' We
found where there had been corn; also a great burying
place, one part of which was encompassed by a great
palisado, like a churchyard, with young spires, four or
five yards long, set close, two or three feet in the
ground. Within, the enclosure was full of graves, of
all sizes. Some of these were paled about; others had
something like an Indian house over them, but not
matted. These graves were       more sumptuous than
those at Corn Hill; yet we digged into none of them.
Outside the palisado were graves also, but not so
costly.4
1 See description of Eastham, in future pages. Mr. Pratt says,
"They landed near the present camp meeting ground, in Eastham, a
little north of Great Pond."
2," They found fishes called grampus, dead, two inches thick of fat,
and five or six paces long."
3 " Great Pond, in Eastham, north of which they landed." Ist.
Coil.
4 Bradford says they found four or five deserted wigwams.
VOL. I.      11




82           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
" After ranging up and down in the woods till sundown, we hasted to our shallop, supped, set a watch,
and betook us to rest for the night. But about midnight, we heard a great and hideous cry, and our sentinel called,'Arm, arm!' We bestirred ourselves, and
shot off a couple of muskets, and the noise ceased.
We concluded the noise was made by wolves and foxes,
as one of our company told us he had heard such noises
in Newfoundland. About five o'clock in the morning,
December 8, on a sudden we heard a great and a strange
cry. One of our company, being abroad, came running
in, and cried, I Indians, Indians!' and at once their arrows
came flying amongst us, and our men hastily seized
their arms. The cry of our enemies was dreadful;
our men had no sooner secured their arms, than the
enemy was ready for the assault. One lusty Indian,
and no whit less valiant, who was thought to be the
captain, stood behind a tree within half a musket shot
of us, and there let fly his arrows.
c He stood three shots of the musket. At length one
took, as he said, full aim at him, when he gave an extraordinary cry, and away they all went. We followed
them about a quarter of a mile, leaving men to keep
our shallop, for we were careful. We took up eighteen
of their arrows, which we sent to England. Some were
headed with brass, others with hart's horn, and others
with eagles' claws."
They named the place where this skirmish occurred,
the "First Encounter."  For their preservation they
rendered thanks to God.
From hence departing, and coasting along about fifteen leagues, they saw no place for a harbor, and therefore concluded to hasten to a port which Mr. Robert
Coppin, their pilot, assured them was a good one, and




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             83
which they might reach before night.1     It soon began
to snow and rain; the wind was high, the sea rough;
they broke their rudder, and it was as much as two men
could do to steer the shallop with a couple of oars.
The pilot bade them   be of good cheer, for he saw the
port where he had been on a former voyage.           The
storm increased, as night drew on, and anxious to get
to harbor whilst they could see, they carried all the
sail they could. Their masts broke in a heavy sea,
their sail fell over, and they were near being cast
away; but fortunately the flood was with them, helping to bear them into the imagined harbor. The pilot,
being deceived, cried out, Lord, be merciful; my eyes
never saw this place before!"2 and he, with the master's mate, would have run the shallop ashore before the
wind, in a cove among breakers, had not a resolute
seaman at the helm cried out, "About with her, or we
are all dead men."     The boat was with difficulty put
about, and although it was very dark, and rained hard,
they came safe to anchor under the lee of a small
island,4 where they remained that night in safety.5
1 It has been supposed probable that the pilot had visited this shore
with Captain Smith or Captain Hunt.
2 Ie was now passing the point called the Gurnet Nose, at the
mouth of Plymouth harbor. The harbor of Plymouth is formed by
a narrow beach, extending from Marshfield southerly six miles, the
head of which is a high knoll called Gurnet, on which now stands the
lighthouse, and by another beach extending from the mouth of Eel
River northerly about three miles.
3 This cove is between the Gurnet Head and Saquish Point.
Morton. - Within the Gurnet Nose, and not far from the Plymouth
Beach, is Saquish and Clark's Island. Saquish is connected with the
Gurnet by a narrow beach.
4 Clark's Island; called so after the master's mate of the Mayflower, who was first to land on the island. Morton.
5 " This being the last day of the week, December 9, they dry their




84              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
The Monday following, December 11, having sounded
the harbor, and finding it fit for shipping, and having
marched into the land, and finding cornfields and running brooks, they deem it a place fit for a habitation,
at least the best to be found, and one which the season
and their present necessity should make them       glad to
accept; and the same day they returned to the ship
in Cape Cod harbor, with the news of their discovery.
On returning, they find that, during their absence,
Mistress William White has been delivered of a son,
who is called Peregrine, the first child born of English
parents in New England;l also, that Mistress William
Bradford has accidentally fallen overboard from         the
ship, and been drowned, which sad event occurred December 7, her husband, afterwards governor, being
absent in the shallop.    Besides these events, Edward
Thompson died December 4, the first after the arrival
stuff, fix their pieces, rest themselves, return thanks to God, and the
next day, December 10, they keep the Christian Sabbath."  Bradford. - We have, in the preceding quotations in the text, followed
the accounts given in early times; but have found it necessary to use
some liberty in varying the expressions, and condensing occasionally.
The full sense is retained, and also all that is important in the precise
expression.
1 Prince says, Peregrine White was born "before the end of November." He died at Marshfield, July 20, 1704, aged eighty-three
years and eight months. His father dying, his mother, Mrs. Susanna
White, was married to Mr. Edward Winslow, who was the third governor of the colony, in Plymouth, May 12, 1621; and this was the
first marriage in the colony. It may be worthy of remark, in this
connection, that Elizabeth Patch, the first born female in the old colony of Massachusetts Bay, died at Salem, June 14, 1715-16, aged
eighty-seven; and Mary Godfrey, the first child born in the Rhode
Island Plantation, died in Newport, April 14, 1716, aged eighty-seven.
Such was the longevity of the first-born in each of these three colonies. See Hutch. ii. 216.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.           85
of the Mayflower.' Jasper, a son of Mr. Carver, died
December 6. James Chilton died December 8. Thus
are recorded the first birth and the first deaths among
the colonists, all these occurring at Cape Cod.
As has been already suggested, the question touching the place of settlement had been earnestly controverted previous to the late discovery. It was contended by some that they had better locate where they
then were; it was a good harbor; there was cornground ready to the hand, and land that had yielded
so goodly grain might be expected to yield its future
crops; the place would be a good one for whale and
other fishing; it was likely to be healthy, safe, and
defensible, and further explorations could not be made
without danger every way. Others, however, were
urgent to go to Agawam,2 a place about twenty leagues
north, which had been represented to them as an excellent harbor, better soil, and better fishing; besides,
for aught they knew, there might be a better seat, and
that near by. It would be unwise to settle here, and
then remove again. The result of these deliberations
was the conclusion to make a further exploration of
the bay, but in no case to go so far as Agawam. The
place recommended by Coppin, who represented it as
having a good harbor3 and a great and navigable river,
1 Edward Thompson was a servant of Mr. White, and his name
does not appear affixed to the compact.
2 Ipswich.
3 In this representation their pilot seems to have been sustained;
for those who accompanied him report, " The harbor is a bay greater
than Cape Cod, compassed with goodly land, and in the bay two fine
islands uninhabited, wherein are oaks, pines, walnut, beech, sassafras,
vines, and other trees which we know not. The bay is a most hopeful place: innumerable store of fowl; and cannot but be fish in their
season-scate, cod, turbot, and herring, we have tasted of; abundance of muscles, the greatest and best we ever saw; crabs and lob



86              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
lying at the other headland of the bay, directly opposite to Cape Cod, about eight leagues distant, - and
recommended, too, upon his own intimate acquaintance
with the spot, was not to be passed by without consideration.  Beyond that point it was resolved not to look.
And now the discoverers, Mr. John Carver, Mr. William
Bradford, Mr. Edward Winslow, Captain Miles Standish,
Mr. John Howland, Mr. Richard Warren, Mr. Stephen
Hopkins, Mr. Edward Tilley, Mr. Clark, Mr. Coppin,
John Allerton, Thomas English, Edward Dotey, with
the master and gunner of the ship, and three common
seamen, had returned, bringing back a good report of
the land. So the place finally fixed upon was the same
to which Captain Smith had, in 1614, given the name
of New Plymouth.1
The ship sailed for this new-found port December
15; but coming within two leagues of it, a north-west
wind sprang up, and they were forced back.       The next
day, December 16, the wind came fair, and the Mayflower took her final departure from Cape Cod, arriving
quickly at the desired haven.2
sters, in their time infinite. It is in fashion like a sickle or fish-hook."
fourt. -That there were two islands in Plymouth harbor is now
tradition, verified by the fact that there is a shoal called Brown's
Island, about half a mile east by north from Beach Point. Tradition
says the stumps of trees were formerly seen there. The navigable
river was found, upon acquaintance, to be shorn of its dimensions.
The capacity and comparative excellence of the harbor is a question
which mariners may decide.
1 Coppin denominated the place whither he would go, as " Thievish
Harbor;" so called from a native having stolen a harping iron from
the company with which Coppin had originally visited the place; but
whether this was it, or some other, does not clearly appear, since his
exclamation, in the moment of danger -" My eyes never saw this
place before!" - leaves the matter in some doubt.
2 4' It must not be inferred from the abandonment of the Cape by
the pilgrims, that it was a sheer expanse of drifting sand, as much of




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                87
As it falls not within our province, as the historian of
Cape Cod, to follow the early pilgrims longer beyond
our own native soil, we must here take leave of them,
except as we shall occasionally find it necessary to record
their visits to this land of plenty in the time of famine,
and at other times, when they found it convenient to
transact important business with the natives; premising, however, in addition, that, as numbers of them, and
those that came after them, had a yearning still for this
goodly   Cape, and    ultimately   settled  here, and inasmuch as Cape Cod was for a long time under the jurisdiction of the Plymouth Colony, and our history is
necessarily much involved in theirs, we may not entirely
lose sight of them.
Before the adventurers in the Mayflower had left
England, the project of settling America' had already
its extremity now is, and [almost] without tree or verdure. Had
they arrived in the vernal months, and not at the immediate approach
of a rigid winter, they would have rejoiced in the presence of firagrant
forests and flowering shrubs, similar, it may be, to those which greeted
Gosnold at the Isle of Elizabeth.... As we [now] traverse
the wild and bleak expanse of the Province Lands, there occasionally
emerges from the desert of sparkling sand the dark and mouldering
remains of some ancient cedar. These enduring memorials of the
antique forest, the well-authenticated traditions of the affluent growth
of pine and other trees, and the provincial legislation, compel the belief, that in earlier times the Cape was crowned with a bounteous
vegetation."  Hon. Francis Brinley's Report.
1 The fact is, (although it may detract somewhat from the romance
of pilgrim adventures,) when the emigrants by the Mlayflower finally
landed at Plymouth, "the idea of a settlement here had well nigh
ceased to be terrific. The American fisheries had long before become
a prosperous and well-established business."  "The fisheries of Newfoundland were an object of attraction to both England and France
early in the sixteenth century, and both nations cherished designs of
founding colonies in America."  " Commerce and colonization," Bancroft well remarks, "rest on regular industry. And the humble labors




88              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
greatly revived in England; and, November 3, about a
week before their arrival in Cape Cod harbor, King
James had signed a patent for the incorporation of the
adventurers to the Northern Colony of Virginia, between 40~ and 48~ north, — the Duke of Lenox, the
Marquises of Buckingham      and Hamilton, the Earls of
Arundel and Warwick, Sir Ferdinando           Gorges, and
thirty-four other associates, and     their successors,styled "'The Council established at Plymouth, in the
County of Devon, for the planting, ruling, ordering, and
governing, of New      England, in   America:"    ^which,"
says Prince, " is the great and civil basis of all the future patents and plantations that divide this country."
Measures were taken       by the council for occupying
their patent, and in the summer of 1622, two ships
were sent over, to begin a plantation on the territory
which the settlers at New Plymouth had, contrary to
their first intentions, already begun to occupy of necessity. The colonists could not take the benefit of the
patent that had been granted them; and it was not
until 1630 that they obtained the patent from          the
council of Plymouth, under which they acted.        There
of the English fishermen who frequented the Grand Bank, had, as early
as 1575, not only bred a race of mariners for the navy of their country,
but had prepared the way for settlements in the new world. Already, year after year, had four hundred vessels come annually from
Europe to the shores of Newfoundland, and others to Iceland, for
fishing alone." A settlement, as early as 1607, had been begun on
the Kennebec. Previously, another had been undertaken at Port
Royal, and afterwards at Quebec. The settlement at Jamestown,
Virginia, also preceded that at Plymouth by six years.
The circumstances of the unexpected location of the adventurers
in the Mayflower, and of the establishment of the council, were, of
course, unknown to either party in this connection, but fortunately
served the interests of both.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.          89
were, however, prior proceedings and patents; one
patent even prior to the sending by the council
the two ships in 1622, the history of which patent
seems to be, at the present time, involved in some
obscurity.
The settlers, arrived at Plymouth, " began " early in
the spring "to hasten the ship away, which tarried
so long by reason of the necessity and danger that
lay on them, because so many died, both of themselves and the ship's company likewise, by which they
became so few that the master durst not put to sea
until those that lived recovered of their sickness, and
the winter was over."   The ship sailed April 5, and
arrived in England May 6.
The council, when informed of the establishment of
a colony within their limits, were quite ready to take
them under their protection, and the colony, it was
understood, were equally desirous of receiving it, if
thereby a grant of territory might be procured. An
agent being despatched to England, Sir F. Gorges interested himself in the matter, and a grant was accordingly made early in June, with great promptitude.
By the arrival at Plymouth of the ship Fortune,
which sailed from England in July, but by reason of
head winds was not clear of the channel till the end of
August, and in which came Mr. Robert Cushman and
thirty-five others, (and Mr. Cushman had " been an
active and faithful agent and useful instrument in
the first design,") which ship  staid at Plymouth not
above fourteen daysl and returned," a letter was re1 This is supposed to have " meant fourteen days from the time of
her being unladen;" and she is supposed to have left December 13.
The ship was captured near the English coast, and carried to
France.
VOL. I.     12




90           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
ceived, addressed by Mr. Weston to Governor Carver,
dated London, July 6, informing him that the adventurers had procured for them a charter -" the best we
could- better than your former, and with less limitations."  "What use was made of this patent by the
Plymouth  planters," says Judge Davis, "does not
appear."
The first patent to John Pierce and his associates,
given by the president and council of New England, in
trust for the company, bears date June 1, 1621. It
was probably brought in the Fortune, which sailed from
England early in July, the same year. It was found
among the papers in the Land Office at Boston, early
in the present century. That document " grants to the
patentee and his associates, who have undertaken a
plantation in New England, one hundred acres of land
for each person continuing here three years, or who
shall die in the mean season, having shipped with the
intention of so inhabiting; the land to be chosen and
taken in any place or places not inhabited or settled
by any English, or, by order of the council, already
selected: with the further allowance of one hundred
acres for every person sent by the undertakers to the
plantation, at their own expense, within the term of
seven years, reserving a quitrent of two shillings for
each one hundred acres, to be paid to the president
and council of New England, after the expiration of
seven years: and fifteen hundred acres for every
undertaker are granted for the erection of churches,
schools, hospitals, town houses, &c., and for the maintenance of magistrates and officers: free liberty of
fishing on the coasts, and in the bays, harbors, &c., of
New England, being granted, and freedom  of trade
with England, or elsewhere, paying such duties as the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY         91
council are holden to pay: also the privilege of trading
with the savages; and of hunting, hawking, fishing, or
fowling, in any place not inhabited by any English.
It contains a covenant for further assurance, and,
after due survey of lands located within seven years,
for enfeoffment and confirmation of the territory, by
letters of incorporation, with authority to make laws,
ordinances, and constitutions, for the rule and government of all persons belonging to the plantation:
authority is given to defend the possessions and privileges granted, by force of arms, against all invaders
and intruders: and when the lands granted shall be
settled, it is further agreed that there shall be an
additional allowance and grant of fifty acres for each
person transported and settled in the plantation: the
patentees agreeing to see that a full account is rendered of all persons conveyed to the plantationthese to apply themselves and their labors, in a large
and competent manner, to the planting, setting, making,
and procuring of good and staple commodities, in and
upon the said land granted unto them, such as corn,
silk-grass, hemp, flax, pitch, tar, soap, ashes, potashes,
iron, clapboards, and other like materials."
This patent, it would seem, was afterwards' superseded by a second patent, surreptitiously obtained by
Pierce, for his own benefit, and which, after his misfortunes, was assigned to the adventurers."
In the ship Fortune, on her leaving Plymouth, (and' whose cargo was valued at five hundred pounds, consisting of furs, clapboards, and sassafras,") Mr. Cushman'returned, as the adventurers had directed, to give
them information respecting the plantation."
In 1623, the second patent was issued to John Pierce,
i tIrust for the colony; but Pierce was selfish, and so




92               THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
managed     matters   as to   have   his success enure    to
his individual benefit, intending to hold the adventurers   as  his   tenants.'   The    patent   obtained   in
1629-30, was made to William Bradford and his associates.
One end which the council evidently had in view in
their earliest acts, was the preventing of the access of
unauthorized adventurers.      The crews of ships visiting
the  coast of New     England   had, in their intercourse
with   the natives -being      far from    any   established
government,- been guilty generally of great enormities, which   conduct was injuring      the  reputation   of
Europeans among the natives, and exciting them to
acts of hostility.   It was with this view      that Sir F.
1 Letters from the "adventurers" in England - one bearing date
December 22, 1622, the other April 9, 1623- being received, probably by fishing vessels sent over as usual, they learned that the ship
Paragon had left the Thames for Plymouth, which ship "had been
bought by Mr. John Pierce, and set out on his own charge, upon
hopes of great matters. This was he in whose name their first patent
was taken for this place where Plymouth is, by reason of acquaintance
and some alliance that some of their friends had with him; but his
name was only used in trust; and when he saw they were hopefully
seated, he goes and sues to the council for another patent of much
larger extent," in their names, meaning "to keep it to himself, and to
allow them what they pleased to hold of him as tenants, and sue to
his courts as chief lord. But the Lord marvellously crossed him in his
proceedings. His ship sprung aleak by the time she got to the Downs,
her cable broke, and she was in imminent danger, and thus compelled
to put back to London. When again repaired and fitted, and half way
to New England, he was again forced back to Portsmouth in Hampshire. The other merchant adventurers thereupon induced him to
assign the grand patent to the company."  Morton.
2 A singular fatality for a time seems to have attended these several
patents. The Plymouth patent of 1629 was missing for many years,
until 1741, and is understood to have been found among Governor
Bradford's papers, in Plympton. Judge Davis.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.           93
Gorges' son, Captain Robert Gorges, was despatched, in
1623, with a commission as "lieutenant general and
governor of New England," Captain Frs. West, Christopher Levet, and the governor of New Plymouth for
the time, being appointed for his council. Gorges,
much dreaded by the new comers, after holding one
court in Plymouth, and remaining in the country a
year, returned to England, and also the Rev. William
Morrell, an Episcopal clergyman, acting as chaplain to
Gorges, who was sent over to have a superintendence
in ecclesiastical, as Gorges had in civil affairs. Mr.
Morrell, however, made no use of his commission at
Plymouth, and only mentioned his having it in a conversation about the time of his departure. Thus the
general government which the council aimed to establish, and which was much feared by the planters, fell
through.  Mr. Morrell appears to have been a man of
prudence, and a diligent inquirer in respect to the state
and circumstances of the country, its natural productions and advantages, and the manners, customs, and
government of the natives. The result of his observations he wrought into a poem, which -was published
both in Latin and English. The Latin was not without
classical merit,1
1 The following, addressed to King Charles I., is a specimen:"Est locus occiduo procul hinc spatiosus in orbe
Plurima regna tenens, populisque incognitus ipsis:
Felix frugiferis fulcis, simul aquore fmlix,
Prxedis perdives variis, et flumine dives,
Axe satis calidus, rigidoque a frigore tutus."




94               THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAPTER VI.
Subsequent Intercourse with the Cape. - Iyanough of Cummaquid. - Aspinet
of Nauset. - Effects of Hunt's Perfidy. - Indian Tribes. -The Ship
Fortune touches at the Cape. - Cape Cod a Granary for the Early Settlers at Plymouth. - Mattachiest. - Monamoyick.- Manomet visited by
Dutch, French, and English.
THE first mention we find of Cape Cod, after the
settlement at Plymouth, is March          17, 1621, when,
after the settlers had their first interview       with an
Indian, who came to them       boldly with the salutation,
" Welcome, Englishmen! welcome, Englishmen!" they
were informed that the Nauset' Indians, south-east of
Plymouth, were much incensed against the English,
because of Captain Hunt, of Smith's fleet, who carried
away twenty Indians from       Patuxet, and seven from
Nauset, and sold them      as slaves.    SAMosET, who has
given this information,2 says that the Indians whom the
party from   the Mayflower first encountered, as before
related, were Nausets.     He says further, that, because
of this act of treachery and perfidy on the part of
Hunt, these Indians, about five months before           the
landing of the pilgrims on Cape Cod, had slain three
Englishmen, and     that two    more barely     escaped  to
Mohiggon.3
1 Eastham, which originally embraced Chatham.
2 Samoset had learned to speak broken English from the crews of
fishing vessels visiting the eastern shores, the names of most of the
commanders of which vessels he knew, and seemed familiar with the
coast from Nauset to Maine.
3 Samoset came from. Mohiggon - sometimes written Monhig,',




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        95
The next mention of the Cape is in connection with
the loss of John Billington in the woods near Plymouth, in the month of July, 1621. This boy, belonging
in Plymouth, being missed, search was made for him
in vain, -until at last the governor caused inquiry
to be made among the natives. The great sachem
of the Wampanoags, MAsSASOIT, on hearing that a boy
was lost by his new neighbors at Plymouth, with great
promptness and kindly feeling, caused an inquiry to be
instituted among all the surrounding tribes, and was
soon enabled to send word to Plymouth that the boy
was at Nauset. He had wandered in the woods five
days, living on berries, and then had come to an Indian
plantation at Manomet,' twenty miles south; from
thence he had been taken, by those who had sheltered
and fed him, to Nauset. He was, it will be perceived,
in the keeping of that very people who, the December
previous, had the conflict with the predatory gentlemen
from  the Mayflower, who had ransacked the Indian
sepulchres, opened their storehouses of grain, and supplied themselves ad libihtm, spoiled their habitations of
whatever they fancied, and had given demonstration
to the natives of the magic power of firearms, - that
very people whose bosoms were yet filled with fear
and the spirit of revenge, on account of the treatment
they had aforetime received from  the famous kidnapper, Captain Hunt.
The governor of Plymouth, on receiving this intelligence, despatched a shallop, on board of which were
or Monhegan. Indian names are so variously recorded that it may
be difficult, in the progress of this work, to preserve a uniformity.
Indeed, we may of choice follow the orthography of the record
from which we quote.
1 In Sandwich.




96              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
ten men, with Tisquantum1 and Tockamahamon2 as
guides and interpreters, to fetch the boy. On their way
they were obliged to come to anchor at night.3        The
next morning, they found that the ebbing tide had left
their shallop aground, and saw Indians on the other
side of the channel beckoning to them. These Indians,
it was ascertained, had come down to the shore to bear
an invitation to the English to come over the channel,
as soon as the shallop should float, and partake of the
hospitality of their sachem, IYANOUGH, whose residence
was near by.    Iyanough was the sachem       of Cummaquid.4  At the   proper time, the     messengers    again
presented themselves; but the English being always
suspicious, and aiming to be prudently cautious, arrangements were made by which they were to retain on board the shallop four of the messengers of
Iyanough as hostages, whilst six only of the boat's
company should go with the other messengers, to visit
the sachem, agreeably to invitation.
They found the sachem     ready to receive them with
great kindness and courtesy.      H-e was "a man very
personable, gentle, courteous, and fair conditioned1 Usually written Squanto: the Indian who came with Samoset on
his second visit to the pilgrims, and who was represented as the only
surviving native of Patuxet, and one of those kidnapped by Hunt.
2 The Indian sent by Massasoit to guide the English deputation
back to Plymouth, after their visit to Pokanoket.
3 At Cummaquid - Barnstable harbor.
4 The country between Barnstable and Yarmouth harbor. They
are said to have come to anchor in the bay; but by the bay is meant
the harbor of Barnstable. Iyanough was sometimes called Iyanough
of Cummaquid, and sometimes Iyanough of Mattachiest. This is
accounted for by the fact that Cummaquid was the region about Barnstable harbor proper, and Mattachiest that part of Barnstable bordering directly on Yarmouth, including a part of Yarmouth. These were
his possessions.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      97
about twenty-six years of age - indeed, not a savage,
save in his attire. His entertainment was answerable
to his parts, and his cheer plentiful and various."
After dinner, the sachem, with two of his men,
offered to accompany them to Nauset, which civility
they " gladly accepted," and the shallop was soon under
weigh for the place of their destination.  The tide,
however, was not favorable; the harbor of Nauset was
shallow, and before they could get in they were aground
again.
It was now proposed by lyanough to send a messenger by land to Nauset, to acquaint the sachem of that
plantation with their position and errand. Iyanough
and his men went on shore, and Tisquantum    (or
Squanto, as he was familiarly called by the English)
was despatched with a message to Aspinet, the Nauset
sachem.
Soon after sunset, Aspinet arrived, a hundred men
with him. On receiving the message, in a long train he
had repaired promptly to the location of the shallop,
bringing the boy with him. On arriving at the shore,
one half of the number unhesitatingly waded through
the water to the shallop unarmed, one of the number
bearing on his shoulders the youth all decorated with
ornaments, and delivered him to his English friends.
The other part of the company had stood off at a short
distance, with their bows and arrows.
A present of a knife was made to the Indian who
had kindly entertained the boy, and a knife was also
presented to the sachem, Aspinet.
Aspinet embraced the opportunity thus presented of
" making peace," and establishing a firm friendship with
the English settlers at Plymouth.
When all the circumstances of the case are considVOL. I.    13




98           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
ered we are constrained to admire the forbearance, and
not only pacific, but friendly disposition, of the Indians.
There was present on this occasion an Indian woman,
who was more than one hundred years of age. She
had come from Nauset on purpose to see the English,
for she had never seen an Englishman before; but,
seeing them, she wept with great and sore lamentation.
The English, inquiring the cause, found that she was
the mother of three of the men stolen away by Hunt,
and that the remembrance of her loss had overpowered
her. She said her three boys were, at the time they
were kidnapped, her only surviving family, and she, by
that act, was left alone in her old age. The party from
Plymouth endeavored to pacify her by assuring her
that Hunt and his people were bad Englishmen, but
that the Plymouth people were good friends to the Indians. They gave her also " some small trifles."
Iyanough, also, before parting with the company of
English visitors, embraced the occasion to give in his
friendly adhesion. The Indians, it is proper to add,
were prevailed upon to accept some trifling presents
for the corn which had been taken from their granaries
the December previous.
Iyanough seems to have been regarded by the settiers as particularly distinguished for his courteous
manners and comely appearance. Were he not a " savage," it would have been thought that his whole deportment indicated great goodness of heart and refined
sensibilities. Besides various kind offices which he
seemed desirous of rendering with his own hand, such
as taking the rundlet of the Englishmen and going in
the night some distance to fill it with cool, fiesh water,
he could not let his visitors return without a parting
festival, at which all his people, men, women, and chil



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              99
dren, were asselmbled.    The women joined hand in
hand in dancing and singing, and the scene closed by
Iyanough taking a bracelet from       his own neck, and
placing it upon the neck of the leader of the English
party.
On the 13th of September, that same year, nine sachems subscribed an instrument of submission to King
James, viz., ~ Ohquamehud,f Cawnacome,2 Obbatinnua,'
~ Nattawahunt, Corbitant,4 Chikatabak,5 Quaclaquina,6
~ Huttamnoiden, and ~ Apannow.     The great c Massasoit
also does the same, with many kings under him, as of
Pamet, Nauset, Cummaquid, Namasket, with           divers
others who dwell about the bays of Patuxet and Massachusett."
It may as well here be stated that, before the arrival
of the Plymouth settlers, the territory afterwards constituting the old colony of Plymouth, was possessed by
a nation of Indians called Wampanoags, or Pawkunnawkuts, generally written Pokanokets.       The Indians
in the county of Barnstable were made up of distinct
tribes, but they seem to have been, in some sense, under
the chief sachem of the Wampanoags.'       Of the various
1 Of those marked ~ no satisfactory account can be given. In the
Relation by Mourt, he says, "Yea, Massasoit has owned the King of
England to be his master, both he and many kings under him, as of
Pamet, Nawset, Cummaquid, Namasket, with divers who dwell about
the bays of Patuxet and Massachusetts."
2 Of Manomet, in Sandwich.        S Shawmut, now Boston.
4 Of Mattapuyst - Swansey.       5 Of Neponset.
6 Brother of Massasoit.
7 The Indians upon the Cape were not considered as a part of the
Wampanoags, whatever may have been their position in regard to
Massasoit. It is asserted that there were two sachemdoms or cantons
of the Cape Indians, one extending from the borders of Plymouth,
and embracing Mashpee, a part of Barnstable and Falmouth, as well




100              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
tribes upon the     Cape, the    Nauset Indians occupied
a prominent position.      They dwelt on the land which
the English afterwards settled by the name of Eastham; and their country extended fronm Nobscussett to
as Sandwich, including divers petty sachems or sagamores; the other
extending from Mattachiest to Cape Cod harbor. "The Wamnponoags
were a great people heretofore," says Gookin.  They lived to the
east and north-east of the Narragansets, and their chief sachem held
dominion over divers other petty sagamores or sachems, as upon the
Island of Nantucket and Nope, or IMartha's Vineyard, Nauset, MIanomayick, Saukatucket, Nobsquasset, AMattakees, and others, not excepting some of the Nipmucks. This people were a potent nation in
former times, and could raise about three thousand fighting men.
They held war with the Narragansets, and often joined with the
_Massachusets, as friends and confederates, against the Narragansets.
Great numbers of them were swept away by an unusual pestilence
which prevailed in the years 1612 and 1613. Thereby divine Providence made way for a quiet and peaceable settlement of the English.
Some old Indians, who were youths at the time of this desolating epidemic, say that the bodies were exceeding yellow, both before and
after death."  Gookin. -" Besides the Wampanoags, the principal
nations of Indians then inhabiting New England were the Narragansets, whose territory extended about thirty or forty miles from Seekonk River and Narraganset Bay, including nearly the whole of
Rhode Island, and other islands in that bay, being their east and north
bounds, and so running westerly and southerly to Wekapage, four or
five miles to the eastward of Pawkatuck River. They could once
raise five thousand fighting men. The Pequots were in Connecticut,
having the Narragansets east, and could once raise four thousand men
fit for war. The Massachusets inhabited principally about Massachusetts Bay, and their chief sachem held dominion over many inferior sachems, as of the Weechagaskas, Neponset, Punkepoag, Nonantam, Nashaway, and some of the Nipmuck people, as far as Pokamtahuke. They could, in former times, arm for war about three
thousand men. This people were also smitten by the pestilence.
The Pawtuekets were north and north-east of the Massachuasets,
and included the Pennakooks, Agawames, Nacukeeks, Pascatawas,
Accomintas, and others. They could raise three thousand warriors.
The pestilence reached them also. The Tarranteens were further
east." Gookin.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             101
the end of tle Cape, including Sautucket,l    Monamoyick,2.
Potanumaquut,3 Pochet,4 Tonset5 Weesit, Pononakanitf
Pamet,7   and  Meshawn.8    The principal seats of the
Nausets were at Namskaket, within the present limits
of Orleans, and about the cove which divides Orleans
from Eastham. At this cove, shell-fish have always been
abundant, and there are still to be seen some indications of the great use they made of thenm, in the vast
collections of shells in different places.
The other Indian tribes on the Cape occupied Nobscusset,9 Mattakees,<~ Weequakutl Skanton,12 Sugkones,'3
Manomet,"4 Kataumet,15 ComassakumkanitJ,6 Pokeeste,l
and Massapee,'8 which last included Coatuit,l9 Satuit,2
Pawpoesit, Wakoquet,2' Ashimuet,2     and Weesquobs.23
1 West part of Harwich.            2 Chatham.
3 South-east part of Eastham then, now Harwich.
4 In Orleans.                      5 In Orleans —the Neek.
6 Billingsgate, or Wellfleet.      7 Truro.
8 Part of Truro and Provincetown.
9 North-east part of Yarmouth, since North Dennis. Sometimes
Nobsquassit.
10 North-west part of Yarmouth and Barnstable harbor. Generally
Mattachiest.
1 Pronounced Chequaket. South part of the east precinct in
Barnstable.
12 Scorton, on the line between Sandwich and Barnstable.
13 The more modern pronunciation, Succonessit- Falmouth.
14 Near Buzzard's Bay, in Sandwich.
15 On Buzzard's Bay.
16 Near Sandwich - probably Herring Pond.
17 Or Pokesit -now Pocasset.
18 Or Mashpee. The Mashpee tribe has long been the principal
body of Indians residing in the Old Colony.
19 Since, the south-west part of Barnstable.
20 Dennis.
21 Or Waquoit, now a part of Falmouth.
22 Or Shumet, now in Falmouth, on the west line of Mashpee.
23 Probably Great Neck.




102             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Bordering on some of these locations was Pispogutt,
and other places not now definable, as also Wayayontat
and Agawam, now Wareham.
The Indians on Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and
the Elizabeth Isles, although near, and in constant communication with the Cape, were separate tribes, under
their own sachems.
The   Mattachiest Indians were       under lyanough;
the Indians at Manomet had Caunacome for their sachem; and the Mashpees Tookenchosen, or Paupmunnuck, perhaps both in succession.'    The government of
the other Indian settlements is not so apparent, but it
has been supposed that those in Succonessit extending
to Wood's Hole, and those at Scorton, were under their
own distinct sagamores.
The Indians on Cape Cod, although, as we have said,
owing some kind of fealty to the Wampanoags, could
not be induced by Metacomet, alias King Philip, the son
of Massasoit, notwithstanding his success in engaging
almost all the other Indians of the country in the war
of 1675, to join him.     Those at Manomet, from       the
time that Canonicus, their sachem, gave in his adhesion
1 " Some deny that Paupmunnuck was the chief, and make Tookenchosen the sachem. But in 1648, the former sold lands to the people
of Barnstable, as being the chief of his tribe." tutchinson. - In 1764,
the Mashpees were, says MrI. Hawley, "the principal body of Indians
left in New England. They had, at that time, it is thought, not preserved a succession of sachems, but had, for many years, affected government in imitation of the English. However, the great-grandson of
Paupmunnuck was, in 1761, considered their chief speaker."  Dying
that year, another of Paupmunnuck's descendants was conspicuous
among them. " In 1764, he was, when nearly fourscore years old, a
schoolmaster. They had then a town of sixty-five wigwamis. They
had also nine wigwams at Scorton, and four at Sockanessit, within the
bounds of Falmouth."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              103
to the English, were faithful allies, and proved a defence to Sandwich, and the towns farther down on the
Cape.1
Previous to the    arrival at Plymouth      of the   ship
Fortune, in November, 1621, with thirty-five new         settlers, she touched at Cape Cod, and the Indians brought
word to Plymouth of her arrival; but as she made
for Plymouth harbor, much alarm was created by an
impression that it was a French ship, and          the governor ordered guns to be fired to call in all who were
abroad at work, and preparations were made for defence.   This act of the Indians certainly showed on the
part of the Cape Indians friendly feeling, a disposition
to be neighborly and kind.2
1 Hutchinson.
2 Prince. The Indians had long since become familiar, of course,
with the sight of ships; but a writer in olden times has said, "The
Indians in Massachusetts took the first ship they saw for a walking
island, the masts to be trees, the sails white clouds, and the discharge
of ordnance lightning and thunder, which did much trouble them.
But this thunder being over, and this moving island steadied with an
anchor, they manned out their canoes to go and pick strawberries
there. They do much extol and wonder at the English for their
strange inventions, especially for a windmill, which, in their esteem,
was little less than the world's wonder, for the strangeness of his
whisking motion, and the sharp teeth, biting the corn (as they term it)
into such little pieces; they were loath, at first, to come near to his
long arms, or to abide in so tottering a tabernacle, though now they
dare go any where, so far as they have an English guide. The first
ploughman was counted little better than a juggler. The Indians,
seeing the plough tear up more ground in a day than their clam-shells
could scrape up in a month, desired to see the workmanship of it, and,
viewing well the colter and share, perceiving it to be iron, told the
ploughman he was almost abamicho -almost as cunning as the devil.
They frequent often English churches, where they sit soberly, though
they understand not such hidden mysteries. They have two sorts of
games, one called Puim, the other Hub-hub. They are so bewitched




104            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In the month of May, 1622, the provision of the
settlers at Plymouth being spent, Mr. Bradford records,
A famine begins to pinch us, and we look hard for a
supply, but none arrives."  From   some fishing vessels
on the coast bread was obtained to the amount of a
quarter of a pound per day for each person till harvest,
and this the governor caused to be dealt out daily, " or
some had starved.   The want of bread had abated the
strength and flesh of some, and had swelled others, and
had they not been where are divers sorts of shell fish,
they must have perished."l   The crop proving scanty,
" partly through weakness for want of food," the settlers
embraced the opportunity of buying from      a Virginia
ship, sent to survey the shoals about Cape Cod,' knives
and beads, which are now good for trade," paying in
beaver; and being thus " fitted to trade for both corn
and beaver," they assayed to go around Cape Cod to
the southward, but were often baffled in their attempt,
until, in November, the governor being one of the
party, they succeeded in passing to the south of the
Cape.2  c Seeing no passage through the shoals of Cape
Cod," they put into a harbor at Manamoyk, and'       the
same evening, the governor, with Squanto and others,
went ashore to the Indian houses, staid all night, traded
with the natives, and obtained eight hogsheads of corn
and beans.3  Here Squanto, their early friend and faithwith these two games, that they lose, sometimes, all they have; beaver,
moose-skins, kettles, wamponpeage, mowhackies, hatchets and knives,
is all confiscate by these two games."
1 Prince, Bradford, Winslow.
2 This was the first adventure around the Cape.
3 "Beans are undoubtedly natural to the country as much as Indian corn. In Canada, when the French first found them among the
natives, they called them'beans of Brazil.'" Hitchinson. — " The
Indians had a tradition that a crow brought the first grain of Indian




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         105
ful guide and interpreter, was taken sick and died,"
bequeathing his effects to sundry of his English friends
as remembrances of his love. They sailed thence and
visited the Massachusets, but found they must give as
much for a quart of corn as they used to give for a
beaver skin. Great complaints were made to the governor against the treatment the Massachusets received
from  the English. Discouraged in their application
here, they returned again to Cape Cod. At Nauset,
they bought eight or ten hogsheads of corn and beans.
They secured an additional supply at Mattachiest.'
But now they had lost their shallop; so they were
obliged to stack and cover their treasures, intrusting
all to the care of the Indians since they had no means
of getting any thing on board the ship.2 The governor
procured a guide, and they " set out on foot, fifty miles,
receiving all respect from the natives by the way, and
weary and with galled feet"' arrived safely at Plymouth.
Three days after, the ship arrived bringing the corn
first obtained.
In the January of 1623, Captain Miles Standish
being despatched in another ship, with another shallop,
sailed to Nauset, found the lost shallop and repaired it,
found the corn that had been left behind all safe, and
got it on board ship. But whilst there, having lodged
ashore, Captain Standish discovered that in his absence
some trifles" had been taken from  the shallop as she
lay in the creek. No sooner had he missed them, than
he took with him certain of his company, and went to
corn; and although this bird often robbed their fields, not one Indian
in a hundred would kill them." Roger Williams.
1 " Governor Bradford says twenty-eight hogsheads of corn and
beans were obtained in all." Prince.
2 The shallop had been cast away.
VOL. I.     14




106            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the sachem, demanding restitution, and threatening, in
case the goods were not restored, to "revenge it on
the Indians before he left them."'  The sachem   seems
to have listened to the demand and threat without any
spirit of unchristian resentment, and, so far as we are
informed, with   becoming   dignity.   For, the   next
morning he came " in a stately manner," attended by
many people, and entering the rendezvous of the valiant captain, saluted him  by bowing   and kissing his
hand, and then delivered to him " the trifles" that had
been missed, saying that he had caused the offender
to be punished, and that he himself was very sorry
that the offence should have been committed. The
noble sachem   then directed his women to provide refreshments for the captain and his company, and " was
glad to be reconciled."2
Soon after this, needing more corn, the governor,
with Hobamok' and others, went " to Manomet, twenty
miles south of Plymouth, a town4 standing on a fresh
river running into a bay towards Narraganset.'Twill
bear a boat of eight or ten tons to this place; hither
the Dutch or French are both used to come: it is hence
to the Bay of Cape Cod about eight miles, out of which
bay the sea flows into a creek about six miles almost
directly towards the town.   The heads of this creek
and river are not far distant.5 The sachem of this place
1 Prince, Winslow. One is here naturally reminded of the remark
which Mr. Hubbard made of Miles Standish: " A little chimney is
soon fired; so was the Plymouth captain, a man of very small stature,
yet of a very hot and angry temper."
2 The trifles were some beads and a pair of scissors.
3 Hobamok was a pinese or chief captain of Massasoit, and had
come to reside with the English, after their mission to Pokanoket.
4 Indian settlement at Herring Pond and Manomet.
See Annals of Sandwich. The creek, which opens easterly into




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             107
is Caunacum, who, September 13, with many others,
owned himself a subject of King James, and now uses
the governor very kindly.     The governor, lodging here
in a bitter night, buys corn, but leaves it in the sachem's
custody."'
Again in February, not having much corn left, Captain Standish went with six men in a shallop to Mattachiest, and procured " a good quantity of corn from the
natives. Through extremity, he and his men are forced
to  lodge in   the Indians' houses, which      they   much
pressed, as he thinks, with      a design    to  kill him."
Somehow, his mind was much impressed with the idea
that a    conspiracy   was   in  progress.   He   therefore
ordered his men that were near his person to keep
awake by turns, and afterwards concluded that thus
only were they saved.
Here, also, "some trifles" were missed,2 which the
captain no sooner perceived than, though he had but
few men with him, 1   he drew them from the boat, beset
the sachem's house, where most of the people were,
and threatened to fall upon them without delay if they
Scusset Harbor, and the river at Manomet nearly meet on low
ground and indicate the route for the canal early projected across the
Isthmus of Cape Cod, and which, it was supposed, would be of " vast
advantage" to commerce, not only " by saving a long and dangerous
navigation around the Cape, and over the shoals adjoining," but would
"open almost a new creation" to this place. It was said, "Where
are now seen a few scattered dwellings, hundreds would then appear.
Employment to large numbers of people would be rapidly furnished;
real estate situated on its borders would be greatly enhanced in value;
constant markets and easy transportation would be obtained, warehouses erected on the banks of the canal, and the aggregate of national blessings would be immense."  The supply of water from the
Herring Pond would, doubtless, have been adequate to the work.
See Prince and Winthrop.
2 A few beads only.




108           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
did not forthwith restore them, signifying that, as he
would not offer the least injury, so he would not receive
any  without due satisfaction."  The sachem meekly
inquired out the offender, and made him return the
articles taken which were a few beads. And then,
further to appease the wrath of the testy captain,
ordered more corn to be brought. The shallop was
loaded, and reached home in safety.
The next month, March 25, 1623, Captain Standish
went again to Manomet for the corn the governor had
bought, entering Scusset harbor with his shallop. And
now being in the house of Caunacum, the sachem of
Manomet, two natives arrived from the Massachusets.
The chief of these was Witawamet, who soon became,
as Captain Standish conceited, very insulting, boasting
of his own valor, and intimating the weakness of the
English. Witawamet came, as Captain Standish now
imagined, for the express purpose of engaging Caunacum in a conspiracy against the English. These suspected Indians, nevertheless joined the others in helping
carry the corn a long distance on board the shallop.
Captain Standish also alleged, on his return home,
that on this occasion, "a lusty savage, belonging to
Paomet, (Pamet,) had resolved to kill him, and that the
plan was for the Indians there to fall on his company;
but the night being exceeding cold, he, Standish, could
not sleep, and turned from side to side before the fire
all night; so the Indian missed his opportunity. The
next day, this same Indian would fain have persuaded
Captain Standish to go with him to Paomet, where he
had much corn."
About this time, within a few days, Hobamok sug1 This phrase, it will be perceived, has been copied by modern military men and diplomats.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      109
gested that he had heard of a plot against the English,
in which the Indians of Paomet, Nauset, Mattachiest,
Succonet, Capawak, Manomet, and Agawam were concerned, and advised the English by all means to kill
the conspirators without delay. Accordingly, March 23,
being yearly court day, the governor communicated this
intelligence to the people. They concluded that the
matter should be left entirely with the governor;
authorizing him, with the assistant and Captain Standish, to do in the premises whatever they might judge
expedient. Captain Standish was ordered to take sufficient force, and fall on the principal conspirators at once;
but to forbear until he could make sure of Witawamet,
the insulting savage whom he had met at Manomet.
The next day the captain repaired to the scene of
the conspiracy, which was at Wesagusquaset,-now
Weymouth, -" under the pretence of trade." H-e got
together the Indians most prominent, -Witawamet,
Peksuot, a noted chief and counsellor, with one
other, and also a brother of Witawamet, -and then,
watching his opportunity, he and his men fell upon
these Indians, and quickly slew three of them with
knives, and hung the fourth. Another Indian, Captain
Standish had expected to be present at this interview;
but as he had not arrived, the captain and his men
hastened to his place and despatched him. Another
party, assisting, killed two others. Captain Standish
and his men then returned to Plymouth in triumph,
bearing with them the head of Witawamet, which they
set up on a pole over the fort.
The news of this massacre, spreading among the
Indians, created the greatest consternation,l causing
1 "This action so amazes the natives, that they forsake their




110             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
them   to feel that no confidence can be reposed in
those they have befriended, and that any and every
one is liable, at any moment, to become the victim of
some false accusation, and, upon the slightest pretence,
and without a hearing, to be called to swell the number
of those fallen before the spirit of relentless extermination.  Among those who now ceased to regard their
dwellings as safe resorts, and, in houriy expectation
of an   attack  upon   themselves, took    to woods and
swamps, where they contracted disease and became
familiar with   death, were several of the Cape Cod
tribes.  Thus miserably died Caunacun, the sachelm of
Manomnet; Aspinet, the sachem       of Nauset; and the
noble-hearted and courteous lyanough, sachem of Mattachiest; and very many of their people.'
From one of the above tribes a boat was despatched
to the governor of Plymouth, with presents, to procure
a peace; but when near Plymouth, the boat was cast
away, three of the Indians were drowned, and the only
one surviving dare not come near the English to make
known his errand.2
houses, run to and fro, live in swamps, &c., which brings on them
sundry diseases, whereof many die."  Prince.  Tinslow.
1 "And many others are still daily dying among them."  Wintslow.
2 Winslow, Prince. It was on hearing the report of these transactions, that Rev. Mr. Robinson wrote from Leyden to the church at
Plymouth, begging them " to consider the disposition of their captain,
who was a man of a warm temper."  He " trusted the Lord had sent
him among them for good, but feared he was wanting in that tenderness of the life of man, made after God's image, which was meet;
and thought it would have been better if they had converted some
before they had killed any." Notwithstanding these humane suggestions of Mr. Robinson, Dr. Young, in his Chronicles of the Pilgrims, intimates the great risk which any man runs who impeaches the Puritans.
We have no disposition to speak disparagingly of them, nor lo we
boast of sufficient fortitude or recklessness to encounter the danger;




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            111
CHAPTER VII.
Continued Intercourse with the Cape. - Trading House established at Manomet. - Patent. — Great Storm. — Troublous Times. — Declaration of
Rights.
FROMI this time the Cape Indians appear to have had
but little intercourse with the English for some time.
Indeed, the trade with the natives in every direction
fell off; partly owing, no doubt, to the diminution of
their numbers by the havoc of death, and to the surviving being disheartened, or finding channels of commerce more to their interest, and less repcugnant to
their feelings; so    that, before   the close of 1623,
Governor Bradford is heard complaining that, although
the pinnace sent, September 10, around the Cape to
trade, got some corn and beaver, yet it made a poor
zvoyage.l  The chief cause, however, is doubtless to be
found in the general distrust the Indians now felt of
their neighbors.
In the December of 1626, a ship, with many passengers, bound from    London    to Virginia, was stranded
upon a flat at Monamoyick, and those on board barely
but we will here venture the remark, that had they followed the
example of Roger Williams,-the victim of their persecution and
outlawry, -or of William Penn, -that noble representative of the
abused Quakers, -in their treatment of the Indians, our duty of
recording these painful facts might have been alleviated, and they
might have saved an immense amount of treasure and blood.
"The Dutch furnish cloth and better commodities; whereas
the pinnace had only beads and knives, which are not esteemed."
Bracdfrd.




112              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
escaped with their lives and goods.     The master being
sick, they had lost their way, and had neither wood, nor
water, nor beer left.    Through fear of starving, they
had c steered towards the coast to find land, and had
run over the dangerous shoals of Cape Cod in the
night, they knew not how.      They came directly before
a small, obscure harbor about the middle of Monamoyick Bay; at high water, touched the bar; and towards
night, beat over into the harbor, and run on a flat
within, close to the beach, not knowing where they were.
As the savages came towards them          in canoes, they
stood on their guard."    But the Indians assuaged their
fears, asking   them   "'if they were the governor of
Plymouth's men," and offering to assist them, and, if
they desired, to carry letters for them      to Plymouth.
The Indians, according to their best ability, supplied
the strangers with all that they needed.]    The governor
1 From the hospitality and kindness so often and so invariably exhibited by the Indians, whenever their humanity was addressed under
circumstances which did not preclude them, one can hardly help
adverting to the case of LOGAN, the eloquent Cayuga chief. Logan
was the friend of the white people; he admired their ingenuity, and
wished to be a neighbor to them. But in 1774, when Logan's residence was on the Ohio, his family were murdered by a party of Twhite
men. War was the immediate result, and great was the amount of
blood drunk by the tomahawk and scalping knife of the infuriated
natives, before peace could be restored. When at last a treaty of
peace was about being effected, Logan gave in his adhesion in the
following terms, addressed to Lord Dunmore, then governor of Virginia: "I appeal to any white man, if ever he entered Logan's cabin
hungry, and I gave him no meat; if ever he came cold and naked,
and I did not shelter and clothe him. I had thought to live with you
in peace-the friend of the white man. But, in cold blood and
unprovoked, the white man murdered all the relatives of Logan. IHe
spared not even my women and children. There runs not a drop of
Logan's blood in the veins of any living. This called on me for
revenge. I have sought it. I have killed many. I have fully




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.          113
of Plymouth, having received the intelligence, came,
with others, to their aid, and brought all the materials
written for.  It being no season to go around the Cape,
he landed at the bottom of the bay, at a creek called
Naumskaket, from whence it was not much above two
miles across the Cape to the bay where the ship lay.
The Indians carried the things he brought, over land to
the ship.
The governor bought of the natives as much corn
as was wanted for the ship, and returned to his boat.
He then went into the adjacent harbors, and loaded
with corn, and returned home."
Not many days after his return, he again received a
message from the ship, saying that the vessel having
been repaired, a great storm  arose and drove her on
shore, by which catastrophe she is so badly shattered
as to be wholly unfit for sea.  The result was, they all
came to Plymouth, whither also their goods were
transported.1
In 1627, the Plymouth colonists had already established a trading house at Malnomet, (Sandwich,) and
now built a pinnace there, for their better accommodation, to avoid the then dangerous navigation around
the Cape.  By transporting their goods up the creek,
from Scusset harbor, to within four or five miles of the
trading house, and then taking them a short distance
by land, until they reached the boatable waters of the
river on the opposite side, they were enabled to make
glutted my vengeance. For my country I rejoice at the beams of
peace. But do not harbor a thought that mine is the joy of fear.
Logan knows no fear. lie will not turn on his heel to save his life.
Who is there to mourn for Logan? Not one!"
The beach where this ship was stranded was thenceforward called
the Old Ship. The remains of the wreck were visible many years.
VOL. I.      15




114              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
their voyages southward in less time, and without
hazard.'   They not only erected a house here, and kept
up a trading establishment, but planted, and raised
swine; and' the establishment became one of much
importance," not simply as affording facilities for trading
on the south side of the Cape, but for commercial
intercourse   with   the  Narraganset country      and   the
entire coast of Long Island      Sound.2    The first communication between the Plymouth colonists and the
Dutch at Fort Amsterdam was through this channel.
De Razier, secretary to the Dutch government, arrived
at the trading house at Manomet in September of this
year, in a vessel o laden with sugar, linen, stuffs, &C.,"
and Governor Bradford sent a boat to Scusset harbor
to convey him     thence to Plymouth.        This Isaac de
Razier was a noted merchant, as well as the secretary
1 This was a mode of communicating with the ports south of the
Cape, resorted to by very many of the enterprising seamen of the
lower Cape towns, during the war of 1812-15, to avoid capture; with
this difference only - that the Town-harbor was preferred to Scussetharbor, and both boats and cargo were carted over in either direction,
as the case required.
2 Governor Bradford's account of this arrangement is,  For our
greater convenience of trade, to discharge our engagements, and to
maintain ourselves, we have built a small pinnace at Manomet, a place
on the sea, twenty miles to the south, to which, by another creek on
this side, we transport qur goods by water within four or five miles,
and then carry them over land to the vessel; thereby avoiding the
compassing of Cape Cod, with those dangerous shoals, and make our
voyage to the southward with far less time and hazard. For the
safety of our vessel and goods, we there also build a house, and keep
some servants, who plant corn, rear swine, and are always ready to
go out with the bark, - which takes good effect, and turns to advantage."  The location of this trading establishment was not far from
what is now called Monument Bridge - the Indian Manomet being
corrupted to Monument.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      11-5
at Manhattan; and the people of Plymouth, having
some of them accompanied him to his vessel at Manomet, on his return, to buy goods, purchased also some
zvnapzm, or zvampumito-peack, which was now first known
to them as an article of trade. "After this, the Dutch
came often. The first intercourse between these two
settlements of neighboring Europeans was conducted
here."
In the year 1630, Richard Garratt and others, from
Boston, were shipwrecked on Cape Cod, and some died
in consequence of their hardships and exposure. The
Indians buried the dead with great propriety, to save
the bodies from being eaten by beasts, although the
ground was deeply frozen, requiring great labor in
digging the graves. The survivors, by most assiduous
attention on the part of the Indians, were " literally
nursed back to life," so nearly perished were they; and
when recovered and endowed with sufficient strength,
the Indians kindly conducted them some fifty miles
through the woods, to Plymouth.    Such was the
friendly and humane feeling that then prevailed among
"barbarians."
The Cape seems to have been a very frequent resort
for the procurement of corn, both by the Plymouth
colonists and those now settled in the Massachusetts
Colony; but in 1631, " great misunderstandings existed,"
we are told, between the Plymouth and Massachusetts
settlements, and "rash measures" were threatened
respecting the traffic for corn which was carried on by
the Massachusetts people with the Indians on the
Cape, the Plymouth Colony demanding the exclusive
privilege.
The early settlers in the Massachusetts seem, indeed,
to have been as much exposed to the dangers of




116           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
famine as the colonists at Plymouth. "The poorer
sort were much exposed, lying in tents and miserable
hovels, and many died of scurvy and other distempers.
They were so short of provisions, that many were
obliged to live on clams, muscles, and other shell fish,
with groundnuts and acorns instead of bread. One
that came to the governor's house, to complain of his
sufferings, was prevented, being informed that even
there the last batch was in the oven. A good man,
who asked his neighbor to a dish of clams, after dinner
returned c thanks to God who had given them to suck
of the abundance of the seas and of treasure hid in the
sands.' Instances are mentioned of great calmness and
resignation in this distress."
Soon after the arrival of the second company, (in
the Fortune,) the Plymouth colonists were so straitened
for provisions that the whole were put upon half
allowance. An eagle having been shot, Captain Standish and others of "these famished men found the
flesh of this nauseous bird so grateful that they compared it to mutton."
We have already noticed the inconvenience which
the Plymouth colonists suffered from being without
any acknowledged right to the soil; and must not
omit to mention that, January 13, 1630, they obtained
a patent, under the Earl of Warwick and Sir Ferdinando Gorges' act,' as follows: —
THE COUNCIL FOR NEW ENGLAND, in consideration that
William Bradford and his associates have for these nine
years lived in New England, and have there planted a
1 essrs. Shirley and Hatherly, writing from Bristol, March 19,
1630, respecting the patent, the difficulties encountered, and of Mr.




ANNALS OF BALRNSTABLE COUNTY.            117
town called New Plymouth, at their own charges, —
and now seeing that, by the special providence of GOD,
and their extraordinary care and industry, they have
increased   their plantations   to near three    hundred
people, and are on all occasions able to relieve any
new   planters or others of his majesty's subjects who
may fall on that coast, -do therefore seal a PATENT to
the  said William   Bradford, his heirs, associates, and
assigns, of all that part of New       England between
Cohasset Rivulet towards the north, and Narraganset
River towards the south, the Western Ocean towards
the east, and between a straight line directly extending
up into the main land towards the west from the mouth
of Narraganset River to the utmost bounds of a country in New England called Pacanokit, alias Sawamset,
westward, and another like straight line extending
directly from the mouth of Cohasset River towards the
west so far into the main land westward as the utmost
limits of the said Pacanokit or Sawamset extend: as
also all that part of New England between the utmost
limits of Capersecout or Comascecout, which adjoineth
Allerton's faithful services, say that they,'with Messrs. Andrews and
Beauchamp, had taken a patent of Penobscot, to carry on a trade
with the natives, and offer the Plymoutheans an opportunity to join
them in the undertaking, which offer was accepted. Mr. Allerton
made three voyages to England for the procurement of the patent,
but returned in August, 1629, without success. He went again soon
after. His object was to ratify the bargain with the adventurers; and
he carried bonds given by Governor Bradford, William Brewster,
Miles Standish, Isaac Allerton, Samuel Fuller, Edward Winslow,
John Jenny, John Alden, and John Howland, who were called undertakers, of two hundred pounds each, in behalf of the company. The
purchasers subsequently involved in these transactions were those who
hired the trade, viz., Governor Bradford, Edward Winslow, Thomas
Prince, Miles Standish, William Brewster, John Alden, John Howland, and Isaac Allerton.




118             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
to the River Kennebeck, and the Falls of Negumke,
with the said river itself and the space of fifteen miles
on each side between the bounds abovesaid; with all
prerogatives, rights, royalties, jurisdictions, privileges,
franchises, liberties, and immunities, and also marine
liberties, with the escheats and casualties thereof, (the
admiralty jurisdiction excepted,) with all the interest,
right, &c., which the said council have or ought to have
thereto; with liberty to trade with the natives, and fish
on the seas adjoining: and it shall be lawful for them
to incorporcte themselves or the people there inhabiting
by some fit name or title; with liberty to them      and
their successors to make orders, ordinances, and constitutions, not contrary to the laws of England, for their
better government, and put the same in execution by
such officers as he and they shall authorize and depute;
and for their safety and defence, to encounter by force
of arms by all means by land and sea, seize, and make
prize of all who attempt to inhabit, or trade with the
savages, within the limits of their plantations, or attempt invasion, detriment, or annoyance to their said
plantations,"' &c.
It is worthy of note, that, so far from   there being
any scramble for office, in those early days, it was found
necessary, in 1631, to enact that, "if, now or hereafter,
1 Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket were not at first included in
either of the four New England governments. The Earl of Stirling
laid claim to all the islands between Cape Cod and Hudson's River;
and in 1641, grants were made, by his agent, of the Island of Nantucket, and two small islands adjacent, to Thomas Mlayhew, of Watertown, and Thomas Mayhew, his son. The same year and month,
Martha's Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands were granted to the
same. Mr. Mayhew was called Governor of the Islands.




ANNALS OF BASrNSTABLE COUNTY.          119
any person chosen to the office of governor refuse, he
shall be fined twenty pounds; and that, if a councillor
or magistrate chosen refuse, he shall be fined ten
pounds; and in case this be not paid on demand, it
shall be levied out of said person's goods or chattels."
The emoluments of office, it is true, were not tempting;
but the honor was something, and the influence that
attached to the higher offices, it may well be supposed,
was an object of some consideration.     At the present
day, the country is ever preparing for the frequently
recurring strife for political ascendency.
Although it was early a serious question how far the
peculiar laws in force in the colony should be regarded
as applicable to the natives, it seems to have been
generally admitted that the Indians had a natural right
and title in the lands.   A verbal donation was, indeed,
at first regarded as sufficient; but soon it was judged
expedient to have the title passed with all the formality
and precision of legal instruments, whether the Indians
understood the verbiage of the deeds or not.         The
sachems were generally considered as the only persons
having authority to make the conveyance.
Among the remarkable events of this early period
is recorded that of a violent storm, which did great
damage-the tide rising twenty feet perpendicular.1
1 It was in this storm that Mr. Thacher was cast ashore at Cape
Ann, on what was afterwards known as Thacher's Island. Twentyone persons were drowned. None were saved but Mr. Anthony
Thacher and wife. The vessel was returning from Ipswich to Marblehead, and was overtaken by a tempest, which drove the vessel on a
rock. A cradle, and covering of scarlet broadcloth embroidered,
saved from the wreck, is still preserved by the Thacher family, of
Yarmouth, where Anthony Thacher took up his residence. His posterity are numerous. In 1643 and subsequent years, he was a deputy
from Yarmouth to the General Court. His son, John Thacher, died at




120           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Hubbard and Morton say, "The Narragansets were
obliged to betake themselves to the tops of trees, and
yet many of them were drowned. Many hundred
thousand of trees were blown down, turning up the
stronger by the roots, and breaking the high pines
and such like in the midst. Tall young oaks and
walnut trees of good bigness were wound as a withe
by it."
Governor Bradford's account of the storm is as follows: "In 1635, August 15, was such a mighty storm
of wind and rain as none living in these parts, either
English or Indians, ever saw. It began in the morning
a little before day, and came with great violence,
causing the sea to swell above twenty feet right up,
and made many inhabitants climb into the trees. It
took off the roof of a house belonging to the plantation at Manomet, and put it in another place. Had
the storm  continued without shifting of the wind, it
would have drowned some parts of the country. It
blew down many thousands of trees, turning up the
stronger by the roots, breaking the higher pines in the
middle, and winding small oaks and walnuts of good
size as withes. It began south-east, and parted towards
the south and east, and veered sundry ways. The
wrecks of it will remain a hundred years. The moon
suffered a great eclipse the second night after it."
This same year, about the middle of November, a
vessel, with some of the Connecticut settlers on board,
was cast away in Manomet Bay. The men succeeded
in getting to the shore in safety, and, after wandering
Yarmouth May 8, 1713, aged seventy-five, and at the time of his
death was a councillor of Massachusetts. Rev. Thomas Thacher,
first pastor of the third church in Boston, was nephew of Anthony.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      121
ten days in deep snows, without meeting a human
being, arrived at Plymouth.
"About this time great troubles arose in the country,
especially at Boston; and many, exiled on account of
their religious opinions, settled within what was then
conceived to be in the patent of the Plymouth Colony -
Rhode Island. These acts laid the foundation of future
troubles in regard to the right of territory.
"It was the aim of the leaders of the first settlements in New England to prevent what they considered the intrusion of religious opinions conflicting
with their own; hence the hostility to innovation and
freedom of religious professions and creeds."
Judge Davis charitably remarks on this subject, "It
is observed by the Baroness Stael-Holstein, that the
cultivation of all pure and elevated sentiments is so
consolidated in England by political and religious
institutions, that the scepticisms of genius revolve
around those imposing columns without ever shaking
them.'  The remark is applicable to other subtle
speculations; and, in the present state of society in
this country as well as in England, —though our
columns may be less imposing,- the application of
such harsh remedies as were adopted to repress the Antinomian and Familistical delusion cannot be required.
But in the infant state of society, just taking a separate stand as non-conformists, wild and fanatical
doctrines occasioned peculiar alarm, and there was
a constant solicitude among the considerate leaders
of the New England establishments to avoid an opprobrium which their anti-Puritanic antagonists had frequently predicted."
This same learned, eminent, and judicious apologist
for the Puritans adds, "Sir Walter Raleigh, in his
VOL. I.    16




122             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
History of the World, expresses an apprehension that
time will bring it to pass that, if this spirit be not
resisted,' (i. e., the multiplication of private opinions
and sects,) c God will be turned out of churches, into
barns, fields, mountains, and hedges, and the offices
of the ministry, robbed of all dignity and respect, will
be as contemptible as such places; all order, discipline,
and church government left to newness of opinion and
men's several fancies; yea, and soon after, as many
kinds of religion spring up as there are parish churches,
every contentious and ignorant person       clothing his
fancy with the spirit of God, and his imagination with
the gift of revelation; insomuch that, when the truth,
which is but one, shall appear to the simple multitude
no less variable than contrary to itself, the faith of
men will soon die away by degrees and all religion be
held in scorn and contempt.'"    And the same learned
judge cojectlres, " that the political and ecclesiastical
leaders in the settlement of New      England were, for
this cazse, extremely   hostile to  any innovations or
eccentric opinions."
However this may be, it is certain that many conflicting opinions were now dividing the religious community; but the effect, as we have suggested, was felt
most in the Massachusetts Colony.2
1 "Not many years after the settlement of our progenitors in this
land, some, who, through an excess of heat in their imaginations, had
been betrayed into various unsound and dangerous opinions, came
over to them from England. They had not been here long before
they freely vented their notions among the people, multitudes of
whom, both men and women, church members and others, were soon
led aside, to the hinderance of the gospel, and throwing these churches
into great confusion." Dr. Chauncey.
2 The errors and heresies charged upon the age were not only Antinomianism and Familism, but Gortonism, Mortonism, &c. The religious




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             123
It is, we suppose, well understood that the difference
between the settlers of the Plymouth Colony and those
of the Massachusetts was chiefly this: The Plymoutheans
were in advance of their brother Puritans, being considered as separatists.  Those under the lead of Endicott
and Winthrop were styled non-conformists.        The distinction had, before their leaving England, been considered important.    But here, the differences between
the two classes were soon forgotten, or remembered
only as a matter of history. They were all Puritans; and Macaulaty, the historian, has honored the
class to which they belonged, by styling them        "the
most remarkable body of men the world           has ever
produced."
As the settlements on the Cape are now        about to
commence, it may be proper that we glance at the
peculiar state of the colony, in respect to its government and laws, under which        the Cape settlements
began their existence.    No constitution, or instrument
of government, except the simple compact of 1620,
feeling of the times was brought into violent antagonism; and, as an
illustration of the prevailing horror of the new doctrines promulgated
-especially of Hutchinsonianism, alias Antinomianism, - we, with
some hesitancy, permit Mr. Secretary Morton to be heard here in full
in regard to the prejudices and credulity of the times: he says, " This
year there was a hideous monster born at Boston, in New England, of
one Mrs. Mary Dyer, a copartner with Mrs. Hutchinson in the aforesaid heresies. The monster, as it was related to me, was without
head, but horns like a beast, scales or a rough skin like a fish called
the thornback; it had legs and claws like a fowl, in other respects
as a woman child, - the Lord declaring his detestation of their monstrous errors, as was then thought by some, by this prodigious birth."
Judge Davis remarks, "Secretary Morton has the comparative merit
of being brief and indecisive upon this subject. Other writers, of
superior acquirements, enlarge upon the topic with pitiable credulity
and disgusting particularity."




124           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
existed until the year 1636. No laws were made
touching the general organization of the government;
the limits of political rights or powers were not
defined; and though the laws of England were supposed to be applicable to the colony, few understood
their character, authority, or force. The clergy, who
were generally best informed, were disposed to follow
the code of Moses rather than that of England. A
few regulations had been made, such as were supposed
to be imperiously called for by the necessities of the
moment; but the power of the church was paramount.
As the trade of the colonists began to increase and
their settlements to expand, it became evident that
law, and not mere opinion,- the civil power, and not
church censure alone,- must be employed to prevent
otherwise constantly recurring disputes growing out of
conflicting interests, and to check the selfishi principle
inwoven in man's nature and tending to the perpetration of wrongs. Therefore, November 15, 1636, the
Court of Associates first set forth the following declaration of rights:C We, the associates of New Plymouth, coming hither
as freeborn subjects of the state of England, and
endowed with all and singular the privileges belonging to such, being assembled, do ordain that no act,
imposition, law, or ordinance, be made or imposed on
us, at the present or to come, but shall be made or
imposed by consent of the body of associates, or their
representatives, legally assembled, -which is according
to the liberties of the state of England."
This, it will be perceived, was, in effect, a declaration
of independence. Not only was the authority of Engy                          0VIJ~WNVl vvrvlJv ur




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            125
lish laws, "present or to come/' renounced, but Parliament was denied the      right to   legislate for the
colony.   Under these circumstances, it became necessary to provide for the future.   It was, therefore, next
enacted, -
" That on the first Tuesday in June annually, an
election shall be held for choice of governor and
assistants, to rule and govern the plantation."     The
election was confined to such as shall be admitted
as freemen, to whom    a stringent oath was prescribed;
and none were to be admitted but such as were " orthodox in the fundamentals of religion, and possessed of
a ratable estate of twenty pounds.    The votes were to
be given in person, or by proxy, at Plymouth.      Jurisdiction of all causes under forty shillings was given to
the governor, with any two assistants, " to try, and to
do as God shall direct." 1  The power of trying larger
suits or offences was to remain with the whole body of
freemen, by juries.
No person was to "live, or inhabit, within the government of New      Plymouth, without the leave and
liking" of the governor and assistants.2       No other
civil executive office was recognized than those of
governor and assistants, except that of constable, to
1 However vague and general the power conferred, - "to do as
God shall direct," -such was the oneness of religious views among
those to whom the power was committed, that decisions were not
expected to be contradictory. At the present day, the will of God
would be interpreted variously.
2 This, Belknap intimates, was "to prevent the contagion of dissimilar habits and heretical principles from without; and it was fully
understood, that differing from the religious tenets generally received
was as great a disqualification as any political opinions whatever.
This," he adds, " was an act of severity that would not be
endured at the present day."




126           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
whom was given large power. IHe was to serve, as
expressed in his oath, " according to that measure of
wisdom, understanding, and discretion as God hath
given you," and had authority to apprehend, without
precept, " all suspicious persons."
Offences capital, punishable with death, were treason,
murder, diabolical converse, arson, and rape. Jurors
were to be chosen by the towns; the grand inquest
to be impanelled by the government. The occasions
that called for the interference of the magistrates were
comparatively rare.
It may be remarked that, at this time, the idea generally prevailed that the colonists were at full liberty
to establish such government as they chose - even 1" to
form a new state, as fully, to all intents and purposes,
as if they had been in a state of nature, and were
making their first entrance into civilized society."
Hitherto, the only towns settled in this primitive
colony were Plymouth, Duxbury, and Scituate.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             127
CHAPTER VIII.
Settlements on the Cape begun. - Sandwich. - Important Events, and Progress of the Colony. - Yarmouth and Barnstable. - Deputies to the General Court. - Qualifications for Habitancy restricted. - A rigid Surveillance
over the new Settlements.
THE year 1637 marks the era of the first English settlement on the Cape. The settlement at Sandwich was
projected by Mr. Edmund Freeman' and others, who,
April 3 of this year, obtained a grant from    the Colony
of Plymouth, and at once, with a large number of families from  Lynn, Duxbury, and Plymouth, but chiefly
from Lynn, the ancient Saugus, removed to the location
designated.   The settlement was begun this year under
very favorable auspices, although it was not regularly
incorporated as a town until about two years after.
Touching    this settlement, the following record appears: "April 3, 1637, it is also agreed by the Court
that these ten men of Saugus, viz., Edmund Freeman,
Henry Feake, Thomas Dexter, Edward Dillingham, William  Wood, John Carman, Richard Chadwell, William
Almy, Thomas Tupper, and George Knott, shall have
1 We shall follow the records of the day in respect to titles. The
first settlers of the old colony, like those of Massachusetts, " were
very careful that no title or appellation should be given where it was
not due. Not more than half a dozen of the principal gentlemen in
the Massachusetts Colony took the title of Esquire; and, in a list of
one hundred freemen, not more than four or five were distinguished
by a ML%., although they were generally men of substance.  Goodmanz
and goodtife were the conmmon appellations."  See Huitchinson's Il'story of JfassachZusetts Bay.




128              TIE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
liberty to view a place to sit down, and have sufficient
lands for threescore families, upon the conditions propounded to them by the governor and Mr. Winslow."
We have before mentioned the temporary occupancy
of a trading establishment in operation at Manomet,
in 1627, ten years previous, four miles distant from the
part of the township now being settled.        But as this
was in its design merely temporary and in its extent
limited to a depot for merchandise, with suitable appendages, we may properly regard the energetic movement
of Mr. Freeman and associates as the first in the order
of the settlement of the towns.1
As we shall exhibit in the annals of the several
towns, in the appropriate place, a full detail of all particulars of interest so far as we are able to gather
them, we shall not, in this part of our work, aim      at a
recital of doings or events other than those which are
1 Mr. Edmund Freeman came over from England in the ship Abigail. He was at Saugus in 1635, in Duxbury in 1637, and, with his
nine associates, was admitted freeman at Plymouth, January 2.
Lewis, in his History of Lynn, says, " 3Many new inhabitants appear
in Lynn in 1635; among them, worthy of note, was Mr. Edmund
Freeman, who presented to the colony twenty corselets or pieces of
plate armor."  And Hutchinson says, " John Carver, William Bradford, Edward Winslow, Isaac Allerton, Miles Standish, William
White, Stephen Hopkins, Richard Warren, John Alden, John Howland, Timothy Hatherly, Thomas Willet, William Thomas, Edmund
Freeman, James Cudworth, and Thomas Southworth, were the founders of the Colony of New Plymouth, the settlement of which colony
occasioned the settlement of Massachusetts Bay, which was the source
of all the other colonies of New England. Virginia was in a dying
state, and seemed to revive and flourish from the example of New
England."  He adds, " I am not preserving from oblivion the names
of heroes whose chief merit is the overthrow of cities, provinces, and
empires, but the names of the founders of a flourishing town and colony, if not the whole British empire in America."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.          129
necessarily a part of, or interwoven with, the county's
history. And, leaving for the present any further mention of the settlement or progress of the town of Sandwich, we proceed to a record of some of those more
general events and transactions in which the Cape has
henceforward an interest because of its English inhabitants.
This first settlement found the Plymouth Colony just
emerging from   that state of things so concisely and
aptly described by Baylies, when he says, "For twelve
years, Plymouth was tle colony, and church discipline was
the lawI;" and by Thacher, and earlier writers, who say,
on the authority of early records, " The people were
governed by the moral law of Moses and the New Testament as paramount to all others." A body of laws,
styled " The General Fundamentals" was now adopted
and established.  The first article was, as set forth in
the "declaration," "that no act, imposition, law, or ordinance, be made or imposed upon us, at present or to
come, but such as has beeq or shall be enacted by the
consent of the body of freemen or associates, or their
representatives legally assembled, which is according
to the free liberties of the free-born people of England;" and the second, " For the well governing of this
colony, it is also ordered that there be a free election
annually of governor, deputy governor, and assistants,
by vote of the freemen of this corporation."1  Church
membership, however, was an indispensable requisite to
becoming a freeman.2
1 The style of enactment was, "We, the associates of the Colony
of New Plymouth, coming hither as free-born subjects of the kingdom of England, endowed with all and singular the privileges
belonging to such, do enact, ordain, and constitute," &c.
2 They "had adopted," says Hon. Francis Baylies, "no constituVOL. I.      17




130            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Previous to 1637, under the administrations of governors Thomas Prince, William   Bradford, and Edward
Winslow, some few laws had been enacted; such, for
instance, as "for the better government of the Indians,
and for their improvement in civility and Christianity;"
also " for making orders and constituting courts, appointP
ing civil rulers, and other officers, punishing misdemeanors," &c.; and stocks and whipping posts were provided, which soon became the appendage to meeting
houses. It was also enacted, " that no persons shall be
allowed to become housekeepers until they are cornpletely provided with arms and ammunition; nor shall
any be allowed to become housekeepers, or to build
any cottage or dwelling, without permission from   the
governor and assistants."
The qualifications necessary for freemen were a
most extraordinary requisite. Had the Puritans themselves been denied civil privileges in England, until
they would join in communion with the churches, as in
Massachusetts, or restricted, as they were in the Plymouth Colony, it would have been the very first in their
list of grievances. If " opinionists" were punished for
their religious preferences, because they were supposed
to be deluded, - enthusiasts, errorists, heretics, or formalists,- all will now concede that their oppressors
were as much deluded by zeal for the supposed honor
of God and the interests of religion, in their bearing
towards those who differed in opinion from themselves.
Mr. Edward Winslow was this year, by reelection, governor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth.
tion or instrument of government, except the simple compact in the
cabin of the Mayflower. With respect to political objects, previous
to 1636, the colony was but a voluntary association, ruled by the
majority, and not by fixed laws. The power of the church was in,effect superior to the civil power."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      131
In 1638, Mr. Thomas Prince was again chosen governor; and Mr. Morton records the execution of
three men for murdering an Indian near Providence.
The facts, as they appear, are, that four servants ran
away from their masters in Plymouth, and, coming to
Rhode Island, had, for some reason, a conflict with the
Indian. The Indian escaped to his associates, after
being, as was supposed, mortally wounded. The assailants fled to the island, where three of them were arrested
by men sent from Plymouth. The Massachusetts gov-,ernment refused to act in the case, saying the deed
was committed within the jurisdiction of Plymouth.
The Massachusetts rulers, however, urged action on the
part of the Plymouth Colony. Mr. Winthrop says the
prisoners confessed the deed, and acknowledged that
they did it for the Indian's wampum. Still, there
remained a question in regard to the actual death of
the Indian. Two witnesses testified that the wound
was mortal; but none had seen him dead. "At last,
two Indians," says Mr. Winthrop, " who with much difficulty were procured to come to the trial, (for they
still feared that the English were conspired to kill all
the Indians,) made oath after this manner, viz., that if
he were not dead of that wound, then th/y would suffer death. Upon this, they three were condemned and
executed." Judge Davis well remarks," This evidence,
if correctly reported, will not satisfy modern lawyers of
the propriety of the verdict." Mr..Morton, however, says,
"Some have thought it a great severity to hang three
English for one Indian; but the more considerate will
easily satisfy themselves for the legality of it."  And a
writer of comparatively recent date has said, " It serves
to show the stern purpose of the Puritans, that the most
rigid justice should not be withheld from the defence



132           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
less natives."  Many of us, the descendants of these
Puritans, would gladly endorse this latter sentiment, as
well as the former; though it is here no part of our
office or duty to uphold all the doings of those early
days as faultless. But the question in regard to the
legality of the sentence every reader will consider,
with reference to the circumstances of the colony. In
regard to the  stern purpose" that dictated the sentence, some, we presume, would be better satisfied if
they could see that justice was always so administered
in those early days, and could be assured that these
condemned were not previously outlaws in the shape of
servants. We may, perhaps, as well confess (for nothing in the long run of history is to be gained by incessant adulation of the early settlers) that the Indians, as
they thought, had not always evidence of that " stern
purpose" of equal justice. The order of the General
Court, subsequently, that " whosoever shall shoot off a
gun on any unnecessary occasion, or at any game
except at an Indian or a wolf, shall forfeit five shillings
for every shot," is, with many other incidents, a sad
commentary on the qlo caimzo of many in regard to the
people who received the pilgrims to these shores with
a "Welcome, Englishmen."
In pursuing our narrative of events, the reader must
bear with us if there are many things stated that are
of themselves comparatively unimportant. Like the
lights and shadows in a picture, they have their use;
and a correct view of the position in which our fathers
found themselves, and of the progress made, can hardly
be attained without the recital with some degree of
minuteness of detail. Even the peculiar enactments
by which penalties were imposed for offences that at
the present day would be hardly cognizable as such in




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       133
the courts, have their significancy; and the singular
grouping together of matters strikingly dissimilar shows
that the powers that were, under whose rule the settlements were just beginning to be effected, meant to
extend a salutary guardianship over all interests, and
were resolved that no assumed rights of squatter sovereignty should prevent a circumspect and law-abiding
community.
Very early, Mr. John Alden and Captain Miles Standish were directed by the court, to " go to Sandwich
with all convenient speed, and set forth the bounds
of the lands granted there." The qualifications for
house-keeping must also be singularly and strictly
defined; (though, after all, it was found exceedingly
difficult to cause the rules laid down to be always uniformly and duly observed — for we find that Joseph
Winsor and Anthony Besse, who had thus early come
to Sandwich, and were laboring to clear up for themselves their respective patches of ground for future
culture, were severally presented to the court "for
disorderly keeping house aloe." ) Due restrictions
upon the intercouse of the sexes seemed also, in view
of legislators, to justify the following enactments:
Whereas divers persons, unfit for marriage, both in
regard to their years and also their weak estatesonme practising the inveigling of men's daughters, and
maids under guardianship, contrary to their parents'
and guardians' liking, and of maid servants, without
liberty of their masters; therefore it is decreed, that if
any man make motion of marriage to any man's daughter or maid without first obtaining leave of her parents,
guardian, or master, he shall be punished by fine not
exceeding five pounds, or by corporal punishment, or
both, at the discretion of the court."  Occasional in



134             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
stances occur of the rigid operation of this law, one
of the most notable of which was that of a young man
in Barnstable, who, within a few years after this law
was enacted, was before the court, and laid under
bonds " not to attempt to gain the affections " of Elizabeth, daughter of Governor Prince.-Even the allowing
of swine to go at large without being ringed, was thus
early the occasion of some trouble followed by the
imposition of numerous fines; nor does there appear
to have been any favoritism    or partiality shown, since
numbers of the most prominent settlers were inulcted
for neglecting to place the wire in their swine's snouts
in due conformity with legal requisitions. - It was also
ordered that any person denying the Scriptures to be
a rule of life, shall suffer corporal punishment at the
discretion of the magistrates, so as not to extend to life
or limb."1  Such were some of the surroundings, at the
time when the first foundations of these settlements
were being attempted.
Nature also, in sublime utterance, gave food for solemn thought, for on the 1st day of June of this year,
occurred the great earthquake noted in New England's
annals; " so violent its shock, in some places, that movables in houses were thrown down, and people out of
doors could scarcely retain a position on their feet."  It
1 Among the penalties inflicted about this time, in other parts of
the colony, was ten shillings on an individual "for drinking overmuch;" on two others, twelve shillings each, "for drinking tobacco
in the highway" - probably smoking; another was presented i for
selling beer at two pence per quart which was worth but one penny;"
another, " for Sabbath-breaking," was fined thirty shillings, and set
one hour in the stocks; another, less guilty, was fined twenty shillings;
another, "for selling a pair of boots and spurs for fifteen shillings
which cost him but ten shillings," was fined thirty shillings; and yet
another, "for working on Sunday," was severely whipped at the post.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.           135
has been said that in computing dates, the expression
"so long after the earthquake," became "as common,
for many years, as once with the children of Israel."
No other settlement on the Cape had, up to this time,
been effected; though it appears that, as early as August 7, " liberty was granted to Mr. Stephen Hopkins to
erect a house at Mattacheese, and' cut hay there this
year to winter his cattle - provided, however, that it
be not to withdraw him from    the town of Plymouth."
Again, September 3, to i Gabriel Whelden and Gregory
Armstrong permission was granted to go and dwell at
Mattacheese, and have a lot there, with the consent of
the committees for the place." And again, subsequently,
it is said, The people of Lynn, having established a
settlement at Sandwich, an attempt was made from
the same quarter to establish another at Mattakeese,"
(Yarmouth.)    Foremost in this work was "the Rev.
Stephen Batchelor, the late pastor of Lynn, who, at the
advanced age of seventy-six, travelled the whole distance from Lynn to Mattakeese, more than one hundred
miles, at an inclement season of the year, on foot."  The
company with which Mr. Batchelor was associated encountered many difficulties, and the undertaking was,
therefore, soon abandoned by them, to be resumed,
however, by others, in due time.'
1 Mr. Batchelor arrived in Boston June 5, 1632, then seventy-one
years of age. He was soon established at Saugus, since called Lynn.
The life of this aged man in America was " one constant scene of
turbulence, disappointment, discipline, and accusation." As early as
1632, he was required by the Massachusetts court "to forbear exercising his gifts as a pastor and teacher publicly in our patent, unless it
be to those he brought with him, for his contempt of authority, and
until some scandal be removed." The court removed this inhibition
May 4, 1633. Governor Winthrop says, "He was convented before




136              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
The first permanent settlement of Yarmouth, next
to  that at Sandwich, commenced in          the summer of
1639, and its incorporation, as will be seen, soon followed.    The northern part of this settlement was Mattakeese;l    the  north-eastern    part, Hockanom.       Yet
another part of the territory of the ancient Yarmouth
was Sursuit,2 which, soon after becoming better known,
the magistrates. The cause was, for that coming out from England
with a small body of six or seven persons, and having since received
in many more at Saugus, and contention growing between him and
the greater part of his church, who had with the rest received him as
their pastor, he desired a dismission for himself and his first members,
which being granted upon the supposition that he would leave the
town as he had given out, he, with the said six or seven persons,
presently renewed their old covenant intending to raise another
church in Saugus; whereat the most and chief of the town being
offended, for that it would cross their intentions of calling Mr. Peters,
or some other minister, they complained to the magistrates, who, foreseeing the distraction that would like to come from this course, had
forbidden him to proceed in any such church way, until the cause
were considered by the other ministers, &c. But he refused to desist;
whereupon they sent for him, and, after his delay day after day, the
marshal was sent to fetch him. Upon his appearance and submission,
and promise to remove out of town within three months, he was discharged."  After he left Mattakeese, he went to Newbury. In 1641,
he was pastor of a church at Iampton. I-e was finally excommunicated, when eighty years old. After two years, the sentence of excommunication was removed, but he was still forbidden as a minister.
In Hampton, there were contentions between him and his elder, Dalton, until 1644, both having their parties. He was then called to
Exeter, but his settlement there was prevented by the express interference of the court. He died at the age of ninety years.
The Indian Mattakeese, we have already intimated, extended
some distance within the present limits of East Barnstable. That
part of Mattakeese where the settlement commenced was within the
present bounds of Yarmouth.
2 Since known as East Dennis; about seven or eight miles distant
from the former.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               137
invited valuable accessions to      the   township   also in
that direction.'   The grantees at Mattakeese were Mr.
Anthony    Thacher, Mr. John       Crow, and Mr. Thomas
1 Mr. RICHARD SEARS came over in 1630, with the last of the
Scrooby congregation of Leyden, and landed at Plymouth lay 8. It
was not until after the decease of his father in 1629, that he felt justified in seeking a home in the "New World." The tax rates at Plymouth
indicate that he was possessed of large property. In 1643, a company
led by him, passing through Mattachiest to Scargo, and looking from
its eminence, rested their eyes upon the green meadows of Sursuit
and Quivet, shut in on three sides by hills and open on the left to the
sea, and resolved to pitch their tents in that quiet retreat. Between the
two creeks there was a tongue of fine land made up in part of alluvial deposits, and there they selected sites for their future habitations.
IMr. Sears purchased the greater part of this neck of land, and built
upon it; and though, after two hundred years, the house in which he
resided disappeared, the spot where it stood is still noted. 1Mr. Sears
was a man of much distinction, and is the first and only one of his
immediate compeers whose portrait, so far as we can learn, is preserved. It is therefore with much propriety introduced here, as the
first of a series which we shall be glad to extend. To the courtesy
of a much honored descendant of this excellent man we are indebted
for the opportunity of securing a beautiful engraving taken from a
painting in Holland in possession of the Egmond family. The likeness is supposed to be accurate, and is strikingly indicative of his
character, expressive of great mildness and goodness, having the Grecian features softened by the Christian graces. It is deeply to be
regretted that the representations of all the prominent men who laid
the foundations of empire in the colony have not come down to us,
and that so few are extant even of the distinguished of later days.
The ancestor of the Colchester Sears, originally of Kent, is shown by
undoubted data to have been Adam Sayer, who died in 1346, possessed of the manor of Hougham, near Rochester, in the county of
Kent. From him also is this branch of the American line. From
Adam was John, great-grandson, who was one of the barons returned
to serve in Parliament for the town of Sandwich, in the reign of
Henry VI. Thomas, the youngest son of John, was created a banneret by Henry VII., after the battle of Stoke, in 1487. Such are a
few of the ascertained, but disconnected facts in regard to the lineage.
VOL. I.       18




138              TITE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Howes, each and all of whom       filled conspicuous places
in  the  early   history  of the times.     Yarmouth     was
peculiarly fortunate in its incipiency in being under
The first name among the descendants of Adam Sayer, found standing
at the head of an unbroken line, is that of John of Colchester, alderman of that city, a man of wealth and dignity, who died 1509. He
was buried in St. Peter's Church, under the south aisle, a mural brass
memorial recording, in old English letters, his name and honors. By
Elizabeth, his wife, who died 1530, he had three sons, John, Robert,
and George. The eldest of these, John, died in 1562, and was buried
near his father in St. Peter's Church, under the south aisle, with a
similar memorial. He left two sons, Richard and George. The
elder of these, Richard, was born in Colchester, in 1508, and married
Anne Bouchier, daughter of Edmund Knyvet, of Ashwelthorpe,
county of Norfolk, second son of Sir Edward Knyvet. Richard died
in Amsterdam, in 1540, and left an only son, John Bouchier, born
1528, who married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir John Hawkins, the distinguished navigator and admiral, and accompanied his father-in-law
in many voyages. Hec died in Holland, leaving four sons, John lBouchier, Henry, William, and Richard. John Bouchier, born 1561,
married Marie L., daughter of Philip Lamoral Van Egmond, of Amsterdam, in 1585, and had Marie L., 1587, Richard, 1590, John, 1592,
and Jane Knyvet, 1596. He died 1629. RICHARD, the pilgrim, and
first ancestor here of the American branch, born, as we have seen, in
1590, married Dorothy Thacher, sister of Anthony, at Plymouth, in
1632. He was a member of the Plymouth colonial court in 1662,
and died 1676. His wife died 1680. They had issue, Inyvet,
Paul, Silas, and Deborah who married Zachariah Paddock. From
Knyvet, born 1635, who married Elizabeth Dymoke, and died 1686,
was descended David Sears, of Boston, who died October 23, 1816,
the father of the present Hon. David Sears. From Paul, born 1637,
who married Deborah Willard, and died 1707, was Isaac, the patriot
known in revolutionary times as " King Sears," and also Rev. E. H.
Sears, of Wayland, and Rev. Barnas Sears, D. D., president of
Brown University. From Silas, born 1639, is descended a numerous
posterity, widely scattered. (See annals of the towns.)  For the data
above we are chiefly indebted to a most interesting and beautifully
printed work, "The Olden Times," by Rev. Edmund H. Sears - private edition.




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ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        139
the direction not only of highly respectable and energetic men, but of such as probably, in general, coalesced better with the leaders at Plymouth' than did
the majority of those, also highly respectable, who laid
the foundation at Sandwich.
A grant was also obtained, in September, for a settlement at Mattakeese, between Yarmouth and Sandwich;
and in October, the settlement was commenced chiefly
by people from Scituate. Two persons only are named
in the grant, Mr. Joseph Hull and Thomas Dimoc,"
who, with their associates," were " to erect a plantation or town at or about a place called by the Indians
Mattacheese;" but many persons of character and note
were embraced under the term n associates," among
whom were the distinguished pastor, Rev. John Lothrop; also, Anthony Annable, Henry Cobb, Thomas
Cudworth, Samuel Fuller, George Lewis, Barnard Lumbard, Samuel Hinckley, William Crocker, William Parker, Henry Bourne, and others. Indeed, the almost
entire church at Scituate removed with the pastor, or
soon followed.
As a full account of the preceding settlements will
appear in the proper place, we reserve all further
remarks touching their early history, beyond the incidents of their progress, for the annals of these towns,
as before intimated, - simply recording further in this
place, the fact that this year, Sandwich, Yarmouth,
andl Barnstable became invested with the rights of
towns.
They were apparently more identified, as a whole, with the pilgrim
interest. Some of them were of the Scrooby congregation, and were
less in the interest of " the merchant adventurers."




140           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Hitherto, the governor and assistants, under the general name of " the associates of the Colony of Plymouth," were the legislature. "These," says Hutchinson,
"were elected from  the first rank. Even after the
appointment of deputies, the governor and assistants
were the supreme judiciary power, sole in judging of
high offences, and to them lay appeals from inferior
jurisdictions, after lesser offences were made cognizable
before inferior courts, in civil matters."  The laws, we
have said, had been few, and were termed fundamental,
but in general, the court professed to be governed by
the common law and statutes of England. Now, for
the first time, the towns were permitted to send deputies for legislation. The first representative assembly
met June 4. Deputies, or committees, as they were
first called, were sent from each town- four from
Plymouth,l two from Duxbury, two from Scituate, two
from  Sandwich, two from  Cohannet, (Taunton,) two
from Yarmouth, and two from Barnstable.
In the committees from   these seven towns was
vested, conjointly with the governor and assistants,
the power that had been previously exercised by the
people through the governor and assistants alone.
During the entire first period of the existence of the
colony, laws had been enacted to a certain extent, treaties concluded, war declared, peace proclaimed, and all
the powers of sovereignty exercised, and this had almost
entirely escaped the notice of the government of England. This state of things still continued; and difficulties with the natives, domestic factions, religious contentions, repeated attempts to obtain a charter, and
cautious plans to save themselves from the sufferings
1 In 1649, the number of the Plymouth deputies was reduced to two.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      141
of famine and the desolations of Indian warfare, gave
the colonists ample employment. Says Baylies, " Hitherto the law-making power had been exercised by the
whole body of the freemen when assembled in General
Court. The extension of the settlement created a necessity for delegating this power, inasmuch as the distance of some from the place of assembly was so great,
that a general and constant attendance was not only
inconvenient, but often impossible. Induced by these
considerations, the whole court, at a session in 1638,
had passed an act in these words —' Whereas complaint is made that the freemen are
put to many inconveniences and great expenses by
their continual attendance at the courts, it is therefore
enacted by the court and the authority thereof, for the
ease of the several towns of this government, that each
town shall make choice of two of their freemen, and
the town of Plymouth of four, to be committees or
deputies, to join with the bench, to enact and make all
such laws and ordinances as shall be judged to be good
and wholesome for the whole, provided that the laws
they do enact shall be propounded at one court to b)e
considered of until the next, and then to be confirmed
if they shall be approved of, except the case require
present confirmation; and if any act shall be confirmed
by the court and committees, which, upon further deliberation, shall prove prejudicial to the whole, that the
freemen, at the next Election-Court, after meeting
together, may repeal the same and enact any other
useful for the whole; and that every township shall
bear their committee's charges, which is two shillings
and sixpence a day; and that such as are not freemen,
but have taken the oath of fidelity, and are masters of
families and inhabitants of the said town, as they are




142             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
to bear a part in the charges of the committees, are
to have a vote in the choice of them, provided they
choose them only of the freemen of the said town
whereof they are; but if such committees shall be
insufficient or troublesome, that then the bench and
the other committees may dismiss them, and the town
to choose other freemen in their places.'"
Thus the government, which was nearly a pure
democracy, was changed to a representative one,
through necessity; but popular opinion was still regarded as the foundation of all legislative proceedings. The
right of the assistants and committees to expel any that
should be found " insufficient and troublesome," it has
been well remarked, was "hardly consistent with a due
tenacity on the part of the people for their rights, for
the very words of the reservation were no less ominous
than liable to latitudinarian construction."
In the court record, January 7, the following entry
appears: " The names of those to whom        the grant of
land at Mattacheesett, now called Yarmouth, is made:
Mr. Anty. Thacher/ Mr. John Crow, Mr. Thos. Howes;
1 As Mr. ANTHONY THACHER was one of the most prominent men
among the settlers at Yarmouth, and the first mentioned in the grant,
some more particular mention of him may here with due propriety be
made. In the lists of early passengers to New England, as they
appear in the Admiralty Office, he is entered as " Anthony Thetcher,
of Sarum, Tailor." It was doubtless often thought justifiable and
desirable, after the restrictions upon emigration were imposed, that
the vigilance of government should be eluded by occasional blinds;
but this may not have been a mere evasion for such an end, since the
duties and honors that appertain to the avocations of widely differing
professions may have centred in one individual.  According to
Macaulay, the secular position of many of the clergy of that day was
such, and " such the menial offices even they were obliged to perforzh




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               143
SI John Coite to be inquired of. Candidates for freedom   at Yarmouth: Mr. Madrick Matthews, Mr. Ant.
Thacher, Mr. John Crowe, Mr. Thos. Howes, Philip Tabor,
Wim. Palmer, Saml. Rider, Win. Lumpkin, Thos. Hatch."
for their daily bread, as would have led many a poor curate to look
upon a tailor's bench as a seat of honor." There is, at least, presumptive evidence that Mr. Thacher had been a curate. The result of investigations by Mr. Savage is proof to this effect; and the presumption
is strengthened by the practice of Mr. Thacher and his more immediate descendants, of bringing their children early to the baptismal
font. It has been stated that such was the veneration for some relics
preserved from the wreck near Thacher's Island, in 1635, that in certain of those articles of clothing (a scarlet broadcloth blanket, a cap,
and dress) every child of the Thacher families in Yarmouth has been
enwrapped, through successive generations, when carried to baptism.
Indeed, we are constrained to say the evidence is more than presumptive-it seems incontrovertible; for the records of Salisbury show
that the brother of Anthony Thacher (the Rev. Peter Thacher) was
instituted Rector of St. Edmonds in 1622; and that Antonius Thacher
was curate in 1633. In 1634 was recorded the death of the wife of
each, both rector and curate. The latter contracted a second marriage just before leaving England. It is said, "The Rev. Peter
Thacher, minister of the gospel, residing at Sarum, a dissenter from
the Established Church, had resolved to emigrate to New England,"
accompanying his brother; "but the death of his wife changed his
purpose."  His son Thomas, born May 1, 1620, came, however, with
his uncle, being fifteen years old when he embarked. Sailing from
Southampton, they arrived at Newbury, June 4, 1635. In the month
of August of the same year, (we have already referred to the incident, p. 119,) Mr. Thacher sailed from Ipswich, with his family and
other connections, in a bark bound to Marblehead. Wrecked on a
rock near Salem harbor, " all his children were drowned. He and
his wife were the only persons saved out of twenty-three." His
nephew Thomas fortunately took another route.   Of this young
man, Dr. Cotton Mather says, " He had such a strong and sad impression about the issue of the voyage," short as it was, " that he, with
another, would needs go the journey by land, and so escaped."  The
land route was, at that time, hazardous, being through a wilderness
thickly swarming with Indians. It may be pertinent Ih're also to




144              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
March 5, is the following: "It is ordered by the
court, that Mr. Nicholas Sympkins, Wm. Palmer, Philip
Tabor, and Joshua Barnes, of the town of Yarmouth,
shall be added to Mr. Anty. Thacher, Mr. Thos. Howes,
remark, that the nephew was subsequently educated under the direction of President Chauncey, and, prepared for the duties of the
ministry as also for the practice of medicine, he settled at Weymouth.
He afterwards became pastor of the Old South Church, in Boston, in
which position he died, October 15, 1678. President Stiles speaks of
him as the best Arabic scholar in the country, and states that he composed a Hebrew lexicon. Dr. Mather says further, that he was a
great logician. Uniting the profession of medicine with the ecclesiastical, he put forth the first medical work that was published in
America. He left two sons: Peter, born July 18, 1651, graduated
at Harvard College in 1671, and settled at Milton, where he was
ordained in 1681, and died in 1727; and Ralph, who settled in the
ministry at Martha's Vineyard. From these two descended a numerous progeny, not a few of whom have been honored in the ministry in
successive generations. Of this branch of the Thacher family was
Oxenbridge, who died in 1772, aged 94; and Oxenbridge, the compeer of Adams, Quincy, Otis, and others, in revolutionary times.
The Thachers who first came over were of the Sussex branch.
Anthony had left England before 1610 and was then resident in
Holland. His brother Thomas's will, 1611, names him as being "in
the separation," and directs that " if he shall join in the profession of
true religion with any true church there," -that is, in Holland, -
then his executors, "within one year after he shall have so joined
himself, either with the Reformed Dutch in the country where he
dwells, or shall return to England, shall pay him, the said brother,
five pounds, in token of brotherly affection."  His brother Clement,
of Somerset, yeoman, in his will, January 13, 1639, represents his
brother Anthony as " now beyond the seas," and leaves him a legacy.
The death of his brother, " Rev. Peter Thacher, rector, St. Edmonds,
Salisbury," was recorded February 19,1640, and on an old tombstone
may be still seen inscribed, "Here lyeth the body of Mr. Peter
Thacher, who was a laborious minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ,
to the people of St. Edmonds, by the space of xix. years, - who
departed this life on the Lord's-day night, being the 21st day of February, 1640."  He gave, in his will, to his "two sons, Peter and




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               145
and Mr. John Crowe, committees of the said place, to
make an equal division of the planting land now to be
divided at the first division there, to each man according to his estate and quality, and according to their
instructions; and that Joshua Pratt, of Plymouth, and
Thomas, thirty-five pounds, which was sent over to New England to
buy goats," and which was placed in the hands of his brother Anthony; he also gave to them " twenty pounds due for the keeping of
the said brother's child;" and forty-five pounds, in the hands of his
brother-in-law Christopher Batts who married a sister, Anne.
Further, he, gave to his son Thomas a large library of theological
works, a long list of which was appended to the will. In the account
which Anthony himself gave of his terrible shipwreck is the incidental mention of four children only: " My daughter Mary,' the
eldest, severed from me on the rock, sitting at my feet; in the pinnace, my little babe - ah, poor Peter - sitting in his sister Edith's
arms, who to the uttermost of her power sheltered him from the
waters; my poor William standing close unto them, — all three of
them looking ruefully on me - poor, silent lambs! - their countenances pleading pity and help at my hands." But the record in
England shows that there were nine by his first marriage. The
register, however, contains the mention of deaths of numerous
children of the Thacher family, and it may be presumed that the
other five died in England. Mr. Thacher was, for a short period after
this disaster, in Marshfield; and "the court, in consideration of his
losses, granted him twenty-six pounds, thirteen shillings, and fourpence."  Divers good people also "' administered to his necessities."
In 1639, as we have seen, he was one of the three grantees at Yarmouth; and from 1643 was eleven years a deputy. Pious and
exemplary, useful and honored, he went down to his grave in 1667, at
the age of fourscore years. All that we know of the names of his
children is, that Mary, Edith, William, and Peter were of the first
marriage, and were lost at Thacher's Island. By his second marriage, with Elizabeth Jones, about six months before leaving England,
he had John, born at Marblehead, March 17, 1639; Judah, born in
Yarmouth; and Bethia, who married Jabez Howland, and removed
to Bristol, Rhode Island. The numerous posterity of these we shall
have occasion to notice in the further progress of our work.
VOL..        19




146          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Mr. John Vincent, of Sandwich, shall view the land
there, and make report to the court."
May 6, "It is ordered that, if Mr. Callecutt do come
in his own person to inhabit at Mattacheese before the
General Court in June next, the grant shall remain
firm unto them; but if he fail to come within the time
fixed, that then their grant be made void, and the land be
otherwise disposed of." Also, " that the portion of land
granted to Mr. Andrew Hellot,1 at Mattacheesett, shall
be and remain unto him, and that those that are appointed to set forth the bounds between Mattacheese
and Mattacheesett shall lay forth the said portion unto
him in a convenient place there."  Subsequently, Mr.
Hallett's grant of land (lot of two hundred acres) was
confirmed and bounded; and it was then ordered
that "it shall not be lawful for any man dwelling
in Yarmouth to purchase two house lots or more
lying together, and maintain but one house upon
them."
The committees of Sandwich " were complained of,"
September 3, for receiving into the town " persons unfit
for church society;" were summoned to answer, and
"forbidden to dispose of any more land;" and at a
meeting at Sandwich, October 3, Mr. Thomas Prince
and Captain Standish having been appointed by the
government "to hear and determine all differences and
controversies amongst the committees and the inhabitants," Joseph Winsor was ejected. The neck of land
called Moonuscaulton, being fit for the young cattle,
was reserved, by general consent, for that purpose.
"Shaume Neck, lying betwixt the Rivers Shaume and
1 Hallett.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      147
Manuscussett, was also reserved for a common, the
wood thereon to be free to all, without waste or spoil."
And, to prevent the recurrence of the admission of
such as are " not fit for church society," it was ordered,
that "none shall be received without the consent of
Mr. Leverich and the church."
Under the same date, the following also appears:
"Whereas, by complaint, it is very probable that divers
of the committees of Sandwich have not faithfully
discharged that trust reposed in them, by receiving
into the said town divers persons unfit for church
society, which should have been their chief care in
the first place, and have disposed the greatest part
of the lands there already, and to very few that are
in church society or fit for the same, so that without
speedy remedy our chiefest end will be utterly frustrate,-these are to require such of the committees
as are herein faulty, to appear at the next Court of
Assistants, to answer the complaint, and in the mean
time not to dispose of any more lands there without
further order from the court, nor make sale nor convey
any of their lands they have assumed to themselves to
any person."
Again, we find the proceedings just narrated recorded
more in extenso: "At a meeting at Sandwich, the 3d
of October, 1639, wherein Mr. Thos. Prince and Captain
Standish were appointed by the government to hear
and determine all differences and controversies amongst
the committees and inhabitants of the said town of
Sandwich," Joseph Winsor's purchase (made of Thomas
Shillingsworth, and which was Thomas Hampton's, deceased) was made void, the town being required to
take the land, and pay Winsor its worth. The following additional record is made: "Forasmuch as




148          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the neck of land called Moonuscaulton is by all
or most part of the inhabitants adjudged to be fit
for breeding up young cattle, it is concluded and
agreed upon, by the general consent of the inhabitants
of Sandwich, that the said neck of land called Moonuscaulton shall be reserved to the town as a common, for
the breeding of their young cattle, and not to be
appropriated to any man's particular, without consent
of the whole town and approbation of the government;
save that the wood thereupon shall be free for all to
take of, provided it be without waste and spoil thereof.
The like is concluded and agreed upon for the other
neck of land called Shaume Neck lying betwixt the
Rivers of Shaume and Manuscussett, to be reserved for
a common for the town, and not to be appropriated to
any man's particular without consent of the whole
town and approbation of the government; save that
the wood thereupon shall be free for all to take thereof,
provided it be without waste and spoil thereof It is
also concluded and agreed upon, both by the colmmittees and other the inhabitants of Sandwich, that for
the redressing of the negligence of the committees in
receiving into the town many inhabitants that are not
fit for church society, and for preventing of like evil
for ensuing time, it is ordered, that none hereafter shall
be admitted into the town, or have lands assigned them
by the committees, without consent and approbation of
Mr. Leverich and the church first had and obtained.
And likewise that such of the now inhabitants as are
disposed to sell their estate and depart the town, they
shall not sell their labors to any person except he be
generally approved of by the whole town. And lastly,
for the preventing of dangers, evils, and discords, that
may happen in the disposal of lands, or other occasions,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       149
within the town, it is concluded and agreed upon, that
the town shall from time to time make choice of some
one of the assistants, and at present of Mr. Thomas
Prince, to be joined with the committees; to whom
from time to time they shall have recourse to advise
with and receive directions from, in all such occasions
as hereafter shall be needful."
The same year, October 7, " a pair of stocks and a
pound" were ordered by the court, to be erected in the
town of Yarmouth. Under the same date, the Rev.
Mr. Matthews, the minister at Yarmouth, appears to be
involved in some trouble, as is inferred from the following: " Edward Morrell, being sworn, deposeth and saith,
that William Chase (at his return home from the court,
when Mr. Matthews and he were here together) did
report that Mr. Matthews had nothing to say for himself, and that he marvelled how any durst join with him
in the facst; and further said, that some being then in
presence with the magistrates, did hold up his hand,
and cried,' Fie, fie! for shame!'"
As might be expected, complaints were occasionally
heard of the alleged unequal or partial divisions of
lands in the several towns. The fact is, the new
comers and old settlers were not always perfectly
homogeneous. In those settlements where the strictest
regard was had to the rigid rules of government, in
respect to the discouragement of such as were not
deemed c fit for church society," the action of the committees was generally satisfactory to the dominant
power; but this power, ever watchful and jealous of
any apparent dereliction in this matter, sometimes felt
that there was occasion to find fault with the laxity




150             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
of some of the committees in other settlements.    Even
where the greatest caution was observed, difficulties
would arise.   Mr. Thacher, Mr. Crow, and Mr. Howes,
the committee for Yarmouth, being complained of to
the court, in 1640, for unequal divisions of lands, their
adherence to the views of government being more
rigid their doings were cp)proved by the court; and to
guard the more effectually against such co)plailnt in
future, it was ordered, that " no more inhabitants shall
be received without a certificate from the places whence
they come, signed by approved men." Cases occurred
in some of the towns, where it was judged expedient
to void the allotment of lands to individuals, refund
the payments made by them, and order them to depart
out of the colony.     In 1638, Henry Ewer and wife
were ordered by the court to depart from Sandwich,
and Mr. Skiff, who had encouraged their coming, was
required to send them back to the place from whence
they were brought, or by neglect to incur the displeasure of the government.       Ewer seems to have
contrived, however, in some way, to become an inhabitant notwithstanding; and his descendants have been
numerous and respectable.1
How far the doings in the early times of the settlement of the
colonies have furnished a precedent for the course of " Judge Lynch,"
in the later settlements upon the frontiers, may be a question. It is
as certain that, without legal authority from the parent government,
severe regulations, deemed wholesome and necessary, were made and
enforced then, as that similar regulations have been made and enforced, under like circumstances, of late years, in many settlements of
our new states and territories.




YARMOUTH.           CHATHAM.
MONUMENTS OF THE SEARS FAMILY
IN THE
GRAVEYARDS OF YARMOUTH AND) CHATHAM.








ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        151
CHAPTER      IX.
Patent surrendered and Charters granted. - Court instituted.-Laws, Vindication of the Clergy, and Lands granted. - Narragansetts. - The Ministry. -An Abandonment of Plymouth and Removal to Nauset contemplated. - Lands bounded. - Differences adjusted. - Confederation. - Nauset
settled.- Laws enforced.
IN 1640, Mr. William Bradford was again governor,
and Mr. Edmund Freeman, Sen., of Sandwich, was elected an assistant.
The patent which had been taken in the name
of William Bradford having been surrendered to
the body of freemen, and charters having in consequence been issued to the several towns, "the purchasers and old comers" obtained, March 2, the grant
of " a tract extending from the bounds of Yarmouth
three miles eastward of Namskeket, and across the
neck from   sea to sea."  "The   purchasers and old
comers," it may here be noted, were distinguished from
other freemen and inhabitants. The Leyden Company,
before they left Holland, had formed a partnership in
trade with certain London merchants, commonly called
"merchant adventurers."  The connection was to last
seven years, at the end of which time all the common
property was to be divided. In 1626, the Plymouth
Colony having bought out the interest of the adventurers, by an agreement to pay eighteen hundred
pounds, soon after hired to Governor Bradford and his
associates the trade of the colony for six years, Bradford and associates undertaking to pay the eighteen




152              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
hundred pounds to the adventurers, and ion addition,
the other debts of the colony, amounting to twenty-six
hundred pounds more; also becoming obligated to the
colony to import yearly to the value of fifty pounds in
hoes and shoes, and to sell Indian corn at six shillings
per bushel.    Those who took this contract from         the
colony were therefore called pzirchasers.    The old comners
were certain of the colonists that came over in the
three vessels first arriving -the Mayflower, the Fortune,
and the Anne.' The surrender of the patent to the
whole company, and the issuing of charters to the
towns, gave    a new    feature  to  society, and   a fresh
impulse.
The aforesaid    grant of land was not confined to
the Cape; Governor Bradford         had     reserved   three
tracts for" the    purchasers or old comers, when he
surrendered the patent; that on the Cape compreAmong the purchasers were Thomas Prince, John Jenny, Anthony
Annable, Samuel Fuller, Francis Cooke, William Bassett, William
Palmer, Edward Bangs, William Wright, John Beauchamp, and
others. The last named was never in this country, but united with
Bradford and others in the purchase, and Mr. Edmund Freeman of
Sandwich acted as his agent. Indeed, the first purchasers were in
number only eight. The others who became interested were old
comers, and hence the expression " purchasers and old comers."
2 " 1640, December 1. Whereas, by the act of the General Court,
March 3, it was agreed that the purchasers or old comers should make
choice of two or three plantations for themselves, now the said purchasers or old comers, to signify to the court that accordingly they
have chosen, (as one,)' From the bounds of Yarmouth, three miles
to the eastward of Naemskeckett, and from sea to sea across the neck
of land,' —the which choice (with two other parcels) being made as
aforesaid, and allowed in court, - Mr. William Bradford, for himself
and associates, doth tender a surrender to the body of freemen of all
the rest of the lands within the patent, which are not granted to
planters in general or persons in particular."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      153
hended the ancient Eastham, with what was afterwards
Orleans and Brewster; and the grantees were increased
to fifty in number.
Mr. Edmund Freeman, of Sandwich, assistant, with
Mr. Thomas Dimoc, of Barnstable, and Mr. John Crow,
of Yarmouth, as associates, were appointed by the
Colony Court to hear and determine all causes and
controversies within the three townships now existing
on the Cape, not exceeding twenty shillings.
It was this year ordered by the court, " that profane
swearing should be punished by setting in the stocks
three hours, or by imprisonment;" also, "that for
telling lies, a fine of ten shillings should be imposed for
each and every offence, or setting in the stocks two
hours." An act was passed to "prevent idleness and
other evils."  The grand jurors in each town were
authorized " to take special view and notice all persons,
married or single, that have small means to maintain
themselves, and are supposed to live idly and loosely,
and require an account of them how they live; and
finding any delinquent, were to order a constable to
carry them before a magistrate, or the selectmen, to
deal with them as they see fit." Such a law appears
to us at the present day both inquisitorial and dictatorial, and calculated to convulse society, and lead to
resistance. The military companies were to be trained
six times a year. Stealing or attempting to steal ships'
boats, ammunition, &c., was made felony, and so to be
punished. Laws for the observance of the Sabbath
were to be enforced on the Indians, who certainly could
not be expected to have much veneration for the day.
The policy may well be questioned.
The immunities of the regular ministry were preVOL. I.    20




154           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
served with great care.  Disaffections towards the
persons or teachings of the clergy were sometimes exhibited, but were as often dealt with in a very summary manner. William Chase, of Yarmouth, charged
with " miscarriages against Mr. Matthews, tending
to the disturbance of the proceedings of the church,
court, and country/' was severely censured, and laid
under bonds, he'"promising to leave the place in six
months."
At the Court of Assistants held the 3d of June,
the following entry was ordered:'"Memorand. That
John Kerman, of Sandwich, is granted one messuage,
or dwelling house, in Sandwich aforesaid, and fifteen
acres of upland, be it more or less, adjoining thereunto,
abutting upon the meadows of Moonuscussett; sixteen
acres of marsh meadow ground, be it more or less, with
two little islands of upland therein, (except the said
island of upland,) lying before the said town of Sandwich eastward, and facing the river that comes to the
said town, the said John Kerman allowing a way for
carriages by water only; eight acres of marsh meadow,
be it more or less, lying at the upper end of the backside of the said town's neck from the swamp towards
the beach at the east end, and towards Richard Chadwell's meadow at the west end; ten acres of upland,
be it more or less, lying at Moonuscaulton, and adjoining to the lands of Mr. Edmund Freeman; and fourscore and ten acres lying at the plains and abutting
upon the lands of Mr. Thomas Dexter and Mr. Edward
Dillingham, southerly from them, with all and singular
the appurtenances to the said premises belonging and in
any wise appertaining and part or parcel thereof; to
have and to hold'the said messuage, or dwelling house,
fifteen acres of upland, fifteen acres of marsh meadow,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        155
(except the two islands of upland therein before excepted,) and eight acres of marsh meadow, ten acres of
upland at Moonuscaulton, and the said fourscore and
ten acres of upland lying at the plains, with all and
singular their appurtenances and every part and parcel
thereof, except before excepted, unto the said John
Kerman, his heirs and assignees forever, to the only
proper use and behoof of him, the said John Kerman,
his heirs and assignees forever."
In 1641, Mr. Bradford was reelected governor, and
Mr. Edmund Freeman assistant.
Some progress in maritime affairs is noticed at this
time: a bark of about fifty tons was built in Plymouth, costing two hundred pounds, contributed in shares
by thirteen persons; and it has been claimed that this
was the "first vessel of zctgniitde" built in the colony.
Having no data by which we can judge in this matter,
we give the fact as it has been stated of late years,
without being able to endorse fully the "doubtless"
which accompanies the issue of the conjecture. The
vessel built at Manomet in 1627 was probably smaller.'
As the Cape has been much interested in the manufacture of salt, and has generally been supposed, not
without good reason, to have taken the precedence in
this manufacture, (certainly so far as the making of it
by solar evaporation is the agent,) it may be mentioned that "this year Mr. John Jenny was allowed
certain privileges at Clark's Island, to make salt;" but
by what process, or with what success, is not stated.
There were about this time "c some apprehensions of
1 According to I-akluyt, a pinnace of fifty tons was built on the
Kennebec as early as 1606.




156              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
hostile movements on the part of the Narragansetts;
and in Plymouth twelve persons were enjoined to bring
their muskets, with shot and powder, every Lord's day,
to the meeting, with their sword, and furniture to every
piece, ready for service if need should require."l
Mr. Secretary Morton has said, in reference to the
three years last past, that "the Lord was pleased to
accomplish    and  adorn   the   colony with    numbers of
godly and able gospel preachers, who, being dispersed
and disposed of to the several churches and congregations, gave light in a glorious and resplendent manner,
as burning and shining lights."        He mentions, among
others, Mr. JOHN LAYTHROP      Mr. JOHN MAYO, Mr. WILLIAM
1 We may sometimes be disposed to smile at the warlike preparations of those days; but it must be remembered that crossbows had
scarcely gone out of use in war even in Old England, and the firearms were generally matchlocks.
2 We would here say, that we have thought proper to adopt the
orthography of surnames as practised generally at the time. The
changes which occurred subsequently in writing the same names have
also been followed. In some instances, these changes have eventuated
in names somewhat dissimilar from the original, and in other instances,
families, whose surname was of the same common origin, have come
to be called by names quite diverse. Witness Burge, Borgis, Borges and Burgess; Ney, Noye, Nie, Nye and Noyes; Black, Blackman, Blackwell, &c.; Dimoc, Dymoke, Dimmack and Dimmick;
Sayre, Sayer and Sears; Oates and Otis; Hawkseye, Hoxie, &c., &c.
It would be interesting to know the actual original of all surnames, for
very important reasons connected with family genealogy. Surnames,
at first, Mons. Boileau is of opinion, " were the epithets of great men
only, and repeated as such."  Shakspeare intimates the same: —
"Witness may
My surname Coriolanus: the painful service,
The extreme dangers, and the drops of blood
Shed for my thankless country, are requited
But with that surname."
Surnames were not permanent in English families as hereditary titles




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               157
LEVERICH, Mr. JOHN MILLER, and Mr. MARMADUKE MATTHEWS, all of whom were for some time on the Cape.'
The first general assessment mentioned is that for
the payment to the clerk and messenger of the Genuntil about the time of the conquest, in 1066, and were not in universal use until nearly a century after. Their origin was fourfold: First,
by adding the word son to the name of the father; as, for instance,
John, Richard's son, which came at length to be written Richardson.
Second, they were taken from a man's trade or occupation; and hence
the name of Smith, Baker, Tailor, Fuller, &c., furnishing innumerable hereditary titles. Third, the name was taken from some peculiar
trait, quality, &c., of the individual; as, for instance, Edmund, one of
the Saxon kings, was called Ironsides, for his bravery and impunity
from the penetrating arrow; so John, whose complexion was dark,
came to be called John Black, and Henry, the strong, Henry Strong.
Fourth, from localities; as John, on the hill, John Hill; John, who
lived near the brook, John Brooks, &c. These names, in their onward course, undergo various changes. In these remarks touching
the origin of names, and in the suggestion that it would be interesting
to know the actual origin of all surnames, we are influenced by no
ridiculous veneration for heraldic pretensions, or the titles of nobility.
It is sufficient for us that the fact is well established, that the early
settlers of these parts were generally descended from the landed
gentry or yeomanry of England. Says Burke, in his elaborate Dictionary, vol. i., preface, " These comprise that class in society
which holds the next place to the privileged order-the untitled
country gentlemen; a class, be it remembered, not a degree below
the other in antiquity of descent, personal accomplishments, and
rational usefulness. Nay, the chiefs of the houses from which the
nobility spring are generally to be found in this division of the aristocracy; and for the simple reason that, the eldest son and heir being
already provided for, the field of adventure belongs exclusively to the
junior members of the family, who, being thus forced upon the arena,
achieve, by their prowess or their talents, fame, wealth, and eminence."
1 Mlr. Lathrop, as has been seen, was early at Barnstable. MIr.
Mayo was associated with Mr. Lathrop in his labors in 1644, as a
teacher, and was afterwards in Eastham, and died in Yarmouth.
Mr. Leveridge was early in Sandwich -the first minister. And
Mr. Miller and Mr. Matthews were both ministers of Yarmouth.




158           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
eral Court this year, June 1, twenty-five pounds, which,
as it may be supposed to exhibit the comparative
ability of the several townships, niay be presented, as
follows: -
Plymouth..... ~5.      Taunton.......    ~2 10.
Duxbury......    3 10. Barnstable...... 2 10.
Scituate...... 4.      Yarmouth......   2 10.
Sandwich....   3.    Rexhame (Marshfield) 2.
At a court held at Yarmouth, June 17, before Mr.
Edward Winslow, Captain Miles Standish, and Mr. Edmund Freeman, three assistants, by virtue of an order
of the General Court appointed to settle the bounds of
Yarmouth and Barnstable and to hear and determine
all causes and controversies amongst the inhabitants
of Yarmouth, Barnstable, and Sandwich, which might
come before them; in addition to the adjustment of
many other differences, it was " ordered by them, that
Mr. Andrew Hellott shall pay Massatumpaine one
fathom of beads within two moons, besides the net he
allegeth the said Massatumpaine sold him, for the deer
that Mr. Hellott's son bought of Massatumpaine about
two years since." It was also " ordered, that Walter
Devile shall pay two shillings to Massatumpaine for
mending the hole in his kettle which the said Devile
shot with his gun- to be paid within one moon next
ensuing." It was further "ordered, that all lands hereafter laid out and assigned in the town of Yarmouth
shall be designated by lot, and that Captain Standish
shall be joined to the committee of the town, and no
It has been said that nearly all the ministers in the two colonies
had been connected with the "Established Church" of England,
were graduates of the English universities, and numbers of them
were fine classical scholars -some "unrivalled."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.     159
lands be granted without his consent." Also, that " the
bounds of Yarmouth on the easterly side are from the
town to a certain brook called by the Indians Shuckquam, but by the English Bound Brook, and all that
neck of land northward called by the Indians Atquiod,
alias Aquiatt, with all the upland and marsh meadow
which lie on the westerly side of said brook, to the
townwards unto the mouth of said brook; and from a
marked tree at the path on the said brook by a straight
line south and by east to the South Sea, so it extend
not in length above eight miles, excepting and reserving unto Massatumnpaine, the sachem, the lands -from
Nobscusset pan westerly, from a marked tree there
unto another marked tree at a swamp extending
westerly; and from thence to another marked tree
northerly by a straight line to the sea; and from the
northerly end of the said Nobscusset pan to the sea by
a line from the westerly side of said pan." Further,
The bounds betwixt Yarmouth and Barnstable are as
followeth, viz.: the River of Stony Cove shall be the
bounds from the sea as far as it runneth to the landwards, and from thence from the upward part thereof
to begin at the easterly side of the lot of Andrew
Hellott, at a known marked tree, by the highway leading betwixt Barnstable and Yarmouth aforesaid, and
from the easterly side of the upward part of the said
lot to run upon the south-south-west point of the compass to the South Sea; provided always that the
meadow land that was allotted and appointed to the
said Mr. Hellott's farm be still reserved unto the said
farm, according to the former intent and grant thereof;
excepting and reserving unto Nepaiton and Twacommacus, and their heirs and assignees, if they shall dwell
upon it, all that parcel of plain land bordering to the




160           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
seawards from a pond to a tree by the wood side,
marked by Mr. Winslow, Captain Standish, and Mr.
Freeman, and from  thence easterly by the wood side
to another marked tree, and from thence northerly to
the sea, provided that if the said Nepaiton shall at any
time sell the same, he shall sell it to the inhabitants of
Barnstable before any other."
c' The agreement between Nepaiton1 and Twacommacus2 and their heirs and the inhabitants of Barnstable,"
also appears, as follows:In consideration besides what the said Nepaiton
hath' had already of the said inhabitants of Barnstable,
that they.shall build the said Nepaiton one dwelling
house, with a chamber floored with boards, with a
chimney and an oven therein, the said Nepaiton hath
given and granted unto the said inhabitants of Barnstable all the rest of his lands lying about Barnstable
aforesaid, which were his and his own proper inheritance, excepting and reserving unto the'said Nepaiton
and Twacommacus, and their heirs and assignees forever, if they shall dwell upon it, all that parcel of plain
lands bordering upon the sea, from a pond to a tree by
the wood side marked by Mr. Winslow, Captain Standish, and Mr. Freeman, and from thence easterly, by
the wood side, to another marked tree, and from thence
northerly to the sea; provided always that, if the said
Nepaiton shall at any time sell the said lands, he shall
sell them to the inhabitants of Barnstable before any
other, and shall from time to time give leave for a
draught to come through his ground when they shall
desire it; and lastly, that they shall have liberty to get
1 In the Barnstable records, it is written Nepoyetum. We follow
the colonial records.
2 In other places, Tauonius.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.     161
wood for fencing and fire out of the woods there, and
enjoy and reap the corn this year which they have set
out of the foresaid bounds,-and in winter to live
where he pleaseth."
September 7, it was ordered by the General Court,
that Mr. Edmund Freeman, one of the assistants, shall,
at the next court holden towards Yarmouth and Barnstable, inflict such punishment upon Mr. Crow's maid
servant for pilfering goods in his house, as according
to her fault shall be just and equal."
The following also appears: -
" Division of meadows in Sandwich. At a general
meeting of the townsmen of Sandwich, held the 16th
day of April, in the sixteenth year of the reign of our
sovereign lord, Charles, by the grace of God king of
England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, defender of the
faith, &c., Thomas Prince, gentleman, one of the assistants of the government of New Plymoutl, by virtue
of a commission to him and John Alden, gentleman, or
either of them, directed, for the calling before them, or
either of them, the said inhabitants of Sandwich, to
hear and determine all causes of difference and controversy now depending amongst them, in general, or
betwixt particular persons in division of uplands and
meadow; or betwixt them and the Indians; and to set
down some orders concerning the division of said
meadow lands, that the premises which are agreed
upon may be committed to public record, and so
remain inviolable, which is as followeth:"Imprimis, for deciding the differences about the
meadow grounds, and to make an equal division thereof,
is agreed upon, by the consent both of the committees
and the townsmen of Sandwich, that, together with Mr.
Prince, there shall be five of the committees, viz., Mr.
VOL. i.    21




162          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Edmund Freeman, Mr. Henry Feake, Mr. Edward Dillingham, Richard Chadwell, and John Carman, and five
of the townsmen be joined with them, viz., Mr. John
Vincent, Richard Bourne, George Allen, Robert Bodfish,
and Joseph Holway, to view and appoint the said
meadow lands, and to consider well the estate and
quality of every person, as also the quality and condition of the meadows, and to appoint to every man
such a portion as shall be esteemed equal and suitable
to his necessity and ability; and that in the division
of the said meadow lands these rules and orders shall
be observed:" First, That those that have meadow allotted to
them in the meadow between Moonoonnenuscusset
and Shaume shall only have such portions there assigned them as in the judgment of the foresaid ten
men appointed shall be thought meet, and that further
accommodation be added elsewhere as there shall be
cause and their necessity and condition shall require.
" 2. That for the rest of the meadows, which shall
be laid forth by the aforesaid ten men appointed, to
every man according to each man's estate and condition, reserving such a portion as in the judgment of
the said ten men shall be thought fit.
" 3. That the said ten men having appointed the
persons and places, then Joshua Pratt, of Plymouth,
shall measure forth to every man the portion he shall
be appointed.
"4. That such a portion of meadow lands as shall
be thought fit by the ten men abovesaid to be left and
reserved be not disposed of until the committees be
satisfied their charges disbursed for the town, which, if
it shall be done before the next mowing time, that then
the said portion of meadow so reserved shall be to the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.     163
town, to be decided according to each man's condition
and quality; but if the committees be not satisfied
their said charges before that time, that then the committees have the use of said meadow lands to cut the
grass thereof.
" 5. That there be sixty or eighty acres of meadow
lands reserved according to the former order, on this
side Moonenoonuscaulton River or thereabout.
6. That if any man desire to hold the meadow
lands assigned him, (being not in the meadows between
~Moonoonnenuscusset and Shaume,) he may.
" 7. That all such portions of meadow lands as shall
be assigned to every person in particular shall be to
have and to hold to them, their heirs and assignees,
forever.
"It is also agreed upon, lastly, that those that had
meadow lands formerly assigned them in the meadow
lands between Moonoonnensususset and Shaume shall
only have the one half of those portions which they
had there, and the rest of their portions to be laid
forth elsewhere, save that they shall have the whole
odd acre there, if it fall so to be in such said division.
"That sixpence an acre be allowed for the surveying,
measuring, and laying forth the raid meadow lands, to
them that are appointed to survey, measure, and lay
forth the same, they paying Joshua's charges.
"The names of persons to whom the division of
meadow lands is made: -
Richard Chadwell........... Acres, 15
John Carman................. 28
Peter Gaunt..............           04
William  Hurst................ 03
Richard Kerby.................04
John Dingley............    05~




164      THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Thomas Burgess................ 07~
John Briggs.................. 072
Benjamin Noy................. 
Mr. Henry Feake.................  20
Thomas Tupper.............. 061
Thomas Armitage...............  061Mr. John  Vincent................. 07
Robert Bodfish................ 05
Mr. Leverich, l
Mr. Leverich,  the same he had....... 05
The Pastor, 
Mr. Edmund Freeman...............42
Mr. Almey.....................  08~
Mr. W ood..................... 08
Joseph  Winsor................. 01
M r. W illis......................  04
Anthony  Bessy................. 01
Micheal Turner................ 03
M r. Edge......................14
George Knott................. 04
Mr. Potter..................... 10
John  Frend...................  A
George Allen................. 064
Joseph Halloway.............. 15
William Newland, to be added to...... 06
Andrew  Hellot................. 07~
George Slawson................ 02
William  Braybrooke............. 01
George  Bliss.................. 012George Buitt............... 01
George Cole, i. e., to be considered further
when he brings his estate......... 01
Henry  Eue...................  01
Johnathan Fish................02
Edmond Clarke..............  02




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.  165
Thomas Shillingsworth........... 021
William   Harlow................  04
James Skiffe................  04
Mr. Dillingham................... 08
John  W inge.................. 06
Mr. Thomas Dexter, if he come to live here. 26
For his mill................  06
Mr. Wolleston, if he reside here and bring his
estate................... 13
Thomas Butler.............. 02
Nicholas Wright............... 021
John Miller.................. 01
Thomas Launder........ 01
John  Fish...................01t
Nathaniel Fish................ 01~
Thomas Boardman............    03
Peter Wright................. 021
Anthony Wright............... 02
Richard Bourne................ 07
Richard Wade................ 03
John Joyce............... 021
Mr. Blakemore..................03
To Mr. Feak's house.............  01
Subscribed by Tho. Prince,
Ed. Freeman,
Edw. Dillingham,
John Carman,
Richard Chadwell,
John Vincent,
George Allen,
Richard Bourne,
Joseph Halloway,
Robert Bodfish,
Henry Feake."




166             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
" It is also ordered and concluded," in General Court,
"that the inhabitants of the town of Yarmouth shall
presently meet together, and make a rate for defraying
the public charges which have been laid forth by any
person or persons for the good of the whole; and that
in the   committee-charges which    Wm. Chase, Thos.
Howes, and Joshua Barnes were sent as a committee of
the town, they are to be exempted out of the rates,
viz., Mr. Matthews, Wmi. Palmer, Jas. Payne, Ant.
Thacher, Thos. Holland, Crannett White, and Thos.
Starr."  We cannot assume the responsibility of undertaking to make this record more intelligible, and therefore present it veratinm.
In 1642, Governor Bradford was again reelected, and
Mr. Freeman assistant for the third time.l
The settlers at Plymouth having now become dissatisfied with their present situation, a removal of the whole
body to Nauset (afterwards Eastham) was seriously contemplated.   It may seem   to us, at this day, a singular
conceit, that, when the first settlers at Plymouth found
they " had pitched upon a spot whose soil was poor and
barrens" they should have directed their attention to
this part of the country to find better situations; but
on different parts of the Cape were intervals of rich
alluvial deposits that were highly productive.    These
were to be seen by the traveller, in passing down
1 Mr. William Thomas was also elected an assistant this year, but
ceased to be an inhabitant of the Cape. The year previous, 1641, he
was a deputy from Barnstable. Marshfield now became his residence.
He was a prominent English merchant, and one of the adventurers.
His son Nathaniel served in Philip's war in prominent position; and
and from him descended General John Thomas, who commanded the
American forces at Roxbury, in the revolutionary war, and afterwards
in Canada.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      167
the Cape, on its northern shore, in Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, and in what are afterwards Dennis,
Brewster, and Orleans; and for Indian corn and wheat,
Eastham was noted as the land of plenty. These fertile spots were, indeed, like oases in the desert, but
constituted some of the best soil in the colony.
Hostile intentions on the part of the Indians being
thought to exist, thirty men were raised by the colony
for an expedition against them; Sandwich and Barnstable were required to furnish three each, and Yarmouth two. The laws designed to prevent the Indians
being used to firearms were judged highly prudential,
and numbers of persons were complained of about this
time for a constructive violation of the same. Among
these were the assistant, Mr. Edmund Freeman, for
lending a gun to an Indian; also Nicholas Simpkins, of
Yarmouth, and John Wing, of Sandwich.
The early settlers were certainly a very moral people
in general; and yet, so exact were the laws, and the
interpretation and enforcement of them, that cases
sometimes occurred that excite surprise. These cases,
originating in all parts of the colony, are set forth in
the court record on this wise: A. F., " for having a child
born six weeks before the ordinary time of women after
marriage, fined for uncleanness, and whipt, and his
wife set in the stocks."  C. E., "for abusing himself
with his wife before marriage, sentenced to be whipt
publicly at the post, she to stand by whilst the execution is performed. Done, and he fined five pounds for
the trouble." D. B.,' to be whipt, and his wife set in
the stocks, for uncleanness before marriage."  Some
quite prominent citizens were thus involved, and for




168             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
years a very strict surveillance was kept over such
offences; nor does there appear to have been any partiality exercised on account of character or position.
We regret being obliged to add that some instances of
a more aggravated nature are found, generally denominated "lascivious and unclean carriages," which were
dealt with more severely - by heavy fines and whipping, the female being obliged to wear for months a
badge marked with letters indicating the offence, with
a provision of court that if, before the expiration of
the time, she should lay aside the badge, she should be
again arrested, and the letters " burned in her face." 
June 7, Mr. Hatherly, Mr. Freeman, and         Captain
Standish, were "requested     to view   the land   which
Barnstable men desire, and to set it forth for them, so
that they do not intrench on either plantations, &c.,
and to see that there be a convenient farm and meadowing to it reserved for public use." The General Court,
it must be confessed, were very prompt in providing
all necessary laws and regulations, and in sustaining
the same, whether general or municipal. The town of
Yarmouth was thus early presented "for not having a
pound."
1 The legislation of a country is generally supposed to indicate the
evils that prevail in its borders, and at the same time the standard of
public sentiment. So of convictions, fines, and other punishments.
The minutest events are often interesting as criteria of the development of mind and morals, and as discovering the progress of communities in freedom and improvement. If the jurisprudence of the
colony is an index to the principles and policy of its leaders, it must
be borne in mind that religion was intended to be the basis of both
civil and ecclesiastical government. A rigid morality was the end
desired. The reader may reprehend the means sometimes employed
to effect this, but will, we doubt not, be charitably candid in regard to
the motive.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.     169
September 27, the General Court having adjudged it
necessary for the safety of the colony "to provide
forces, on account of the Indians, for offensive and defensive war," and the court having been 1 hastily called
together in consequence of intelligence of a conspiracy," Mr. Edward Dillingham and Richard Chadwell
were present from Sandwich, Anthony Annable and
John Cooper from Barnstable, and William Palmer
from Yarmouth. Miles Standish was appointed captain,
William Palmer lieutenant, Peregrine White ensign;
and Mr. Edmund Freeman, Mr. Anthony Thacher,
and Mr. Thomas Dimoc, were appointed of the council
of war.
Again, in 1643 Mr. Bradford and Mr. Freeman were
reelected to their respective offices. Mr. William
Brewster, the ruling elder in the church at Plymouth,
in honor to the memory of whom a town in this county
was named in 1801, died this year, April 16, about fourscore and four years of age. He was father-in-law to
Governor Prince.
Articles of confederation between New England colonies at this time mark a memorable epoch in our history. This confederacy was designed to promote union
and to secure concert of action, offensive and defensive,
in all difficulties, whether with the Ilidians, Dutch,
Swiss, or French. The compact did not embrace all of
New   England, however. Massachusetts, which was
begun at Naumkeag (Salem) in 1628.by adventurers
under Endicott, and at Shawmut (Boston) in 1630
under Winthrop; Connecticut, settlements in which
were begun in 1635 at Windsor and Wethersfield by
a company of about sixty persons from Massachusetts;
and the colony of New Haven begun by Davenport,
VOL. I.    22




170            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Eaton and others in 1638, were included with the
Plymouth Colony in this league.      But New Hampshire begun at Dover and Portsmouth in 1623        by
Mason and Gorges; and Rhode Island begun in 1636
by Roger Williams at Providence, were not included.
The views of these latter colonies did not, in many
things, coincide with those of the other settlements.'
The title of this confederation was, "The United
Colonies of New England."   The measure had been in
agitation several years before it was accomplished; and
subsisted, with some changes, until 1686, when the
charters of all the colonies were, in effect, vacated by
a commission from   King James II.    Some have supposed that in this confederacy we find the germ of our
present national system. This, at least, is certain -
that the spirit of the confederation remained long after
the league was dissolved.  The colonies learned to act
together; and when common injuries and common
dangers required united action, modes and precedents
were at hand. The surrender of criminals escaped
from justice, and also of other fugitives including servants, from  one jurisdiction into another, was one of
the stipulations of the treaty. We suppose that some
will contend that this was also     the first fugitive
slave law.
Orders were given to all the towns to provide ammunition and arms, and to be ready for prompt action in
case of any alarm, nearly the same regulations being
adopted that have existed twice since, in troublous
1 The fact is not to be concealed that the confederacy was a league
for religion as well as protection; nor could any, according to the preamble to the articles, become members of it unless of the same religious faith. The settlers at Dover and Portsmouth had grievously
offended, and those at Providence were heretical.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       171
times (we refer not to troubles with the Indians, but
to the war of the revolution and to the war of 1812)
in reference to anticipated attacks from a people of
kindred origin.
Laws were enacted forbidding Indians to sell, give,
or lease their property without the consent of government; also forbidding arms, ammunition, canoes, or
horses to be sold to Indians; and thirty men were
ordered by the General Court to be raised with a view
to an expedition against the natives. The number of
men to be raised by each town was, Plymouth seven,
Duxbury five, Scituate five, Taunton three, Sandwich
three, Barnstable three, Yarmouth two, and Marshfield
two. This requisition was made on the basis of the
proportion of relative strength.
Wolves making great depredations upon herds and
flocks, wolf-traps were ordered by the colony court to
be made. It was ordered, that mowers who have taken
excessive wages, i. e., three shillings per day, shall be
presented. Regulations were also made L' for the establishment of military discipline."  It was " ordered, that
the exercise shall always be begun and ended with
prayer; that none shall be admitted but such as are
honest and of good report, freemen approved by a
major part of the company; and that all elected officers shall be titled and forever after retain the title
except as promoted. Liberty was granted to Sandwich, Barnstable, and Yarmouth, to erect military companies under these rules." The thirty men ordered to
be raised "were each to be provided with a musket,
firelock or matchlock, a pair of bandoliers, or pouches
for powder and bullets, a sword and belt, a worm and
scourer, a rest and knapsack." When in service, each
soldier was to receive eighteen shillings per month,




172          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
except "the leader," who was to receive forty shillings.
" Provision was also made for Yarmouth and Barnstable
appointing a place for the defence of themselves, their
wives, and children, in case of sudden assault."
We are left somewhat in the dark in regard to the
reasons for much of the ecclesiastical polity and discipline of the times, and can therefore only give facts
as found on the record. Mr. Joseph Hull, who was
very early at Barnstable, seems to have soon fallen
into disfavor with the government, for (besides some
incidents mentioned in our annals of Barnstable,) the
following appears in the court record, May 7,1643:' It
is ordered, that a warrant shall be directed to the constable at Yarmouth, to apprehend Mr. Joseph Hull, (if
he do either exercise the ministry amongst them, or
administer the seals,) to bring him before the next
magistrate to find sufficient sureties for his appearance
at the next General Court, to answer for his doings,
being an excommunicant."
In 1644, Mr. Edward Winslow was elected governor,
and Mr. Edmund Freeman was continued as assistant.
The project of removing the Plymouth settlement to
Eastham was revived, and Governor Bradford and others were sent to reconnoitre the premises. They having
purchased lands of the sachems of Nauset and Monamoyick, a grant was made to the Plymouth church for
the purpose of a new location. It was finally concluded, however, that a part only, and not the whole
church, should remove, and in April, the new settlement
was commenced by the name of Nauset. Secretary
Morton says that " divers of the considerablest of the
church and town removed," and " the town of Plymouth
was almost deserted." The Cape, therefore, now fur



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        173
nished two of the assistants in the colonial government;
Thomas Prince, who, before his removal to Nauset, had
twice been governor, being this year assistant, an office
which, when not governor, he had held for many years.1
The retailing of spirituous liquors was early subject
to the supervision of the court; and the appointment of
suitable men to engage in this business was generally
recorded on this wise; "June 5, Mr. Anthony Thacher
is licensed to draw wine in Yarmouth, Henry Cobb in
Barnstable, and William Newland in Sandwich."
In August, "Mr. Anthony     Thacher, Mr. Thomas
Howes, and Mr. William Lumpkin, of Yarmouth, were
appointed to lay out the farm land granted to Nathaniel
Sowther, near Billingsgate."
In 1645, Governor Bradford was again in office; also
Mr. Freeman and Mr. Thomas Prince. On account of
difficulties between the French and the government of
Massachusetts, and also on account of the Indians being
charged with breaking their engagements, the commissioners of the United Colonies of New England
were called  together July 25, before their usual
time of meeting. So far as related to the French
difficulty, there appeared no cause for other than
conciliatory action. In reference to the Indians, a
different course seemed to be called for. The state
of the case was this: Miantonimo, sachem of the Narragansetts, had, in 1637, made an agreement with the
government of Massachusetts not to fight with any
1 Among the other prominent men who removed from Plymouth to
Nauset, were John Doane, one of the deacons of the church, Nicholas
Snow, Josiah Cook, Richard Higgins, John Smalley, and Edward
Bangs.




174          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Indians without the consent of the colonies, and particularly not to invade Uncas, the Moheagan sachem. Subsequently, in 1635, there was a tripartite agreement made
at Hartford, between Miantonimo, Uncas, and the English,
in which it was stipulated that those sachems should
not make war on each other for any alleged injuries,
without an appeal to the English. In the spring of
1643, Uncas conceited that an attempt had been made
upon his life by a Pequot, one of his subjects, through
the instigation of Miantonimo. In consequence, the
two sachems came to open war; and though Miantonimo brought nearly a thousand men into the field, he
was defeated by Uncas, and taken prisoner. Uncas
then took advice of the commissioners, at their meeting
in Boston, in September, 1643, and pursuant to their
recolmmendation, put the royal prisoner to death, or,
as Rev. Dr. Increase Mather says, c very fairly cut off
his head."  The Narragansetts were exasperated, and
charged upon both Uncas and the commissioners want
of good faith. These animosities were partially composed by the action of the commissioners at Hartford,
September, 1644, the Narragansett sachems agreeing
that no war should be begun with the Moheagan
sachem or his men, until after the next planting time,
and that before they commenced hostilities they would
give thirty days' notice to the governments of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Hostile movements were
alleged to be in preparation, and now caused the meeting of the commissioners of the United Colonies in Boston. It is said that the Narragansetts had declared they
would have the head of Uncas; and the commissioners
therefore resolved to engage in his defence. It was
determined to raise three hundred men, Massachusetts
to furnish one hundred and ninety, Plymouth Colony




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               175
forty, Connecticut forty, and New Haven thirty.         The
Plymouth quota of forty men, under Captain Standish,
were immediately despatched as far as Rehoboth; but,
in the mean time, the Narragansett sachems arrived in
Boston, to sue for peace, whilst the whole English force
were about advancing.      A treaty was signed August 27,
between the commissioners on the one part, and Pessacus and Mexanno the eldest sons of Canonicus, Jannemo, Wippetmock and others, sagamores of the Narragansetts and Niantics; the Indians being required to
pay two thousand fathoms of wampum, by instalments,
-a tremendous burden and sacrifice for them; —restore to Uncas his captives and canoes; make satisfaction for having destroyed his corn, &c.; and give hostages for perpetual performance of their engagements.1
Judge Davis says, "The commissioners commence their declaration
of proceedings with a consideration'that the Lord and Master is King
of righteousness and peace; that he gives answerable laws, and casts
his subjects into such a mould and frame, that (in their weak measure)
they may hold forth their virtues in their cause and carriage, not only
with the nations of Europe, but with the barbarous natives of the
wilderness.' They proceed to affirm that, accordingly,' both in their
treaties and converse, they have had an awful respect to divine rules,
endeavoring to walk uprightly and inoffensively in the midst of many
injuries and insolencies, to exercise much patience and long-suffering
towards them.' The execution of Miantonimo, while a prisoner," lie
adds, "excites our sympathy. His character was bold and lofty, and,
when compared with that of Uncas, may be said to be prepossessing.
If sad necessity required the sacrifice, there seems a revolting obliquity in the manner of its accomplishment. But with the solemn
views before us which we have recited, we must not indulge in censure."  We wish we could be as charitable in a review of these proceedings. The Plymouth Colony had but little interest at stake in
this matter. as the Narragansetts were remote; but, by the terms of
the union, they must act when called upon by the confederate colonies,
and hence their share in these proceedings, the issue of which is not
yet, as any one who follows the history of that war and the fate of
the Indians, may see.




176           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In the month of August (the 14th) appears a record
of C' soldiers sent out against the Narragansetts in the
late expedition. From Sandwich were Thomas Burges,
Thomas Greenfield, Lawrence Willis, Thomas Johnson,
and Robert Allen, out thirteen days. From Barnstable
were John Foxwell, John Russell, Jonathan Hatch, and
Francis Crocker, fourteen days. And from Yarmouth
were William  Northcoate, William  Twining, Teague
Jones, Henry Wheldon, and William Chase, fourteen
days. All returned September 2, and were discharged.
- There was delivered to each soldier, on going forth,
one pound of powder, three pounds of bullets, and one
pound of tobacco."  "It was ordered by the court,
that each sachem shall hereafter keep within his own
bounds."
The court granted to Mr. Thomas Starr cc fifty acres
of upland in Yarmouth, next to Elder Hoar's or Mr.
Howe's lands at Seshewit, on which side he will so that
it adjoin to one of them, and six acres of meadow lying
in Nobscusset meadows, late William Nicholson's, and
four acres more of meadow on the south side of the
plantation towards the South Sea."  Mr. Richard Callicutt's right of lands at Mattacheese was voided by
order of court, for the use of the colony.
At this time, strange to say, practices existed in some
parts of the colony which made it necessary, in the
opinion of the magistrates, to provide a law against
Inasquerades."
From all the information that can be gathered from
the early records of the Cape towns first settled, respecting the previous occupations of the settlers, it is
evident that they were generally, nay, almost without
exception, agriculturists.  Their subsequent avocations upon the seas were the result of the advantages




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      177
of their location for fishing and for navigation. These
advantages perceived, and no exuberance of soil alluring to their original pursuits in preference, they naturally turned their attention chiefly to those employments that would yield the best reward. Their energy
of character, would have enabled them  to excel in
whatever they might undertake; and once engaging in
maritime pursuits, they rapidly progressed to the commanding eminence that they and their successors have
so long held.
VOL. I.    23




178           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
C IAPTER X.
Customs, Dress, Mode of Living in the early Days of the Colony. - General
Simplicity, Industry, and Economy.
BEFORE proceeding farther in our recital of events,
it may be interesting to glance at some of the peculiarities of the early days of the colony, as respects the
habits and customs of the people, their manner of
dress, their mode of living, and the like.
The common address of men and women was Goodman and Goodwife. None but those who belonged to
some more than ordinarily distinguished family, or held
some office of dignity, were ever complimented. with
the title of Mr. or Mrs. In this matter, the etiquette
was strictly guarded and observed. The distinction
between the Roman patricians and plebeians was not
of greater importance.
The first settlers wore their beards long; and it has
been said that in winter, when exposed, their beards
would sometimes be covered with the frosts of a congealed breath, and even freeze so that expectoration,
for the time being, was inconvenient, and to drink was
difficult. This we can readily conceive. But at a very
early period in the history of New England, the habit
of long beards declined. Governor Leverett (1673) is
the first of any of the governors of New England
whose portrait has been handed down to us without a
beard. He laid it aside in Cromwell's court.
The wearing of long hair was early prohibited. The
sentiment against the practice was very strong in 1649,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             179
and probably then at its height insomuch that, as the
practice was beginning to prevail, an association of distinguished men was thought expedient to annihilate
the new   custom   inz oto: "Forasmuch as the wearing
long hair, after the manner of the Russians and barbarous Indians, has begun to invade New England, contrary to the rule of God's word, and the commendable
custom of all the godly, until within this few years, we,
the magistrates, who have subscribed this paper, (for
the showing of our own innocency in this behalf,) do
declare and manifest our dislike and detestation against
the wearing of such long hair, as against a thing uncivil
and unmanly, whereby men do deform        themselves, and
offend sober and modest men, and        do corrupt good
manners."    Subsequently, grand jurors were in duty
bound, under the laws, to present, and the court to
punish, all such offenders.
The passage in Corinthians censuring a practice becoming prevalent in the apostle's days, had much
weight; that in Leviticus --     Ye shall not round the
corners of your heads" -    was out of sight.    The rule
was, that none must wear their hair below their ears.
Thus "h ave indifferent things," says Hutchinson, " been
in every age condemned as sinful, and placed amongst
the greatest immoralities." 1
1 We are apt to look upon a new fashion as an innovation - something that never before existed. Hence, when it had long been fashionable to shave off the beard, one argued, "Adam had no beard until
after the fall, the pain of shaving having been inflicted as an hereditary
penalty on his posterity, which, in the course of a man's life, shall
make up, by daily instalments, the same aggregate quantity of suffering which women undergo in childbirth." In Don Juan is the same
sentiment.
"Thus, ever since the fall, man, for his sin,
Has had a beard entailed upon his chin."




180              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Tobacco was early prohibited under a penalty, and
the smoke of it compared by learned divines to " the
smoke of the bottomless pit."        But at last some of
the clergy and     other magnates Afell into      the practice of smoking" and by and by " tobacco was set at
liberty."
Periwigs came into use after the restoration in England, but in New England they were " an         eyesore for
thirty years," and the wearing of them        did not generally prevail until about the time of the revolution.
The style of dress, as well as the manner of living,
was much more favorable to health than in nmodern
times, and pulmonary affections were much less frequent than now.       A young person was rarely visited
with consumption.      M[illiners, mantua-makers, fashionable tailors, &c., were     not  much    in  demand.    The
females generally, whether old or young, it has been
said, were content with a homemade flannel gown for
The reasons that have decided the fashion from time to time are as
various as the result of the investigation would be curious. Louis
XIII. and Louis XIV. of France both came to the throne as minors,
and the whole court at once began to shave in compliment to the
young princes. The fashion was thus decreed, and in other countries
even, the sages, as well as the frivolous, acknowledged the force of the
example. If we go farther back, we find that during the early ages
of the commonwealth, the Romans allowed their beards to grow, and
that the custom of shaving was not introduced until the middle of the
fifth century, when, we are told by Livy, barbers were first brought
from Sicily. Again long beards became fashionable during the time
of Hadrian, who, to hide some excrescences on his chin, found his
beard convenient. It is said the ancient philosophers allowed their
beards to grow, less at first through affectation than indifference, but
in time preserved them as a mark of gravity and wisdom. Lucian
mentions one of them, who, being a candidate for a professor's chair,
was considered incompetent to fill it on account of the scantiness of
the honors of his chin.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              181
winter, and wrappers, or shepherdesses, for summer.1
The latter was without a waist, and gathered at the
top.   For occasional "dress," a calico, or calamanco,
(camlet,) or poplin, was enjoyed, the        sleeves short,
reaching only to the elbow, with perhaps ruffles, sometimes ten inches wide.    Long gloves were worn, secured
by "tightens" (not gutta       percha) above the elbow.
These    tightens   were   usually   made    of horse-hair.
Aprons were worn in ordinary dress, made of checked
linen, or cotton checked.     On special occasions, white
aprons of cotton, lawn, or cambric.      Caps were seldom
worn except in full dress, the      strap cap" being worn
chiefly by elderly women, and tied under the chin.
The " round cord cap," leaving the ears exposed, was a
fashionable article of dress.    Both leather and broadcloth  shoes, with   high   wooden     heels covered, and
peaked toes turning up, were worn by females.         Muffs,
1 This style of dress was not simply promotive of health and comfort, but was more becoming than many at the present day would find
it easy to conceive. The healthful appearance and native beauty of
the wearers was not the less apparent because of the opposite of that
expressed in the lines quoted by Seneca from an ancient poet thus
Anglicized:
" A woven wind the married women wear,
And naked in a tissue cloud appear; " -
nor because of the absence of the mysterious arts of personal embellishment which Ovid so feelingly and concisely expresses:
" Women with juice of herbs gray locks disguise,
And art gives color which with nature vies:
The well-wove towers they wear their own are thought,
But only are their own as what they've bought.
They know the use of white to make them fair,
And how with red lost colors to repair:
Imperfect eyebrows they by art can mend,
And skin, when wanting, o'er a scar extend.
Nor need the fair one be ashamed who tries
By art to add new lustre to her eyes." - Congreve.




182            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
of very small dimensions, were also in use. " Masks"
were sometimes used in cold weather, in travelling
abroad. Prunellas and brocades were a luxury not
much indulged for a long time; and when these
were once obtained, they lasted long, being transmitted from mother to daughter through successive generations. Very early the wardrobe of females was
the subject of legislation, and " excess of apparel,
strange new fashions, naked breasts and arms, and pinioned, superfluous ribbons on hair or apparel," were
sufficient to subject the offender to prosecution and
penalties.
The position of the fair sex was clearly defined,
well understood, and readily acquiesced in. Woman, it
may well be supposed, had no voice in the enactment
of the laws; at the same time, we have no evidence
of any complaint being made, or dissatisfaction expressed. It may naturally be supposed that good wives
and daughters readily partook of the husbands' and
fathers' cares, and were from  stern principle, if not
necessity, restrained to great simplicity of dress and
manners. Those, indeed, of the first distinction, were
faithfully occupied in household duties and the superintendence of their families, and the matrons were,
doubtless, generally like the celebrated Cornelia, the
daughter of the great Scipio, and the mother of the
Gracchi, who, when asked to show her jewels, presented
her children - domestic affections triumphing over the
love of parade and dress. The first instance that we
find of woman's assuming to herself any other position,
was that of the case of the celebrated Mrs. Hutchinson.'
1 How far it should be permitted to woman to have an active part
in the administration of church and state affairs, is a question mooted




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                183
The men, old and young, had one good coat and vest,
small-clothes, and fur hat. Old men had also a great
coat and pair of boots. The latter, being well made
of well-tanned leather, lasted for life, and were long,
reaching to the knees.       For every-day wear in winter,
a jacket that reached to the thigh, a striped vest, and
small-clothes of the same material with the jacket, were
in use.   These were made of homespun flannel, colored
at the present day, which we are not disposed, if we dare, here to discuss.  Woman's influence has always been acknowledged.     The
Roman commonwealth itself was not indifferent to her rights. On
one occasion, it is said, an unfounded report was circulated that a decree was about to be passed permitting men to have two wives; and
a deputation of matrons instantly waited on the Senate, to claim an
equal privilege of having two husbands. Woman, it must be conceded, has been found in every enlightened community possessed of a
proper spirit to assert her just and equal rights; and, moving in her
accustomed sphere, her native loveliness has usually been sufficient to
command the profound deference of the lords of creation. Whether
her appropriate sphere should be considered as embracing the largest
freedom claimed by some, we are inclined to think the sex, if the
question were referred to them, would, by an overwhelming majority,
decide correctly. The sage of Stagira relates what is certainly an
interesting case for physiological consideration - that "the common
hen, if she has fought with and vanquished a cock, will immediately
commence crowing, and that even her comb will enlarge, and her
plumage alter to such a degree as to make it difficult to determine to
which sex she really belongs. Even spurs will grow, and her whole
character soon be changed." Some, it is true, have contended that
the successful fighting, and cock-like airs and form, in the case cited,
are only the result of an imperfect development, and that the principle
involved, as applied to the higher order of animals, especially to that
class which Plato has pronounced " a featherless fowl," therefore fails.
Be this as it may, we confess we should have some fear of the results
of diversity of views between husband and wife in a heated political
canvass; for the sentiment of Tacitus, we suppose, is the result of sage
observation - "acerrime proximorum odia" - the quarrels of near
friends are most violent.




184           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
in the thread, and fulled at the mill, not sheared.
Flannel shirts, knit woollen stockings, and thick leather
shoes, made up the complement. A silk handkerchief
was sported on holidays. For summer, wide trousers,
reaching half way from the knee to the ankle, were
common; but in warm weather, shoes and stockings
were not needed on the farm. Boys were put into
small-clothes as soon as they left their petticoats, and
the material for their dresses was, for common attire,
of home-manufactured cloth; for meeting dress, of
everlasting. The eldest son would be served with a suit
of the latter clothe and, when he had outgrown them,
the next succeeded to the suit, and so down to the
youngest - and of boys in a family there was a good
supply. When trousers were introduced, they were,
for ordinary, made either of tow cloth, linen, or cotton
for summer use, and woollen for winter. Young men
would have been thought effeminate, had they worn
overcoats. A writer familiar with later times says, " I
remember that a neighbor of my father provided his
four sons, between nineteen and thirty years of age,
one with a pair of boots, the second with a surtout, the
third with a watch, and the fourth with a pair of silver
shoe-buckles. It created a neighborhood talk, and the
family were considered in the high road to insolvency."
Willis, in his History of Portland, in referring to a family of note that removed early to Maine from the Cape,
says, "It may be something to show the style of an
early day, to describe the dress of Joshua when he
went'a courting' in 1750, as given by himself and Mr.
Isaac Ilsley. Joshua wore a full-bottomed wig and
cocked hat, scarlet coat and small-clothes, white vest
and stockings, shoes and buckles, and two watches, one
on each side. That surpasses any foppery of the pres



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             185
ent day. The wearer of that dress was then twenty
years of age."'
The meals, in those days, were frugal, the course at
dinner being, in winter, ordinarily, first, " porridge,"a broth, with a few    beans thrown in, and seasoned;
second, an Indian pudding, with sauce; and third, boiled
pork and beef, with potatoes and pumplin.         Suppers
and breakfasts were usually alike -    milk with toasted
bread in it, or sweetened cider, hot in winter, with
bread and cheese.     On " Sabbath mornings," they indulged in chocolate or tea, the first sweetened with
molasses, the tea with brown sugar, and the concomitants were pancakes, doughnuts, brown toast, or pie.
They had no Sunday dinners until "both meetings"
were over - but then the intermission was short; after
meetings, a spare-rib, a stew-pie or roast beef, goose,
chicken or turkey, made up the repast, with a few et
ceteras. In spring, summer, and autumn, bread and milk
constituted the principal breakfast and supper.       The
chief exception to the above bill of fare was fish, which
in its varieties was abundant.
The new ploughed ground was always, some part of it,
sown with wheat, which was used in various ways; and
1 All this was a wide departure from the simplicity of the early
days of the colony. The eighteenth century showed great progress
in the style of dress, as in many other things. Before the time of the
revolutionary war most of the customs of the old world were here in
vogue. Even dancing began to be practised; the etiquette of the
toilet became extended and expensive, and even jewelry was in demand. The three-cornered hat, the white-topped boots, the silver or
gold knee-buckles, the bosom and wrist ruffles, the fine silk stockings,
&c., marked the gentleman; the superb head-dress, the silks and
satins with long waists, the long white kid gloves, the circumambient
hoop, the gold beads, the high-heeled shoes, &c., were the outward
adornments of the lady.
VOL. I.       24




186           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
when broken, or, in later times, ground, the meal was
not bolted, but simply passed through the sieve. But
we are told," the chiefest corn they planted at first was
Indian grain, before they had ploughs; and let no man
make a jest at pumpkins, for with this food the Lord
was pleased to feed his people to their good content
till corn and cattle were increased."  The corn, before
mills were provided, was pounded in a mortar, usually
with a wooden or stone pestle. The mortar used was
generally a large log, hollowed at one end. Barley
supplied malt for beer.
The first houses had steep roofs, generally thatched.
The fireplaces were so large that children might sit
within the corners, and look out in the evening at the
stars, through the chimney, if they would. The fuel,
being abundant, was used in large quantities; logs four
feet long and several feet in circumference, which required all the strength of a strong man to roll them in,
were placed back, a forestick of corresponding dinensions wvas laid in front, and smaller wood was then
filled in and heaped up, a plenty of light wood or c fat
pine," being at hand to revive the fire and in the evening to keep up a bright and pleasant light. Oil or
candles were used only occasionally. The hearth was
of large flat stones similar to those used for sidewalks
now. The fireplaces were constructed of stone, and
sometimes the chimneys of layers of wood, notched at
the crossings, the interstices filled in with clay and the
whole interior plastered with the same.
The floors were always cleanly white from frequent
washing, and were nicely protected by a fine, washed,
white sand. The immense andirons, with hooks to
receive the spit holding over the dripping pan the
roast, enabled the housewife to furnish, with the aid of




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       187
frequent turning and basting, a dish that the epicure
now covets in vain. Roasts wzere theM roasts.
In a few years, houses of better construction began
to appear -two stories in front, the roof in the rear
sloped down to within six feet of the ground. The
windows were supplied with hinges, opening outwards,
and were quite small. The glass was in the diamond
shape, and set in sashes of lead. The dwelling houses
were always so placed as to front to the south, without
regard to the street or road, and the house thus uniformly served for a dial.
Like Tanaquil, —sometimes designated as Caia, —
the wife of one of the ancient kings, so remarkable for
her devotion to domestic duties that her distaff was
preserved in Rome for ages as a sacred relic, and her
example handed down to posterity as a pattern of
housewifery, the matrons of those days exhibited, and
taught their daughters to practise that which is so
highly commended by the wise man: "She seeketh
wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
She layeth her hand to the spindle, and her hands hold
the distaff"  Home was the scene of domestic industry,
quiet, peace, and happiness. "Her husband is known
in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the
land," or " Domitn zmasit, lanccm fecit," might well have
been the encomium uttered in respect to many- ay,
in reference to females generally, whose industry and
skill provided ample comfort for all around them.
Every body went to "meeting" in those days, however
distant they resided from the place for public worship.
Those who owned horses held them as justly liable to
Thus not unaptly translated:
" She keepit close the hous, and birlet at the wheel." - Gawain Hamilton.




188            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
do service for any of the neighbors on' meeting days,"
and it was no unusual thing for the owner and his wife,
the one on a saddle and the other on a pillion, with
perhaps a little boy or girl before the man and an infant in the woman's lap, to ride half way to the place
of worship, and then to dismount, on arriving at'G the
halfway block," and hitch the horse for the neighbors
who set out on foot, walking themselves the rest of the
way.' Young men and maidens rarely thought of riding to meeting, even though the distance might be six
or ten miles. " Horse blocks" were always placed near
the   n meeting house," as well as near their dwellings,
and at convenient stations, and were as indispensable
as the well-pole and the oaken-bucket.    Horses were
all accustomed to pace, that they might carry the rider
gently. The almost universal mode of travelling was
on horseback, and long journeys were thus made.
The duty of the sexton then required that he should
attend to the turning of the hour-glass. It was to be
turned at the commencement of the sermon, and the
minister was expected to close his sermon at the end
of the hour. If he either exceeded or fell short of that
time, it was alike regarded as furnishing just cause of
complaint.
By order of the General Court, corns and beans were
used in voting, the corns representing the ayes, and the
beans the nays.   A heavy penalty was imposed if any
individual put into the box more than one.   The can1 Chaises, or such like vehicles, were then unknown. Travelling
in stage-coaches was hardly dreamed of. The rapid rounding of a
corner by a driver with "four in hand," his horn announcing in advance the "arrival of the mail," was an exploit reserved for a far
distant day. The roads, as may well be supposed, were still susceptible of some improvement.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       189
didates nominated were, of course, voted for separately
until one was elected.
In illustration of the unsophisticated frankness and
simplicity of the times, an anecdote which is doubtless
familiar to all, has been related of the adventures of
two notables of the Plymouth Colony - the result of
their occasional business excursions to the Cape. Both
gentlemen were frequently here, dispensing their good
offices in the settlement of boundaries and the composing of difficulties of one kind or another; but, we
confess, there are circumstances that quite incline us to
the belief that the anecdote may be apocryphal: nevertheless, as we do not feel that it is any part of our
mission to question too minutely long-received and
universally-admitted data of this kind involving nothing absolutely essential to Cape Cod history, we give
the facts as they have been handed down When John
Alden (a magistrate of Plymouth Colony, and one of
the first company settled at Plymouth) was commissioned by his friend, Captain Miles Standish, for an
errand which Standish had not the courage to undertake in person, viz., to make proposals of marriage to
Miss Priscilla Mullens of Barnstable, -it is said, the
young woman replied with perfect naivee6, perhaps
simplicity, G Prithee, John, why dost thou not ask for
thyself?"  It may have been leap year; but, be that
as it may, however much Alden may have been taken
by surprise, the depths of his very soul seem to have
been stirred by what he concluded was an intimation
from the lips of the beautiful girl of a decided preference for himself. At all events, he married her, to
the chagrin of Standish; and from that union have
descended illstrissimi vii, of -whom were two presidents of the United States.




190              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
And here, speaking of the fair Priscilla, we may as
well say (for the fact is too important to be omitted,
and must be said somewhere in our annals of the Cape)
the girls of Cape Cod have not deteriorated in their
sprightliness  and personal charms since the         time of
Miss Mullens.1
1 It is true, the Rev. Dr. B......, in an account of his visit in 1850
to different towns in this county, seems to conflict somewhat with this
statement; nevertheless, as the testimony that he volunteers, although
a little defective, as we think, in not being so emphatic as it should
have been, in reference to those of Miss Priscilla's sex, is generally
accurate, and as such worthy of a place here, we shall venture
to insert it. In fact, we do it the more readily, because, when it
comes to be analyzed, we think it will be pronounced high praise,
though indirectly, of the gentler sex; for to commend the children is
to commend the mothers. We hope the reader will be strongly impressed with the idea that it is this consideration alone that induces
the reference to the reverend doctor's testimony, and that the credit
will be charitably awarded us of being in no degree influenced by the
paltry feeling of vanity. Should any, however, enviously refuse so
charitable a construction, and think, in the language of Swift, who
was too apt to be severe,"'Tis an old maxim in the schools,
That vanity's the food of fools," -
we may then be obliged to retort, in continuation of the dean's satire,"Yet, now and then, you men of wit
Will condescend to take a bit."
But, really, we are a long time in coming to the remarks of that
accurate observer of men and things, the reverend doctor. It is,
reader, because -we feel somewhat embarrassed by their. overwhelming truthfulness. And now, making one bold push, we clip
from  his "editorial correspondence in the New York Christian
Inquirer" the valuable morceau; here it is: "The audience on this
occasion was a large, attentive, and good-looking one. The Cape
people are in person a fine race; the children are peculiarly handsome, with well-cut, regular features. We will not profess to have
seen much female beauty, (it is rare every where,) but the men, in




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              191
Tradition says, that at the time of Mr. Alden's marriage excursion, there was a destitution of horses and
travelling equipage in the colony, and that it was not
uncommon for oxen or bulls to supply the place. Mr.
Alden went from      Plymouth to Barnstable, riding on
the back of a bull, with a piece of handsome broadcloth
for a saddle, and, on his return, his bride wvas seated on
the same, the happy bridegroom leading the bull carefully by a cord fastened to the nose-ring.
frame and features, are a handsome race-tall, straight, full, and
with the ground of what would be called an aristocratic appearance.
We see where the Otises, the Quincys, the Thatchers, got their
noble looks. Whether it is that the English race has intermingled
less with others here than in other parts of Massachusetts, or on
account of the climate, or because the calling of the men makes them
acquainted with the world, and so fashions them, we will not guess;
but we think Cape Cod has given some of the finest faces and forms
to New England."  The "audience," candor requires us to say, was
in Barnstable.




192             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAPTER XI
Progress of the Colony. - Toleration. - Municipal Regulations. -Extension
of Settlements on the Cape.- Witchcraft. - Long Hair and Beards.Society in England for propagating the Gospel among the Indians. -,Watch over the Churches. - Fisheries. - Civil and Moral Delinquencies.
-Preparations for War. - Severities towards the Quakers. - Remarkable Events.
IN 1646 Governor Bradford was reelectedl and Mr.
Thomas Prince as assistant, as was also Mr. Edmund
Freeman of Sandwich for the seventh tine.        NAUSET
was now    incorporated as a township.     And it was
ordered by the Colony Court that every town within
the government shall have a clerk to keep a register
of marriages, births, and burials.
A  movement on the part of certain persons disaffected on account of the want of toleration, was
supported by numbers of the deputies, but was overruled  by the governor.      To  their honor it is recorded, that they    asked the court "to     allow  and
maintain  full and free tolerance of religion     to  all
men that would preserve the civil peace and submit to government."     Mr. Edward Winslow wrote to
Governor Winthrop, of Massachusetts, "How         sweet
this carrion relished to the palate of most of the
deputies!"   A similar effort was made simultaneously
in the Massachusetts Colony. It is pleasant, at this
day, to look back and see the spirit of true      Christian  liberty thus   early exhibited, even    though  it
was destined    to  be  for a, time    discouraged  and




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              193
crushed.l   Who will now     say that the prayer of the
discontented was not most reasonable?       They asserted
most truly, that the fundamental laws of England were
not acknowledged by the colony as the basis of government, according to patent; that the exclusion from civil
privileges of those of good life and principles, because
they might not coincide in their religious views with the
dominant sect, and the denial to them    of religious privileges, even to those who were members of the Church
of England, was a violation of their rights as good citizens.   They asked for civil liberty and religious freedom for all not scandalous in their lives and conversation; or that, if this was refused, they might be freed
from  the heavy taxes imposed upon them          and from
impressment.    The time, however, had not yet come
when they might be disenthralled.         Still, we say, it
speaks well for the colony that there were some, and
even a majority, of the deputies, who did "r elish" the
proposition which the governor found it necessary, by
an arbitrary act, to suppress. It is a gleam of light,
Judge Davis says, " Upon examination of the views of the'discontented persons,' they do not appear so malignant or unreasonable
as they were esteemed when they were in agitation." The " heresy"
which Roger Williams had been charged with in Salem, in 1634, and
which, it was averred, was as seditious as heretical, "tending equally
to sap the foundations of the establishment in church and state," and
for which he was banished to seek the hospitality of savages in the
wilderness, was, says Bancroft, asserting "that the civil magistrate
should restrain crime, but never control opinion; should punish guilt,
but never violate the freedom of the soul."  Mr. Williams was settled
in Salem, April 12, 1631, as teaching elder, in connection with Mr.
Shelton; on which occasion " a letter of reproof was written from the
court in Boston, to Mr. Endicott. The court marvelled that the people would choose Mr. Williams without advising with the council."
Winthrop.-" The persecution  was then   already  commenced."
Bentley.
VOL. I.       25




194            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
radiating through the darkness of those early times,
that augured well for the future, and its redeeming
influence is grateful to the heart of the descendants of
men who supported the measure.        The strength which
so just a measure had already acquired may be judged
from the fact that intolerance was made to tremble for
the result.l Mr. Winslow, as if anticipating its ultimate
triumph, says, If God have such a judlcdgment for this
place, [colony,] I trust we shall find a resting place
amongst you, [the Massachusetts Colony,] for the soles
of our feet."   It is truly painful to contemplate the
intolerance that reigned supreme at that time, especially
in Massachusetts, interdicting, if not persecuting, all
who dissented in the least from    the popular faith and
church   polity.  If some now     retired from   office, or
were superseded, particularly in the magistracy, it
may be presumed they were not sufficiently practicable.
Jealousy and mistrust prevailed. The "factious and
turbulent " must be subdued; and greater caution must
be exercised in regard to the views of such as are to
be placed    in  authority; for, notwithstanding    every
precaution hitherto, there had from    the first been an
infusion of settlers whose views were not strictly in
sympathy with the exclusiveness that now prevailed.
How far any portion of the Cape partook of a spirit of
1 This movement was made first in the Plymouth Colony, in the
month of October of the previous year. How it was opposed in the
Massachusetts Colony, the histories of that day sufficiently attest. It
were a long story to tell - how the petitioners were summoned to
court, put under bonds, fined for "seditious proceedings," watched and
even imprisoned lest they should leave for England to advocate the
cause of the petition, their trunks searched for documents designed to
be sent in support of their complaints, papers seized, &c. The movement has been charged with being " a formidable league for the
advancement of religious freedom."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.     195
liberality inconsistent with the age, the succession of
events may enable the reader to determine.
The court record this year contains a memorandum,
that "something be done to maintain the liberty of
the churches without intermeddling or wronging each
other."
It was also ordered, "that when the inhabitants of
Sandwich have paid a debt of seventeen or eighteen
pounds owing to the old company, and paid the charge
and purchase of their township, or such a sum as Mr.
Thomas Prince and Captain Miles Standish shall agree
upon, then the committees or undertakers shall yield
up the land undisposed of, to the town, to be given
forth and disposed by such persons as the town shall appoint; and that every inhabitant having lands granted
him shall contribute proportionably to the said payment." It was further " ordered, that the committees
of every town shall send the names of all their
males from sixteen years of age to sixty, to the
governor."
The following table of excise shows the rates agreed
upon by the court:Liberty to strangers to fish at the Cape, 5s. per share.
Spanish wine, drawn by retail, 8cl. per gallon.
French wine,      "    "  4d. per gallon.
Beer,         "    "   C  2s. per hogshead.
Strong water,  "  "    " 18d. per gallon.
Oil,          "    "   "   Id. per gallon.
Tobacco, Id. per pound."
The year 1647 furnishes no very notable event as
connected with the Cape. Mr. Prince, who was again
assistant, was associated with Mr. Anthony Thacher, by




196          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
appointment of the General Court, to try the case of
"Nepoytam, Sachamus, and Felix"- Indians against
whom complaint had been made by Mr. Richard Sears,
of Yarmouth; and the town of Sandwich was "presented for not training the year past."
An epidemic is represented to have passed through
the entire continent, prostrating English, French, Dutch,
and Indians before it. To what extent its influence
was felt on the Cape, we have no means of determining: but from a remark made in connection with this
event in regard to St. Christopher's and Barbadoes,
where there was great drought and the prevailing
sickness was very fatal, we learn that  S New England
produce was in great demand;" from which it would
appear that exports from the colonies were already a
matter of consequence.
Some progress had now already been made in extending the Nauset and other settlements, both in the
direction of the Cape Cod harbor and over the tract
lying between Eastham and Yarmouth. Previous to
the emigration to Nauset, all the territory below that
part of Yarmouth since called Dennis was in the
sole possession of the natives. Now, instances were
becoming very frequent of those previously settlers in
the several towns in the neighborhood planting themselves on this tract, and others were beginning to come
in from Plymouth and towns more remote.
In 1648, the government continuing in the same
hands, we find Captain Standish authorized by the
court "to hear and end all differences remaining in the
town of Yarmouth;" and, he attending to the duty
assigned, action was had in relation to lands, in behalf
of " Thomas Payne, Mr. Hawes, Mr. Thacher, Mr. Howes,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      197
Mr. Crow, Robt. Dennis, Thos. Flawne, Rd. Templar,
Goodman Clarke, And. Hallott,.Mr. Nickerson, John
Darby, and Rd. Hoar."  Mention is made also, incidentally, in this connection, of "Goodman Chase, Wm.
Chase, Peter Worden, Mr. Gray, Edwd. Sturgis, Gabriel
Wheildin, Mr. Matthews, the late Thos. Hatch, Mr.
Lumkins, Goodman Prichards, Thos. Burman, and Mr.
Simkins." It was also " ordered by the court, that Mr.
Miller be sufficiently accommodated."  And "it was
agreed, May 15, by Captain Standish, Mr. Crow, Mr.
Thacher, and Mr. Howes, the committees of this plantation of Yarmouth, and Rd. Hoar, Mr. Hawes, Winm.
Nicorsone, Wm. Palmer, and Rt. Dennis, in the behalf
of the town, that Mr.' Staare, Wm. Nichorsone, and Rt.
Dennis shall be joined to the committees for the present
year, and thence after by the town; they have liberty
to choose other three to the committees aforesaid, so
that the committees shall not hereafter dispose of any
lands without the consent of those three, or two of
them; and if any difference arise which they cannot
compose themselves, they shall repair to Captain Standish for direction." It was further "agreed, that the
town shall enjoy and possess the neck called Nobscusset,
als. Sasuit Neck."
Mr. Thomas Dexter, Jr., miller at Sandwich, was
"presented for not having a toll-dish sealed according
to order," but "was cleared." It would seem, from
this incident, that mills were already in existence in
other places than Plymouth for the grinding of corn,
although the first mention made of any mill in the
colony was in 1633, when Stephen Deane was allowed
to erect a water mill in Plymouth "for beating corn,"
and it was provided that, " in case the said Stephen can
beat all the corn that is or shall be used in the colony,




198             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
it shall not be lawful for any other to set up a work of
that kind except it be for his own use, or freely without toll or any other consideration whatsoever to give
leave to others to make use of the same."
The present year also records the. first instance of a
public execution for witchcraft in New England. It
was that of a woman in Charlestown.       The husband of
the woman, after the execution, having taken passage
for Barbadoes in a vessel well ballasted but with eighty
horses on board, the vessel was observed to roll, and
the man was apprehended and committed to prison;
after which the ship     ceased rolling.   Such was the
credulity and infatuation of the times.     Happy would
it have been if this were the only instance of it! But
the delusion was not confined to New England, as the
history of Lord Chief Justice Hale and other distinguished jurists in England, shows.      We know     of no
instance of it on the Cape, we are happy to say,
although the contagion seems to have been endemical many years in some other parts of the country.
In  one case, where     a woman was condemned and
executed, the infatuation of the populace was so great
that " search was made on her body for teats, and in
her chests and boxes for puppets and images."1 But as
1 A treatise on the nature of witchcraft (published by Rev. John
Hale, pastor in Beverly, with a preface by Rev. John Higginson,
pastor in Salem, who represents himself as then, 1697, eighty-two
years of age, and daily waiting for his change) discusses the subject
with much candor, after the subsidence of the delusion, and says,
" There was a searching of the bodies of the suspected for such like
teats, or spots, which writers speak of, called the devil's marks; and,
if found, these were accounted a presumption, at least, of guilt in
those who had them." Even the good Tertullian was quoted to prove
the reality of the devil's mark, he having said, fourteen hundred years
before, (quite innocent of any design to furnish testimony for such use




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              199
this shocking delusion did not at any time extend to
the people of this county, we will not annoy the reader
by any further mention of its disgusting details and
sad results.   To say that it did not extend         to the
Plymouth Colony at all, would not be consistent with
the facts in the case. But it is worthy of remark, to
the honor of the common sense of the people of the
colony, that the course pursued in regard to it was
governed    by the   evidence, and    not by superstitious
prejudice.   There were     at least two cases, and      the
record does credit to the men by whom           justice was
administered.    The first occurred in 1660, when Dinah
Sylvester, of Scituate, accused     the  wife   of William
Holmes.    An examination was held, and Dinah, being
present as a witness, was asked by the court, " What
evidence have you of the fact that William         Holmes's
wife is a witch?"     She replied, "She appeared to me
as such."   On being asked, "In what shape did she
in after times,) " It's the devil's custom to mark his." The impression
was, that these marks were " teats sucked by imps." These marks,
says Mr. Hale, were " sometimes but a bluish spot, sometimes a red
one, and sometimes the flesh sunk."  He says, sometimes raw sores
were shown, where it was said the imps sucked. The mark of one
was found upon the head; and Mr. Hale says, "I saw the sore place,
and there was nothing to make it differ from another sore coming by
natural causes. Another had the devil's mark upon her leg, which
was a blue spot as broad as a shilling; her husband testified that he
saw the spot, but little suspected it to be the devil's mark."  Mr. Hale
also testifies, " The quality of several of the accused was such as did
bespeak better things, and'things that accompany salvation' — persons whose blameless and holy lives before did testify for them." Mr.
Hale acknowledges he had favored this delusion, and remarks, "It is
an approved saying, Nihil certius, quam quod ex dubio fit certum: No
truth more certain to a man than that which he hath formerly doubted
or denied and is recovered from his error by the convincing evidence
of Scripture and reason."  Hale's Modest Enquiry



200          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
appear?" the answer was, "In the shape of a bear."
To the question, "How far off was the bear?" she
replied, "About a stone's throw from the highway."
Another interrogatory was, What manner of tail had
the bear?" to which it was replied, "I cannot tell, as
his head was towards me." The court then " ordered,
that the examination be recorded for the clearing of
the accused, and that the accuser be publicly whipped
or else pay the sum of five pounds; but in case she
make a public acknowledgment of her crime, she shall
only pay William Holmes the charge he has been at."
The acknowledgment was made, that " the accusation
was false and malicious."  The other case was that of
Mary Ingraham, tried for witchcraft in 1676, and
promptly acquitted by the jury.
" The delusion" in regard to witchcraft, it has been
said, in palliation of the infirmity of the early settlers,
"they brought with them from the mother country.
Laws making witchcraft a capital offence existed in
England."
In 1649, Mr. Prince, of Nauset, was again assistant
to Governor Bradford. Selectmen were first chosen
this year; and this was also the era of the rule in New
England, that none should wear "the hair on their
heads below the ears:" the mania, however, against
long hair, whiskers, and beards, did not, so far as we
can discover, extend itself in the same degree in the
Plymouth Colony as in the Massachusetts; nor did it,
as we are aware, affect the Cape at all except as a
matter of fashion. How it was with tobacco, which,
a few years before, was prohibited under a heavy
penalty, we are not able to say.
The act of Parliament " for promoting and propa



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               201
gating the gospel among the Indians of New England"
was passed July 27.       Sixteen good men were constituted   a corporation, with    a president, treasurer, and
assistants.   By the same Parliament, the commissioners for the United Colonies had power and authority
given to receive and dispose of all moneys collected
by the society or appropriated to its use, for the
furtherance and advancement of the good work.l
In 1650, Mr. Prince, of Nauset, was again assistant
to Governor Bradford.       A  strict watch was kept over
the churches by the magistracy. No church could be
gathered without the permission of the magistrates,
1 One great end professedly had in view in planting the colonies,
and the obligations so particularly expressed in the Massachusetts
charter, - viz., " to incite the natives of the country to the knowledge
and obedience of the only true God and Saviour of mankind, and the
Christian faith," -had, it was felt by many, been too much and too
long neglected. Such was the feeling of not a few in the colonies,
and of many in England. Even the Indians asked how it happened
that Christianity was so important, and yet for six and twenty years
together the English had said nothing to them about it. The personal
efforts and success of Rev. John Eliot, commencing in 1646, had been
reported in England, and had excited much attention. An address
was presented to Parliament, calling for "countenance and assistance
in propagating the gospel in America, that the present generation
may be the happy instruments of effecting those oft-repeated promises of God, in making all nations blessed by the coming of Christ,
and by sending his word to all lands." By authority of the act passed,
a collection was made in all the parishes of England, which collection,
being very large, yielded an interest of about six hundred pounds per
annum. The churches here also contributed. After the restoration,
a new charter was obtained for this society from King Charles II.
The exertions of the society in England and the efforts of- the benevolent who aided their designs, seem to have been ineffectual, except in
some limited and transient degree. The race appear to have been
destined to extinction.
VOL. I.        26




202             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
and any minister preaching without their approbation
was liable to a penalty.   Mr. MATTHEWS thus offended,
and was fined ten pounds.    In regard to Mr. Matthews,
it may be an act of simple justice here to state that
accounts are somewhat conflicting.    Some will have it
that he was not simply through inadvertence officiating
without having first secured the approbation of the
magistrates, but was suspected of unsoundness in his
doctrinal views, and, it is even intimated, was not duly
qualified in other respects.  A very clever writer, Rev.
E. H. Sears, in an olden-time view of Yarmouth, refers
to the congregation assembled for public worship, and
says,' They sit in their plain and neat attire, under
Marmaduke Matthews, who measures out his sermon to
them by the hour-glass. The sexton turns the glass
when the sermon begins, and the preacher must keep
on till the sand runs out, whether his idea~ have run
out or not.  It is not a very difficult rule, however, for
Father Matthews who is said to have used words without much reference to thoughts, and to have been
called to account by his brethren for preaching heresy
when he was not aware of it." 1      Mr. Matthews, it is
certain, was not the only minister complained of for
daring to preach without being sent by the magistrates'
approbation.
1 Mr. Matthews has been represented by some of his contemporaries as "weak and eccentric;" but we are inclined to think the weakness was mere artless simplicity, and the eccentricity the frankness
of a man void of all subtlety. Governor Winthrop speaks of him as
"a godly minister." Ie came over in 1638, and was early in Yarmouth - the first minister settled there. He probably left immediately after the imposition of the fine, since we find him the same year
in Hull, then at Malden, and finally, in 1692, at Cape May. He was
succeeded in Yarmouth by Rev. John Millar.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            203
In the month of October, the permission formerly
given to John Stone, of Hull, to make use of lands at
Cape Cod for bass fishing, was withdrawn by the court;
and leave was granted "to Mr. Thos. Prince, Captain
Miles Standish, and Mr. Wm. Paddy, with such others
of Plymouth, Duxbury, and Nawsett, as shall join with
them, -they to make use of any lands, creeks, timber,
&c., upon the Cape land, in such convenient places as
they shall choose," for the said fishing purposes.
In 1651, Mr. Prince was again assistant to Governor
William Bradford; and the court ordered that the town
of Nauset be henceforth known and called by the name
of EASTHAM.
It was also ordered by the court, that " if any lazy,
slothful, or profane persons, in any of the towns, neglect to attend public worship, they shall pay for each
offence ten shillings or be publicly whipped."'
The town of Barnstable was presented for not contributing to build Eel River Bridge, that town, with
Sandwich and Yarmouth, being required to aid in
building it. These several towns seem to have considered the exaction    as unreasonable, and therefore
resisted.  They very naturally supposed that the convenience of the bridge in Plymouth was quite as much
a matter of interest with the people of Plymouth as
The reader cannot fail to notice the peculiarity of expression in
this enactment, intended by implication to reach beyond fines and corporal punishment. For whatever cause the only tolerated public
worship was disesteemed; those who desired a better way were to be
regarded henceforth as the " lazy, slothful, or profane," per consequentiam. It reminds one of the proposed legislation in another colony,
which placed "the use of the Book of Common Prayer" in the same
category with atrocious crimes.




204            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
with the people on the Cape, and that, whilst it afforded
daily facilities for the inhabitants of that town, and was
of general public advantage, enabling the people of the
towns above, as well as those of Plymouth, to pass
down to the Cape without fording the stream, the expense should be borne at least equally by the colonists
generally, if not entirely by the town of Plymouth,
and not imposed in unequal proportion upon the remoter towns of Sandwich, Barnstable, and Yarmouth.
But Plymouth influence was at this time paramount,
and the Cape towns must submit.
Ralph Allen, Sen. and Richard Kerby, of Sandwich,
were bound over cc to answer for deriding and vilifying
speeches of and concerning God's word and ordinances"
- twenty pounds each, with two sureties each in the
sum of ten pounds.    Presentments were also made of
Ralph Allen, Sen. and wife, George Allen and wife,
William  Allen, Richard Kerby, Peter Gaunt and wife,
Rose Newland, Edmund Freeman, Sen. and wife, Goodwife Turner, and widow    Knott, all of Sandwich,' for
not frequenting the public worship of God, contrary to
order made June 6 of the present year."1
For the following year, 1652, Mr. Prince, of Eastham,
was continued assistant, and the court performed its
ordinary amount of business in regulating the morals
1 The key to the special legislation of the preceding General Court.
In the annals of Sandwich it may be seen that Rev. Mr. Leverich
had felt himself insecure of the position due to the dignity of his
office -so early and to such an extent did religious dissensions begin
every where to be exhibited. These persons had all a high respect
for divine ordinances, but also for religious freedom and unfettered
thought. They were supporters of their pastor, but not partial to
the inspiration and gifts of those who would supplant him.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        205
and correcting the municipal deficiencies of the several
towns. The Cape received its proper share of these
attentions, Sandwich being presented "for not having a
full supply of powder," and fined; Ralph Allen, Sen.
and Richard Kerby, of Sandwich, presented " for speaking deridingly against God's word and ordinances,"'
sentenced to pay five pounds each, or be whipped; the
wife of Tristram Hull, of Barnstable, "for interfering
with the service of a domestic in Mr. Samuel Mayo's
family," warned to desist, and carry herself better for
the future; and a citizen of Barnstable was presented
" for having a child by his wife five weeks and four
days before the ordinary time of women after marriage;" as also a citizen of Sandwich, for allowing a
larger margin, the birth occurring only 1 thirty weeks
after marriage."  Besides all this, "rumors" having
reached the General Court, "of a scandal that is
laid on the government by Mr. Millar of Yarmouth,
publicly delivered," the jury was directed to make
due inquiry, "to vindicate the colony."2   Moreover,
"Sandwich and Mattakeese, alias Yarmouth, were presented for not building the bridge over Eel River."
Complaint also being   made " that the   lower way
between Sandwich and Barnstable was interrupted,"
Mr. Prince and Captain Standish were ordered to illlpanel a jury, " to lay out as conveniently as they can
a country road-unless the town of Barnstable will
themselves allow it for a highway." The same gentleI These and similar charges must, in justice to the accused, be
received with much allowance for the construction put upon the least
dissent from the dogmas of the day or the prophesyings of bigotry
and self-conceit.
2 Rev. John Millar, who succeeded Mr. Matthews in Yarmouth,
had, says Dr. Cotton Mather, been previously settled at Rowley.




206          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
men were ordered to impanel a jury to lay out the
most convenient way from  Sandwich to Plymouth;
and Mr. Prince of Eastham, Mr. Howes of Yarmouth,
John Chipman of Barnstable, and Richard Bourne of
Sandwich, were appointed to receive from these several
towns " the oil of the country."
The jurors appointed February 24, to lay out the
most convenient way from Sandwich to Plymouth, were
"Ant. Thacher, Thos. Dexter, Thos. Hinckley, Win.
Hedge, Edward Bangs, Joseph Rogers, John Wing,
John Ellis, Henry Dillingham, James Skiff, John Finney, Jona. Hatch, and Wm. Bassett."  This jury, impanelled ~by Mr. Prince, proceeded to the duty the 27th
of February, and reported: " Beginning at Sandwich,
and so leaving Goodman Black's house on the right
hand, running across the swamp, over the river,
and so on a nor-north-west line falling upon Eel
River," &c.
Captain Standish was appointed to rectify the bounds
between Sandwich and Barnstable; and an order was
passed by the court, that's no Indians shall carry any
burdens on the Lord's day."
The court also, in December, directed the several
towns to send deputies to meet the magistrates, April
1, 1653, " to treat and conclude on such military affairs
as, through God's blessing, may probably tend to our
present and future safety," in consequence of variances between England and Holland. Sandwich sent
James Skiff; Yarmouth, Sergeant Rider and John
Gorham; Barnstable, Lieutenant Fuller and Sergeant
Thomas Hinckley; Eastham, John Doane and Richard
Sparrow.
This was the year of the first coinage of money in
New England; the coins were issued in Massachusetts.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      207
No other colony ever attempted it, although the
Massachusetts coins-shillings, sixpences, and threepennies-with the impress of Nev Englcand on the
one side and XII., VI., or III. on the other, as first
struck,.and afterwards of JMcassachusetts and a tree in
the centre on one side within a double ring, and
New England and the year of our Lord 1652 on the other
side - were freely circulated every where. The same
date was continued on all struck for thirty years
after. A great amount was coined, and its purity
maintained. To the mint master was allowed for his
services fifteen pence out of every twenty shillings;
and he realized a large fortune from so advantageous a
contract.
In 1653, the same government prevailed as in the
year previous.
The court having passed an order the December
previous for a convention of military men, James
Skiffe of Sandwich, Sergeant Rider and John Gorum
of Yarmouth, Lieutenant Fuller and Sergeant Hinckley
of Barnstable, and John Doane and Richard Sparrow
of Eastham, met April 6, at Plymouth, with delegates
from the other towns in the colony, "to agree on military affairs;" and, May 12, sixty men were ordered by
the court to be raised, agreeably to a requisition from
the council of war. Sandwich was to furnish six, Yarmouth six, Barnstable six, and Eastham three of the
number. Another record says, "Danger being apprehended because of a variance between England and
Holland," provision was made for " the raising of money,
the enlistment of soldiers, the procuring of arms, powder and balls, and for a military watch in each town."
A certain portion of each military company was also




208             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
c required to take their arms with them    to meeting on
all occasions of public worship."'
Mr. Leverich, the minister of Sandwich, was now to
come in for a share of the special attention of the
court, and was presented' for exchanging a gun with
an Indian;" and Mr. Thomas Tupper, of Sandwich,
was " disallowed " by the court from    solemnizing marriages in future, "because of his neglect to       marry
Edward Perry."     Josias Hallet and Thomas Gage also,
living in the towns below, were presented C' for profaning
the Lord's day by putting forth to sea from     Sandwich
harbor on the Lord's day," and were fined.        Nor did
the difficulty growing out of the neglect of Mr. Tupper
to perform   the marriage ceremony according to the
form approved, end with the cashiering of him       as the
priest of such solemnities; for at a subsequent General
Court, Perry was fined five pounds for refusing to have
his marriage ratified before Mr. Prince, and it was decreed that the penalty should be repeated and enforced
at every session of the General Court, until the marriage should be thus ratified and confirmed.
The colony, and especially Barnstable, now sustained
great loss in the decease of the Rev. John Lothrop.
He died this year, November 8, greatly lamented.
Thus early began to fall some of the main props of the
A singular requisition this in anticipation of foreign invasion.
The practice was common whenever difficulties with the Indians were
apprehended, as McFingal satirically suggests:"So once, for fear of Indian beating,
Our grandsires bore their guns to meeting;
Each manwequipped on Sunday morn
With psalm-book, shot, and powder-horn,
And looked, in form, as all must grant,
Like th' ancient true church militant,
Or fierce, like modern deep divines,
Who fight with quills, like porcupines."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              209
colony, and the most distinguished of the pioneers in
the settlement of the towns on the Cape.
In 1654, nearly the same government existed, and in
the month of August, new deputies were called for.
A vessel belonging to Samuel Mayo, of Barnstable,
employed in conveying the goods of Rev. Mr. Leverich
from Sandwich to Oyster Bay, Long Island, was seized at
Hampstead harbor, by the authorities of Rhode Island.
It being considered a high-handed offence against the
dignity of Plymouth Colony, commissioners were sent
to Rhode Island to look into the matter. The act was
1 The Rev. JOHN LOTHROP came to Boston, from England, September 18, 1634 or 1635. He had been educated at the University
of Oxford, and settled first in Kent, in the established church. After
leaving Egerton in Kent, 1625, he succeeded Rev. Henry Jacob, as
pastor of the independent church, organized 1616, in London, and
which is said to have been the first of that order formed in England,
and which, it may be superfluous to add, was made up of seceders
from the Church of England. It is stated that about thirty of his flock
accompanied him to this country. Going from Boston to Scituate
soon after his arrival, he was there chosen pastor, and remained four
or five years, until his removal to Barnstable. He was undoubtedly
a man of learning, and, as Neal says of him, " of a meek and quiet
spirit."  He brought four sons with him from England, viz., Thomas,
who settled in Barnstable, Samuel, who settled at Norwich, Joseph,
who was in Barnstable, and Benjamin, of Charlestown. He had also
sons born here, viz., Barnabas and John, who remained in Barnstable.
From Thomas, the eldest, it is said, those of the name of Lothrop
in Plymouth County trace their descent; from Samuel, the second
son, the numerous families in Connecticut, New York, and Vermont,
are derived, some of whom write their names Lathrop. Those in
Essex County are supposed to bb descendants of Benjamin. The
posterity of Joseph, Barnabas, and John has been numerous in Barnstable County. Rev. Dr. Lothrop, of Boston, published a memoir of
his ancestor, in the Massachusetts Historical Collections. The name
is variously written in the old records.
VOL. I.       27




210             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
disclaimed by the government of Rhode Island, and so
the affair happily terminated.
A road from Sandwich to Plymouth was ordered to
be laid out, and commissioners were appointed for the
service by the court at Plymouth; and additional men
were called for by the council of war, of which four
were required of Sandwich, four of Yarmouth, five of
Barnstable, and three of Eastham.
The people of the Plymouth and Massachusetts Colonies, it is alleged, began about this time " to be indifferent to the ministry, and to exercise their own gifts,
doubting the utility of stated preaching. The support
of ministers being cut off, many left the colony.     Mr.
Leverich, of Sandwich, went to Long Island.1         Yarmouth was destitute.      In  Eastham   no minister was
settled. The General Court, in consequence of this
state of things, addressed the honorable commissioners
on the subject.   They also inveighed strongly against
the Quakers." We may venture here to remark, that
the mere " want of support" in a pecuniary sense, was
probably not the only reason of these changes among
"the ministry."   Of the combination of causes leading
1 The Rev. WILLIAM LEVERICH, it is said by Farmer and others,
came to Salem, in the ship James, October 10, 1633, and preached at
Dover until 1635, that being then the plantation of Lord Say and
Seele. His support being insufficient, he removed to Boston, where,
August 9, he was admitted a member of the first and only church
then there. After this, he assisted Mr. Partridge, of Duxbury, a
short time, and then removed to Sandwich. He is spoken of as "a
man of great piety and meekness." He wrote his name as above, as
may be seen by autographs, and as also appears by the records at
Newtown, Long Island, although, in the books, it is generally written
Leveridge. He graduated at Emanuel College, Cambridge, England,
A. B., 1625, and received the degree A. M. 1629. Farmer says, "he
graduated 1595;" but the former dates are supposed to be correct.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      211
to this, the reader will judge for himself in view of the
facts related.
In October early, the 3d of the month, " a deputation " consisting of " horse and foot," was " sent with a
message to Ninigret, the Niantick sachem;" and to make
up the complement of soldiers required to convey that
message, four were exacted of Sandwich, four of Yarmouth, five of Barnstable, and four of Eastham.
The freemen of Sandwich, " desiring land at Mashpee
Pond, including ten acres of meadow; at Satuit Pond,
one hundred acres; a neck of land by Cotuit River, to
keep cattle; and meadow at Mannamuch Bay," the
court was pleased to grant their request.
In 1655, the government of the colony continued
the same. There was now, we are sorry to confess,
already begun an unhappy course of intolerance against
the people called Quakers. The colonists were willing
that a spirit of which they once complained, whether
justly or unjustly, should be construed into a right of
conscience, and its exercise by themselves regarded as
a sacred duty. Not the least deviation must be allowed
from the course they themselves were pleased to adjudge to be orthodox.
Greatly is it to be lamented that the sincerity of the
professions the early settlers had made of Christian
liberty and charity should ever have been tarnished
by a course of conduct so opposite. The persecution
of this people originated in, and was chiefly confined,
for a time, to the Massachusetts Colony; and there,
in fact, was ever the seat of its chiefest intensity. We
are happy in the belief that Cape Cod had never any
share voluntarily in these proceedings. All the doings
of the Cape towns, as such, will show that they were




212              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
duly respectful of the rights of their fellow-Christians.
But this year there was an order of the General Court
that " no Quaker be entertained by any person or persons within this government, under penalty          of five
pounds for every such default, or be whipped."      All will
now concede that this was an outrage upon humanity.1
One of the proscribed was Nicholas Davis of Barnstable, who, with others, was banished from the Massachusetts Colony on pain of death.
Troops of horse were this year required by law, and
Sandwich was to furnish three troopers, with horses and
equipments, Plymouth three, Duxbury two, Scituate
four, Taunton three, Yarmouth three, Barnstable three,
Eastham three, &c., the proportion allotted to each, no
doubt, showing the relative importance of the several
towns at this time.
"An epidemic, similar to that of 1647-8, prevailed
in the New England plantations about this time, and
carried off many."
The order of Court requiring the towns to procure a
1 The true principle of religious toleration was not, at this period,
understood or practised as it should have been. It was, in some
measure, the dark spot of the age, and scarcely any people, of any
denomination, could claim to be absolutely faultless in this matter. If
the Puritans felt that they had cause to complain of the Church of
England, those who fell under the proscription of the powers here
existing had much more occasion for complaint. In Rhode Island,
Maryland, and Pennsylvania, more just views of what is due to differences of religious opinion seem to have prevailed, and, in truth, a
better regard also to the rights of the natives of the soil, than in any
of the other settlements either north or south. Mary Fisher, who
was one of the persecuted Quakers, had proved this to be true also in
regard to other lands. She had travelled as far as Adrianople, where,
coming to the grand vizier's camp, she procured a man to go and
inform the Great Turk that she had a message from God to him. He
permitted her to be introduced, and listened to her message.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      213
book for record, therein to record "every parcel or parcels of land any man hath, and is now possessed of, or
shall become possessed of, said land to be publicly
declared in town meeting, and approved, and then
recorded in the town's book," thus assuring to the possessor his clain, the record to be " a sufficient security
to claim, hold, and retain the full and lawful right, title,
and interest to them, their heirs and assigns forever, of
all and every such parcel or parcels of lands," led to a
general movement in this matter of laying out, dividing, and bounding of lands.
Provision was made for the erection of a grinding
mill in Sandwich, by a contract with Matthew Allen, on
the part of the inhabitants; the project failing, it was
again renewed the same year, on a proposition from
Thomas Dexter. Whether the former mill mentioned
was merely a mill for; the breaking of corn," or
whether this was a second mill for the making of meal,
does not clearly appear, —probably both suppositions
are correct.
This year, "c Masshantampaine was accused" of sundry offences, viz., 1. " of stealing a gun," which, to the
honor of the Indian, we are glad to find, proved on
inquiry to be an erroneous charge: the decision of the
court was that " the gun was his;" 2. that his " dogs
injure the cattle" of the inhabitants of Yarmouth;
and, 3. that he had "I in his possession a chest of tools:"
- on the last two charges an inquiry was ordered.
A controversy having arisen between Thomas Birge
of Sandwich and the town, "about the right to herrings taken at his grounds at Mannomett," the matter
was compromised by allowing said Birge " to take annually ten thousand herrings for his own use."
Sandwich was presented "for not being provided




214           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
with stocks and a whipping post; also for not having a
full complement of arms;" and the town of Eastham
was presented " for not having a pound." It appearing
to the court " that injury had been done by horses to
the Indians' corn at Mannomett," it was decreed, "that
the damage said Indians received must be paid," and
Mr. Freeman was authorized to " require the matter to
be properly adjusted." The claims for wolves destroyed
this year were, from  Sandwich four, Yarmouth six,
Barnstable nine, and Eastham four.
Without referring further to the indictments and
penalties for what was denominated  lascivious conduct," (which were confined to no one part of the colony more than to another,) we may here suggest
whether there is not some force in the oft-remark,
that the great severity of laws, and the rigid construction of the same, may tend to the multiplication of
offences and to the contempt of an espionage naturally
distasteful to all possessed of a particle of self-respect.
The restrictions imposed on the virtuous intercourse of
the young, like sumptuary laws and extremely strict
and doubtfully rigid measures in regard to total abstinence from stimulating drinks and tobacco, may possibly, in some instances, disparage and retard the reformation intended. We do not here express the opinion
that such is the effect, but we are involuntarily led to
reflect upon the remark to which we have referred.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         215
CHAPTER       XII.
Laws enacted. - Religious Dissensions and Insubordination. - Quaker
Troubles. - Lands at Yarmouth, Sandwich, Barnstable, &c. - Oath of Fidelity. - Selectmen. - Settlement at Monamoyick. - Saconnessit. -Indian
Church at Mashpee. -Divers Troubles, Complaints, and Accusations.
IN 1656, Mr. Prince, of Eastham, was once more
assistant to Governor Bradford. Every town was required, by order of Court, to " cause a book of record
to be kept of all divisions or sales of land, and these
lands were to be duly bounded to prevent disputes."
It was also " ordered that card playing be punished by
a fine of fifty shillings, and that servants or children
playing at cards, dice, or other unlawful games, be corrected by their parents or masters for the first offence,
and for the second be publicly whipped." It was further enacted that "vilifying any church or ordinance
be punished by a fine of ten shillings; profaning the
Lord's day, by a like fine or public whipping." This
last order included the neglect to attend public worship.
It was also " ordered that no Indian shall fire a gun in
the night nor on Lord's days."
The colony appears at this period to be entering
upon a career of comparative insubordination, recrimination, and trouble.  Unfortunately, there does not
exist henceforward, at least for some time, that general
unanimity and submission to law, that good neighborhood and deference to authority, which have heretofore
characterized the community.     Religious dissensions
are usually prolific of extravagances of opinion and




216               THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
action; and however such dissensions may at first be
occasioned by erroneous views and acts, the errors and
practices   condemned     are   generally   strengthened by
opposition, especially if it be strenuously and severely
exhibited.    Mr. Leveridge, whose presentment for selling a gun to an Indian, in exchange for some commodity, and who had retired to Long Island, has before
been mentioned.      He was now fined fifteen pounds for
the offence, and seems, for some reason, to have fallen
in a degree from    the high estimation in which he was
once held; although, after leaving the colony, he evidently was greatly respected and valued in his future
labors.1
1 We may as well remark here, (for we can do it in this place without appearing to make invidious reference to any individual or family
in particular) that as often as is convenient we shall resume family
genealogies, and in some instances attempt brief biographical notices;
and that there are a few suggestions which we deem it not irrelevant
to make before we proceed farther. The suggestions are these: That
the history of families may not in every particular instance, i. e., in
every link of the chain, exhibit fully the mental, moral, or physical
traits or peculiarities, the talents, tastes, propensities, tendencies,
modes of thinking and acting, or forms of body and face, of ancestral
descent; indeed, from a combination of causes, it is often far otherwise: still, the intellectual and other qualities of a parent often, nay,
generally, ay, almost invariably, will descend in some measure
through an extended line of progeny, if such there be; more distinctly seen in here and there a link to which is transferred the very image,
intellectual, moral, and physical, of some progenitor. Although it
would be too much to assert that in such degree the transfer is universal or even general, marked throughout the entire line of descent in
unbroken or chiefly uninterrupted succession, still the traces are remarkably distinct. To illustrate: where an ancestry is grovelling and
debased, the descendants very generally, in fact almost invariably,
partake of the infirmity in some perceptible degree; their minds and
persons being, as it were, the transfer of the qualities of parentage.
No crossings with better blood, however elevated, entirely eradicate




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               217
William    Nickerson, of Yarmouth, whom          we   shall
have occasion frequently to mention in connection with
the prevailing characteristics for many generations. With, indeed,
perhaps slight and occasional variations, the same general character
will be found to remain enstamped upon generation after generation.
The shades of feeling, the phases of character, the predominant tastes,
the sentimental peculiarities, the pasjsions, are reflected and perpetuated. No one can, with close and tlorough observation, give his attention to the subject, and not perceive the truth of this. This view
is, with the writer, not the result of any preconceived or prereceived
theory, but the forced conviction from unavoidable observation in the
prosecution of genealogical investigations pursued for quite another
object. He confidently believes that he can point, for example, to
families who for nine generations were never known to perform a
truly exalted, noble, or generous act; and the blood to this day forbids the expectation or hope of witnessing such an exhibition from
such a source. The poison has continued in the blood, and, however
much diluted, has polluted the stream. Thank God, such instances
on Cape Cod are rare. On the other hand, the noble qualities -the
intellectual of high order, the moral, (to say nothing of the physique,)
although they may not be so prominently and almost universally
transmitted, will be found to be usually transmitted in some degree,
giving a certain prominence of character -here and there bursting
out and shining forth with the original brilliancy.  However in
consequence of the crossings being unfavorable, the otherwise predominant highly intellectual and moral may become nearly or quite
obliterated, so that branches of the descent may show little or no sign
of the origin from which side the finer qualities might have been
inherited under more favorable circumstances; still, other branches
will have preserved those noble traits in greater measure, and now
and then may appear the very features both of face and intellect, -
ay, also of heart, —in all their ancestral grandeur. Although the
development may have overleaped a generation, or two, or more, it
breaks forth —the same ennobling virtues, the same charms and
graces, the same intellectual powers; so that from the qualities that
hallow the memory of the progenitor may be clearly traced the
present development, and possibly its transmission through succeeding
generations. It is to be observed, however, that the transmission of
superiority, whether mental, moral, or physical, through children and
VOL. I.       28




218              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
misunderstandings between him and the government,
was now, " for buying lands of the Indians and for selling to them   a boat, disfranchised."
children's children to distant generations, is often, very often, to
descendants of another name —the descent being the blessing conferred by a MOTHER. In all this we mark one of those laws of Nature worthy to be more generally understood and regarded. It is not
compatible with our present duty, or we might greatly enlarge on this
subject; for who, with the slightest observation and inquiry, has not
been furnished with corroboration of much that we might say showing
how forms of body and face, mental endowments, moral symmetry or
obliquity, as well as the proclivity to disease or the tendency to
longevity, descend from one generation to another. Who has not seen
how the portrait of a remote ancestor sometimes appears a perfect
fac-simile of some descendant of the present generation! Trace back
the moral and intellectual features also, there is the same counterpart
- the resemblance being not merely manifest but wonderfully striking.
A sensible writer has said, "It is a matter of curious, and even philosophical, though sometimes of painful interest, to trace the vicissitudes especially of American families. One generation surrounded
by splendor, station, and wealth; the next, perhaps, in mean employments and poverty-stricken; the next emerging from such position
and again encompassing the high places of society - sometimes depressed without fault - sometimes elevated without worth or wisdom."
Be it so: who is not desirous of knowing who his ancestors were?
The interesting memorials of an age already sacred are rapidly disappearing: whilst any traces remain the author of the present History
would preserve them. Said Daniel Webster, "It is a noble faculty
of our nature which enables us to connect our thoughts, our sympathies, and our happiness, with what is distant in place or time; and,
looking before and after, to hold communion at once with our ancestors and our posterity. There is also a moral and philosophical respect for our ancestors, which elevates the character and improves the
heart. Next to the sense of religious duty and moral feeling, I hardly
know what should bear with stronger obligation on a liberal and
enlightened mind, than the consciousness of alliance with excellence
which is departed, - and a consciousness too, that in its acts and conduct, and even its sentiments and thoughts, it may be actively operating on the happiness of those that come after it."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                219
In 1657, Mr. THOMAS PRINCE, of Easthain, was elected
Governor of the Plymouth Colony - an office which
The care of the ancient Romans to keep in remembrance the virtuous departed has been thus described by Edward Everett: " It was
the custom of the primitive Romans to preserve in the halls of their
houses the images of all the illustrious men whom their families had
produced. These images are supposed to have consisted of a mask
exactly representing the countenance of each deceased individual,
accompanied with habiliments of like fashion with those worn in his
time, and with the armor, badges, and insignia of his offices and ex~
ploits; all so disposed around the sides of the hall as to present in the
attitude of living men the long succession of the departed; and thus
to set before the Roman citizen, whenever he entered or left the habitation, the venerable array of ancestors revived in this imposing
similitude. Whenever, by a death in the family, another distinguished
member of it was gathered to his fathers, the ancestral masks, including that of the newly deceased, were fitted upon persons selected
in size in reference to those they were to represent, and drawn up in
solemn array to follow the funeral train of the living mourners, first
to the market-place, where the public eulogium was pronounced, and
then to the tomb. As he thus moved along with all the distinguished
fathers of his name, resuscitated in the lineaments of life, and quickening, as it were, from their urns, to enkindle his emulation, the virtuous Roman renewed his vows of pious respect to their memory and
his resolution to imitate the fortitude, the frugality, and the patriotism
of the great heads of his family." Now, no such strange and awfiul
processions, or imposing customs, may exist among ourselves; but
may it not be well that our progenitors pass before us in other forms?
and, though we may not gaze with awe on the artificial and theatric
images of their features, we may mark their several names and positions, contemplate their venerated characters, call to mind their virtues,
and perpetuate their memory? May not the influence be salutary
upon children and children's children? If in the long ancestral array
appear those whose services and whose virtues were memorable, is it
an odious thing for their descendants to cherish a grateful and filial
pride in the review, and to gather therefrom incentives to virtuous
ambition? And is there not force in the remark of the pious Leverich, the first minister of Sandwich-" He who does not think of his
ancestors will be negligent of his posterity?"




220             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
he had held twice before, previous to his removal from
Plymouth. The governor was, by law, expected to
reside in Plymouth; but a dispensation was granted
by the Colonial Court in his favor, and, notwithstanding
his elevation, he continued to reside on the Cape.  Governor Bradford died March 9.       The indisposition to
accept of office increasingly pervaded all portions of
the community; constables elected declining to serve
were ordered to be fined four pounds each. This office
especially was one coveted by few.
The spirit of intolerance against the Quakers seems
now to have become somewhat rife in this colony, as
well as in-Massachusetts.  Norton and Rouse, two of the
sect, were imprisoned by the court at Plymouth; and
on their refusing to be sworn, were publicly whipped.
For this unchristian act, the officer required a fee; the
outraged men, refusing to pay for the lashes they had
endured, were remanded to prison, and there detained
until they promised to leave the jurisdiction! Still
other disfranchising laws were passed against the Quakers; and it was ordered that " no public meetings but
such as the government shall approve shall be set up."1
Such were the proceedings instituted against them in
this colony. Mr. Baylies suggests, as a palliating circumstance, that " an alarming defect of reverence and
support of the ministry was spreading in the towns,
1 Even ministers of the prevailing order were subject to the approval or disapproval of the magistrates, and, though the choice of
the people, might be silenced at the will of the magistracy. Mr. Matthews of Yarmouth, we have seen, in 1650, was fined ~10 for preaching
without the allowance of the magistrates. Not even a church could
be gathered without the magistrates' consent; and no man could be
in the full extent a freeman, unless he was a member of one of the
churches approbated.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             221
and that schisms in churches were not unfrequent, no
less than five prominent ministers being obliged to
separate from   their flocks for the want of support;
many persons preferring to exercise their own spiritual
gifts."
Complaint was made to the General Court against
divers persons in Sandwich, " for meeting on Lord's days
at the house of William Allen, and inveighing against
ministers and magistrates, to the dishonor of God and
the contempt of government."       Jane, the wife of William  Saunders, and Sarah, the daughter of William
Kerby, complained of      for disturbance of public worship, and for abusing the minister," were, on being
summoned to court, sentenced to be " publicly whipped."
William  Allen, William   Kerby, and the wife of John
Newland, were also involved in these difficulties; and
to Mr. Newland the following order was issued: " John
Newland, of Sandwich: The court being informed of
a meeting that hath tended to the disturbance of the
public worship of God, which said meeting hath been
kept at a house in which we are informed you have an
interest -  these are to require you that you suffer no
such meeting at your peril.    The court order, per me,
Nathaniel Morton, Clerlc of Court."'       It was further
1 We certainly have no wish to " inveigh" against ministers or
magistrates of the early days of our colonial history; but, on the contrary, are sincerely sorrowful that stern justice and duty require us to
tell the whole story -or at least so much of it as exonerates the Cape.
It must be done. The explicit exhibit of the real fact is neither " to
the dishonor of God," nor prompted by any " contempt of government." Neither have we the remotest desire to clear the Cape by the
discredit of other settlements. If the Cape has been from the very
first distinguished by its liberal feeling, its sons may, and surely ought,
to claim for it the credit. Peculiar circumstances over which the people at large had no control, had at this time introduced a sad state of




222              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
ordered "that Nicholas Upsall," the alleged "instigator" of all this mischief, "be carried out of the government, by Tristumr Hull, who brought him." 
things and involved a sad necessity. The regular ministry at Sandwich had been interrupted -for Mr. Leverich was too conscientiously
humane for the times, and had been virtually banished. Those who
had supported him now sought, as best they might, to worship quietly,
if not in the former place of public worship, in private houses. But
it was manifestly most difficult to do or say any thing that might not
be regarded constructively "contempt of government," a " disturbance
of public worship," or " abusing the minister " who was authorized by
government. Even refraining from doing or saying - simply staying away from the worship in which a large portion of the people
could no longer conscientiously join, was visited with fines from which
the most worthy, peaceable, and influential citizens were not entirely
exempt.
1 This was indeed a pitiable case. UPSALL was a member of the
Boston church, and a very old man. Disapproving of the " Quaker
persecution," he had been arrested, fined ~20, and banished on the
charge of having " reproached the magistrates and spoken against the
law."  Thus banished from the Massachusetts Colony, he went to
Plymouth, for he must go somewhere; but there, alas! the people
were forbidden to entertain him; and now, his extremity having
moved the compassion of a Cape man transiently in Plymouth, the
poor wanderer was permitted to accompany the stranger, at least as
far as Sandwich, on his return home. Here, too, he seems destined
to find that the same laws are every where operative. However hospitably inclined are the people on the Cape, the commands of the
Plymouth court must be honored, or those disposed to pity his condition must abide the penalty — and that no inconsiderable sum "for
every hour's entertainment" given to him. The hospitality of the
Cape was not denied him, for sincere compassion prevailed in the bosoms of many over the fear of fines, imprisonment, disfranchisement,
whipping, or banishment. Still there is a law which is, imperative,
and that law must be enforced to its extent or Mr. Hull becomes a
ruined man: a law exposing the master of any vessel in which a
Quaker arrives (and Upsall is now technically a Quaker) to a large
fine, and requiring him to give bonds with sureties to carry the outlawed
man away —the outlaw to be committed to prison until the vessel




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              223
These troubles, as will be seen, were not here to end.
Elizabeth, the wife of John Newland, was now            summoned to     court.  Mr. William    Newland, a prominent
citizen, was, " for encouraging Thomas Burges" to let
Christopher, Holder, a Quaker, occupy his house, sentenced to find sureties for his own         good   behavior.
Ralph Allen, "' for entertaining such men, and for unworthy    speeches," was also arrested     and laid under
bonds.   Henry Saunders was arrested and committed.
Edward Dillingham and Ralph Jones were also arrested;
Jones was     fined, and   Dillingham    was admonished.
Burges expressed his sorrow for what he had done, and
was released.
A controversy between the sachen Yanno, or Janno,
and inhabitants of Yarmouth about lands, which the
said sachem averred he never sold, engaged the attenshall be ready to sail. (Who will say that the law of South Carolina,
in force against vessels coming into port with hands who are men of
color, is without precedent?) Similar were the requisitions and penalties, whether the forbidden be " brought in by water or land; " and
the being " a guide to him or otherwise," was constructively "bringing
him in."  That Upsall, and subsequently Holder, and even Wendlock
Christopherson, or others, sought refuge on the Cape, only demonstrates the fact that here, more than elsewhere, was a tendency to the
exercise of humanity - the law of kindness and a sense of justice
and right prevailing. And if, as indeed proved the result, the Quakers began here to prevail, where before was no partiality for the
peculiarities of the sect, and if, ultimately, the sympathies of not a
few of those formerly the stoutest supporters of the government, and
best pioneers of the colony, became enlisted in the Quaker interest, it
but shows the correctness of that axiom, that "this is the ordinary
consequence of pity and compassion for the sufferers." That has in
every age proved a mistaken policy that attempts to enforce by statutes and penalties a uniformity of religious opinion, and that cruelly
punishes those who appear to differ in doctrines or tenets - more
especially where the proscribed are not, except by illiberal construction, disturbers of civil peace and order.




224              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
tion of the court; inquiry was ordered to be made and
a settlement effected, Mr. John Alden and Lieutenant
Southworth being delegated to go to Barnstable and
Yarmouth for the purpose.       William Nickerson having
" petitioned that his lands at Manamoiet be confirmed"
to him, it was ordered " that the lands be viewed, and
that he have a competency allowed him, the rest to be
resigned by him to the government."
In 1658, Mr. Prince was again elected governor, and
Mr. THOMAs HINCKLEY, of Barnstable, an assistant.1         It
was ordered by the court that " profaning the Lord's
day by travel, carrying burdens, &c., be fined twenty
shillings, or punished    by sitting   in  the  stocks four
hours."   Colonial troops were established.      None were
to vote in any election, or to fill any place of trust, who
did  not take the oath of fidelity.2       Additional laws
1 It falls not within our plan to mention the election of assistants
other than those that belonged in this county. But we take pleasure
in recording the fact to the honor of two men who were this year
dropped from the Board of Assistants, that they were "omitted because of their opposition to the severe proceedings against the
Quakers: they were Timothy Hatherly and James Cudwlorth."
And yet "the Plymouth Colony was less intolerant than the Massachusetts."
2 See this oath elsewhere. It was, in fact, a religious test. "He
that did not conform was deprived of more civil privileges than a nonconformist was deprived of in the old country."  The Quakers were
few in number, and owe their increase to the intolerance of the authorities. The birth and quick growth of a neighboring colony
especially, was indebted to the spirit of persecution which drove those
of various opinions to better lands, in great numbers. "When a
commonwealth," says Cotton, " hath liberty to mould its own frame,
the scripture hath given full direction for the ordering of the same,
and that in such sort as may best maintain the ezexia of the church."
This idea and that of those dominant at this period, was, that " the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY,        225
against the Quakers were enacted. "The fanaticism of
a new sect," says Mr. Baylies, " is always an overmatch
for one that has been cooled and tempered by time."
A great earthquake in New England was noted this
year; and the first instance of death by lightning
within the colony occurred at Marshfield, July 31.
Mr. WILLIAM PADDY, "sometime treasurer of the colony, and a deacon of the church at Plymouth, a man
of large estate, of great influence and usefulness, and
of much piety," died, and was buried in Boston, whither
he had removed in 1651. He married Alice, daughter
of Mr. Edmund Freeman, of Sandwich, in 1639, and
had two sons, Thomas and Samuel.
The following document at this time appears on
record -
A writing appointed to be recorded: Whereas there
hath been some unhappy differences between the town
of Yarmouth and their committees concerning some
lands which they apprehended were formerly purchased
of Janno, but through some neglect of theirs in not
paying of the Indian for the said lands, have been of
late denied by him to be sold, and the possessors molested: Mr. John Alden and Capt. Josias Winslow
being ordered by the court to hear, and if it might be,
determine such differences as were either between the
English before mentioned or between the committees
and the Indian, the town of Yarmouth having made
choice of Mr. Edmund     Hawes, Robert Denis, Ed.
Sturgis, and Thomas Boardman, and empowered them
to manage and issue their aforesaid differences, there
hangings are to be fashioned to the house, and not the house to the
hangings. The state must be fashioned to the setting forth of God's
house, which is his church, rather than accommodate the church frame
to the civil estate."
VOL. I.     29




226           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
being propositions made on both sides tending to a
composure, yet they not fully closing their propositions,
but referring it, by mutual agreement, to the abovesaid
Mr. John Alden and Capt. Josias Winslow as umpires,
to determine between them about the premises: We,
the abovesaid John Alden and Josias Winslow, do determine as followeth, viz: That the charge of the purchase, as now agreed upon between us and Jano, shall
be equally borne between the said committees and the
town; and further, that the other six pounds, which is
charges that the town have been at about this business,
shall be four pounds of it borne by the town, and by
Mr. Anthony Thatcher and Mr. Howes, twenty shillings
apiece, and of this latter six pounds, old Mr. Crow to
be excused; and that this be. a final of all differences
about the premises.             John Alden,
May the 14th, 1658.           Josias Winslow."
Another document is as follows: —-"May, Anno Dom.,
1658. "Witnesseth these presents, that Janno hath, the
day and year above written, for and in consideration of
six coats, six pairs of small breeches, ten hoes, ten
hatchets, two brass kettles, the one of six spans and
the other of seven, of Joanno's aforesaid spans, and one
iron kettle of six spans, to be paid to him, Joanno, or
his assignees, the one half moity, by the first of August next ensuing the date hereof, and the other half
moity by the middle of May, which shall be in the
year of our Lord 1659, bargained, sold, and confirmed
unto Mr. John Alden and Mr. Josias Winslow, in the
behalf of the townsmen of Yarmouth, all that tract
and tracts of land, both upland and meadows, lying
and being between the Bass Pond River and a river
called by an Indian name Tamahappasuakou, by the
English the Fresh River, and so along that river to the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      227
great swamp at the head thereof, and from the westermost end of the said swamp on a straight line
through the land unto Stoney Cove River, with all the
profits, perquisites, and appertenances thereunto or to
any part or parcel thereof in any wise belonging, to
have and to hold the said tracts of land to the town of
Yarmouth forever, and to defend and save harmless
from time to time the said townsmen of Yarmouth, and
every of them, of and from all titles, claims, and molestations which shall be made by any Indian or Indians
to the said tract of land, or any part or parcel of the
same, at any time hereafter. In testimony whereof the
said Joanno hereunto hath set his mark.
" The mark + of the said Joanno.
"In the presence of
Thomas Dexter,
The mark of H- Josias, an Indian,
The mark of Nick, ~, an Indian."
Mr. Dillingham and Mr. Dexter, of Sandwich, were
severally complained against by Peter, a Mashpee Indian, their horses having eaten his corn. The court,
upon a hearing, directed that satisfaction be made.
Sampson, the son of Mashantampaine, sachem, charged
with " falsely accusing Mr. Prince," was summoned to
court. An agreement was had between the town of
Barnstable and Pampmnunnuk and other Indians about
certain lands purchased in 1648, as will appear elsewhere.
Leave was granted to Lieutenant Joseph Rogers to
have meadows, purchased of the Potanumaqzuutt Indians,
viz: of POMPO, the proprietor, and FRANCIS, the sachem:
one portion called Aqltaquessett, five acres; another portion at Mcattlaqessett, one and a half acres.
Peter Gaunt, Daniel Wing, Ralph Allen, Jr., and




228            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
William Allen, of Sandwich, arrested " for tumultuous
carriage1 at a meeting of Quakers,"2 were convicted, severally admonished, and fined twenty shillings. Lieut.
Ellis, Stephen Wing, and Thomas Butler, also convicted
and imprisoned, were released on paying the fees.
Robert Harper, Ralph Allen, Sr., John Allen, Thomas
Greenfield, Edward Perry, Richard Kerby, Jr., William
Allen, Thorias Ewer, William    Gifford, George Allen,
Matthew Allen, Daniel Wing, John Jenkins, and George
Webb, all of Sandwich, being summoned to court to
give a reason c for not -taking the oath of fidelity to
the government," professed that they " held it unlawful
to take the oath."   Thomas Johnson and Mr. William
Newland, also summoned, did not appear.        George
Webb " engaged to depart the government."         The
others were all fined.  William  Bassett, the constable,
now represented that he was opposed in the execution
of his office, and could not collect the rates or fines.
So general had become the disaffection in the town with
governmental affairs. Even a very large proportion of
those not directly implicated, entirely disapproved of
the course taken with their fellow   townsmen.    The
extraordinary proceedings of the government had already enlisted on the side of the Quakers numbers
who had before no Quaker affinities; and, pursued,
such proceedings seemed destined to produce an almost
entire revolution in the religious character of the town.
In this posture of affairs, the following action was had
1 "Tumultuous carriage!" A vocabulary suited to the times of
which we write, were necessary to appreciate understandingly the
comprehensive character of this and similar charges.
2 "There is no evidence that a single Quaker was present. None
of the persons mentioned in all this paragraph were professed Quakers at the time, though several of them afterwards became such."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         229
by the General Court: "Whereas, in regard to the
more than ordinary occasion that frequently falls out
in the town of Sandwich, so that the constable is not
able to discharge his duty, by reason of many disturbent persons there residing: Therefore be it enacted
that a marshal be chosen for such service in Sandwich,
Barnstable, and Yarmouth." 1
Under the law now prohibiting the frequenting of
Quaker meetings, William Allen was fined forty shillings " for permitting a meeting at his house." Lieutenant Fuller of Barnstable, " for speaking reproachfully of
the court, and saying the law enacted about minister's
maintenance was a wicked and devilish law, and that
the devil sat at the stern when the law was enacted,"
was fined fifty shillings.
And now, Oct. 2, after the    following  preamble,
viz.: "The court having taken into serious consideration some signs of God's displeasure manifested by
his afflicting hand on the country, - partly by his visitation of many families and persons with sickness and
weakness, and partly by the unseasonableness of the
weather for the ingathering of the fruits of the earth
for our own food, and stover for our cattle; as also by
letting loose as a scourge upon us those freelig gangrene
like doctrines, a.nd persons commonly called Quakers, and
not hitherto so effectually blessing our endeavors as
we have desired for preventing their infection and disturbance; as also by the too much prevailing of a spirit
of division and disunion both in church and civil affairs,
to the great dishonor of God and discomfort one of
1 Some have it that the office of marshal was similar in dignity in
the colony to that of United States marshal now; but it will be seen
this was an office of limited jurisdiction, and created for an especial
occasion. Lieut. Samuel Nash was chief marshal.




230          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
another,"-an order was issued for a fast to be observed
throughout the colony.
Again, the difficulties existing at Sandwich being in
hand, the following orders appear: —
" Whereas, the Governor, Mr. Thomas Prence, with
some other of the magistrates, were appointed, and with
full power authorized, by the court held at Plymouth
in June, to make inquiry into and redress sundry grievances lying upon sundry the ancient inhabitants of
Sandwich expressed in a petition for that end unto the
Court, under the hands of sundry of them; the inhabitants therefore being assembled together August 27,
1658, and the matter being inquired into by the Gov.
with the rest as aforesaid, and finding sundry of the
inhabitants assuming power to act wherein they have
no right so to do by reason of their non-legal admittance as inhabitants according to order bearing date
the third of October, 1639, viz.: Ralph Allen, Seni'r,
Thomas Ewer, Thomas Greenfield, Richard Kerby, Jun.,
Henry Saunders, Matthew Allen, John Jenkins, Daniel
Wing, Stephen Wing: therefore ordered, that those
men aforesaid, and every of them, shall henceforth
have no power to act in any town meeting till better
evidence appear of their legal admittance; nor to
claim title or interest to any town privileges as town's
men, according to the court orders aforesaid; this
order also to take hold of any others besides, who shall
appear to have no legal admittance as aforesaid.
"And for the better carrying on of affairs among
them to the end of the court's granting the plantation,
it is therefore ordered that no man shall henceforth be
admitted an inhabitant of Sandwich or enjoy the privileges thereof, without the approbation of the church
and Mr. Tho. Prince, or of the assistants whom they




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      231
shall choose; according and to the same effect as is
expressed in the aforesaid orders of the court, bearing
date the third of October, 1639."
Moreover, at this court Robert Harper, Ralph
Allen, Sr., John Allen, Ed. Perry, Richard Kerby, Jr.,
William Allen, Thomas Ewer, William Gifford, Mathew Allen, Daniel Wing, and John Jenkins, of Sandwich, for refusing to take the oath of fidelity, were
fined each of them five pounds to the colony's use.
And now, at the December term, the marshal, George
Barlow, of Sandwich, is found in trouble by opposition
made to his official course: and the court ordered
Mr. William  Newland to " bring or cause to be
brought his two claughters to the court to be holden in
Plymouth the 1st Tuesday of March next, to answer
for their abusing the marshal in the execution of his
office." The following order was also issued to the
marshal: "Whereas it is observed, that frequently
divers of those called Quakers have repaired to Sandwich from other places by sea, coming in at Mannomett
with a boat, which practices, if continued, the court
conceiveth may prove a dangerous consequence, the
court doth impower and authorise you, George Barlow, marshal of Sandwich, &c., that in case you shall
have any intelligence of the arrival of any of those
called Quakers at Mannomett or any place adjacent
upon the coast within our jurisdiction, that you forthwith repair to such boats, requiring competent aid to
go with you, and arrest any such boat or boats, taking
their sails and masts from them, and securing them
until some of the magistrates be acquainted therewith,
and further orders be given you about the same; and
likewise that you apprehend the bodies of all such
Quakers as shall come in any such boats, or any other




232          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Quakers you shall there and then find, and proceed
with them as effectually as if you found them within
the bounds of Sandwich or any other town within your
liberties." It was also resolved' that a summons be
sent for James Skiff to answer to such things as shall
be objected against him in regard to traducing the law
about refusing to take the oath of fidelity."
In 1659, Mr. Prince was again governor, and Mr.
Hinckley, of Barnstable, assistant.
On the 8th of May, five men and one woman, belonging to the sect of Friends, were sentenced at Plymouth under a previous order of court to depart out
of the jurisdiction by the 8th of June on pain of death!
Though, as we have before suggested, they were treated with more consideration in the Plymouth Colony
than in the Massachusetts, we are bound in faithfulness
to record the above and preceding facts in regard to
the course pursued against this people. We sincerely
wish we had no occasion to pursue this painful subject
further, and have been strongly tempted not to refer
again to it. But the only excuse for such omission
that we could possibly frame would be, that the severe
enactments that were made from time to time do in an
important sense form no part of the history of the
Cape. Such apology, however, would not avail us;
for, were it not the fact that several of the most prominent men in the government were from the Cape, still
we are necessitated to refer to important events as
they occurred - so far at least as to show what laws
were extended over us. The voluntary action of these
several towns, we may most confidently assert, will
speak for itself and show that here Christian charity
and humanity generally prevailed; and that the out



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               233
side influence that attempted the enforcement of
certain laws not approved by a great majority
of the people, was not sustained by public sentiment.l
Before we proceed farther, it may be proper to say,
(what, indeed, common justice requires,) since the
Friends are of necessity so particularly and often mentioned in connection with treatment at which the mind
now   recoils, and   since  Mr. Secretary Morton, in his
1 Witness the fact, in the Annals of the Towns, that the Friends
were generally exempted from the payment of rates for ministerial
support, and were often elected to important offices. The fact also
that the execution of oppressive laws was with great difficulty enforced, and that so many, especially in Sandwich, whose sympathies
at the first were not particularly with the tenets of the Quakers, became involved in these transactions, tells what was the prevailing
sentiment, and speaks well for the estimation in which the Quakers
resident here were held. They were, in truth, ever among our best
and most esteemed citizens, benevolent and kind, pure in morals,
peaceable in their demeanor, and most deservedly honored.
We ought not to omit the mention that there were redeeming traits
worthy of note in regard to the furious intolerance displayed against
the Quakers in other parts of the colony. All were not approving
the course pursued, although their remonstrances and opposition made
themselves personally so unpopular that they, in turn, became virtually co-sufferers with the objects of their humanity - being suspected,
avoided, omitted from positions of public trust, not allowed to hold
office, and, in fine, disfranchised. Mir. JAMES SKIFF, the deputy from
Sandwich, rejected by the General Court on account of his toleration,
and others in this part of the colony with whom the public proceedings found little favor, were not left alone to experience the penalty
of their liberality. ISAAC ROBINSON, the son of the celebrated Leyden pastor, was not only dismissed from civil employment therefor,
but his name was stricken from the list of freemen, his course exposed
to much censure, and his person to some indignity; causing him to
take up his residence on the Cape among more congenial spirits. Mr.
CUDWORTH and some other prominent men belong to the same category of proscribed citizens.
VOL. I.       30




234          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
account of those transactions, has called them " a pernicious sect." that "sowed their corrupt and damnable
doctrines in almost every town," that (whether they
advanced certain sentiments then imputed to them, or
did not, —which we can neither deny or affirm) their
"Vindication," published at a later period, declares,' We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be of divine origin, and give full credit to
the historical facts, as well as to the doctrines therein
delivered, and never had any doubt of the truth of the
actual birth, life, sufferings, resurrection, and ascension
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as related by the
evangelists; without any mental or other reserve, or
the least diminution by allegorical explanation." This
is entirely opposed to some errors in doctrine imputed
to them in the early state of the colony. We certainly
have never known or found in their writings any thing
at all tending, as if by design, " to gross blasphemy or
atheism."  Even Dr. Cotton Mather was constrained to
say, in regard to the persecution of them, " If any man
will appear in vindication of it, let him do as he pleases;
for my part I will not."
There can be no doubt, however, that, although distinguished in later times for a peaceful and quiet spirit,
this sect did at that time exhibit too much of the usual
zeal of new converts for new creeds. Determined that
their " light" should, be comprehended by " darkness,"
their language was too often that of severe reproach
and most bitter denunciation. Perhaps it would have
been more in their usually mild terms of persuasion, had
they been less persecuted. Governor Prince, it is true,
could hardly be expected to allow himself to be called
c a liar " and " a malicious man " while in the very exercise of his high authority and presiding in court, without




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              235
an effort to check the contempt.1 Contempt of court
has ever been     deemed a high      offence.    Fortunate,
1 The demeanor of some was, without contradiction, most audacious
and provoking.  Norton, for instance, in the General Court, used
towards the governor most insulting language-" Thomas, thou liest;
Prince, thou art a malicious man."  On another occasion, "Thy
clamorous tongue I regard no more than the dust under my feet.
Thou art like a scolding woman." Again, in a letter addressed to the
governor, he says, " Thomas Prince, thou hast bent thy heart to
work wickedness, and with thy tongue thou hast set forth deceit.
Thou imaginest mischief upon thy bed, and hatchest thy hatred in thy
secret chamber; the strength of darkness is over thee, and a malicious
mouth hast thou opened against God and his anointed, and with thy
tongue and lips hast thou uttered perverse things. Thou hast slandered the innocent by railing, lying, and false accusations, and with
thy barbarous heart hast thou caused their blood to be shed.... John
Alden is to thee like unto a pack-horse upon which thou layest thy
beastly bag. Cursed are all they that have a hand therein. The cry
of vengeance will pursue thee day and night... The anguish and
pain that will enter thy veins will be like gnawing worms lodging
betwixt thy heart and liver. When these things come upon thee, and
thy back is bowed down with pain, in that day and hour thou shalt
know to thy grief that prophets of the Lord God are we, and the God
of vengeance is our God." This is but a specimen of the abusive language held towards the magistrates. It is clear that at the present
day none of the highly respectable society of the Friends would
justify or countenance such opprobrious language; nor would any of
the other sects justify the measures pursued by the magistrates; for
Christian charity and brotherly love have succeeded to misapprehension
and aspersion. Mr. Baylies suggests as a further palliation of the
course of the Puritans, that' those persons holding this language were
not inhabitants, but invaders of the peace of a colony by coming from
abroad to wage a war against the religion for which the Puritans
believed themselves to have suffered much, and which was on this
account the more endeared to them. Their laws, their government,
their worship, were all denounced in no very civil terms, by strangers;
their ministers and magistrates were reviled. To be called a'liar,'
while in the very exercise of his authority, presiding in court, was a
contempt which, by any governor or magistrate, would be deemed
a punishable offence even at the present day."




236           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
indeed, would it have been, if the hand of power had
been laid more gently on the offenders; and if it had
been deemed consistent with the ends of justice that
they should pass without injury, as was permitted by
the Pope of Rome to the Quaker who (in an effervescence of insanity, as the pope believed) had, even
within the walls of the Vatican, denounced him  as
c antichrist" and as "the man of sin."  After King
Charles forbade further persecution of the Quakers, and
the most obnoxious laws were repealed in Plymouth
colony, we are told the Quakers became "the most
peaceful, industrious, and moral of all the religious
sects." Such was the immediate result of their being
unmolested by penal laws.
The court this year commended such of the inhabitants of Yarmouth as were prompt to discharge their
duties for the encouragement and support of the ministry, but censured the neglect of others and directed
town meetings to be held to raise forty or fifty
pounds; the levy to be made annually. -A law was
enacted providing that'" all Quakers and encouragers of
them, all persons convicted of speaking contemptuously
of laws, and such as are grossly scandalous, as liars, drunkards, swearers, &c., shall lose their freedom." -Again, the
marshal at Sandwich who was opposed in the execution
of his office, having called on Mr. Edmund Freeman,
late assistant, for aid, and this having been refused,
Mr. Freeman was fined ten shillings. Thomas Burges,
Jr., suffered the same penalty.  Edward Perry and
Stephen Wing, charged with  abusive speech" towards
the marshal, were fined twenty shillings each; as was
also William Gifford "' for affront." And in October, the
following order was passed in General Court: c" Foras



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      237
much as this court findeth that our people of Sandwich
called Quakers have had by them many papers and
writings that are both false, scandalous, and pernicious
to the government, these are, therefore, in the name of
the state of England, to require George Barlow, marshal
of Sandwich, to take with him a man or two, and repair
to the house of Wim. Newland and Ralph Allen of Sandwich, and Nicholas Davis of Barnstable, to make search
in any part of their houses, or in any chests or trunks of
the abovesaid, or elsewhere, for any such papers or
writings, and to return such as they shall so find, either
to the court, or to the governor, or some of the assistants." Moreover, Thomas Ewer, " for his tumultuous
and seditious carriages, and speeches in court," was sentenced by the court c' to lie neck and heels during the
pleasure of the court." It appearing that the said Ewer
was an infirm man/' the matter was to be compromised
"if he will be rid out of the colony.'
Liberty having been granted, in June last, to Mr.
Thomas Hinckley, Henry Cobb, Samuel Hinckley, John
Jenkins, and Nathaniel Bacon, to view and purchase a
tract of land at Saconessett, Mr. Thomas Hinckley and
Richard Bourne were now appointed to arrange with
the Indians for the same. William Nickerson was allowed
his lands.
In 1660 Governor Prince and Mr. Hinckley were
again in office. A tract of land —ten thousand five
hundred acres - was set apart by the General Court for
the exclusive use of the Indians of Maslzpee. A grant
and deed of this plantation was obtained for the purpose,
through the influence of Mr. Rd. Bourne of Sandwich.
The council of war ordered that during any appearance of danger, a military watch be kept. in every




238           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
town; the Dutch and French to be regarded as common enemies. It was also ordered by the court, that
no foreign Indians shall be allowed to come to another
tribe's plantation.
The colony does not appear to have had much experience hitherto in the evils of party contest at
elections; for, at this time, the court " noticing that
many do not appear at elections," either in person or
by proxy, ordered that absentees be fined, unless
some unavoidable impediment hinder their appearance.
Whatever restrictions were imposed from time to time,
it appears ever to have been conceded as the theory of
our constitution now indicates, that the people are supposed to be wise enough to choose their own rulers,
legislators, and statesmen.  The selections made in
early times were generally judicious.  None aspiring
to office, the best men were proposed; and, however
reluctant they might be, they were expected, ay,
required, as we have seen, to serve. At the time of
our present writing, so progressive is the age, it is
claimed that the people are not only wise enough to
elect, but every one is competent also to be a legislator
and statesman. Even the outcasts from foreign lands,
as well as the respectable because moral and intelligent,
are quickly enrolled side by side with the best informed
and wisest- possessed of equal rights to control the
destinies of the nation —fit dupes often for the party
demagogue, whilst, it may be, the wisest, the best, and
those who really have the greatest stake in society,
though descended from men who through successive
generations were pillars of state, are virtually, in a
great measure, excluded from office - their very superiority of intellect, erudition, statesmanship, and moral
culture operating, because of low prejudice or envy, as
a disfranchisement.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      239
The commissioners of the United Colonies recommended to the several General Courts to regulate the
mackerel fishery; " conceiving that fish to be the most
staple commodity of the country." Few, who have not
investigated the subject, have at the present day an
adequate conception of the importance of this branch
of productive industry.
A parcel of meadow " formerly mowed by Mr. Leverich, the minister, and therefore called his land, at Mannomett," was granted by the court to Thomas Burges,
Sr. Myles Black had also a grant of land at Mannomett.  It was also ordered, "concerning the lands
granted to the inhabitants of Easthan, lying from Yarmouth bounds to the lands of William Nicarson,1 to the
north bounds of the purchaser's lands, that Mr. Thos.
Hinckley and Ensign Lumbert view the same and make
report."  Mr. Alden and Mr. Hinckley were also appointed " to purchase lands of Janno, sachem,' in behalf
of Barnstable. Liberty being granted to Mr. John
Howland, Anthony Annable, Isaac Robinson, Capt.
Nathaniel Thomas, Samuel Fuller; Abraham Pierce, and
Peter Blossom, " to purchase lands at Saconessett and
adjacent, March 5, of the previous year;" Mr. Samuel
Hinckley, Lieutenant Matthew Fuller, John Cooper,
Henry Cobb, John Dunham, and John Jenkins of Barnstable, and Samuel Fuller, William Nelson, John Morton,
and Thomas Burman, of Plymouth were now added,
June 4, 1661. It was also ordered that Mr. Thomas
Hinckley, Richard Bourne, and Nathaniel Bacon "shall
purchase all such lands as are yet unpurchased at
Saconessett and parts adjacent, or any of those parts
1 This name was generally so written; it is the name now invariably Nickerson.




240           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
out of Barnstable and Sandwich."  It was also granted
to Mr. Thomas Paine " to purchase land at Satuckett,
for his mill."  Mr. Alden was also appointed " to purchase lands from the Indians at Mannomett."
The rate, this year, (commissioners' charge,) was,
Plymouth ~2 6 3.  Taunton ~2 2 1.  Rehoboth ~3 15 7~.
Duxbury  2 2 1.   Yarmouth 2 2 1.  Eastham   1 14 0.
Scituate  3 15 7~.  Barnstable 2 6 3.  Marshfield 2 2 1.
Sandwich 2 14 7.
A grant was made to Richard Bourne of Sandwich
of a tract of land 1 on the western side of Pampaspised
River, where Sandwich men take alewives; a long strip
by the river side, for breadth from the river unto the
top of the hill or ridge that runs along the length of it,
from a point of rocky land by a swamp called Panmetoopauksett, unto a place called by the English Muddy
Hole, but by the Indians Wapoompauksett; as also"
(other strips, &c.)... "with liberty to take twelve
M. alewives annually. Also lands at Mashpee," &c.
William Bassett of Sandwich, whose vocation as constable. had been superseded by the appointment of
Marshal Barlow, was fined ten shillings " for spreading
false reports of the marshal."  A letter from  Isaac
Robinson, "containing certain scandals and falsehoods
to the prejudice of the government, and to the encouragement of the   Quakers who were liable to     disfranchisement, was ordered to be enquired     into."
Captain James Cudworth, " for sympathy with the
Quakers, and for letters sent to England," was bound
over in the sum of five hundred pounds. Subsequently
both Captain Cudworth and Isaac Robinson, were dis1 Barlow, the sequel will show, was a bad fellow: Mr. Bassett was
a most estimable citizen.' The inference is left to the reader.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             241
franchised, on the charge of being "opposers of the
laws." 1   George Barlow, the marshal, having accused
John Newland of saying he (Newland) is holy as God
is holy, and perfect as God is perfect," the matter being
inquired into, and the language used not appearing to
bear precisely that construction, Newland was discharged.   Thomas Burges, Jr. for refusing to assist the
marshal, was fined thirty shillings.  Henry Dillingham,
for the same default, was fined fifteen shillings.      It
appeared by the affirmation of Elizabeth Freeman, that
Benjamin Nye had " instigated Jacob Burges to accuse
Newland," said Burges fearing " that otherwise he could
not have said Nye's daughter for a wife."     Daniel Butler, for rescuing a strange Quaker from      the marshal,
was publicly whipped."    Thomas Butler and wife, "for
turbulent conduct," were fined forty shillings.    Joseph
Allen, "for being at a Quaker meeting," was fined ten
shillings. William Newland, "for entertaining a strange
Quaker called Wenlocke Christopherson," was fined five
pounds; and said Christopherson was ordered C       to depart out of the government." Not complying, the said
Christopherson was sent to prison, and afterwards was
sentenced cto lay neck      and heels."    He was then
"whipped and sent away."2         The following persons
1It appears, by a subsequent entry on the Colonial Records, that
"there was found to be some mistake " in regard to accusations against
Mr. Robinson, which was the pretext for his being restored.
2 Christopherson went to the Massachusetts colony, and there was
sentenced to die; on which occasion he desired the court to consider
what they would gain by his death. Said he, " For the last man you
put to death, here are five come in his room; and if you have power
to take my life from me, God can raise up the same principle of life
in ten of his servants and send them among you in my room." He
was first reprieved for a short time, and finally set at liberty on a
promise to return to England.
VOL. I.       31




242           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
were fined ten shillings each, October 2, " for being at
Quaker meetings," viz.: Robert Harper and wife, John
Newland and wife, Jane Swift, Matthew, William, Joseph
and Benjamin Allen, William Gifford, William Newland
and wife, the wife of Henry Dillingham, Peter Gaunt,
John Jenkins, Richard Kerby, Sr., Richard Kerby, Jr.,
Obadiah and Dority Butler, all of Sandwich, and John
Smith, and Deborah his wife, of Plymouth.  Henry
Howland, " for entertaining Quakers at his house," was
fined four pounds.
In 1661, Governor Prince being in office, and Mr.
Hinckley assistant, freemen were allowed to vote c by
proxy" 1 in the election of magistrates, provided it be
done in open town meeting, the court so ordering and
enacting. Previous to this time, every voter was required to repair to Plymouth to exercise this right of
franchise.
At the court in -June, a loyal declaration was made
in favor of King Charles II., who had been restored to
the throne.
The colony sold for four hundred pounds sterling
their territory on the Kennebec River, granted them
by their last patent, taken in the name of William Bradford. This purchase originated the "Plymouth Company," as the purchasers and proprietors were called.
The General Court gave, June 4, to Mr. Richard
Bourne, a certain tract of land lying on the westerly
side of Pampaspecite River, where Sandwich men take
alewives; the land is a long slip lying by the river
side; for breadth, from the river unto the top of the hill
1 By this we understand, of course, the deputy chosen was the agent
for the people in the subsequent general election.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.     243
or ridge that runs along the length of it, from a point
of rocky land, by a swamp called Pametoopauksett,
unto a place called by the English Muddy Hole, but
by the Indians Wapoampauksett. The meadow is that
which was called Mr. Leverich his meadow;... liberty,
moreover, to take yearly twelve thousand alewives at
the river where Sandwich men usually take alewives,
to him and his heirs forever." Also, meadow lying at
Mashpee." Also " at Mannamuckcoy, with a little upland
in it, the meadow lying between two little brooks, and
the said meadow adjoining to the upland called by the
Indians Auntaanta."
In October, the following proposition was sent to the
four towns, Sandwich, Yarmouth, Barnstable, and Eastham, by order of the court, viz.: -
"LOVING FRIENDS: Whereas the General Court was
pleased to make some propositions to you respecting
the drift fish or whales; and, in case you should refuse
their profflr, empowered me, though unfit, to farm out
what should belong unto them on that account; and
seeing the time is expired, and it falls into my hands
to dispose of, I do, therefore, with the advice of the
court, in answer to your remonstrance, say, that if you
will duly and truly pay to the country for every whale
that shall come, one hogshead of oil, at Boston, where
I shall appoint, and that current and merchantable,
without any charge or trouble to the country, I say,
for peace and quietness sake you shall have it for this
present season, leaving you and the Election Court to
settle so as it may be to satisfaction on both sides; and,
in case you accept not of this tender, to send it within
fourteen days after the date hereof. And if I hear not
from you, I shall take it for granted that you will




244             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
accept of it, and shall expect the accomplishment of
the same.      Yours to use,
CONSTANT SOUTHWORTH, Treasurer."
Richard Child, by order of Court, was required to
desist from  the erection of a cottage at Yarmouth.
William Allen of Sandwich was again before the court
at Plymouth, complained of for entertaining Christopher
Holder, a Quaker; and a similar charge was presented
against William Newland and Peter Gaunt.        Lodowick
Hoxy, "for not assisting Marshal Barlow," was fined
twenty shillings; also, "for refusing and neglecting"
a similar call from  the marshal fines were imposed on
Joseph Chandler, Richard Smith, and Nathaniel Fish.
In 1662 Mr. Prince was again governor, and Mr.
Hinckley assistant.
Another earthquake was experienced in New England,
January 26; and yet another, January 28.1
A tax was laid on all liquors sold at retail, and a fine
of five pounds was imposed on any persons who should
refuse to take the oath of fidelity.
Some suspicion    of Indian    plots prevailing, King
Philip, alias Metacomet, came into court, and renewed
the treaty of friendship agreed on by himself and his
1 In the annals of New England five earthquakes are mentioned as
"great;" that of 1638, 1658, 1663, Oct. 29, 1727, and Nov. 18, 1755.
But nineteen more are also mentioned as having occurred, viz.: Oct. 29,
1653, 1660, 1665, 1668, 1669, 1670, 1705, Sept. 5, 1720, 1732, Feb.
6 and Dec. 7, 1737, June 3, 1744, July 8, 1757, March 12 and Nov.
1, 1761, 1766, 1769, 1771, Nov. 29, 1788, May 8, 1804, Nov. 9,
1810, Nov. 28, 1814 more severe than any other since 1755, and
others have been reported since. But, with the exception of the five
called "great earthquakes," and that of 1814, the vibrations were so
slight as to escape general notice. - Judge Davis.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            245
brother in 1656.   The treaty was witnessed by FRANCIS,
Sachem of Nauzset.
Two of the late judges of the deposed and decapitated king, Colonel Goffe and Colonel Whalley, having
fled from England just before Charles II. was proclaimed, had arrived in Boston July 27, 1660.       They
heard of the accession whilst on shipboard, in the
Channel, after leaving London; and expected, of course,
to be condemned as regicides. Whalley had been
Cromwell's lieutenant general, and Goffe a major general. They waited immediately on Governor Endicott,
and were courteously received. At length, however,
it became necessary for them to seek other quarters, and they finally retired to Connecticut, and from
thence to Hadley,1 in Massachusetts, October, 1664,
where another of the regicides, Dixwell, joined them.
During their concealment at New       Haven, and subsequently in the cave at West Rock, they were much
sought for, requisition being made for them unavailingly.  The colonies were all suspected of sympathy
with them, and of being accessory to their concealment.
The following document appears under date of June
1 They were there concealed many years in the house of Rev. John
Russel, father of Rev. Jonathan Russel, the elder, of Barnstable. A
large mass of manuscript of the three judges (for Dixwell soon joined
them) was for a long time in the possession of the younger Rev. Jonathan Russel of Barnstable, but was finally irrecoverably lost. Falling
into the hands of a collateral branch of the family, the papers were
abstracted from the attic, by domestics, as needed in kindling fires,
until not one vestige of those valuable documents remained! Mrs.
Nathaniel Otis of Sandwich, a daughter of the first Rev. Jonathan
Russel, and who died in 1774 at an advanced age, at the house of her
son-in-law, Mr. Edmund Freeman, in Mansfield, Ct., had spent much
time in examining those papers, and from her President Stiles obtained
much of his information for his history of the three judges.




246             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
10, 1662: "A    deposition.   A purchase made of Osamequin at Satuckett, of six miles, from the centre in
the weir in the river, by Mr. Constant Southworth and
Lt. Nash, for the enlargement and accommodation of
the town of Barnstable."'    Another.   "This testifieth
that when Capt. Standish set out the Indians' land,
Napoietan, the sagamore, told Mr. Winslow and the rest
of the company, that he gave the one half of that land
to Tacomacus; so he and his wife and children have
enjoyed it ever since."   Signed, HENRY COBB. June 10,
1662. Further, "Mr. Alden and the major are appointed
by the court to set out the bounds betwixt Barnstable
and Sandwich, and to end any differences that exist
betwixt these towns and the Indians about grants of
lands."   Again, " concerning    a  difference  between
Quachatissett and Josias, of Nauset, sachems, the court
order Mr. Alden and Mr. Hinckley to hear and determine the same."    The agents of Yarmouth appeared at
court ito debate and have determined        a difference
about whales."   " A mare having been killed by Indians
at Mashpee, belonging     to  John Allen of Sandwich,
Paupmunnuck and Keenecompsett agreed to pay ~14
for the same." " A further enlargement was granted
to Barnstable, and Rd. Bourne and James Skiff were
1 It were impracticable to insert every document to which reference
is made. Some of the more important may appear in the town annals
hereafter. It would be equally inconvenient, in this part of our work,
to designate localities by their present names. And in regard to names
of places or persons, we may as well, once for all, say, we are constrained in general to follow the record; for, although often variable,
the place or person intended will be understood. To attempt uniformity
in the writing of Indian names and thus to propose an orthographical
standard, would require, what none now have, an accurate knowledge
of Indian orthoepy. Besides, by marking the variations and changes
that have been made, the reader has a better view of the past.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       247
appointed to settle the bounds of Nauquatnumacke's
land."  Kenelm Winslow, Jr. was fined ten shillings for
riding on the Lord's day, although he pleaded necessity.
The strictness observed in regard to the sacredness of
holy time is forcibly illustrated by the fact that, in
another part of the colony, Lieutenant Wyatt was before
the court, in 1658, and " reproved for writing a note on
business on the Lord's day, in the evening somewhat
too soon."
The rate for the public charge of the country, this
year, was,
Plymouth ~11 2 0.  Taunton ~10 2 0.  Marshfield ~10 2 0.
Duxbury   6 14 6.  Yarmouth 10 2 0.  Rehoboth  15 3 0.
Scituate  18 3 0.  Barnstable 11 2 0.  Eastham  8 2 0.
Sandwich 10 2 0.
Mr. Prince was again governor, and Mr. Hinckley
assistant, in 1663.
It should here be noted that after the departure of
Mr. Leverich from Sandwich, there was no regularly
settled minister in the town for some years.    Mr.
Thomas Tupper, known more prominently as Captain
Tupper, undertook, although not acceptable to the
stanch friends of Rev. Mr. Leverich, to conduct religious
services in the meeting house; and, strange to say,
though he was without ordination and withal somewhat
fanatical and ranting if we are to credit tradition, and
often in difficulties with his neighbors, was in favor
with the government, (of which few of the respectable
inhabitants could at that time boast,) so that no objection to his officiating was made by court influence.
His prophesyings, as is evident from the numerous fines
imposed "for not attending meetings," were neither
approved or countenanced by large numbers of the




248            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
best people in the town, nor by a majority of church
members. At last, however, weary of dissension, the
meetings that had been kept up by the opposition, embracing those accused of favoring the Quakers, were
discontinued, a compromise to secure a better understanding and more quiet neighborhood having been
effected.  The arrangement was that Mr. Richard
Bourne, a man of great moral worth, should assist in
keeping up public religious services on Lord's days; and
that the one of these two prominent laymen who should
have a majority of adherents present at meeting should
be the minister for the time being. This state of things
continued until Rev. JOHN SMITH became, about 1658,
the regular successor of Mr. Leverich, remaining the
pastor for many years.1   After the settlement of Mr.
Smith, Messrs. Bourne and Tupper turned their attention
to the Indians." 2
Other important changes touching the ministry on
the Cape had already been effected, or were made the
present year.   The former additions were Mr. John
Mayo, Mr. William Sargeant, and Mr. Thomas Crosby;
the later, and of the present year, were Rev. THOMAS
WALLEY and Rev. TuOMAS THORNTON. Mr. Walley, the
minister at Barnstable, it has been said, C was settled
about ten years after Mr. Lothrop's decease;" and some
have it that there was no minister regularly settled in
Barnstable in all the interim. The facts, however, that
we shall present hereafter in regard to Mr. Mayo, Mr.
1 Mr. Smith had previously officiated for some time in Barnstable;
but, it is said, "being disliked by Mr. Hinckley, left and went to Long
Island, then to New Jersey, from thence returning to Sandwich."
2 More particular mention of Messrs. Bourne and Tupper, except
as their names occur in connection with public transactions, must be
deferred to the annals of Mashpee and of Sandwich.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              249
Sargeant, and Mr. Smith, are indisputable, and will
show that they severally officiated at Barnstable for a
time. It is not for us to decide peremptorily the position which they severally held; suffice it to say, Mr.
Walley, who was highly distinguished, filling a large
space in society, became an inhabitant of Barnstable,
and was the pastor of the church in that town in 1663; 
and Mr. Thornton, also distinguished, was, about the
same time, the successor of Mr. Millar2 in the pastorate
1 Mr. Walley came over June 24, 1662-3, in the ship "Society,"
Captain John Pierce. Born in England, 1616, he was for a time settled in London as rector of William's and Mary's, Whitechapel. Invited to a charge in Boston, he gave the preference to Barnstable -
a preference which it requires discrimination and a better knowledge
of the history of the Cape than is enjoyed by many non-residents at
the present day, to appreciate.
2 The Rev. JOHN MILLAR came to Yarmouth probably in 1646.
The precise time of his advent here it is impossible to state with certainty; nor, in the absence of records, is it practicable to mention the
exact time of his departure. It is, however, evident that he was, with
his family, in Yarmouth early in 1647, and remained until 1662 or
1663. From various sources isolated facts are gathered which show
that he was educated at Cambridge, England, and graduated A. B.
1627. He is mentioned by Mather in the " first classis" of those who
had received ordination and exercised their ministry previous to leaving
England. He came over in 1634; was some time in Roxbury, one of
the elders of the church; from 1639 to 1641 was in Rowley, assistant
to Mr. Rogers and also town clerk; in 1641, October 25, was waited
on by messengers desiring his services for the church at Woburn, but
they "found Mr. Rogers loth to part with him; " in September, 1642,
was, with Mr. Phillips of Watertown and Mr. Thompson of Braintree,
proposed as a missionary to Virginia, but declined " because of bodily
weakness;" in 1642, December 7, his name appears on the list of
grantees of Newbury; and from Johnson's " Wonder-working Providence," we learn that "for the assisting of the tender flock of Christ
at Rowley the Rev. John Millar did abide among them for some space
of time, preaching the word of God, till it pleased the Lord to call him
to be the pastor of the church at Yarmouth in Plymouth patent." In
VOL. i.        32




250             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
at Yarmouth.     Both gentlemen are reckoned by Mather's "Magnalia" " de viris illustribus," of the " third
clssis."l  Mr. Mayo, after being " teaching elder" at
Barnstable, was engaged as a " religious teacher" at
Eastham, and finally was succeeded by Mr. Thomas
Crosby.
It was enacted by the court that every town shall
choose three or five selectmen, subject to the approval
of court, for the better managing of town's affairs. These
selectmen were empowered to hear and determine all
cases of debts or differences existing between any
within their respective townships, the amount involved
1663, March 18, being called to preach at Groton, he had lands assigned to him in that town, where he continued to exercise his ministry
to the time of his death, which occurred June 12, 1664. We have
very little material for a biographical notice of him; but from the occasional mention made of him, it is readily inferred that, though a man
of "low stature," he was of high literary attainments and of exemplary
piety -an able and devoted servant of Christ. Of his family also,
but few particulars are known. He brought with him from England
his son John, b. March, 1631-2; a daughter Lydia was born to him in
Rowley 12 mo., 2, 1640; and, at Yarmouth, Susanna, May 2, 1647,
and Elizabeth, Oct. 13, 1649. The Roxbury church records, in the
handwriting of " the Apostle Eliot" say, " 1647, month 6, day 8, Susan, daughter to Mr. John Millar, once an elder of our church, afterwards at Rowley he preached, and then was called to Yarmouth, baptized." John, the son, m. Margaret, daughter of Gov. Josias Winslow,
Dec. 24, 1659, and by her had three sons and eight daughters, and d.
at Yarmouth June, 1711, aged 79 years, having been much in public
life, sustaining with honor offices of responsibility. Gov. Winslow
mentions especially in his will, " Hannah Miller, my grandchild, now
living with me."
1 The " third classis," as arranged by Mr. Mather, was made up, to
use the language of the "Magnalia," of " such ministers as came over
to New England after the reestablishment of the Episcopal church
government in England, and the persecution which then hurricanoed
such as were non-conformists unto that establishment."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      251
not exceeding forty shillings; also to adjudge all differences occurring between English and Indians. It was
further enacted that they shall have power to issue
summons in his majesty's name.
A petition was presented to the court " by the sons
and sons-in-law of Wm. Nickerson, for liberty to settle
a township at Manamoiett;" signed by Wm. Nicarson,
Sr., Robert Nicarson, Nicholas Nicarson, Saml. Nicarson,
John Nicarson, Wm. Nicarson, Jr., Joseph Nicarson,
Robert. Eldred, Trustram Hedges, and Nathl. Covell.
Mr. Hinckley, Thomas Dexter, Jr., and Constant
Southworth were appointed to settle the bounds between Sandwich and Plymouth. Liberty was granted
to Mr. Edmund Freeman, Sr., c to accommodate himself
and the children of William  Paddy deceased, with
lands." It was ordered "s that Sacconessett shall, for the
present, belong to Barnstable."
The troubles at Sandwich were not yet laid. Edward Perry was before the court " for a railing letter "
addressed to the same. Nehemiah Besse " for drinking
tobacco at the meeting house in Sandwich on the Lord's
day," was fined five shillings.
Mr. Prince and Mr. Hinckley were again chosen to
their respective offices in 1664, and this year, King
Charles II. issued a commission empowering appointees
"to hear and determine complaints and appeals, in all
cases," within New England, and " to proceed in all
things for settling the peace and security of the country." In letters which his majesty caused to be addressed
to the government of New Plymouth, were " expressions
full of royal grace and favor, and promises to preserve
all its liberties and privileges both ecclesiastical and
civil without the least violation," and enjoining loyalty,




252          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
affection, and obedience on the part of his New England
subjects. The commissioners were recognized, and an
agent appointed by the Plymouth Colony government
to confer with them, making respectful professions of
fidelity and allegiance. This commission had been appointed in consequence of repeated complaints by
Quakers and others; and the people now became convinced of the necessity of decisive action, and certainly
showed much address in avoiding the real merits of the
case, and evading what was expected of them. They
doubtless felt great relief when the commissioners returned to England.
A comet, very large and brilliant, excited much attention from November 17 to February 4; "the blaze of
it" says Morton, " did turn to all quarters of the world;
it was no fiery meteor caused by exhalation, but it appeared to be sent immediately by God to awake the
secure world." Hutchinson observes, "The people of
New England were not alone in the opinion that comets
were omens of great evils.  The troubles from the
king's commissioners, with the death of the governor of
Massachusetts, tended to confirm the people in this
opinion."
The following action was had, the record of which
bears date February 7, 1664-5: "Whereas a motion
was made to this court by Rd. Bourne, in the behalf
of those Indians under his instruction, as to their desire
of living in some orderly way of government, for the
better preventing and redressing of things amiss
amongst them by meet and just means, this court doth
therefore, in testimony of their countenancing and encouraging to such a work, approve of those Indians
proposed, viz.: Paupmunnuck, Keencomsett, Watanamatucke, Nauquatnumache, Kanoonus, and Mocrust, to




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      2-53
have the chief inspection and management thereof, with
the help and advice of the said Rd. Bourne, as the matter
may require; and that one of the aforesaid Indians be
by the rest installed to act as constable amongst them;
it being always provided, notwithstanding, that what
homage is accustomed legally due to any superior
sachem be not hereby infringed."
There was granted to Josias Cooke, " three score
acres of land and four acres of meadow and an island
at a place called Potanumatucke," and, June 11,the
following order was issued:' To Mr. Freeman, Rd.
Bourne, Mr. Dexter, James Skiff, and Wm. Bassett,
greeting: — Whereas, Nauquatnumacke hath complained of wrong done to him in his corn, by horses, in
Sandwich, these are to request you to take some serious
and effectual course that the poor man may have his
corn preserved, &c.... Attest, NATHL. MORTON, Clerk."
Mr. Thomas Dexter appears not to have been upon
the most amicable terms with his neighbors, since he is
often found complaining of injury inflicted by the town
of Sandwich c to his right of lands."
" In the controversy between Mattaquasson, sachem
of Mannamoiet, and John Quason his son on the one
part, and Wm. Nicarson on the other part, about lands
bought by said Nicarson of the Indians, Nicarson was
defaulted, and the lands reverted to the colony." Robert Harper was publicly whipped, by order of court,
"for disturbing public worship at Sandwich and Barnstable," and Richard Willis was set in the stocks " for
ribaldry."




254            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAPTER       XIII.
Doings of the Royal Commissioners. - Concessions in favor of Religious
Freedom.-Grant of Lands at Monomoyick, and attendant Difficulties.- Religious Instruction of the Indians.- Remarkable Events.Schools.- Difficulties with the Indians apprehended.- Settlement of
Ministers required. - The Fisheries. -Free Schools.- Indians give in
their Adhesion.
MR. PRINCE being governor and Mr. Hinckley an
assistant, in 1665, the Royal Commissioners submitted
to the Colonial Court held at Plymouth, February 22,
propositions designed to secure the administration of
justice; the right of every man of competent estate
and civil' conversation, though of opinions differing
from others, to be admitted as a freeman, and to have
liberty to choose and to be chosen to office; the right
of the enjoyment of religious privileges; and the observance of due respect for the rights of the Crown.
The answer of the court was so generally in compliance
with the propositions submitted, that the next year the
king expressed his royal approbation, and gave assurances of his continued regard.
Governor Prince, who had these seven years been
excused from a residence in Plymouth, removed thither,
a house being provided for him, and it being deemed,
by the court assembled, indispensably necessary for the
more convenient administration of justice that the
governor should reside at the seat of government. He
thus ceased to be an inhabitant of the Cape. It had
been, as we have before intimated, enacted in 1633.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            255
"that the chief government be tied to the town of
Plymouth, and that the governor for the time being be
tied there to keep his residence and dwelling; and
there also to hold such courts as concern the whole."
The court enacted that corporal punishment shall
be inflicted on any who deny the Scriptures -an
ineffectual way of convincing the sceptical of their error,
as may well be supposed; also, that no minister shall
leave his charge without first deferring the question of
duty and privilege to the magistrates, who were empowered to compel congregations to support their ministers.
It was also enacted that " assistants in the government, of long standing, shall be allowed ~20 per annum
for their services, and that the charge of their table
shall be defrayed; also that those who are newly elected shall be allowed the charge of their table only."
This was, indeed, a remuneration for services rendered,
or to be rendered, that did not alarmingly tend to corruption and lust for office.   In fact, offices were, in
those days, not sought, as has already been demonstrated; but incumbents were carefully selected for
office and pressed into service.  In a year or two, however, it was found necessary, that honest men might be
able to serve, to increase the salary.'
The wheat crop, which had been injured more or
less for several years, was now more seriously affected
than ever with blasting and mildew.
1 In July, 1667, ~50 annual salary was allowed to the assistants,
and the charge of their table. And it was then found necessary to
enact that such as were chosen to the office and should refuse to serve,
should be fined ~5 for the use of the colony.
2 The next year, the injury was still more serious, so that at length,
after repeated attempts to perpetuate the cultivation of that valuable
grain, the inhabitants on the sea-coast became discouraged and relinquished further trials, at least for some years.




256           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
This year, April 10, purchases were made from the
sachem of Monomoyick of valuable lands near Potanumaquutt, with the view to a settlement. A grant was
also made, this same year, by the General Court, to
Thomas Hinckley, John Freeman, Nathaniel Bacon, and
associates, of lands at the same place. This led to
some difficulty between the purchasers and the claimants under the grant.'
William Nickerson being C charged with illegally
purchasing lands at Mannamoiett of the natives, submitted himself; June 7, to the clemency of the court."
He was allowed one hundred acres at or near his house,
to be laid out by Barnard Lumbert, Marshal Nash, and
Joseph Howes. The rest of the land the court granted
to Mr. Thomas Hinckley, Mr. John Freeman, Mr. William Sargeant, Mr. Anthony Thacher, Nathaniel Bacon,
Edmund Hawes, Thomas Howes, Sr., Thomas Falland,
Sr., and Lieut. Joseph Rogers, in equal proportions, the
said William Nickerson to have an equal share with
them in the meadow lands. It was further ordered
that Mr. Hlinckley, Mr. Freeman, and associates, pay to
said Nickerson whatever he shall prove to have been
paid by him in the purchase of said lands. The court
also granted liberty to Mr. Hinckley, Mr. Freeman, Mr.
Sargeant, and the rest, "to purchase the tract adjacent
at Mannamoiett, to the extent of one hundred acres
the share of each." It was ordered that all said lands
appertain to and shall be considered within the liberties
of the township of Yarmouth. The penalty of ~5 for
every acre illegally purchased by William Nickerson of
the Indians was remitted.
1 The right of the Indians to the soil seems to have been still acknowledged.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      257
Mr. Hinckley, Richard Bourne, and Nathaniel Bacon
were appointed by the court to purchase land of the
Indians inr behalf of the town of Yarmouth. Richard
Bourne and William Bassett were also appointed to
view and purchase some lands desired by Edmund Freeman and Thomas Butler, lying towards Saconeesett.
In 1666, Governor Prince being in office, and Lieutenant John Freeman of Eastham, and Mr. Thomas
Hinckley of Barnstable, being assistants, Mr. Richard
Bourne of Sandwich had audience before the governor
and others, in reference to the religious improvement
of the Indians under his instruction. The conference
was held at Mashpee, then called Mashipaug.   Mr.
Bourne argued, among other things, that the Indians
should be permitted and encouraged to enter into
church fellowship. This was allowed at a subsequent
period. The Indians denominated a church an c inclosed
garden."
The Colonial Court directed that three sessions be
held each year for the trial of causes civil and criminal;
the court to be composed of the governor and at least
three magistrates. Appeals from the decisions of selectmen were allowed. Selectmen were required to present
to the court all persons who absented themselves from
public worship.
A census was ordered in each town of all male inhabitants, from sixteen to sixty years of age, capable
of bearing arms.  Laws were provided also for the
support of public worship; and towns that neglected
to have a minister, were to be taxed by court for the
support of public worship. A penalty was also imposed
on officers legally chosen by any town, who refuse to
serve.
VOL. I.     33




258           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
The fisheries of Cape Cod were regulated by law,
and a duty was laid on all fish caught, for the support
of a free school in some town within the jurisdiction of
the court.
The confederation between Plymouth, Massachusetts,
and Connecticut Colonies was renewed.
The country was claimed and possessed by independent princes, whose right to the lordship and sovereignty thereof had been acknowledged by the kings
of England. The settlers were obliged to purchase, or
to appear to have purchased, for valuable considerations,
not only the soil, but the dominion, lordship, and sovereignty of those princes. Hence Mr. Josiah Winslow,
governor of Plymouth in 1676, said, C; I think I can truly
say that before these present troubles with the Indians
broke out, we did not possess one foot of land in this
colony but what was fairly obtained by honest purchase
of the Indian proprietors."  The provisions in treaties
that the Indians should not sell their lands without
permission from the court, were justified by the fact
that the King of England, as was the custom of other
princes of Europe, had laid claim to countries from discovery, and had granted to certain of his subjects this
part of the country.
" Quachattasett, the Indian sachem  of Mannomett,
came into court, and declared that Nanumett and Nocroft, two other Indians, have a part in Mannomett Old
Field. He engaged not to make sale thereof from the
said Indians; and that they shall have liberty of wood
and timber for firing and other uses out of the bordering
woods. It was mutually desired by the said Indians
that this record be made for their security."
At the court at Plymouth, October 31, William Nickerson was arraigned for scandalously reproaching the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        259
court, in a letter to the governor of New York; and he
was bound over in the sum of ~500. His sons-in-law,
Robert Eldred and Nathaniel Covell, being privy to the
letter and consenting to the same, were held in the
sum of ~100 each. Due acknowledgments were subsequently made and entered upon the records, and ~30
of the ~50 in which he was aumerced was abated. A
grant was made to Ensign Bernard Lombard, John
Finney, and Isaac Robinson, of fifty acres each, of land
at Pausatucke Neck; also six acres of meadow.     A
grant of one hundred and fifty acres to Mr. Edmund
Freeman, Jr., was confessed, with the meadow adjoining
to the bounds of Sacconessett, and unto a place called
Tassacust; the purchase made of Quachatassett and
Sepet his son. A grant was also made to John Doane
of one hundred acres at Pottannumaquett Neck, and
six acres of meadow. Also one hundred acres to Lieutenant Ellis, at Maconsett Neck. Also meadow to Ezra
Perry, near Mr. Freeman's land. Also to James Skiff,
forty acres on the east of the Herring Brook at Mannomett.
In 1667 Mr. Prince was again elected governor of
the jurisdiction of New Plymouth, and the Cape furnished three of the seven assistants, viz.: Mr. Thomas
Hinckley, Mr. Nathaniel Bacon, and Mr. John Freeman.
So inconsiderable were the aspirations for this latter
office, that it was provided that c' if any who are or may
be elected to the office of assistant refuse to serve, they
shall be fined ~5 for the use of the colony."
This year a comet appeared.1  As illustrative of the
1 Says Morton, "In the beginning of March there appeared a sign
in the heavens in the form of a spear, something thicker in the midst
than at either end, of a whitish bright color; it was seen several nights




260              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
times, in its influence —we mean its moral effect on
the people —it is worthy of mention; for Mr. Neal
says "it excited    the magistrates to promote a reformation of manners."l      We are not aware, however,
that it occasioned any uneasiness in the minds of the
people on the Cape. In fact they were, so far as we
can learn, at no time distinguished by any undue development of the marvellous. Even " the roar of lions"
which quite early discomposed the nerves of their more
vigilant and observing neighbors in other parts,2 seems
never to have caused any great alarm here.
together in the west, about an hour within the night; it stood stooping,
one end pointing to the setting of the sun, and so settled downward by
little and little, until it quite vanished and descended beneath our
horizon. God awaken us that we be not heedless spectators of his
wonderful works."
1 The Universal History, in copying this account, says, " Some
dreadful event was apprehended;" but adds, "the only thing of that
kind that happened was a renewal of the persecutions against the
Baptists and Quakers."  "Severe," says Judge Davis in his notes,
" but not altogether unmerited."
2 In 1621, certain persons at Plymouth, Goodman and Brown, were
greatly alarmed by noises which they supposed to be "' the roaring of
lions."  Gookin testified, " For beasts, there are some bears, and they
say some lions also; for they have been seen at Cape Ann." And
Woods, in the sixth chapter of the New England Prospect, published
in England only nine years after the settlement of Boston, gives the
following account: " Concerning lions, I will not say that I ever
saw any myself; but some affirm that they have seen a lion at Cape
Anne, which is not above ten leagues from Boston. Some, likewise,
being lost in the woods, have heard such terrible roarings as have
made them much aghast, - which must be either devils or lions, there
being no other creatures which use to roar, saving bears which have
not such a terrible kind of roaring. Beside, Plymouth men have
traded for lion skins, in former times. But sure it is that there be
lions on that continent, for the Virginians saw an old lion in their
plantation, who, having lost his jackal, which was wont to hunt his
prey, was brought so poor that he could go no further."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      261
The council of war, in " this time of danger from the
Dutch and French, our common enemies," embraced
Richard Bourne, William Bassett, and James Skiff, Sr.,
of Sandwich; Anthony Thacher, Edmund Hawes, and
Thomas Howes, of Yarmouth; Thomas Hinckley, Nathaniel Bacon, and John Chipman, of Barnstable; and
Lieutenant Freeman, Josias Cooke, and Richard Higgins, of Eastham.
A grant was made, June 5, to Thomas Butler of
Sandwich, of " a neck of land called Tassacausett, lying
near to Mr. Edmund Freeman's land-being divided
by a creek or brook on the southerly side-land
bought of an Indian called Charles, alias Pampmunitt;"
and " in reference to two necks of land purchased by
Mr. Thomas Dexter, Jr., the court granted him  one
hundred acres of upland thereof, —ordering that the
balance shall appertain to the minister's house at Sandwich."
Thus the affairs of the Cape moved on in their usually quiet way, leaving very little that is pertinent to
our history to be recorded further of the present year,
save that some slight exhibition of discontent among
the settlers at Manomoiet is evidenced by the court
records. "Nicholas Nicarson" was before the court,
July 2, "for opprobrious words" uttered against Mr.
Thomas Thornton, the minister, alleging that a certain
sermon preached by Mr. Thornton " was half of it lies,"
&c., &c.; but he, acknowledging his error and engaging
to make a public confession of his fault in the meeting
house at Yarmouth, was released.  Subsequent difficulties, however, are mentioned —the resistance to
Thomas Howes, constable, and affronts offered him, &c.,
&c., in which numbers of the name of Nickerson were
involved, leading to severe penalties; all which suf



262           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
ficiently indicate an exasperated feeling on the part of
the family, doubtless growing out of the disallowing of
their transactions in purchases made of the Indians.
But we forbear to enter more fully into particulars.
In 1668, July 7, the following record appears. " The
court confirmeth unto Ensign Barnard Lumbert, John
Finney, Sr., and Isaac Robinson, a certain neck of land,
with the meadow adjoining thereunto, commonly called
Passuntaquanuncke Neck, on the south sea, heretofore
granted to them; bounded westerly by a river which
divides between the said neck and Quenaumett, and by
the next river easterly, together with a strip of land
coming up from the said neck to the highway which
leads from Barnstable to Saconeesett, for their common
and outlet; being part of those lands purchased by
Thomas Hinckley, Nathaniel Bacon, and Richard Bourne,
mentioned in a deed of sale bearing date December 2,
1667, signed by Quachatasett, Sepitt, and Acomont,
sachems. Also this court confirmeth unto Mr. Thomas
Hinckley, Nathaniel Bacon, and Richard Bourne, all the
residue or remainder of the lands, both uplands and
meadow, contained within the said deed of sale, from
the aforesaid river easterly, extending to Wequasett,
according to the bounds mentioned in the abovesaid
deed of sale, in right of the court's former grant unto
them, as also in right of the court's grant unto
William Clarke, bought by them, the said Thos. Hinckley and Nathl. Bacon."  We also find that Francis,
sachem of Nauset, was fined ~10, "for uncivil and inhuman words to Captain Allen, at Cape Cod, when cast
away."  General musters of the military were " ordered
to be held on the second Wednesday of October, 1669,
at Plymouth, Yarmouth, and Taunton." The colony




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        263
complained of annoyance and interruption of the fisheries on the part of Massachusetts, and an order was
passed, remonstrating with the General Court of the
Massachusetts Colony against the intrusion.
The year 1669 was barren of interest. There is
little to mention, save that a vessel was cast ashore on
the Cape, and that a controversy arose between Thomas
Moore, the claimant and owner of the cargo, and Samuel Doty and others of Eastham, in regard to the salvage. An agreement was finally concluded Oct. 29,
and sanctioned by the court, touching the moneys recovered from the wreck.
The death of Capt. Thomas Southworth, Dec. 8,
caused every where much regret.1
In 1670, a stringent law was enacted touching the
support of the institutions of religion. Every town
was required to be constantly provided with an " able,
learned, and orthodox minister or ministers, of good
conversation, to dispense the word of God; " and these
were to be " suitably encouraged and sufficiently supported and maintained by the inhabitants" of the
several towns. In case of any neglect longer than six
months, the court was to provide for public worship
by ordering " a competent allowance for such minister
according to the estate and ability of the town," and
the town was to be assessed for the same. There appears
also at this time the record of a sentence and its execution upon a prominent citizen, which was, "that he be
1 Thomas Southworth came over in 1622, with his brother Constant,
and mother, Alice, (who married Gov. Bradford,) and filled a large
space in the history of the colony. He was some time governor of
the territory of the Kennebec Patent.




264           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
publicly whipped for reviling" one of the ministers.
Another " for reviling the ministry" was fined.
The lands at Cape Cod harbor received the special
attention of the General Court. These lands, which
have often, even to the present time, been the subject
of legislation, appear to have been reserved, not because of any appreciable value attached to the soil, but
on account of the value of the fisheries, as the preamble to the act at this time intimates:  Whereas the
providence of God hath made Cape Cod commodious
to us for fishing with seines," &c. The fisheries were
duly regulated, and a duty imposed upon mackerel,
bass, and other fish taken by the inhabitants of the
Cape - a dlty to be enforced, mark - not a bounty#, as
might have been more reasonably expected -a duty
of 12d per barrel.
Another provision of law at this period that was one
of great importance, destined to have a great influence
on the future character of the colony, was that making
provision for the establishment and support of schools.
It is greatly to the credit of our fathers that this subject received so early much of their attention. So
intimately connected with it are the vital and permanent interests of society, that it may well be said that
to their foresight in this respect we owe in a large
measure our prosperity. Contemporary legislation out
of New England furnishes no such evidence of the
high estimation in which the blessings of education
were held. And it certainly lessens none of the importance that is attached to Cape Cod in its early days,
that as it is entitled to the honor of being the part on
which the first known discoverer of Massachusetts set
his foot, and also the spot where the vessel moored
which brought over the first colony permanently plant



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       265
ed in New England, and which for a considerable time
continued to receive the impress of their feet- its
shores made vocal with thanksgiving and praise; and
was emphatically to the early pilgrims what Egypt
had been to the ancient Israelites - the place of sustenance - for hither, as thither, the people " went
down to buy corn;" so it was the source from which
revenue was to be derived for furnishing the means of
wholesome intellectual growth. Under a grant by the
government of the colony at this time, the profits accruing to the state, by the duty on fishing with nets or
seines at the Cape for mackerel, bass, herring, &c.,were appropriated to a free school to be established at Plymouth.
The bounds between Sandwich and Plymouth were
so settled, " that in case a south-west line shall cut off
any part of Herring River, to deprive the town of
Sandwich of the benefit of the alewives, the said line
shall run more westward, to clear the said river unto
the town of Sandwich."
The Indians under King Philip were now again suspected, by reason of " frequently assembling and various movements, of meditating a general war."  Messengers were despatched to them to reconnoitre and
make discoveries; also to Massachusetts to confer with
that government upon the course proper to be taken.
The government. of Massachusetts was, for the present,
averse to hostilities which the Plymouth government
intimated they should be " obliged to begin unless they
could otherwise bring the Indians to reason."  A commission with armed men met the Wamponoag sachem
at Taunton, soon after,1 and he consented to deliver
1 The interview was held in the meeting house; and whilst Philip
and the Plymouth commissioners with those from Massachusetts who
vOL. I.     34




266            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
up to the English all his arms, to be kept by them
as security against war; at the same time, stoutly denying having harbored any thoughts of hostile movements against the English. The bond obtained under
such circumstances, it might well be supposed, would
not be worth much.
In 1671, the code of laws for the government of the
colony was revised and ordered to be printed, under
the title of " The Book of the General Laws of the inhabitants of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth."  Under
these laws, or " General Fundamentals," as they were
called, provisions were made, as has been suggested,
" for the better improving of fishing for mackerel, &c.,
at the Cape," -  penalties were imposed for taking them
at other than specified times, licenses were to be granted,
&c., &c. It was now " ordered that the charges of the
free school, ~33 per annum, shall be defrayed by the
treasurer out of the profits arising from the fishing at
the Cape until such time as the minds of the freemen
be known concerning it."
At this time, also, " certain persons belonging in Hull
petitioned the government for permission to fish at
Cape Cod for mackerel, they having discovered a new
method of fishing with nets by moonlight."
The Indians being required " to engage themselves
to fidelity, viz., those of Paomet, Nausett, Sachatuckett,
Nobscussett, Mannamoyick, Weequahutt, and Mattahad lent their friendly aid as mediators, were negotiating within, the
Plymouth army were without on one side of the building and a large
company of Indians on the other, the eyes of the suspected gleaming
with indignation, and the solemn faces of their accusers resolute and
determined. It is not strange that Philip, when at liberty, spurned
the engagement, and that no more arms were delivered up.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        267
kesett," the " engagement was signed, April 10, by MR.
JOHN and QUAGUAQUANSUKE, of Paonmet; [SAMPSON, of natZsett, is sick at this time;] JOHN QUASON TASWOTT, of
Manzamoytick; SACHEMUS and LITTLE ROBIN, and WAHWOONETTSHUNKE, SABATUBKETT, SAMPSON of NobsCessett; KATENAT, alias KEENCOMSETT, of lalttalceesett; [HUMPHREY, of
Weequahltt, is not come.]"  "All," says the record,
" subscribed at Plymouth, in June."
The record further says, "Those that engage for
Maslpee, Xdatilt, and Waltoilet, are Kannunnays. AsIIuWOOHANITT, for Cokcashoise and Washelasso; AKOMONT, for
Asinziltt; HOPE, alias POHUNNA, for Sackonesset; WEBACOMETT, QUECHASSETT, for ilczomletl."
Men were pressed for the public service, viz.: from
Sandwich ten soldiers, Yarmouth nine, Barnstable ten,
Eastham five.
The opinion continued to gain ground that difficulties
were to be apprehended from the peculiar feeling and
bearing of the Indians at Pokanoket; and, August 23,
the Plymouth court informed the council of Massachusetts of their determination, on certain contingencies, to make war on the great sachem. The aid of
Massachusetts was earnestly solicited, inasmuch as it
must be regarded as a common cause; but the Massachusetts council were at the same time plainly told that
if they chose to hold back, the Plymouth Colony would
begin the war alone. The Wamponoags (Pokanokets)
had, like the once powerful Narragansetts, resisted all
attempts to convert them to Christianity, although,
under Massasoit and Alexander, they continued    in
friendship with the English, and kept inviolable the
league of 1621. But the present sachem    at Mount
Hope, it was supposed, was now able to muster at least
seven hundred warriors. The Indian had exchanged




268            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the rude bow and arrow, to a great extent, for the musket of the white man; and, it was very naturally
thought that he sighed for the freedom of his earlier
years —his proud spirit chafed at being hemmed in
by rival powers who he feared would ultimately exterminate his race unless the pale-faces should be expelled from the country —his thoughts intent on
revenge, notwithstanding all his professions to the contrary.
It so happened that the sachem with his chief men
arrived in Boston the same day that the before-mentioned communication from    Plymouth was received.
The state of things was investigated by the Massachusetts council, and Philip's representations were such
that the governor and council of Massachusetts determined that there did not appear sufficient grounds for
the commencement of hostilities against him.      The
nature of the sachem's subjection to the government of
Plymouth was considered, and, September 8, the Massachusetts government wrote to the governor of Plymouth
Colony, " We do not understand how far he hath subjected
himself to you; but the treatment you have given him,
and proceedings towards him, do not render him such
a subject that if there be not a present answering to
summons there should presently be a proceeding to
hostilities; and the sword once drawn and dipped in
blood, may make him as independent upon you, as you
are upon him." 1
1 Notwithstanding that in treaties from time to time, the Indians
have acknowledged themselves subjects to the King of England, they
seem not to have comprehended the meaning of the term. They ever
retained an idea of independency to which English subjects had no
pretence. The " Six Nations " would never allow themselves to be called
subjects. Th1ey would go no further than to call the great king their




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            269
Whilst at Boston, Philip very readily consented to a
new   treaty, engaging " that he would enter into no
quarrel with the Plymouth Colony until he had first
addressed himself to the Massachusetts for advice and
approbation."   Mediators met at Plymouth, consisting
of gentlemen from     the Massachusetts and Connecticut Colonies, and matters were there accommodated,
Philip and his attendants signing the following articles -
1. WE, PHILIP, and my council, and my subjects, do
acknowledge ourselves subject to his majesty, the King
of England, and the government of New Plymouth, and
to their laws.
2. I am willing, and do promise to pay unto the
government of Plymouth ~100, in such things as I
have, but I would entreat the favor that I might have
three years to pay it in, forasmuch as I cannot do it at
present.
c 3. I do promise to send unto the governor, or
whom he shall appoint, five wolves' heads, if I can get
them, or as many as I can procure, until they come to
five wolves yearly.
father. When the letters from Plymouth to the Massachusetts government were read to Philip in Boston, he replied, that "his predecessors had always been friendly with the Plymouth governors, and
that an engagement to that end was made by his father and renewed
by his brother, and, when he took the government, was made by himself; but it was only an agreement for AMITY, not for subjection any
further, as he apprehended the case." He desired to be shown a copy
of the engagement, and requested the governor of Massachusetts to
procure it for him. He averred that he " knew not that he and his
were subjects to the Plymouth government.  Praying Indians," he
said, " were subjects, and had officers and magistrates appointed for
them, but he and his people had no such thing with them, and therefore Were not subjects."




270           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
" 4. If any difference fall between the English and
myself and people, then I do promise to repair to
the governor of Plymouth to rectify the difference
amongst us.
" 5. I do promise not to make war with any, but with
the governor's approbation of Plymouth.
"6. I promise not to dispose of any of the lands
that I have at present but by the approbation of the
governor of Plymouth.
" For the true performance of the premises, I, the
said sachem Philip of Pawkanauket, do hereby bind
myself and such of my council as are present, ourselves, our heirs, our successors, faithfully. In witness
whereof we have hereunto subscribed our hands the
day and year above written.
"In the presence of the court, and divers of the
gentlemen of the Massachusetts and Connecticut.'The mark P of PHILIP, Sacl]eem, &c.
The mark g of Uzcompau.
The mark [ of Wotolcom.
The mark 7 of Samlzana."
No transaction of importance between the English
and the Indians followed this, for several years. The
union between the three colonies which had for some
time been interrupted by some misunderstandings that
were now healed, was renewed; they were to meet
once in three years only, unless extraordinary occasions
should arise; and the proportion of men for any general service was settled for fifteen years to come, as
follows: Massachusetts one hundred, Plymouth thirty,
Connecticut sixty.
At this time a family of ancient consideration in the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              271
countyl is first prominently introduced to our notice,
and, singularly enough, on this wise:-" John Otis was
1 Of the preliminary genealogy of this family we here submit as
follows: -
1st Gen. JOHN OTIS, born in Barnstable, Devonshire county, England, 1581, came with wife and children to Hingham in 1635. He
is styled yeoman. His house was burned March 15, 1646; his wife
Margery d. June 28, 1653; he removed to Weymouth and contracted
a second marriage; and d. May 31, 1657, aged 76, leaving a widow
who, in 1663, was mentioned as surviving. His children were John,
b. in Devonshire, 1620; Margaret, who m. Thomas Burton of Hingham, and d. 1670; Hannah, who m. Thomas Gill of Hingham; Anne;
and Alice. [It has been supposed by some that Richard, who was
admitted freeman at Boston in 1655, was a son of the above; but he
is not named in John's will. This Richard settled in Dover, N. H.,
and was there killed by the Indians in 1689. His son Stephen was
killed at the same time, and his wife and infant b. 1688-9 were captured, carried to Canada, and sold to the French. The priests educated the child in the Romish religion, and baptized her Christina.
The mother m. Mons. Robitail of Montreal and lived to the age of 90.
The daughter m. Mons. Le Braw and had two children. In 1714, she,
becoming a widow, returned to New England, abjured the Romish
faith, and m. second Captain Thomas Baker of Northampton, who had
himself been taken by Indians, at Deerfield, in 1704. She survived
in Dover till 1773. See Gov. Burnett's letter to a Romish priest,
occasioned by her trials.  Besides this daughter, Richard, who m.
three times, first, Rose Stoughton, second, Shuah, widow of James
Heard, and third, Grizett Warren, had children, viz., Richard, who
m. Susanna, had a grant of land in Dover in 1694, and was wounded
1696; Stephen, who m. Mary Pitman, 1674, killed as above; Solomon,
b. 1663, d. young; Nicholas, killed July 26, 1696, when the Indians
in ambush fired upon the people returning from meeting, at whichl time
also his brother Richard was wounded, and Nicholas, Jr., was captured
and carried to the Penobscot; Experience, b. 1666; Judith; Rose;
and Hannah, b. 1687, and killed 1689. Descendants of the above
Richard 1st are yet living in New Hampshire, Maine, and elsewhere.
These are also descendants of Richard 2d, who was wounded — he
being the only one of the name of Otis who was not killed or the children. This last Richard had Rose, Richard, Rebecca, Stephen, and




272              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
fined forty shillings for selling cider."  At what precise
time Mr. Otis came to Barnstable, it is difficult to deNicholas, the last b. 1701, the year the parent died.  Few families
suffered so much from Indian hostilities. Richard 1st was one of those
dissatisfied with the Dover church because of the Quaker persecution,
the severity of which drove off many who at first merely sympathized
with that people in their afflictions; and he was fined " for not attending meeting," 1663, as also his wife and servant-maid. The fines imposed on him and wife were thirteen each, of five shillings each, per
day, for thirteen days' absence. His son Richard became a Quaker.
There is little doubt that John 1st, Richard 1st, and Robert of Connecticut, were of the same stock,' as will be seen in our note, in the.Annals of Barnstable.]
2d Gen. JOHN, s. of the above John 1st, b. 1620, first in Hingham,
then in Scituate in 1661, then in Barnstable, finally returning to Scituate, leaving in Barnstable his son John, m. Mary Jacob, daughter of
Nicholas, 1652, and d. January 16,1683. HIe had Mary, baptized 1653,
who m. Capt. John Gorham, Feb. 24, 1674; Elizabeth, who m. first
Thomas Allyne, Oct. 9,1688, and second David Loring, July 20, 1699;
John, b. 1657 in Hingham, and settled in Barnstable-the distinguished "' Col. John;" Hannah, 1660; Stephen, 1661, known as " Capt.
Stephen," who m. Hannah Ensign, 1685, daughter of John who fell in
"the Pawtucket fight" under Pierce, 1677; James, 1663, who settled
in Weymouth, and joined the Canada expedition under Phips, was at
Port Royal, and finally killed in an attack on Quebec; Joseph, 1665,
who m. Dorothy Thomas of Marshfield, was judge of Court of Common
Pleas, 1703-14, representative 1700 and 1713, removed to New London 1721, and d. 1754; and Job, 1667, who m. Mary Little, resided
in Scituate, and d. 1758, aged 91.
3d Gen. COL. JOHN of Barnstable, b. 1657, —a man of distinguished talents, of powerful wit, great affability, sagacity, prudence,
and piety, - representative 20 years, commander of the militia of
Barnstable county 18 years, irst judge of probate 13 years, chief
justice Court of Common Pleas, and of his Majesty's Council 1706,
21 years; m. Mercy Bacon, daughter of Nathaniel, July 18, 1683, and
d. Sept. 23, 1727, aged 70. His children were Mary, Dec. 10, 1685,
who m. Little: John, Jan. 14, 1687; Nathaniel, May 28, 1690;
Mercy, Oct. 15, 1693; Solomon, Oct. 13, 1696; and James, June 14,
1702.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               273
termine with accuracy. This much, however, is evident:
he was here at this time, and both he and a son of the
4th Gen. JOHN, b. 1687, son of Col. John, graduatecl at Harvard
College 1707, and m. Grace Hayman of Bristol, R. I., 1711. HFe was
representative or member of council from 1747 to his death, May 4,
1758. He was also king's attorney. H-e had John, 1714, who m.
Temperance Hinkley, settled in Barnstable, and d. 1792, having issue,
John, Dec. 17, 1742, who d. early; John, Feb. 19, 1743, who m.
Hannah Churchill, settled at Plymouth, and d. 1798, having had three
daughters, one of whom m. Solomon H-inckley, also a son John who
d. at Plymouth 1822, and sons Hayman, Oct. 7, 1747, who d. infant,
and Hayman, March 8, 1748.
NATHANIEL, b. 1690, second son of Col. John, and brother of the
above, was a prominent man, and settled in Sandwich. He was register of probate many years, and d. Dec. 1739. He m. Abigail Russel,
daughter of Rev. Jonathan Russel who was ordained at Barnstable
1683.  She was a remarkable woman —  as says President Stiles in
his " History of the Three Judges of King Charles I.," " She was every
way a woman of superior excellence, of exceedingly good natural
abilities, possessed of natural dignity and respectability, of considerable
reading, and extensive observation."  She survived her husband till
March 30, 1774, residing with her son-in-law, Edmund Freeman, in
Mansfield, Ct.  The children of Nathaniel were Abigail, Aug. 19,
1712, who d. infant; Abigail, Dec. 10, 1713; Nathaniel, April 16,
1716, who d. early; Martha, Dec. 11, 11717, who m. Edmund Freeman of Sandwich, a graduate of Harvard College 1733, Aug. 7, 1736,
whose son was Hon. Nathaniel Freeman of revolutionary memory, who
d. Sept. 20, 1827, aged 87, the revered parent of the compiler of this
History; Nathaniel, Sept. 8, 1720, who joined the body of troops under
Ad. Vernon, which in 1740 took Porto Bello and destroyed its fortifications, attending which service was so extraordinary mortality, that,
of one thousand New England men, less than one hundred returned,
he perishing among the many; and Jonathan, April 30, 1723, who m.
and resided first at Newport, major, then in Middletown, Ct., where he
d. 1791.
SOLOMON, b. 1696, third son of Col. John, graduated at Harvard
College 1717, m. Jane Turner of Scituate, was register of deeds
county treasurer, justice of the pece, &e., and d. Jan. 2, 1778,had Jane, Dec. 10, 1725, who d. young; Mary, 1727, d. early; John,
VOL. I.       35




274              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
same name were still here in 16787 the former possessed
of valuable property which was long known as "the
Otis-estate."  The father returning to Scituate, the son
remained, from    whom     descended men who like himself were prominent in public life, several of whom
were illustrious and whose nativity and honors are
associated with the Cape.
In 1672, the laws, hitherto in manuscript only, were,
for the first time, printed, and distributed to the towns.
The General Court ordered the military to pay attention to their preparations for defence; now apprehendSept. 24, 1729, d. early; Mercy, 1731, d. early; Solomon, Jan. 1,
1732; Mercy, 1735, who m. Adine Hinckley, Dec. 16, 1762, and d.
Feb. 19, 1793; and Amos, June 14, 1737.
Col. JAIMES, b. 1702, the youngest son of Col. John, m. Mary Allyne, whose father had removed to Wethersfield, Ct. "She was a
woman of superior character." Several of the issue became distinguished in public life, and will be noticed particularly in a more advanced stage of our History. The children of Col. James were James,
Feb. 5, 1725, "the patriot," graduated at Harvard College 1743; Joseph, M/arch 6, 1725-6, "general;" Mercy, Sept. 14, 1728, "the
historian," who m. Gen. James Warren; Mary, Sept. 9, 1730, who m.
John Gray; Hannah, July 31, 1732; Nathaniel, July 9, 1734, who
d. young; Martha, Oct. 9, 1736, d. early; Abigail, June 30, 1738, d.
early; Samuel Allyne, Nov. 24, 1740, graduated at Harvard College
1759; Sarah, April 11, 1742, d. young; Nathaniel, April 9, 1743, d.
April 30, 1763; and a daughter who d. soon after birth.
Of the father of these, Col. JAMES OTIS, we present an admirable
likeness taken from a painting by Copley -now in the possession of
one of the descendants resident in New York. We have taken much
pains and encountered expense that we can illy afford to secure a correct representation of the venerable patriot,- not alone because he
will by and by occupy a prominent place in the present History, but
for the reason that this is the most ancient portrait extant of any in
this country bearing the family name. See notice of the sons of Col.
Otis, as also biography of himself, in future pages.




HAITI' 
S'w,
M
-aa      Q  AJ
CM
U,170?, 0, 1778.
Fromu  a -oi-rarttby Co —u-l








ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      275
ing difficulties with the States General of the United
Belgic Provinces and others.l
A contested election was still a thing unknown; and fines
were necessary to secure acceptance of office, whether
in General Court or elsewhere. Lands had been again
purchased of the Indians at Monomoyick, June 19, for
an enlargement of settlement; but this and preceding
purchases made without grant from the General Court
conflicting with the right claimed by persons to whom
a grant had been made in 1665, a compromise was
effected, Mr. William  Nickerson, the purchaser from
the Indians, agreeing to pay to Mr. Hinckley and his
associates a valuable consideration for the relinquishment of their claim. This was done July 3, and a
conveyance was made to Mr. Nickerson, not only of
the privileges conferred by the grant aforesaid, but also
of all the lands which Mr. Hinckley, John Freeman,
Nathaniel Bacon and associates, had themselves purchased under it. Thus Mr. Nickerson's title to lands
purchased in contravention of the grant was made
valid. This arrangement was confirmed by the General
Court, and the settlement of Monomoyick progressed
without impediment. C Sandwich, being straitened for
commons, applied to the court for permission to purchase more lands;" and John Freeman and Richard
Bourne were " allowed to purchase at Manomet Old
Field."  Thomas Butler of Sandwich purchased of
Quachatassett and Nauumett "lands near the Cedar
Swamp, on the side of the path towards Sandwich, -
the path which goeth from Nauumett's land or planting
field to Break-Heart Hill, or Salt Water Pond; also
1 War was proclaimed in Massachusetts, May 28, against the Dutch,
in consequence of the king's declaration of war published in England.




276             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
land being the neck that shoots into the Herring River
Pond,-    the biggest neck of land."    SEECUNK and his
two sons, laying claim to Scorton Neck, as their father's
lands, sold " the end next to Barnstable, or the Sandy
Beach," &c., to Barnstable men."      The sale was also
confirmed by    Quachatassett, sachem    of Mannomett.
Sacconessett was authorized by the Court " to make
good and wholesome orders" for its governance and
security.
Gov. Prince, who had continued in office to the present time, was again reelected, 1673, but died in April,1
and JOSIAS WINSLOW was, June 3, elected his successor.2
This year, the court saw fit to order that no shipment
of fish caught at Cape Cod shall be madle, unless an
account of the same be rendered first to the authorities.
It was also enacted " that Indians may be worked for
debt; that drunken Indians shall be fined and whipped;
that idle Indians shall be bound out to labor; and that,
for any theft, they shall restore fourfold."
1 Gov. THOMAS PRINCE (Prence he wrote his name) filled a large
space in the early history of the colony. His influence was great in
this part of the colony, where he became an early settler and for a
long time resided. Mr. Prince's salary was, on his removal from
Eastham, in compliance with the requisition of the court, voted ~50,
(not a very lucrative emolument,) and a residence was provided for
him at the public expense. For a more particular account of the
governor, as well as other prominent men, citizens of the Cape, see
the Annals of the Towns.
2 Gov. Josiah Winslow was son of Gov. Edward Winslow, and the
first of the governors born in New England.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         277
CHAPTER       XIV.
The Indian War. - Its Progress. - Great Sacrificesof Life and Property. -
King Philip slain.- Distress of the Colonies. — The Cape vindicated. -
Irish Sympathy. - The Acquisition of Mount Hope. - Severe Laws
against the Indians. - Commission from England.- Select Courts. -
Oath of Fidelity. - Charters vacated.
IN 1674, Gov. Josiah Winslow again in office, it was
ordered that " the names of all freemen in each town
shall be inscribed on the town records; and that none
shall be presented to the court to take up their freedom unless they have the approbation of the major
part of the town, certified under the clerk's hand by
the deputies."
The year is memorable on account of the difficulties
in which the colony is being plunged by its determined
course against the Indians. A renegade Indian, having
circulated reports of hostile intentions on the part of
Philip, was, before the truth of these reports could be
investigated, found drowned, and circumstances seemed
to indicate that he had died by the act of others.  That
he was probably put to death by some of Philip's chief
men, and perhaps by Philip's sanction, will appear in
the sequel.
The court having ordered " that Manomoyick, Paomet, and Satucket be included in the town of Eastham,"
it was further ordered " that all other places of like
capacity shall belong to particular townships, as the
court shall see meet."  Mr. Hinckley, Mr. Freeman, and
Mr. Bourne were requested by the court " to do what




278            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
they can towards settling the differences between
Mashantampaine and the towns of Barnstable and
Yarmouth." An Indian,'" Hoker, was condemned for
theft to be sold and sent to Barbadoes." A grant of
"lands at Pinguine Hole River" was made " to Mr.
Smith, teacher of the church at Sandwich."         And
Joseph Burge of Sandwich was convicted of " abusing
the watch, trying to take away their guns," &c., and
fined ~5 6s.; and, being otherwise "turbulent," was
still further fined.
The Indians on the Cape now renewed their covenant with the government, through their several
sachems, chiefs, or head men, viz.: by LAURANCE and
FRANCIS, acting for Ncazset; RICHARD and Little ROBIN,
for Sacqucaltckett; HERCULES and SAMSON, for Nobscztssett;
WASNECKSUK, for CJc2dCnn)aoyett; PAULE, for Weeqtuahlut;
KEENCOMSETT, for Malttaczeesi; ASHAWAHAM, for Soult Sea;
and POMPAQUIN, alias SCIPPAGUE, for aicznome'tt: renewed.
for themselves and their neighbors."
At the June court, Tobias (who was one of Philip's
chief counsellors) and the son of Tobias, with another
Indian, having been arrested on suspicion of being the
murderers of Scztusamon, the Indian found dead in the
pond at Middleboro', were convicted and executed.
The circumstances of the case, the manner of trial, and
the justice of the deed, we leave to the historian of
the war that ensued.l   Suffice it here to say, that this
1 This Indian, John Sausamon, had left the service of Philip in
1674. He was a Massachusetts Indian by birth, his parents being
"praying Indians," in Alatteapan, (Dorchester.) His parents being
Christian converts, John had been instructed by the missionary and
teachers, and learned to read and write. He, however, abandoned
his friends in 1662, and repaired to Mount Hope, and engaged in
Philip's employ, being probably adopted by the tribe, at least living




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               279
affair precipitated at least a crisis that was terrible for
the whole of New England. Philip regarded the execution of his friends as an unpardonable outrage.         He
was ordered to Plymouth to explain his conduct, but
refused to go, and took no pains either to refute the
report made by Sausamon or to deny his being privy
to  Sausamon's death.      The whole tribe, indeed, were
exasperated by the execution of their three friends.1
with them twelve years. His knowledge of reading and writing made
him of use to Philip as a scribe and interpreter. He had doubtless
often heard matters of state discussed. It were indeed strange if he
had not heard the Indians speak of their grievances; and not at all
improbable that they had in his hearing, when indulging in their sympathetic complaints, spoken of a resort to war as a thing that might
be necessary. Perhaps they were preparing for it. May be they
were determined. But at all events, Sausamon's course had become
odious to them. If the report he had made was false, they had reason to detest him. If true, they could but regard it as a betrayal of
confidence and an abuse of hospitality. If he had been regarded and
treated as one of their own people, it was treachery and treason. He
was found dead, as we have said above, at Assawompsit Pond in Middleboro'. It was charged that Philip had authorized the infliction of
the penalty for the treason.
1 Philip did not believe that he was summoned to Plymouth for
any good purpose. He could not but remember how his elder brother
and predecessor in the sachemdom had been seized and his mighty
spirit crushed. It is said that he had never ceased to sympathize
with the lofty indignation which was enkindled in Wamsutta's proud
breast by his being carried a prisoner to Marshfield. Nor could he
otherwise than remark the wondrous change from the time when Massasoit, his father, received from the first Plymouth governor the salutation of a kiss, seated in state upon cushions in the governor's house
and claimed as the friend and ally of King James. Ordered from
pillar to post; regarded as a rebel if he dared to delay the least compliance with what he considered the imperious demands of the civil
magistrate; he who before, when commanded by the governor of Massachusetts to come and. make a treaty, had proudly replied to the
messengers, "Your governor is only a subject of King Charles II. of




280            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
An army was soon in the field; one hundred and
fifty-eight men from the Plymouth Colony, five hundred
and twenty-seven from/ the Massachusetts, and three
hundred and fifteen from  Connecticut; this being the
relative proportion under the confederation.   And it
was ordered by the court " that every man shall take
to meetings on Lord's days his arms with him, with at
least five charges of powder and shot."    Also, " that
whosoever shall shoot off a gun on any unnecessary
occasion, except at an Indian or a wolf, shall forfeit 5s.
for every such offence, until further liberty be given."
It was further ordered " that every town be garrisoned
for the security of families."  The requisition upon
each town for a proportionate number of men in the
service against the Indians, had, of course, been made
preparatory to the general movement already mentioned; and in this the Cape bore a part.   Men were
impressed for the war: in Sandwich, sixteen; Yarmouth, fifteen; Barnstable, sixteen; and Eastham, eight.
Again, in December, of the soldiers ordered to be
raised, eleven were required of Sandwich, ten of Yarmouth, thirteen of Barnstable, and nine of Eastham.
Sanguinary conflicts had already ensued, some of those
called out had fallen, and provision was especially made
by the court for a Aptha, widow of John Knowles of
Eastham, lately slain in the service."
Departing from the plain and simple habits of earlier
times, it was now ordered " that four halberts attend
England; I shall not treat with a subject. I shall treat only with the
king, my brother. When Charles of England comes, I am ready,"
was now sullenly indignant. The iron was already driven into his
soul. He gathered his warriors around him, the council fires were
lighted, and his thoughts ran upon the alternative which he saw he
could no longer avoid.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY       281
the governor and assistants on election days, and two
during the continuance of the court."
It may be proper here to say that early in the progress of the war, it became necessary for Mr. Church,
then living near Mt. Hope, to communicate with the
authorities at Plymouth. Access to Plymouth by an
inland route was rendered impracticable; he therefore
took passage in a sloop bound to Barnstable, and was
landed  iat Sugkonesset," in that part now  called
Wood's Hole. From thence he made his way to Plyinouth, without danger, reaching the latter place whilst
the General Court was in session, to their great surprise and joy. He returned by the same route, a
canoe being paddled by two of the Sugkonesset tribe,
by the way of the Elizabeth Islands, to his home. At
a subsequent period, when the squaw sachem, Awashonks, had given in her friendly adhesion, and was
ordered, with all her subjects, men, women, and children, to repair to Sandwich, as a security for her being
beyond the reach of hostile influences, Mr. Church
repaired again to Sandwich, agreeably to his promise,
to meet her and make arrangements for her braves to
take part in the war on the side of the English. Authorized to engage what force he deemed necessary, he
secured a guard on his arrival at Sandwich, and soon
succeeded in finding the Indian queen and her entire
party in company with neighboring friendly Indians,
on the shores of Buzzard's Bay.  Chlarles, an Indian
residing in these parts, who could speak English well,
was of assistance to him, and procured for him due
deference and respect from all the natives assembled.
It was on this occasion that Mr. Church was so highly
honored by the great suzlyer served up by the Indians
upon wooden trenches: first, baked bass; second, fried
VOL. i.    36




282           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
flounders and eels; third, shell-fish of various kinds;
and, after supper, the illumination from " a mighty pile
of fat pine," around which a circle was formed, the
dance commencing and resulting in a great accession
of soldiers as auxiliaries to the English in the war.
The war affected this part of the colony comparatively little, except in the way of greatly increased
expenses and the necessity of furnishing a full quota
of men for the service; for, although the Wampanoag
rule embraced the Cape, the Indians here adhered to
their former friendship, either remaining neutral or
assisting, so that their position was in fact a defence to
Sandwich and the towns below. Still, the Cape, being
required to furnish men for the war, suffered its share
of personal loss; numbers of its brave soldiers perished. Especially did the fall of Capt. Pierce of Scituate
and nearly all his force of fifty English and twenty
friendly Indians, near Pawtucket, R. I., in the early part
of the war, deal a sad blow to the Cape towns. Indeed, both Hubbard and Mather well remark, " It was
the severest calamity that befell the Plymouth Colony
during this bloody war."  Barnstable lost six men;
Yarmouth, five; Eastham, four; Sandwich, five; the rest
of those cut off were thirty-one in number, belonging in
Scituate, Marshfield, and Duxbury. The Indian Amos,
who escaped to return to his home on the Cape, and
who was among the Barnstable quota, has justly been
commended: he not only " fought bravely to the last,
standing by his unfortunate captain, but his escape
from the fate of the fallen was by a stratagem illustrative of Indian tact, - for, seeing that the hostile Indians
had used the precaution to blacken their faces, that
they might be known to each other as distinguished
from the friendly Indians that accompanied Capt. Pierce,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        283
Amos instantly wet some powder and blackened his
own face when his safety became otherwise hopeless,
and thus passed through the midst of the victorious
and infuriated enemy without detection.
Before the close of the year, seven hundred Indian
warriors had been slain, among whom twenty-five chiefs
had fallen, and, it was said, three hundred additional
deaths occurred from wounds; the result of a single
battle. Besides these, a great number of women, children, and aged men were destroyed en masse, in the six
hundred wigwams that were doomed by the conflagrating torch. Of the colonists, six captains and eighty
subordinates or privates were slain and others wounded.
An incident connected with the Indian depredations
of the present year may here be mentioned. We have
spoken of the concealment of the three regicides in
the house of Rev. Mr. Russell at Hadley.' On the 1st
of September, this year, Hadley was alarmed by the
Indians in the time of public worship, it being Sunday.
Goffe, who had been, as we have said, a military commander, looking from the window of his place of concealment in the parsonage which was near the meeting
house, saw a large body of Indians approaching just as
the people were collected and the religious services of
the day were being commenced. In a moment the
congregation were greatly alarmed. Such was their
consternation they wist not what to do. Goffe suddenly appeared among them, as if a spectre; an aged,
venerable man, in unusual dress, his white hair, and
1 The term " regicide," we use, as it is especially applied in English
and American history to those men who signed the death warrant of
Charles I., and who were, on the restoration of his son, proscribed.
The Rev. Mr. Russell, their friend, was the father of Rev. Jonathan
Russell, the first minister of that name in Barnstable.




284          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
beard, and loose garments streaming to the wind; and,
with words of incitement to revive their courage,
placed himself at their head. At the word of command, the men who had come to meeting armed were
quickly formed in martial array, and, bearing down on
the foe, the result was the enemy were repulsed. Great
was the astonishment of the people when, after the
excitement of the few moments that achieved the victory, they looked around for their leader and found he
had mysteriously disappeared. They verily supposed
that their deliverer had been an angel sent from heaven
for their protection. The place of Goffe's concealment
was still unknown except by the parson and his family.
Mr. Winslow continued to occupy the gubernatorial
chair in 1676; and a new levy of men for the war was
required of each town. Great alarm existed in the
colony, and great destruction of property was made,
attended with very many instances of loss of life. The
Cape being free, almost entirely free from the alarms
that prevailed elsewhere, and the inhabitants of Rehoboth, Taunton, Bridgewater, and other places being
greatly exposed and in many instances driven from their
houses, an invitation was extended from  the Cape
towns, particularly Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth,
and Eastham, through a general committee appointed
to this duty, to their suffering brethren to come hither
with their movable property for preservation and
safety. Dartmouth, Middleboro', and Swansey were
already broken up and scattered. To the. invitation,
committees from several towns responded. The inhabitants of Taunton replied, We bless God that he has
given us so much room in your hearts, that you so
freely tender to us a part with you in your houses,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.     285
fields, and provisions, at such a time when the Lord is
threatening us with bereavement of our own. It much
comforteth us in this day of darkness and distress, that
we shall want no succor you are able to afford us."
The replies from Rehoboth and Bridgewater were expressive of similar sentiments.
It was ordered by the General Court, Feb. 29,
that " the inhabitants of the several townships and
plantations shall not withdraw from the same without
permission first had and obtained" from the rightful
authorities. Town councils of war were appointed " to
look out for'the safety and good ordering of their
respective towns:" In Sandwich, Mr. Richard Bourne,
Mr. Edmund Freeman, Jr., and Thomas Tobey, Sr.; Yarmouth, Mr. Edmund Howes, John Miller, and Jeremiah
Howes; Barnstable, Mr. Thomas Hinckley, Mr. Thomas
Huckins, and Mr. Barnabas Lothrop; and Eastham, Mr.
John Freeman, Jona. Sparrow, and Mark Snow. Delinquent soldiers were ordered to be fined; and fines
of ~2 each were imposed on Ezra Bourne and John,
son of Mr. John Smith, of Sandwich, for not appearing
and "going out" when drafted.   The towns were
assessed for the war, the Cape towns being required to
pay the following sums: Sandwich, ~92 13s. 6d.; Barnstable, ~99 3s. 6d.; Yarmouth, ~74 15s. 6d.; Eastham,
~66 16s. 6d.
Again, Mar. 29, soldiers were pressed, viz.: from
Sandwich, 28; Barnstable, 30; Yarmouth, 26; Easthanm, 18. All male youths under sixteen competent to
the duty, were required to join the town watch.
Yet again, in June, both men and money were called
for: from Sandwich, ~16 and 15 soldiers; Yarmouth,
~14 and 13 soldiers; Barnstable, ~16 and 15 soldiers;
Eastham, ~10 5s. and 10 soldiers. In July of the same




286            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
year the rates for the war and other public charges,
were: Sandwich, ~327 15s. 6d.; Yarmouth, ~266 5s.;
Barnstable, ~351 3s. 9d.; Eastham, ~236 5s.
On the 12th of August, KING PHILIP, the great sachem
of the Wampanoags, the terror of New England, and
accounted by the Plymouth Colony their deadly foe,
fell; his head was brought in triumph to Plymouth,
and a general thanksgiving was ordered. A historian
who would utter no word in disparagement of the conduct or motives of those who brought about this war,
remarks: c' Thus fell the mighty warrior! He was unquestionably a great warrior and a mighty chief, in
whom rested the confidence and the hope of the confederated tribes. The noble deeds which he performed
in 1676 in the defence of his unfortunate people, would
not suffer in comparison with those of the renowned
heroes in our own cause in 1776, to whom has justly
been awarded a large share of honor and fame. From
this death may be dated the extinction of his tribe,
and eventually of the aboriginal race in New England.
The termination of this horrid war was an event of the
utmost importance to the colonies, as during its continuance of about two years they suffered a loss of about
six hundred men in the flower of their strength, twelve
or thirteen towns destroyed, and six hundred dwelling
houses consumed." 1 By this war a large debt was contracted, and the resources of the colonies were greatly
diminished.
Before we pass on from this summary reference to
1 Thirteen towns were destroyed entirely, the buildings being all
burned. No less than fifty-three towns suffered severely; others, in
less degree. More than two thirds of the whole number were in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. - See Baylies's Hist. New Plymouth,
Thacher's History of Plymouth, and Davis's Morton.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       287
the war of 1676, we must, in justice to the Cape, notice
somewhat particularly a fretful remark of Gov. Winslow
reflecting on Sandwich. We have said that new levies
of men for the war were required of each town early
the present year. The crisis was, indeed, most momentous. Reports of the conflagrations of towns, and the
burning of isolated dwellings and barns hither and
thither, came so incessantly, one report treading as it
were upon the heels of another, that the enemy seemed
to be ubiquitous. They had returned from their temporarily concentrated positions on the frontier, and were
scattered over the neighborhood of the entire seaboard
of the Massachusetts and Plymouth Colonies. Their
movements were so rapid as to baffle the utmost vigilance, and their depredations were astounding.  The
levy which the council of war at Plymouth had ordered
in March, " to oppose the enemy," was to be furnished,
to the number of 300, from the following towns: Plymouth, 30; Duxbury, 16; Bridgewater, 16; Scituate, 50;
Taunton, 30; Sandwich, 28; Yarmouth, 26; Barnstable,
30; Marshfield, 26; Rehoboth, 30; Eastham, 18; besides
a recruit of 100 friendly Indians.1 These were to be
ready to march by th  11lth of April. But, before that
day arrived, many changes had been wrought. Some of
these towns had been attacked, some destroyed. "The
council of war met at Plymouth on the day appointed,
and a sad record indeed was that of their proceedings."
Mr. Winslow says, "Many of the soldiers who were
pressed came not forth; especially Scituate and Sandwich proved very deficient;" and from this cause, the
governor thought, proceeded " a frustration of the
1 Dartmouth, Middleboro', and Swansey were already broken up,
and therefore not included in the requisition.




288             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
whole design."   The fact is, the council of war disagreed,
and their meeting "' broke up in division and confusion,"
and the several towns were left, unaided, to their own
defence.  " A few of the soutzIer1, soldiers went out of
their way as far as Middleboro', and then returned
home." 1
The fact in regard to Sandwich is, the twenty-eight
men required were drafted, and those of the number
who, for peculiar reasons, were not on hand at the time
ordered by the council of war, were promptly fined.
It was, indeed, felt that it was neither for the interest
of the town, nor of the colony, that Sandwich should be
left weak and defenceless.  The incursions of the enemy
were, as we have suggested before, sudden, vigorous,
and successful wherever attempted; and, although
Sandwich had never been backward in affording aid,
there were now peculiar circumstances demanding the
utmost vigilance of its inhabitants.  It was the frontier
town, as it were, of the Cape; occupying the narrow
isthmus and interposing by its vigilance the only effectual barrier to any influence from    the hostile Indians
being exerted to secure the cooperation with Philip of
the numerous Indians on the Cape.      The town had, so
to speak, its hands full already.   Its inhabitants had
resolved to extend to their brethren exposed in the
1 With Sandwich only have we in this instance to do; but it is
proper to give Scituate the benefit of the, doubtless, just remark of
Judge Davis: "The remissness in Scituate, of which Gov. Winslow
complains, cannot now be explained. The town had suffered severely,
and the inhabitants might have been in circumstances not known to
Gov. Winslow, which would, in their opinion, render it justifiable or
expedient to confine themselves, on that occasion, to their own immediate defence. The two historians, Hubbard and Mather, commend
their intrepidity on a former occasion, when part of their town was
destroyed."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      289
towns beyond, Taunton, Rehoboth, Bridgewater, &c., an
invitation to come to them for succor and share with
them their houses, provisions, and every comfort they
could bestow; this also involved peculiar obligations.
Besides, its inhabitants had no reason to hope for an
entire exemption from the ire of the enemy; but were
rather apprehensive that they might yet attempt to
wreak their vengeance upon Sandwich and break down
the barrier that was in the way of their intercourse with
the Indians of the Cape. The governor, and perhaps
some of the exposed elsewhere, may not have appreciated the peculiar position of the place, and seem not to
have been properly impressed by the readiness of the
inhabitants to assist to the utmost even unsolicited,
never calling for or receiving aid for themselves.
It is true, (and the admission is mtade with some degree of satisfaction,) Sandwich never entered into the
crusade against the Indians with that furore which distinguished some of the towns north and west of it.
Conflicting opinions, it is well known, existed throughout
the colonies in regard to the policy of the council of war.
Still, Sandwich did the best it could, under existing
circumstances. Money was freely furnished; and men,
as far as they were required, were raised, and even beyond its proportion.
A letter from Gov. Winslow, May 23, addressed to
Mr. Edmund Freeman of Sandwich and Mr. Thomas
Hinckley of Barnstable, and forwarded by Mr. Church,
throws some light on this subject, beyond the records
of the. town. The governor "requested that the towns
of Sandwich and Barnstable would furnish ten or twelve
Cape Indians for each of the towns of Bridgewater,
Taunton, Hingham, Dartmouth, &c., and urged the
sending of sixty as speedily as possible."  The governor
VOL I.     37




290              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
expressed   the hope that Mr. Bourne would aid the
design; and adds, " Mr. Church tells me of an Indian
woman brought in last Saturday by Sepit, who seems
to be sent with lies and flams to ctafright and corrzupt yoour
Inzianzs; if so, I wish you would order him       to put her
to death; but leave it to your discretion if you should
think there may be inconveniency in it, - but let her
not have opportunity of returning to the enemy.              I
would gladly improve the present heat that is in our
men, in sending out fresh parties."
A letter previously written, April 17, by the Rev. Mr.
Walley    of Barnstable, and addressed to Rev. Mr. Cotton
1 Rev. THOMAS WALLEY, whose "prudence was the means of
restoring the harmony of the church at Barnstable, which had been
greatly interrupted," is mentioned by his contemporaries as a man of
talents, learning, and piety. The records of the Barnstable church say,
"The Lord was pleased to make him a blessed peacemaker and improve. him in the work of his house here till Mlarch 24, 1678, being
Lord's day morning, about forenoon meeting time, and then he called
him out of this earthly tabernacle into a house not made with hands."
Mr. Walley is said to have been " remarkable for'his humility."  It is
much to the honor of Mr. Walley that he was kindly affected towards
the Quakers. He, in common with many other influential inhabitants
of the Cape, was much dissatisfied with the severity practised towards
that people by the government. It is equally to his credit that he was
ever an advocate for a kind and considerate course towards the Indians.
In the Antiquarian Rooms at Worcester are preserved manuscript
letters of much interest, written by Mr. Walley, in which letters lie
laments the treatment the Indians received. A sermon of his, preached
at the annual election at Plymouth, 1669, was published, entitled
"Balm in Gilead to heal Zion's Wounds;" and, prefixed to the election
sermon of Mr. Arnold of Marshfield, 1674, was published an " Address
on Public Spirit," furnished conjointly by Mr. Walley and Rev. Thomas
Thacher.
By the records of William and Mary's Church, Whitechapel, London, it appears that John WTalley, who, it is probable, was the grandfather of Rev. Thomas above, d. in 1586, being a printer in London.
He left a son Robert, who was of the Court of Assistants, and whose




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              291
of Plymouth, is not without interest in this connection:
he says, "I am greatly afflicted in my spirit, to see the
will, London, 1651, shows a son Thomas, who, probably, was the minister of Barnstable. However this may be, Rev. Mr. Walley brought
with him to America his wife Margery and several children, viz.:
-Hannah, who m. Samuel Allyne, May 10, 1664, and d. Oct. 23, 1711;
John, b. 1643, who was judge and major general; MIary, b. April 18,
1644, who m. Job Crocker of Barnstable, 1668; Thomas, b. 1646;
and Lydia, b. April 16, 1650. His first wife dying, he m. second
Sarah Clark, about 1675, whom he mentions in his will, requesting in
the same that he " may be buried as near to my loving wife deceased
as may be."
JOHN, eldest son of Rev. Mr. Walley, judge of the Supreme Court,
member of council, and major general, d. Jan. 11, 1712. By his wife
Sarah, who d. Nov. 11, 1711, he had Sarah, who m. first Charles
Chaunceyj Oct. 19, 1699, and second Francis Willoughby, Oct. 11,
1716, and d. Dec. 26, 1726; John, b. Nov. 7, 1677, and d. early;
Hannah, b. July 23, 1680, and d. Nov. 26, 1711; Mary, b. Feb. 1682,
and d. Aug. 15, 1704; Elizabeth, b. Nov. 1, 1685, m. Rev. Joseph
Sewall, D. D., Oct. 29, 1713, and d. Oct. 27, 1756; Lydia, b. Sept. 2,
1688, and d. April 26, 1747; and John, b. Sept. 11, 1691, who m.
Bethia Eyre, March 18, 1714, d. March 6, 1745, and had John, Oct.
6, 1716, who was the minister first at Ipswich, second at Bolton, and
m. Elizabeth Appleton. Besides Rev. John of Ipswich, his father had
Catharine, 1719; Sarah, 1722; Bethia, 1724; Thomas, Nov. 1, 1725;
Elizabeth, 1781; and M'ary, 1733. The last Thomas, b. 1725, m.
first MIary Kineland, 1748, and second Sarah Hurd, 17 67, and d. Sept.
5, 1806. I-e had, besides several children who d. in infancy, Mary,
who m. Capt. John Langdon; Thomas, 1768, who m. Eliza Ferrall of
Martinique, and d. Aug. 2, 1848; Sally, March 25, 1772, who m.
Hon. John Phillips, the first mayor of Boston; Charles, 1776, who m.
Catharine Hurd, and d. March 12, 1840; and Samuel Hall, April 12,
1778, who m. Miriam Phillips, and d. July 25, 1850, having issueSamuel Hurd of Roxbury, Aug. 31, 1805, who m. first Mehitabel S.
Bates, daughter of Hon. Isaac C. Bates, of Northampton, and second
Annie G. Hawes, daughter of Prince Hawes; Miriam, 1807; Sarah,
1816, who m. Doct. W. K. Brown; and Abby, 1818.
TIOMAS, the other son of Rev. Mr. Walley, was a merchant in
Barnstable and prominent citizen. He m. Hannah Bacon daughter




292             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
danger we are in, and the confusion and sad disorder
we are fallen into.   New   England must prepare itself
for what the Lord will lay upon it.        We had some
hope the Indians with us might have proved fcdtlfild,
and been a help to zis; bUlt they see our zoeacness and
cofiosionz, and take great notice of the severity showed
towards the squaws that are sent away, some of them
much grieved, others, I fear, provoked.     They say we
cannot so easily raise armies as send away poor squaws.
The country about us is trobled and grieved at this action,
accounting it very unseasonable; and what the effect
will be, God only knows.      I could wish our honored
governor would send for them back and return them
to their friends. It would be very acceptable to this
part of the country, for there is much discontent about
it.  Some fear we have paid dearly for former acts
of severity; and how       dear we may      yet pay, God
knoweth."1
of Nathaniel Bacon, Esq., and had Thomas, who d. without issue;
Hannah, who m. first William Stone, 1686, and second James Leonard;
and Elizabeth, who m. Edward Adams, 1692. He d. 1672, and his
widow, Hannah, m. Rev. George Shove of Taunton, Feb. 18,
1674-5.
Among the lineal descendants of Rev. Thomas Walley, or connected
with them by marriage, have been, and are, many persons of high distinction.
The Cape Indians had been ever disposed to be friendly; but the
policy of the colony towards the Indians came near moving the numerous bodies of Indians in the neighborhood of Sandwich and Barnstable
to desperation; and it required great effort and prudence to keep them
quiet, and especially to make their services available still to the English. What that policy generally was, we need not here define. Suffice it to say, that Mr. Church had averred, " Had the promises to the
Indians been kept and the Indians fairly treated, it is probable that
most, if not all the Indians in those parts had soon followed the example of those who surrendered themselves, which would have been




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         293
Rev. Mr. Walley, in a subsequent letter to Mr. Cotton,
July 18, says, "I observe, throughout the land where
Indians are employed there hath been the greatest
success, if not the only success; which is a humbling
providence of God, that we have so much need of them
and cannot do our work without them. It should teach
us to be wise in our carriage towards them."
The Cape towns, whatever glory they might have
claimed in any public cause, (although they were never
behind any other parts of the country in their patriotic
devotion,) have never cared to magnify or noise abroad
their achievements.  It is proper, however, further to
remark, so restless had the Indians become, that
while Mr. Hinckley was abroad on the public service,
a guard was necessary to protect his dwelling; and, in
Sandwich, at the town's expense, a guard was constantly
on pay watching the entire isthmus of the Cape to prevent communication between the Cape Indians whose
pacific disposition was indispensable to the safety of the
country, and the hostile Indians who were constantly
desiring and seeking their alliance.  It would have
redounded more to the credit of certain historians, had
they given proper prominence to the real facts in the
case whether as respects the Indian war or the wars
that succeeded.
That neither Sandwich nor other Cape towns were
derelict in respect to sympathy with the suffering
colony, may be seen from a comparison aided by the
a good step towards finishing the war. But in spite of all that could
be said, argued, plead, or begged, somebody else that had more power
in their hands improved it, and without any regard to the promises
made to them, on their surrendering themselves, they were carried to
Plymouth, there sold, and transported out of the country, being about
eight score persons."




294            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
following schedule of disbursements made in the war,
before July, 1676:
Plymouth had paid ~351 3 9, and rec.. of Irish donation, ~ 8 0 0
Sandwich   "     327 15 6,  "                   0 0 0O
Duxbury    "     164 19 0,  "     "     "       2 0 0
Marshfield  "    266 10,          "     "       2 0 0
Yarmouth   "     266 1 0,  "      "     "       010 0
Barnstable  "    351 3 9,   "     "             3 0 0
Scituate   "     586 7 4,   "     "     "      12 0 0
Taunton    "     327 15 6,  "     "      "         10  0 0
Rehoboth   "    485 5 4,    "     "     "      32 0 0
Eastham    "     236 5 0,   "     "      "         10 0
Bridgewater "    164 19 0,  "     "             7 0 0
Swansea    "     165 0 0,   "     "     "      21 0 0
Dartmouth  "       00 O,    "'          "     22  O0
Middleboro 1 "     O O 0,      "         "      410 0
~3692 16 2                    ~124 10 0
A notable occurrence connected with this war illustrates the excited feeling of the times, and we therefore
mention it, although the Cape had no concern in the
matter. An Englishman, during the war, deserted his
post, and fled to the Narragansetts. It was charged
that he carried with him  a quantity of powder, and
further that he joined the Indians. Being captured, it
is said he confessed his guilt. HIe was condemned to be
hung and quartered, and the sentence was executed.
It is worthy of more particular notice, to the honor
of humanity, that in the time of the distress of the
Plymouth and Massachusetts Colonies by reason of the
1 Dartmouth and Middleboro' were so completely laid waste that no
pecuniary advances were made by those towns.
It is proper to state that soldiers in this war were compensated in
part by a portion of the money accruing from the sale of prisoners;
lands were also assigned for the sums due them. The Indian auxiliaries received their compensation in the plunder they might acquire.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       295
war, when few families remained that were not mourning
the loss of some near relative, and when pecuniary embarrassments pressed upon then, the donation from
Ireland, to which we have referred,' for the relief of
the impoverished, distressed and in necessity by the
war," was received. We record with pleasure this noble
instance of benevolent sympathy.' We are constrained
also to mention the fact that, although the Cape towns
were so favorably exempted from the general calamities
of the war, some misunderstanding seems to have interrupted for a moment the general agreement of these
towns. A dispute arose, in which Sandwich, Barnstable,
Yarmouth, and Eastham were involved in regard to the
public charges.
We have not room to record all that might be gathered from official documents of the services rendered
by the Cape in the war with the Indians; but we may
add'that " John Paysley of Yarmouth, a cripple in the
late wars," was allowed ~3; Thomas Tobey of Sandwich had for his services a grant of lands; and Captain
Jonathan Sparrow, Lieutenant Joseph Lothrop, and
Lieutenant John Thacher, were conspicuous members
of the council of war.
In 1677, a new law was enacted by the General Court
requiring suitable provision to be made in every town
for the support of public worship. It seems to have
been but the revisal and modification of already existing
enactments; although some have it that this was the
first law definitely authorizing and providing for the
coercive collection of taxes for ministerial support.
1 Rev. Nathaniel Mather, a Congregational minister in Dublin, had
a conspicuous part, it has been suggested, in this fraternal act.




296           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Additional courts were ordered to be holden by the
selectmen of the several towns. The laws respecting
the sales of strong liquors were renewed and the penalties increased. Laws were also enacted for the universal establishment and support of public schools.
Indians were forbidden to come to Plymouth at the
time of the holding of the courts, "except provided
with a permit from a magistrate or selectman, under
the penalty of five shillings or a whipping." It was
also made penal for a white man to lend to an Indian
any silver money.' The privileges and profits of fishing
at the Cape, were farmed-out at ~30 per annum."  The
rates, for state purposes, were fixed as follows, for the
Cape: Sandwich, ~22 16s.; Yarmouth, ~18 10s.; Barnstable, ~24 5s.; Eastham, ~15 18s.; and lands were
granted to John Wing, Sr., of Yarmouth.
Joseph Burge of Sandwich, who during King Philip's
war   resisted and abused the watch," and was often
fined, was now again before the court, and amnerced to
the amount of ~5, "for selling liquor to the Indians."
The decision of the court seems not to have been well
relished by him, for it was also found necessary to fine
him ten shillings " for swearing in court."  George Barlow of Sandwich was also before the court for being
" turbulent, and threatening to drive away the minister,
Mr. Smith," as well as on the charge of other irregularities.
In 1678, it was enacted, " still further to promote the
great object of religious worship," that in each town
there shall be a house of worship provided, repaired, or
enlarged, as occasion may require; and in case of any
neglect, it shall be done by the government, and the
delinquent town assessed for the expense. It has been




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      297
suggested by a reviewer of these enactments, that " a
law enjoining upon all to pursue diligently their several
professions, would have been as efficacious: much of
the time of the ministers being employed in civil and
secular affairs." It is thus easy for some to cavil at the
doings of the early settlers; it would be better did such
labor, instead, to imitate them  in their virtues and
imbibe a portion of their wisdom and patriotism. It is
true, the experience of later times has proved that the
burden of the support of public worship must mainly
fall on the liberal, the conscientious and possessed of a
strong sense of religious obligation, who will ever be
ready to sustain the religious teachings which they
believe are most in accordance with the gospel of
Christ. But the condition of the colony was now peculiar. It had just emerged from a state of war - a
condition of things not most favorable to morality; and
various embarrassments attended the carrying out in
the best manner honest endeavors for the public weal.
Among the causes operating to thwart the policy
hitherto pursued, the practice of indiscriminate suffrage
(those who had not taken the freeman's oath,'as well
as those who had, having been permitted to vote, —
claiming the right by reason of paying taxes) was
thought to be chief- tending " to the obstruction of
carrying on religion and the public good."  The court,
therefore, directed the towns to exclude from the right
of suffrage all who had not taken the oath. None were
" to come to inhabit without leave;" if any intruded,
they were to be warned to leave, a fine of.five shillings
being imposed for every week's continuance after such
warning, and the inhabitants were forbidden " to sell
or hire out accommodations" to such, or to entertain
them, under a heavy penalty. If any were accepted,
VOL. I.    38




298           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
it was enjoined that great care be employed to. make
assurance doubly sure that they were " orthodox in
their judgments." If the people of any town should
be delinquent in providing for the gospel, the people
of such town were to be rated for its support, by the
colonial government.  It seemed the only remedy;
and hence the legislation.
All this certainly shows a great change; whether
attributable in some degree to the previous attempts
to enforce a uzity of religious sentiment, or to other
causes alone, the reader must judge. If to the former
chiefly, it shows how impolitic is coercion and persecution. No doubt the early colonists meant well, according to their ideas of toleration. But their rigid course
and exclusive views were evidently, in some cases at
least, the cause of their own early defeat. The policy
of the laws of the previous year for the maintenance
of public schools, all will acknowledge, was less questionable than coercive enactments of an' exclusive
character for the support of religion; and possibly the
reader may most cordially approve the law of the
previous year prohibiting the sale of strong liquors,
except to strangers, and that with a license for keeping
an ordinary or inn.
The court,  conceiving the public safety to require
that all persons in the government should abide and
continue in their own towns respectively," also ordered
that "1no one shall depart on the penalty of forfeiting
his whole personal estate, except by allowance of the
governor or two magistrates."
This year also an act was passed for the protection
of the fisheries. It was ordered that all vessels not
belonging to the colony should be seized for the colony's use, and that the damage done to the fisheries




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.     299
should be paid out of the proceeds of the sale of such
vessels. Massachusetts was excepted; but to all other
foreigners the prohibition extended.
On the 8th March, In answer to the petition of the
inhabitants of Mannamoiett, wherein they apply themselves unto this court that they may be a township of
themselves, as by reason of their remoteness from the
town of Eastham they cannot comfortably attend the
worship of God there,- they manifesting that they
are desirous of building a meeting house and procuring Mr. Crosby or some other orthodox minister to
dispense the word of God amongst them: the court
ordereth that if they so do, and apply themselves to
the next June court and then give the court a good
assurance thereof as also to perform other duties which
concern a well-ordered township, they shall be a township by themselves." And, June 3, the court ordered
"in answer to Mr. William Nickerson's petition, that
Mannamoiett shall be a constablerick of itself."  The
court also enjoined the raising of ~5 per annum
towards " the enabling of them to build a meeting
house for a minister."
George Barlow, the quondam marshal of Sandwich,
we are for him sorry to say, was again before the court
charged with being a "turbulent fellow," and bound
over; and Jane, the wife of John Barlow, was complained of " for selling liquors to an Indian."
In 1679, SELECT COURTS were " allowed in each town
or jurisdiction, and the following persons were commissioned to hold them, on the Cape, viz.: in Sandwich,
Mr. Edmund Freeman, John Blackwell, and Thomas
Tupper; in Yarmouth, Edmund Howes, Ensign Thacher, Edward Sturgis, John Miller, and Jeremiah Howes;




300           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
in Barnstable, Lieut. Laythrope, (Joseph,) Lieut. James
Lewis, Mr. Barnabas Laythrope; and in Eastham, Capt.
Jonathan Sparrow, Mark Snow, and John Doane." The
profits of the Cape fishing the last year were ordered
to be collected; lands were granted to Robert Lawrence
of Sandwich,' purchased from POMPAQUINE of Pokesit;"
and ~10 to William Perry, " who received great wounds
in the late wars with the Indians."  Leave was also
granted to Robert Lawrence of Sandwich, to purchase
"a certain tract of Indian SIMON WICKETT, at Pocassett:
six score acres."
In 1680, "a great comet" appearing, the usual
amount of alarm was excited in New England- a
feeling not peculiar, however, in that day to the people of any one section of country, or portion of the
globe. The teachings of the pulpit favored in some
degree superstitious views. Dr. Increase Mather, in a
discourse preached at that time, attempted to show
that " when blazing stars have been seen, great mutations and miseries have come upon mortals."
Those fine lands, the territory of Mount Hope, the
seat of the great sachem of the Wampanoags - that
unfortunate, though shrewd and bold warrior who paid
the forfeit in 1676 -- which, with other tracts, were
confirmed to the colony of New Plymouth at the close
of the war, were now sold by order of court to liquidate
the expenses of the war and to refund to the several
towns a proportion of what had been raised by taxation
for that purpose.' The purchase was made by Boston
gentlemen, at ~300 sterling.
1 The sum obtained was, of course, inadequate to cover the whole
expense of the war. Although the daily pay to those who served in




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         301
The writer may be unfortunate in the judgment he
forms in regard to the morality of some transactions
which he feels obliged in faithfulness to record. But,
a descendant from the early settlers though he be, he
cannot appreciate as do some the sentiment of Rev.
Dr. Holmes in his Annals, (often cited by others with
the same reference to the piety of the actors,) when he
says, " It is a consoling fact that our ancestors purchased
of the natives their land for an equivalent consideration, as appears by a letter from the pious Gov. Winslow, 1676:'I think I can clearly say that before these
present troubles broke out, the English did not possess
one foot of land in this colony but what was fairly
obtained by honest purchase of the Indian proprietors.
We first made a law that none should purchase or
receive of gift any land of the Indians, without the
knowledge of our court. And lest they should be
straitened, we ordered that Mount Hope, Pocasset, and
several other necks of the best land in the colony,
because most suitable and convenient for them, should
never be bought out of their hands."'
It is indeed painful to contemplate in the retrospect,
or the present, the situation of the original natives of
the soil; so soon after their welcome to their English
neighbors were they reduced to the necessity of occupying as their only domain, and that upon sufferance,
a few narrow possessions; the martial spirit that was
every  where exhibited    around  them   telling  that
they were not only conquered and debased, but were
this war was, to a general 6s., captain 5s., commissary 4s., surgeon
general 4s., lieutenant 4s., sergeant 2s. 6d., corporal 2s., and ordinary
soldier, Is. 6d., the commissioners of the United Colonies represented
the disbursements during this war as amounting to ~100,000 in Plymouth Colony alone.




302             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
destined to extinction; and then, at last, their distinctive character lost, - the blood of the Indian only flowing in commingled streams with negroes and others,
until, at last, scarcely a vestige remains of once
powerful tribes, if we except the bones occasionally
exhumed where once they roamed the proud lords of
the creation around them.
Gov. Josias Winslow,' who had, through successive
years, held the office of chief magistrate from        the
death of Gov. Prince     to  the present time, died in
Marshfield, Dec. 18, greatly lamented.       He was the
first governor of the colony who was born in New
England.   It has been regarded as much to his credit
that one of the first acts of his administration was to
restore Isaac Robinson and others, who had been disfranchised because of their advocacy of the rights of
the Friends.
Mr. TuoMAS HINCKLEY of Barnstable was chosen in
1681 to succeed Gov. Winslow; and Mr. James Cudworth succeeded Mr. Hinckley as assistant.2
JOSIAH WINSLOW, governor of Plymouth, born in Marshfield in
1629, was son of Gov. Edward Winslow. In Philip's war, as commander of the Plymouth forces, he proved himself a brave soldier.
He d. at Marshfield, Dec. 18, 1680, ae. 51. He was father of Isaac
Winslow, a councillor and general, who d. in 1738. Edward, John,
Kenelm, Gilbert, and Josias, with three sisters, constituted the family
in England. Of these, Edward and Gilbert came over in the Mayflower in 1620. John came the next year in the Fortune. Kenelm's
name appears in the Plymouth list of taxes in 1633. Josias, the
youngest brother, came over also. John removed to Boston; one
settled in Rochester; one in Portsmouth; another, Edward, governor,
and father of Gov. Josias, in Marshfield, then called Green Harbor.
Kenelm Winslow was the ancestor of the Winslows on the Cape.
2 Gen. JAMES CUDWORTH had himself been for a time a distinguished citizen of Barnstable County, and one of the original settlers
of the town of Barnstable in 1639. Besides being deputy to the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                303
The first instalment of the payment obtained by the
sales of Mount Hope was made; and those fertile and
beautifully located lands inviting and being now almost
the last unoccupied      by the English, numbers of the
inhabitants   of the    Cape   removed    thither.   Military
companies were required to fill vacancies with able
officers, and   the  soldiers were    to  be provided with
swords and cutlasses.     The selectmen were required to
be under oath, and the secretary was to furnish them
a book containing all the orders of court.       It was also
ordered that in every town of the jurisdiction, three men
General Court as early as 1649 and an assistant in 1656, he had been
a commissioner of the United Colonies in 1655 and 1657; but, in
1658, "in consequence of his public policy in regard to the Quakers,
views more indulgent than suited the spirit of the time, he was left
out of the magistracy," as we have before shown, "and was superseded by Gov. Hinckley."  Gov. Josiah Winslow, whose confidence
in Mlr. Cudworth was great, in 1673 appointed him commander of an
expedition against the Dutch, and in King Philip's war he wans made
commander of the forces of the Plymouth Colony. This same year
that he was restored to his position as assistant, 1681, he was sent to
England "to solicit a charter from the crown, in place of the patent
from the Plymouth Company, which was all the authority the colony
yet had for administering its affairs.  He died in London soon
after his arrival. Mr. Baylies, in his History of New Plynmouth, says,
" The moral character of Cudworth stands out in bold relief....
From the maxims of his pious philosophy, believing that lie was not
called of God to fill the high places of the state, he reconciled himself to
his obscurity and privacy, and preferred the retirement of his farm to
the highest civic and military honors."  Mr. Palfrey, from whose
address this note is compiled, adds, " Let me illustrate this modesty
of his, and, at the same time, something of the domestic habits of the
period, by a quotation from his letter in reply to the governor's communication of his appointment to lead the expedition against the
Dutch:'The place,' says he,'is not below me, as some deem theirs
to be, but is above me, and far beyond any desert of mine, and had
the court been well acquainted with my insufficiency for such an




304              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
should be chosen     and joined with the commissioned
officers to be " the town council."   It was c ordered that
Mannamoiett do choose a fit man to exercise its men in
arms," &c.; also that " the men of Sacconessit repair
three times a year to Barnstable to train."        A   grant
was also made to Jona. Sparrow        of lands, viz., " Sparrow's Island, near Mattapoisett."     And the Quakers of
Sandwich, upon their petition, were granted liberty to
act in the disposal of lands, &c., " so long as they carry
themselves civilly and do not abuse their liberty."
Gov. Hinckley was continued in office, by election,
undertaking, doubtless I should not have been put in nomination.
Besides, it is evident to me, upon other considerations, I am not called
of God unto this work at this time. The estate and condition of my
family is such as will not admit of any such thing. My wife, as is
well known to the whole town, is not only a weak woman, and has
been so all along, but now, by reason of age, being 67 years and upwards, and nature decaying, so her illness grows more strongly upon
her. Never a day passes but she is forced to rise at break of day or
before. She cannot lie, for want of breath. And when she is up
she cannot light a pipe of tobacco, but it must be lighted for her.
And she has never a maid. That day your letter came to my hands,
my maid's year being out, she went away, and I cannot get or hear of
another. And then, in regard to my occasions abroad, for the tending
and looking after my creatures; the fetching home my hay, that is
yet at the place where it grew; getting of wood; going to mill; and
for the performing of all other family occasions, I have now but a
small Indian boy, about 13 years of age, to help me. Sir, I can
truly say that I do not in the least waive the business out of an effeminate or dastardly spirit; but am as freely willing to serve my king
and my country as any man whatsoever, in what I am capable and
fitted for; but do not understand that a man is called to serve his
country with the inevitable ruin and destruction of his family.'
"So little of state was there in those times in the household economy of the commander-in-chief in a foreign war; so little of the lust
of office had the New England statesmen and soldiers of the 17th
century. Indeed, it is amusing and touching at once to see how hard,
in those days, it was to induce men to be willing to'be great."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         305
in 1682.    Of the Cape money," state avails from  the
fisheries, "~12 was granted to Rehoboth for their school;
~8 to Duxbury," &c. A law was passed " for the regulation of proprietaries."  A " controversy between Richard Smith and Rhode Island men, about Hog Island,"
was referred for settlement; the government required
all probate business to be done in Boston; an act was
passed regulating the taking of alewives in Buzzard's
Bay; the people throughout the colony were required
" to refrain from  work and recreation on Fast and
Thanksgiving days," and " from travelling on the Sabbath and on lecture days;" the keepers of inns were
"to clear their houses of all persons able to go to
meeting" when regular religious services were appointed, "strangers only being excepted;" and the
towns were ordered to " provide stocks and whippingposts."  Another comet appeared, which was considered by some a presage of calamity; and Zachary
Allen of Sandwich was fined ~20 1 for selling rum  to
the Indians."  Joseph Holway became his surety.
Severe laws having been passed in 1657 " regulating
the lives and conduct of the Indians, and requiring the
Court of Assistants to appoint an overseer for them, it
was now further required     that every tenth Indian
shall have particular oversight of his nine men, and
present their faults to the proper authorities;" further,
" that the overseers and tithing men in the towns where
are Indian plantations, shall appoint Indian constables
annually, who shall attend the courts held for regulating
Indian affairs." 1 The Indians were to be subject to all
1 The employment of the Indians in their own government, it has
been said, was peculiarly grateful to them. And probably their notions
of the administration of justice were generally in accordance with the
dictates of common sense. It is related of Waban, the Indian who
VOL. I.      39




306             THE HISTORY QF CAPE COD.
capital and criminal laws made for the English in the
colony.   For the first offence of drunkenness, an Indian,
on conviction, was to pay a fine of five shillings or be
whipped, for the second ten shillings or be whipped;
and " no Indian " was to be " trusted," under penalty.
In 1683, a bridge over Eel River in Plymouth, and
one over Jones's River, were ordered to be built.    Sandwich, Barnstable, and Yarmouth were required to contribute ~5, in silver, each, towards the building of Eel
River bridge.    Of "the Cape money, ~12 was appropriated to Barnstable, ~8 to Duxbury, ~5 to Rehoboth,
~3 to Taunton," &c.     And the court ordered that the
selectmen in each town i shall take care of the poor in
their respective townships, the town to provide for the
expense."
A  memorable     crisis was now    at hand.   Randolph
welcomed Mr. Eliot to his wigwam in Newton, in 1646, that whilst
acting as Indian magistrate at Natick, he being asked by a young
Indian who had just received an appointment to the same high office,
and who wished fully to inform himself respecting the modes of procedure that, being suitably familiar with the rules by which justice
was to be administered, he might govern himself accordingly,
"When Indian gets drunk and quarrels, what you do den?" he replied to the inquiry of his student, "i Hah, tie um all up, and whip um;
whip um plaintiff, whip um'fendant, and whip um witness." The
following is also said to have been the form of the warrant he issued:
"You big constable, quick you catch um Jeremy Offscow, strong you
hold um, safe you bring um afore me, Waban, Justice of Peace."
This, it will be perceived, is very similar to the instance given by
Judge Davis of another Indian formula: " I Hioudi, you Peter;
Jerry Wicket, quick you take him, fast you hold him, straight you
bring him, before me, Hioudi." This simplification of legal documents
all must confess has some advantages over the verbosity which has
generally prevailed in legal writings, and shames some of the proposed
improvements of modern reformers of the law.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       307
arrived in Boston in October with a quo zuarralto against
Massachusetts, and commissioned by the crown " to
settle difficulties."  The charter was vacated.  The
Plymouth Colony was in constant apprehension of proceedings being instituted against other colonies also
itself included, and found it necessary to act with
great caution. All charters being soon after declared
vacated, the people were told that the titles to their
estates were worthless, inasmuch as (to use the expression then in vogue) " the calf had died in the cow's
belly;" and, moreover there was in any event "a
radical defect, for the court had not made their grants
under the seal of the colony."  This defect Randolph
and his minions alleged no possession or improvement
could heal. "From this period," says Minot, " we may
date the origin of the two parties, the patriots and prerogative men, between whom    controversy scarcely
intermitted, and was never ended until the separation
of the two countries. Such as were for adhering to
their patent, naturally won the feelings of the people
and received their confidence in proportion to their
zeal; whilst such as hoped to assuage a power which,
in their opinion, could not at this period be overcome,
were subject to the reproach of cowardice, or self-interested motives."
In 1684, a second distribution of the result of the
sales of Mt. Hope was made. A jury was emlpanelled
to lay out a road "from Barnstable through Sandwich
to Plymouth."  The taking of mackerel at Cape Cod,
or near it, with nets or seines, was prohibited by act of
the General Court; and it was ordered that under the
restrictions imposed, "the Cape fishing" be let "in
behalf of the country for seven years."  A lease for the




308              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD).'C bass fishing " was made to William Clarke of Plymouth
at ~30 per annum.
Harwich is mentioned, quasi a town, this year, although
its legal and full incorporation did not occur until ten
years after.l
On examining the Proprietors' Records, touching " the Quason's
lands, or sixteen share purchase," - the first entry in which is some
thirty years subsequent to the present date, -we find the cover of
said records to be an ancient parchment-deed bearing date Feb. 20,
1673, of property conveyed by William Nickerson to Trustram and
Ann Hedges, bounded by lands of William, Joseph, Samuel, and John
Nickerson, and Trustram Hedges' meadow, Sequanset. Oyster Pond
and Great Neck are named. The lands, it would appear, were purchased of John, Joseph, and Samuel Quason and their sisters, children
of John Quason, Sr., alias Towasowet, and grandchildren of Mattaquason, sachem of Monamoy, and of Amos Lawrence, Indian. The
tract included more than half of the present territory of the town of
Harwich, and was bounded north by " Great Long Pond "- the present bounds between Harwich and Brewster; westerly by the lands of
the Indian Sachemus, "beginning at the easterly corner-pond called
Hall's Mill Pond, on the highway that leads from said corner of said
pond, southerly by said highway as it runs across the road that comes
from Monamoy, to a mill, Hall's mill, until it comes to the road that
comes from said Hall's mill to Coy's Brook; then and thence running
westerly by said road until it comes to Wing's line;" southerly most
of the distance by " the lower cartway "- or southward through Harwich, and easterly by Chatham. In the absence of much of authentic
data that might enable us better to trace the progress of events here,
we rescue from the destroying hand of time these few suggestives of
the cover of the manuscript.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        309
CHAPTER XV.
The Colony divided into Counties, and Barnstable County erected.-Arrival of Andros, and the Governor superseded. -Extension of Cape
Towns.-Revolution in England, and Restoration of the Government.
- French and Indian War. - Annexation of Plymouth Colony to Massachusetts, and Extinction of the former Government. -Andros dismissed.
-Efforts to obtain a Charter.
Gov. HINCKLEY was again in office, 1685, and "the
government being much enlarged," the colony was
divided into three counties, viz.: Plymouth, Bristol, and
Barnstable. In the County of Barnstable were reckoned
eight towns, including Falmouth, Harwich, Truro, and
Chatham, though as yet Sandwich, Yarmouth, Barnstable, and Eastham   only, were fully incorporated.
Barnstable was made the shire town of the county; a
court house was built, and proper officers, including
judges, for the county, were duly appointed.     The
towns proper were now required to send grand jurors
to court; the laws were again ordered to be revised
and published; and confirmatory titles were given
under the seal of government, " the several purchases
being particularly described."
"On the motion and request of the principal men
amongst the Indians commonly called the South Sea
Indians, living about Satuit Pond, Mashpee, and places
adjacent,- that the tract of land formerly given by
Tookenchosen and Weepquush, Indians, as per deed
bearing date Dec. 11, 1665, and acknowledged before
John Freeman, assistant, 7: 4: 1667, may appear; and




310          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
confirmed unto them by Quachatessett, sachem of Mannomet, acknowledged before Mr. John Alden, assistant,
31: 8: 1672, might by this court be confirmed unto
them, and secured to the said South Sea Indians and to
their children forever, so as never to be given, sold, or
alienated from them without all their consents,- except
such parcels of upland and meadow as hath already
been by their consents granted or sold to Mr. Richard
Bourne, late of Sandwich, deceased, and to his son
Shearjashub Bourne of Sandwich aforesaid, hereafter
mentioned. The tract of land desired by the Indians
to be secured for them, and contained in said deeds,
are: All the lands lying between the line that runs
between Barnstable lands and said Indians on the east,
leaving the skirts of good land lying next the east side
of Satuit Pond unto said Indians, according to the known
and accustomed bounds thereof, and then extending
westerly to the westward of Wequoyett to a little creek
or place sometimes called Mannamoyest, and to the
mouth of said Wequoyett Harbor to the sea; and from
said Mannamoyest into the land unto Ashimuett Pond
and half a mile to the westward of said pond, and so
from pond to pond and place to place as is the known
northerly bounds thereof, and southerly to the sea;"
the lands excepted being at Anta-anta, Mashpee, Wooquutcakoospa, and Attaquahunchonnitt: the same was
confirmed to the Indians to be perpetually to them
and their children, so as that no part of them shall be
granted to or purchased by any English whatsoever, by
the court's allowance, without the consent of all the said
Indians."
The usual amount of legislation was bestowed upon
the several towns, and they were not entirely exempt
from the attentions of the judiciary.  An increased




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      311
bounty was offered for wolves, the towns continuing to
be infested by them to the great annoyance of the inhabitants, and doing much damage by the destruction
of sheep and cattle. On the council of war this year
were appointed Capt. Joseph Lothrop and Capt. Sparrow. It was ordered that Indian corn be received for
defraying the public charges and for paying all the
public officers, at the rate of 2s. 6d. per bushel. Jonathan Hatch of Sacconessett was granted a license to
keep a house of entertainment, the said Hatch to keep
a victualling house, retailing liquor for the entertainment of strangers, passengers, or others as occasion
may require. Thomas Lewis, Sr., was recognized as
the clerk of the records of the Proprietors of Sacconessett, and Jonathan Hatch was acknowledged as an
equal purchaser and proprietor.  Caleb Hopkins was
fined ~5, silver, "for selling liquors to Indians;" he to
be committed to prison until the fine shall be paid.
Ambrose Fish and Benjamin Foster were fined for a
breach of the peace; and Elizabeth, wife of Jabez Snow,
was fined 10s. "for railing expressions on the Lord's
day, used towards Mr. Samuel Treat."
King CHARLES having died, this year the Duke of
York, JAMES II., succeeded to the throne.  A loyal
address was made to the crown by the Plymouth Colony; and strong hopes were indulged of royal favor.
The people were not without sanguine expectations of
having all their wishes realized, notwithstanding the
appointment of Mr. Dudley to the government of Massachusetts caused some solicitude.
The colony in 1686 still continued its former administration. Gov. Hinckley was again in office; and
this year witnessed another addition to the incorporated




312           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
towns on the Cape. Many families, a part of whom
were from Barnstable and some from Sandwich, had at
different times become permanently located in Suckonessit, the Indian tract bordering on the west of Mashpee and the south of Sandwich, and thence extending
to the Vineyard Sound and Buzzard's Bay. This tract
was now incorporated as FALMOUTH.
moznomoyiclc also, which had before this, as we have
seen, been regarded in some respects as a town, (the
eighth in the County of Barnstable in the division of
the Colony of Plymouth into counties the year previous,)
was now, in June, ordered by the General Court to
choose a grand juror.
Si9pecanc extending from Sandwich to Dartmouth,
was incorporated as "Rochcester in the County of BcarzstSale." Joseph and Barnabas Lothrop of Barnstable
with others had been, in 1679, agents for its settlement;
and, in 1684, we find that Peter Blackman, John Hammond, Moses Barlow, and others had removed from
Sandwich and located in Sippecan. Subsequently, in
1689, John Wing, Aaron Barlow, Joseph Burgess, and
others removed thither from  the same place.  But
Rochester was not destined long to remain associated
with this county. It was soon set off to Plymouth
County, and thus the identity of the towns in the present
Barnstable County as the Cape County was established
- the Cape, the whole Cape, and the Cape only, being
its territorial limits thenceforward.
It was ordered by General Court that 1Lthe laws
lately printed be published in the several towns, and
be in force;" and a that magistrates and associates that
are to keep court in the several counties, meet and be
a court for the trying of actions, and that they also
conclude about a prison in each county." It was also




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       313
"ordered that the associates be chosen by the General
Court."
Christopher Gifford and Joseph Hull of Suckonessit,
indicted " for resisting the constable, Moses Rowley, Jr.,"
were fined, the one ~7, the other ~5, and costs in each
case, ~7 9s. 6d.; and Indians at Nauset were fined, and
ordered to be whipped, " for stealing hogs."
The administration of Gov. Hinckley was fated to
interruption. Sir EDMOND ANDRos, who had been for
some time governor of New York, arrived in Boston,
December 20, with a commission from his majesty, King
James II., appointing him governor of New England.
Mr. Joseph Dudley, as we have seen, had received a
commission as president of a council for New England;
but the Plymouth Colony was not included until the
close of the present year, when Sir Edmund having
arrived, the administration of Dudley was superseded.
By virtue of the commission to Andros, his jurisdiction was to embrace in connection with Massachusetts, Rhode Island, the Connecticut Colonies, and
the Plymouth government. A new order of things was
thus instituted.  Gov. Hinckley was of course supplanted by this arrangement; the affairs of the Plymouth Colony were measurably merged with those of
other colonies; and, for the time being, the colony of
New Plymouth was divested of its distinctive character.
In vain did Gov. Hinckley petition the throne for
redress, setting forth in earnest and forcible language
the grievances of the people. No attention was paid
to his petition; but the colonists were left smarting under
what they generally regarded as the severity of arbitrary rule. The writers of that day assert that it had
been discovered soon after the accession of King James
II., that he was " a tyrant in disposition and a bigot in
VOL. I.     40




314           TE IIISTORY OF CAPE COD.
practice;" determined " to substitute his will for the
law of the land"/ and his own views for "the religion of
the Bible;" and that although he pretended that he
was only anxious to secure greater toleration, his evident aimn was " merely to relieve Catholics."
Such were the asperities of the time. The fact was,
charter provisions, especially in the Massachusetts and
Connecticut Colonies, where the complaints were loudest and vituperations most prevalent had not been
very carefully observed. The first settlers had considered themselves as really subject to no laws but those
of reason, equity, and Scripture, according to their own
interpretation of these, and had therefore modelled
their government according to their own pleasure. In
some instances, to say the least, religious intolerance
bearing sway, they palpably violated even laws which
they themselves had enacted; passing sentence of banishment and inflicting other punishments in a summary
way without trial by jury. Hence they had been
charged with disrespect generally to the laws of England. From the time that Edward Randolph was sent
over, in 1676, in consequence of complaints made
against the colonies by Quakers and others, great anxiety had been felt. No less than sixteen times in nine
years did Randolph cross the Atlantic in consequence
of complaints preferred to the crown. The proclamation of King James for a general toleratcion of course
occasioned in some quarters not a little excitement and
some uneasiness. It has been alleged that Randolph
had "the insolence," on one occasion, " to reprove and
even threaten" the governor of Plymouth for exacting
taxes from Quakers for the support of the ministry.
In a letter to Gov. Hinckley, June 22, 1686, he wrote,
"Perhaps it will be as reasonable to move that your




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             315
colony be rated to pay our minister of the church of
England who now      preaches in Boston and you hear
him not, as to make the Quakers pay in your colony;"
a sentiment to which few at the present period would
demur.1
The colonies were very soon summoned by Andros
to surrender their charters, against which writs had
been issued in 1683, occasioning great and constant
alarm on the part of the colonists generally.
In 1687, Gov. ANDROs being in power, and, according
to the views of many, that power being little better
than despotic, the press was restrained; exorbitant
taxes were levied; and it was pretended that all titles
to land were invalid, and new titles must be procured,
for which large fees must be paid.2 In October he
went to Hartford, Ct., and demanded a surrender of
the charter,3 and in this excursion was accompanied by
1 Religious motives are doubtless the most effective of all that influence human conduct. A truly religious feeling, however, becomes
often perverted, as all history shows, producing sad results. The
Puritans believed their mode of faith was right, and were unwilling,
therefore, that any should be among them who taught or believed any
thing different. This feeling produced great uncharitableness. The
only possible palliation that we have ever heard offered in our own
day for this blemish in the character of the Puritans, is - " they were
not free from the common error of the age."
2 Andros is said to have declared that the Indian deeds were " no
better than the scratch of a bear's paw."
3 The General Assembly of Connecticut was in session, and, in the
evening, after much debate, the charter was brought in and laid upon
the table, when instantly the lights were all extinguished and the
charter suddenly disappeared. As was well known afterwards, Capt.
Wadsworth had snatched it up in the short interval of confusion and
darkness, and had secreted it in the famous hollow oak, since known
as " the Charter Oak."




316          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
troops. He had begun his administration, it was said,
with high professions of regard for the best interests
of the people; but had'"now thrown off the mask,"
and governed oppressively. It was charged upon him
that his object was to amass a fortune for himself by
his exactions, which were said to be in some instances
enormous. Gov. Hinckley, in a petition to the king in
behalf of the Colony of Plymouth, says in reference
to these exactions, that all the money left in the colony
would scarcely suffice " to pay one half the charges for
warrants, surveying, and patents, if every one must be
forced thereto." Some regrets have been expressed by
a distinguished jurist, (Judge Davis,) that Gov. H.
accepted a seat in the council of a government
that suspended the ancient authorities of the country,
and authorized or countenanced a course of arbitrary,
vexatious, and oppressive proceedings." But, as the
same writer suggests, " many of that council were sincere well wishers to their country, and accepted seats
at the board with the hope of preventing injurious
measures."  And the above language of Gov. H.
shows how   decidedly he disapproved of Andros's
proceedings. To this effect there is abundant testimony.
The next year, 1688, Gov. Andros's commission was
enlarged, and New York also was included as a part of
his jurisdiction. And now, in the spring of the year,
he proceeded in the Rose frigate to Castine, and, by
the course he pursued, provoked an Indian war. At
last, his capricious and arbitrary proceedings roused
the determined spirit of the people of New England.
Their dissatisfaction with the existing state of things
was blown into a flame of indignation.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              317
In 1689, the functions of the several colonies were
suspended.    But the revolution of 1688, which occasioned the flight of King James II. and the accession
of WILLIAM and MARY soon produced a sensible change
in affairs.  In April, Sir Edmond Andros was dismissed
from his government, and each colony reassumed its
former powers.l     Plymouth had, indeed, no charter to
resume, as had Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode
Island; but having until the interruption by Andros
uniformly exercised all the pozuers of government
necessary for the management of affairs, under its
patent from the council of Plymouth, and by voluntary
agreement expressed in the covenant at Cape Cod in
1620, sanctioned by uninterrupted acquiescence, the
General Court of Election assembled at Plymouth in
June as before Andros's time, and Mr. Hinckley was
1 No sooner had the rumor reached Boston that the Prince of Orange had landed in England than the smouldering fire broke out in
earnest, to Andros's utter dismay, and the discomfiture of his supporters. The people of the Massachusetts Colony seized their arms,
April 18, proclaimed William and Mary, and, rushing into Boston,
arrested the obnoxious governor, compelled him to resign, and restored
their former governor, Bradstreet, now recalled at the age of 87, not
by a formal election, but by acclamation. Gov. BRADSTREET was
the last governor of Massachusetts under the first charter, and was
now, on the imprisonment of Andros, elected president of the council
and acting governor. He was for fifty years an assistant in the Massachusetts Colony, enjoying the confidence of all classes. He died
Mar. 27, 1697, m. 94.  Andros was sent home to England; but was,
in 1692, appointed governor of Virginia. He died Feb. 24, 1714, at
a very advanced age, in London. Although sent home to England
for trial, his being appointed governor of Virginia would seem to
indicate that his career in New England was not regarded by the parent government as censurable. Whether he had learned wisdom from
his misfortunes, or found in Virginia a people more congenial, we may
not undertake to say; but it is recorded of him that " few of the governors of Virginia were ever more beloved."  Fiatjustitia.




318            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
again elected governor, and Mr. Bradford deputy governor; and the people were again left for the time to
the full enjoyment of their accustomed rule. In August, a new election of delegates was ordered, so that
this year there were two sets of representatives.
During the administration of Andros, Courts of Common Pleas, eo nomine, were established in Barnstable
County.   Now Associate Courts were restored, and
Jonathan Sparrow of Eastharn and Stephen Skiff of
Sandwich were appointed justices.    They were reappointed in 1690 and in 1691.
It was ordered that informers against violations of
law in retailing strong drink without license shall have
one half the fines imposed. It was also ordered that
the expenses of the present war shall be assessed as
follows -
Plymouth   ~60.       Barnstable ~60.   Bristol   ~35.
Duxbury      25.      Sandwich  60.     Taunton     60.
Scituate    88.       Yarmouth  41.     Reboboth   48.
Marshfield  45.       Eastham   46.     Swansey    40.
Bridgewater  28.      Rochester  8.     L. Compton 35.
Middleboro'  14.      Monomoy    7.     Freetown    8.
Ford's Farms  2.     Dartmouth 40.
Eastham having neglected to make a rate for the
charge of the war, the neglect being    occasioned by
misrepresentations or insinuations of ill men, disaffected
towards the government," a fine of ~50 was inflicted
"to be collected in case the neglect is persisted in."
And, in August, the law    touching  lthe seining for
mackerel" was repealed, and it was ordered that " the
magistrates of Barnstable County dispose of and manage the Cape fishing; provided, however, that all former fishing orders shall be in force."  The " profits of
the fishing at the Cape for this year" were "divided as




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         319
follows: to the commissioners, ~10; treasurer, 4s. out
of every ~1'; secretary, ~10; chief marshal, ~6; under
marshal and prison keeper, ~5, or in that proportion."
In 1690, the colonies were involved in other troubles
than the preceding.   The war with the French and
their Indian allies was on hand; and an unsuccessful
attempt was made on Canada, in which Plymouth Colony bore its proportion of charge and loss.1
The people of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay sent
over to England its agents, with whom went Rev. Ichabod Wiswall, from this colony, to obtain a restoration
of the old charter, or to solicit a new one.  The restoration of the old charter was refused; but a new one
was promised.   The Plymouth Colony was to be united
to Massachusetts, and the title of the province, thus
embracing the two colonies with additional territory2
was to be that of " the Massachusetts Bay in New England;" the king reserving to himself and successors
the right of appointing the governor, lieutenant governor, and secretary.3  As it was supposed to have been
the intention of the government of England to annex
the Plymouth Colony to New York, the arrangement
finally made was satisfactory to the majority.      A
separate charter might possibly have been obtained for
the Plymouth Colony; but, then, it was thought also
it might have been worse. The result showed, we think,
that the arrangement was fortunate and wise.
Ichabod Paddock was, this year, engaged to go to
1 The war, during the reign of William and Mary, lasted from 1690
to 1697.
2 Maine and Nova Scotia were annexed to Massachusetts Bay.
3 The only privilege reserved to the province of Massachusetts
Bay, was the right of choosing representatives by the people.




320              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Nantucket, from     Cape Cod, to instruct the people of
that island in the art of killing whales by the employment of boats from the shore.'
1 The locations which furnished the principal scenes of whaling in
olden time have changed; and the business has become less prominent
on the Cape. Nantucket is yet noted for this branch of enterprise.
Provincetown still bears some part in the business. Touching the
nmode of taking whales, we are disposed to give here the statements
made by Purchas in his " Pilgrimage," a folio printed early in the
17th century, of the mode of killing the whale, which will be recognized
by modern whalemen as being closely similar to their own operations
at the present day- the fashion having been but very slightly altered
during upwards of two centuries; and the picture drawn of the " greatest of sea monsters," though in a few points somewhat exaggerated,
will also be deemed a likeness.
"I might here recreate your wearied eyes with a hunting spectacle of the greatest chase which nature yieldeth; I mean the killing of
a whale. When they espy him on the top of the water (which he is
forced to for to take breath) they row toward him in a shallop, in
which the harponeer stands ready with both his hands to dart his
harping iron, to which is fastened a line of such length, that the whale
(which suddenly feeling himself hurt, sinketh to the bottom) may
carry it down with him, being before fitted that the shallop be not
therewith endangered; coming up again they again strike him with
lances made for that purpose about twelve feet long, the iron eight
thereof; and the blade eighteen inches, - the harping iron principally
serving to fasten him to the shallop, - and thus they hold him in such
pursuit, till after streams of water, and next that of blood, cast up into
the air and water, (as angry with both elements, which have brought
thither such weak hands for his destruction,) he at length yieldeth his
slain carcass as meed to the conquerors. They tow him to the ship
with two or three shallops, made fast to one another, and then, floating
at the stern of the ship, they cut the blubber or fat from the flesh, in
pieces three or four feet long, which after, at shore, are cut smaller,
and boiled in coppers; which done, they take them out and put them
in wicker baskets, which are set in shallops half full of water, into
which the oil runneth, and is thence put into butts. This whale fishing
is yearly now used by our men in Greenland, with great profit. The




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                321
It was ordered that men be raised to go to Albany
or elsewhere, to join with the forces of New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, &c., against the common enemy.
ordinary length of a whale is sixty feet, and not so huge as Olaus hath
vritten, who also maketh the moose as big as an elephant.
"The proportion of this huge leviathan deserves description, as one
of the'greatest wonders of the Lord in the deep,' whereon himself so
much insisteth (Job 41: 12)'that He will not conceal his parts, nor
his power, nor his comely proportion.' The whale that we here speak
of, is the great bay whale, - for there are many other kinds, - the
Trompo, which hath two trunks or breathing holes on his head,
(whereas the bay whale hath but one,) whose brains are said to be the
spermaceti; the Iuburte, which hath a fin on his back dangerous to
boats, exceeding swift and little profitable; besides other kinds. This
is the most simple and useful; the greater and fatter, the more easily
taken. His head is the third part of him, his mouth (0, hellish wide!)
sixteen feet in the opening, and yet out of that belly of hell yielding
much to the ornaments of our women's backs, -the whalebones or
fins being no other than the rough and inner part of the mouth, closing
in the shutting thereof, as the fingers of both hands within each other.
Of these fins are five hundred, from the length of fourteen feet or more,
in less and less proportions; he hath no teeth; his meat he sucketh;
his tongue is monstrous great, of deformed form, like a wool sack,
about eight tun weight, and one part thereof used to this purpose
yieldeth from six to eleven hogsheads of oil. His food (that nature
might teach the greatest to be content with little, and that greatness
may be maintained without rapine, as in the elephant and whale, the
greatest of land creatures and sea monsters) is grass and weeds of the
sea, and a kind of water wolrm like a beetle, whereof the fins in his
mouth hang full, and sometimes little birds; all which, striking the
water with his tail and making an eddy, he gapes and receiveth into
his mouth; neither is any thing else (Master Sherwin hath seen them
opened, and opened this unto me) found in their bellies. This great
head hath little eyes like apples, very little bigger than the eyes of an
ox, and a little throat not greater than for a man's fist to enter, and
that with huge bones on each side not admitting it to stretch wider.
His body is round, fourteen or sixteen feet thick.... They are
swallow-tailed, the extremes being twenty feet distant. They have
but one young at a time, which is brought forth as in beasts, about the
VOL. 1.        41




322              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
The Cape towns responded to repeated calls, by furnishing their required    quota of soldiers;1 as also of
moneys assessed2 to meet the expenses of an unsuccessful expedition.
bigness of; but longer than, a hogshead. The female hath two breasts
and teats, with white milk in them, not bigger than a man's head,
wherewith she suckleth the young, whereof she, as the moose also, is
very tender. They killed one, and could not get the young one fiom
it. There hath been made seven and twenty tun and a pipe of oil out
of one whale, - ordinarily sixteen tuns, but much is wasted for haste
in that store. The English are grown as expert in this business as
the Biscainer. They never lost a man in this action, but one only this
last year."
1 The number of men first required was, of Barnstable, 5; of
Sandwich, Yarmouth, and Eastham, 4 each; and of Manamoyet and
Saconessitt, 1 each; but soon again it was "ordered that 200 soldiers
be raised for Canada," of which " Barnstable County shall furnish 46,
viz.: Barnstable, 12; Sandwich, Yarmouth, and Eastham, 10 each;
and Manamoyet and Saconessitt, 2 each;" also "that 50 Indian soldiers additional be raised, of which Barnstable County shall furnish
22." It was further "'ordered that one third the military in each
town shall take their arms with them to meeting on the Lord's days."
2 The debt incurred by the Plymouth Colony, as its share of the
expenses of the campaign, amounted to ~1350; the proportion for the
County of Barnstable was ~452 4s. 9d.; and for the several towns as
follows -
Barnstable, ~112 10 0. Sandwich, ~93 15 0. Manamoyet,~18 18 9.
Yarmouth,  104 2 9. Eastham,    93 19 6. Saconessitt, 15 3 9.
The ratable estate of the colony at this time was -
Plymouth, ~2260.      Yarmouth, ~2777.     Taunton,   ~2689.
Scituate,   4360.     Sandwich, 2500.      Rehoboth,   2117
Marshfield, 1804.     Eastham,   2506.     Dartmouth, 2200.
Duxbury,    1500.     Rochester,  367.     Swansey,    1500.
Bridgewater, 1430.    Monomoy,    505.     L. Compton, 2000.
Middleboro', 582.     Saconessitt, 405.    Freetown,    349.
Barnstable, 3000.     Bristol,   1049.
3 The journal of Maj. Gen. Walley is to be found in Hutchinson's
History of Massachusetts Bay, containing a full account of the campaign.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTYo              323
The General Court appointed " to view and inspect
whales" Mr. Skiff, of Sandwich, and Capt. Lothrop, of
Barnstable; and also passed C an order to prevent contests and suits by whale-killers."     It was further " ordered that hereafter the court associates, or judges,
shall be chosen by the freemen;" also " that the two
chosen for Barnstable County shall reside one in Sandwich and one in Eastham."       Messrs. Stephen Skiff and
Jonathan Sparrow, who had each held the office by appointment, were now elected and continued in office.
In 1691, Gov. Hinckley was reelected; Mr. William
Bradford    was   deputy    governor;    and   John    Freeman, John     Thacher, John Walley/, and others were
1 Maj. Gen. WALLEY was thus assistant from 1684 to the time of
the Union, when he was elected to the Council. It is regarded as
honorable to him that when named as one of Andros's Council he declined to act. It may perhaps, in view of the disasters of the expedition against Quebec in 1690, be considered as unfortunate for him
tlhat he was selected to command the land forces sent against that
place; still, history records that his appointment subsequently as judge
of the Superior Court was in consideration of his military services.
I-e continued to occupy a place on the bench from his appointment in
1700 till his resignation in 1711.  He died in Boston, Jan. 11,
1712, at the age of 68; and it is conceded that this high trust (as also
others reposed in him by his country) was executed with ability and
fidelity. For uprightness and candor, gentlemanly bearing and honorable and virtuous life, his memory is embalmed; and it is worthy of
note that among the descendants of the early ministers of the Cape
hlave been so many whose exemplary and useful life was a deserved
tribute to their pious ancestry. It is proper to remark that Mr. Walley had in 1680 removed to Bristol, of which place he was one of the
founders. The portrait of him which we present on the opposite page
may not be regarded as a fair exponent of the appearance of the Can;
for, though doubtless a faithful likeness of him at the time when it was
painted, it was executed when he was but a yotth of twelve or fourteen years. It is interesting, however, as the only portrait extant of
any of tle earlier Walleys; and serves to show what in those days




324            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
assistants. The court electing them, June 2, was the
last Court of Election that was ever held in Plymouth.  The Plymouth and Massachusetts Colonies now
became one government.     The charter, signed October
7, provided that four, at least, of the twenty-eight councillors must be " from the territory formerly called New
Plymouth."
The towns and plantations in Barnstable County at
this date, were Sandwich (Sahctnme); Yarmouth (part of
Malttacliiest, and NobsctIsset which became Dennis in
1793); Barnstable ( Cinzcmanicld and part of  atdactedesl),
-each inc. in 1639; Eastham        (Ncanset, Pononacanit,
which became Wellfleet in 1763, and Ncamskcelet which
became Orleans in 1797), -   settled in 1646 as Nauset
and inc. in 1651; Scaoeessit, 1686, inc. as Falmouth;
SaJncktuelt 1640; Moncmoyiczi k 1686; and _Pamet: plantations from  which were derived Harwich in 1694,
Truro in 1709, Chatham in 1712, Provincetown in 1727,
and Brewster in 1803; with Mashpee (iMasscpee), an Indian plantation.  Besides these was Rochester (ASi)pecanz, including part of Wareham, inc. 1739), - afterwards
transferred to Plymouth County after a temporary
annexation to this.
Taxes had again been levied on all the towns, to pay
the expenses of the war with the French and Indians
in Canada; and soldiers required to be raised.    The
emission of bills of credit resorted to by the General
Court to pay the expenses of the army, was a measure
was the style of dress in which even boys of distinguished family
appeared. The peculiar antiquated garb, with the lhuge wig, would
excite the risibles of the beholder at the present day. For the engraving so courteously granted at our solicitation, we are indebted to
the liberality of Hon. Samuel H. Walley. For family genealogy, see
pp. 290-2.




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ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        325
fraught with mulch evil, as was afterwards developed.'
A call was also made on the several towns to defray
their several proportions of the expenses of obtaining
a new charter.
Liberty was granted to Mononoyick, Feb. 11, to
elect and send a representative to the General Court,
and the next month, by special act, the bounds of Monomoyick were enlarged. The associate magistrates for
the county were again Sparrow and Skiff
The charter granted by William  and Mary in 1691
united the colonies of the Massachusetts Bay, New
Plymouth, the Province of Maine, the territory called
Acadia or Nova Scotia, and all the tract of land lying
between the territories of Nova Scotia and the Province of Maine, into' one real province, by the name of
our Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England."  The language of said charter being, L Of our
especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, we
have given and granted, and by these presents, for us,
our heirs and successors, do give and grant unto our
good subjects, the inhabitants of our said province or
territory of Massachusetts Bay and their successors, all
that part of New    England in America, lying and
extending from the great river commonly called Monomack, alias Merimack, on the north part, and from three
miles northward of the said river to the Atlantic, or
Western Sea or ocean on the south part, and all the
lands and hereditaments whatsoever lying within the
limits aforesaid, and extending as far as the outermost
1 These notes of credit were, by act of court, made a legal tender
in all payments. The bills suffered, as might have been expected, a
heavy depreciation, and the loss falling severely on the soldiers in
whose hands part of the emission was held, caused much discontent
and not a little suffering.




326           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
points or promontories of land called Cape Cod and Cape
Malabar north and south, and in latitude, breadth, and
in length and longitude, of and within all the breadth
and compass aforesaid throughout the main land; then
from said Atlantic or Western Sea, and ocean on the
east part towards the South Sea, on westward as far as
our Colonies of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and the
Narragansett country," &c.  "To have and to hold
the said territories, tracts, countries, land, hereditaments, and all and singular other the premises, with
their and every their appurtenances to our said subjects the inhabitants of our said Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, and their successors,
to their only proper use and behoof forevermore, to be
holden of us, our heirs and successors, as of our manor
of East Greenwich, in the county of Kent, by fealty
only in free and common soccage."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             32 7
CHAPTER XVI.
Arrival of the new Charter, and Assumption of Government by Sir William
Phipps. -Harwich incorporated. -Phipps superseded. -Passing Events.
-Pirates. -Earl of Bellamont. -Extension of Cape Settlements.Gov. Stoughton.- Gov. Dudley. - The Fisheries. - Monamoyick. -
Bills of Credit. - Dangerfield incorporated, and name changed to Truro.
- Chatham incorporated. - The Precinct of Cape Cod.
IN 1692, May 14, Sir WILIAI         PHIPPS arrived, with
his commission as Governor-in-Chief under William and
Mary, bringing with himr the new charter, and at once
assumed   the government.      Warrants were issued to
the several towns, ordering the election of representatives under the new constitution, to serve in the General Court to be held in Boston, June 8. Although
there was still felt much reluctance, and, in fact, some
spirit of opposition to the new order of things,
there was soon a very general, and, it may be said,
finally grateful acquiescence, so that the new PROVINCE
OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY proceeded to the exercise of its
charter privileges, and the happy amalgamation of the
two colonies as one province was duly perfected.l
By the charter, that part of the province formerly
the Plymouth Colony became entitled to four councilThough distinguished individuals, and perhaps not a few, were at
first dissatisfied with the union, the event caused no serious disturbance; and it may be confidently asserted was at no period a subject
of regret with the people generally. "Gov. Hinckley was well
reconciled to the measure, notwithstanding his favor to it brought
upon him some odium."




328              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
lors.  Gov. Hinckley, Gov. Bradford, John Walley, and
Barnabas Lothrop were elected.
The old General Court of the Plymouth Colony met
once more, the first Tuesday in July, and appointed a
fast for the last Wednesday in August; it was their
last act.  Thus the present year dates the extinction
of a government that had continued in existence under
memorable circumstances seventy-one years.?           Whatever faults it may have had. on its primitive foundation
was laid a structure of government which thousands
of successive generations have been ready to           claim
was s distinguished for good order, peace, liberty, intelligence, sound morals, religious reverence, and, at least
in its later years, religious toleration."3    It is not for
1 The selection of councillors caused some feeling and elicited not
a little animadversion. The men selected, it could not but be admitted by all, were highly respectable and eminently qualified; but two
of the number being from Barnstable County, and a third formerly of
Barnstable, was a circumstance thought by many to be a corroboration
of the charge that had been made against Gov. Hinckley of having
secretly favored the union.
2 The fact that the Plymouth Colony had but six governors by its
own election, during a period of seventy-one years, slows,   as hlas
often been remarked, " a presumption that men of' virtue and well
fitted for their station were selected."
3 Some will have it that the Plymouth and Massachusetts men are
usually confounded the one with the other, quite to the detriment of
the former. It is said that the Massaclhsetts Colony, which began
nine or ten years later than the Plymouth, was composed of a class of
people widely different in many respects; that at the head of the
Massachusetts enterprise was Endicott, whose spirit contrasted strongly with that of Bradford and others, and that, but for the urgent
appeals of Massachusetts, Plymouth would doubtless have exhibited
less of the intolerant spirit than it did. They insist that Massachusetts' influence prevailing in some degree for a time, the Plymouth
government sometimes erred; but that Massachusetts was not long
permitted to continue in the ascendency, the more moderate principles




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              329
us to suggest, in this place, exceptions or abatements.
We admire the devotion -       sometimes enthusiastic, always fervent -    of those whose mission seems to be to
espouse and defend the " Pilgrim       cause."   We think
the candid will not deny that the primitive foundation
of government of which we have spoken, must ever
be regarded as the true base on which has continued
to rest our most glorious institutions.        Certainly -
not to claim   the entire honor exclusively for the " Old
Colony " - under the auspices of the two governments
which this year passed away, institutions (civil, literary,
and religious) by which New England has been ever
distinguished, began -    the   holding  of lands free of
soccage; the right of general suffrage; the establishment of towns with a local legislature called the " town
meeting," with its peculiar executive styled " selectof the Plymouth Colony diffusing their influence among the confederate sister colonies. That the Plymouth Colony did much to shape
the character of other colonies, and that its influence was potential, all
must admit; and we have already expressed our own conviction that
this colony, for moderation and consistency of purpose, will compare
favorably with some others. The comparative merits or demerits of
each we do not feel ourself called upon to discuss in full. It is sufficient for us, that, if we except Gov. Prince and a few others, who
also had many excellent traits, the influence of tile CAPE was always
favorable to the liberal side. Gov. P. was only a sojourner among
us for a season. His administration it becomes us, however, in stern
justice, to say, was at an inauspicious and perplexing period; and yet
no government. notwithstanding the difficulties in the way, pursued a
course more steady in the promotion generally of the substantial interests of its constituents than did his. During the sixteen years of
his magistracy, there was indeed very much to applaud. His anxious
efforts to promote the establishment of schools of a higher grade than
had before existed, and his solicitous attention to the honorable support of an able ministry, are to his honor; and his integrity, energy,
industry, and usually good judgment, are proverbial.
VOL. I.       42




8 30             TIIE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
men; "   the system of common schools, giving to every
child, rich or poor, the advantages of education; and
also, at last, the right of the congregation to a voice in
the selecting of their religious teacher.2
1 "  any learned have, in labored treatises, endeavored to prove the
doctrine that the rights of man are inalienable, and nations have
bled to defend them; yet, in the dark ages of superstition and despotism, when no tongue dared to declare and no pen to write this bold
doctrine, which was then as much in defiance of the common opinion
as with actual power, of which the monarch was then held to be the
sole fountain, (and the theory was universal that all popular rights
were granted by the crown,) in this remote wilderness, among a small
unknown band of wandering outcasts, the principle that the will of the
majority shall govern, was first conceived and was first practically
exemplified. Our forefathers, from their belief in primitive Christianity, the force of circumstances, and the pure moral feeling which
is the offspring of true religion, discovered a truth in the science of
government which had been concealed for ages. On the bleak shore
of a barren wilderness, in the midst of' desolation, with the blasts of
winter howling around them, and surrounded by dangers in their most
awful and appalling forms, the Pilgrims of Leyden laid the foundation of AMERICAN LIBERTY. Those who came after them had inmbibed the same views and principles of civil government." -Baylies's
New Plymouth.
2 We cannot, of course, say, as is sometimes asserted, that "under
their auspices was erected the first building for the worship of God,
and the first religious assembly gathered in New England;" for the
fact, as shown, p. 67, is otherwise. We cannot say, either, that up to
this time nothing was lacking in respect to religious freedom. Under
the new order of things, this good work was facilitated; and yet it
was not now at once perfected. It required some trouble, some yielding of former opinions, some time. Dr. Increase Mather, in his
account of the negotiations for the new charter, says, " Religion is secured: for liberty is granted to all men to worship God after the
manner which, in their consciences, they shall be persuaded is the
most scriptural way. The General Court may, by laws, encourage
and protect that religion which is the general profession of the inhabitants." Hence, at the first General Court, an act passed " establishing all the local laws of Massachusetts Province, until other provision




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               3 1
Gov. Phipps had, in his administration        of the   provincial government, the advantage of having been
nominated by the colonial agents themselves; his
career, therefore, was quiet and peaceful.'
In 1694 new regulations for the mackerel and other
fisheries were made by the General Court; and HARWICH   was incorporated, Sept. 14, and         allowed   as a
township.
Gov. Phipps, who appeared to        the close of his administration to have at heart the best interests of New
England, was now      recalled, and sailed for England in
November.2
shall be made," there being nothing in the new charter of an ecclesiastical constitution. By this act of the General Court, the former
platform of church discipline was established; the law, however, was
disapproved in England. Therefore, at the next session, it was enacted "that the respective churches in the several towns shall at all
times hereafter use, exercise and enjoy all their privileges and freedoms respecting divine worship, church order and discipline, and
shall be encouraged in the peaceable and regular profession and
practice thereof."  An attempt was soon made to continue the practice
of appeal to the General Court in ecclesiastical controversies; but
the court refused. Some steps were taken, about thirty years after
the union, for calling a synod; but the royal instruction prevented
any further progress. So that, touching the matter of entire religious
freedom, the progress made, it must be confessed, was very much
owing to the force of circumstances.
1 The nomination of the first governor under the new charter was
left by the crown entirely to the agents then in England, the only restriction being that "he must be a military man."  The crown aimed
at making the charter acceptable.
2 Gov. PHIPPs was born in Bristol, Me., the son of a gunsmith in
humble circumstances, and of a mother who had twenty-six children,
twenty-one of whom were sons! The governor's life was truly one
of adventure. After living in the wilderness until eighteen years of
age, he bound himself to a ship-carpenter. When his apprenticeship




332              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Early in 1695, RICHARD, Earl of BELLAMONT was appointed to succeed Gov. Phipps; but not arriving for
some time, Lieut. Gov. William Stoughton officiated as
commander-in-chief.    Nothing of great interest as regards the Cape appears on the record. Mr. Shearjashub
Bourne of Sandwich had liberty granted him          to purchase land of the Indians, one tract lying near his
house, and another at Waquoit; and Capt. William
Bassett and Mr. Shubael Smith were appointed by the
court " to assist the Indians in the sale, and to see that
they receive a good and valuable consideration."       It is
not certainly known at what period the whipping-post
and stocks, as by law provided, were introduced to these
parts; but these coadjutors in the punishment of crime,
generally pronounced the relic of a barbarous age, were
now required to be established in every town.
In  1696, some difficulty existed in several of the
Cape towns in enforcing the payment of their quota of
the expenses of building bridges in tie town of Plymouth; the inhabitants of the Cape regarding the decree
of four years had expired, he went to Boston, and there learned to
read and write. Determined to seek his fortune upon the sea, he,
after a variety of adventures, discovered a Spanish wreck on the
coast of Hispaniola, and fished up plate, pearls, and jewels, amounting
in value to ~300,000 sterling, with which he sailed to England in
1687, and was knighted by King James. Returning to Boston, he
commanded an expedition against Port Royal, which place he captured. Phipps was evidently not only a man of energy, but of strong
mind. On being appointed governor, one of his first acts was to put
a, stop to prosecutions for witchcraft. I-e was, however, of an irascible temper, and did not hesitate to settle a personal controversy witl
sturdy blows. For this he was recalled. He is represented, notwithstanding the violence of his temper, as a man of the kindest feelings,
unassuming in his manners, and of strict integrity. He died Feb. 18,
1695, soon after his recall, e. 44.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             333
of the justices of Quarter Sessions to be contrary to
the laws of the province, Plymouth being in another
county.   A  French privateer fitted out at Bordeaux,
and cruising on the American coast, was wrecked in
Buzzard's Bay, and the crew were made prisoners and
taken to Boston.    On board this vessel was Dr. Francis
Le Baron, a skilful surgeon and physician, whose liberation was asked by the inhabitants of Plymouth that
he migoht practise his profession in that town.l
In 1697 the treaty of peace at Ryswick put an end
for the present, happily, to the French and Indian war.
A  committee was appointed by the court' to view        a
place for a passage to be cut through the land in Sandwich, from  Barnstable Bay into Manomet Bay, for vessels to pass through and from the western parts of the
country, it being thought by many persons to be very
necessary for the preservation of men and estates, and
that it will be very profitable and usefufl to the public."
This committee consisted of Messrs. John Otis, William
Bassett, and Thomas Smith, who were instructed to
report to the General Court at its next session.      And
Mr. William   Bassett2 having petitioned, in behalf of
From him were descended those of the name in Plymouthl, as
also the venerable and excellent Rev. Lemuel Le Baron, settled in
Rochester (Mattapoiset) in 1772.
2 The ancient family of Bassetts has been one of prominence and
high respectability in the colonies. Mr. WIILIAMI BASSETT, above,
sometime known as colonel, and then esquire, chief marslal 1689 to
1692, representative from Sandwich many years, judge of the Common Pleas, and register of Probate, a man of mucll distinction, was
descended from WILLIAM, who came over in the Fortune, 1G21, one
of the " purchlasers," first in Plymouth with his wife Elizabeth and
son William, Jr. and daughter Elizabeth, having part in the division
of cattle in 1627; then of Duxbury, and deputy 1640. 3, 4, 5, 8;
then one of the proprietors of, and first permanent settlelr in, Bridge



334              TIEI HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the town of Sandwich, for "the approbation and allowance of the allotment and division made by the inhabitants of said town of the two tracts of land known as
Scauton   and   Shaume Necks, Mr. Thomas Hinckley,
Maj. John Thacher, and Mr. John Bradford were appointed to inquire into the matter and report."        Their
report being made, the prayer of the petition was         allowed;" and " for the better supply of said town with
grain in this time of scarcity, the full quantity of land
water, 1651.  He was a large landholder, and, although a blacksmith, had a considerable library. Judge  iitchell thinks his wife
Elizabeth was probably a Tilden. He d. in Bridgewater 1667, and
his issue was.William, who settled in Sandwich; Nathaniel, first settled in MIarshfield, then in Yarmouth 1684; Joseph, who remained in
Bridgewater on the paternal estate; Sarah, who m. Peregrine White;
Elizabeth, wvho (Judge MI. says m. Wim. Hatch, but Sandwich records say) m. Thomas Burge, Jr., Nov. 8, 1648; and Jane, who, says
Emery's History of Taunton, m. Gilbert.  The History of Bridgewater says there were, " perhaps," other children. We are inclined
to believe that both histories labor under some mistake; but at all
events, WILLIAM, eldest son of William of Bridgewater, settled in
Sandwich, was a trader and "licensed to draw wines" 1659, a deputy
1662, d. 1670, e. about 45, and Mrs. Mary adm. on the estate. "Mr.
William and Mary" had Alary, Nov. 21, 1654, who m. John Redding, 8 mo. 22, 1676; and William (the marshal) 1656. Both were
minors when their father d., and Maj. (Gov.) Winslow and Mr. (Gov.)
Hinckley  were their respective guardians. WILLIAMr, the son last
named, b. 1656, afterwards marshal, m. Rachel Willison of Taunton,
Oct. 9, 1675, and had Mary, Oct. 20, 1676, who m. Nathan B1ourne,
Feb. 3, 1698; Rachel, Oct. 25, 1679, who m. Joseph Foster, Sept. 8,
1(696, and d.. ec. 12, 1744. No other record of births appears in
this connection; but the following were doubtless children of the
same, viz.: Jonathan, who d. Dec. 13, 1683; William, who m. Abigail Bourne, Feb. 3, 1709; Nathan, who m. Mary —; Thankful,
who m. Matthias Ellis, March 20, 1711; and Jonathan, who m. Mary
Gate, May 14, 1708. The last WILLIAMX, "son of William, Jr.," who
m. Abigail, had Mary, Dec. 24, 1709, who m. Eliakim Tupper, Marcl
28, 1734; William, Nov. 23, 1711, who m. Lydia Smith, Dec. 1,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              335
in said necks improved in tillage the last year" was
" allowed to be sown with English grain, only this year,
according to the present allotments, and no more land
to be broken up."     Purchases of land at this time, by
the settlers at Eastham, from      the Indians at Pamet,
prepared the way for a settlement at the latter place.
In 1698, Lieut. Gov. William    Stoughton still held the
reins of government, the Earl of Bellamont remaining
in New    York; but the earl arriving in Boston, May
1734; Elisha, Feb. 15, 1714, who m. Ruhamah, daughter of Samuel
Jennings, Esq., of Sandwich, Oct. 11, 1739; John, April 11, 1716,
who m. Mercy Newcomb, Oct. 24, 1742; Thomas, Jan. 4, 1718, who
m. Patrick Tobey, Feb. 13, 1746; Nathaniel, Oct. 15, 1719, who m.
Hannah --; Jonathan, May 6, 1721, who m. Mary Freeman,
daughter of John F., Nov. 10, 1748; Abigail, "Jr.," 1722, who m.
Eliakim Tobey, April 17, 1740; Elizabeth, 1725, who m. Timothy
Chipman of Barnstable, Jan. 23, 1752; Nathan, Dec. 17, 1727, who
d. 1728; and Hannah, 1730, who m. Isaac Smith, of Kingston, Jan.
23, 1752. ELISIA, above, who m. Jennings, removed to Yarmouth,
since Dennis, was called " captain," holding commissions in the royal
militia, under Shirley, Pownal, Dudley, and Hutchinsoni early surrendering his commission from the crown and taking side with his country as an active and ardent whig, and was representative from Yarmouth to the Provincial Congress three years. He d. 1794, and his
issue was Elisha who went to Ashfield; Samuel who settled in West
Barnstable; William who m. Betsy daughter of Jonathan Howes, Esq.
of Dennis; Lot who went to Ashfield; Lydia who m. Howes and from
whom is descended Philip H. Sears, Esq. of Boston; Abigail who m.
Howes; and Deborah who also m. Howes. The last WILLIAM, who
m. Howes, d. in Dennis, leaving a son only, then a minor, who is the
present Francis Bassett Esq., of Boston, graduated at Harvard College 1810, a lawyer, clerk of the District Court of the United States
fifteen years to 1846, overseer of Harvard College, &c., who, retaining his partiality for his native Cape, has his summer residence in
Dennis. The Bassett family is numerous, and widely scattered over
the United States. The genealogy of other branches of the name
will be resumed by and by.




336              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
26, 1699, the lieutenant governor submitted to his superior in office.   Bellamont was popular, much of' his
attention being directed to the suppression and arrest
of pirates infesting the whole Atlantic coast, greatly to
the annoyance of all engaged in honest maritime pursuits.'  During his administration the notorious Capt.
Kidd was apprehended, sent to England for trial, and
expiated his crimes on the gallows.2      There have been
vague traditions existing from     the time of Kidd's execution, that large treasures of money and other valuables were concealed by him in various localities, and
are yet reposing on the coasts.3
1 Through the greater part of the seventeenth and early part of the
eighteenth centuries, the American seas, and especially the Gulf of
Mexico, were infested by pirates.
2 The earl came over " particularly instructed to put a stop to the
growth of piracy, the seas being constantly endangered by fieebooters.
This Kidd ( William, not Robert, as in song) was an Englishman wlho
had himself undertaken an expedition against the pirates, sailing fiom
New York. Whilst commanding the sloop Ontario, and holding a
commission to cruise as a privateer, he turned to be pirate himself;
and had now achieved an immense amount of mischief. After a time,
burning his vessel, and venturing his presence in Boston, where he
supposed his character would not be known, he was seized, and a
speedy trial and condemnation in England ensued.
That this noted pirate concealed treasures extensively in the
sands lia at no time received confirmation; but that he had a deposit
af Gardiner's Island, N. Y., is evident from the schedule rendered to
Bellamont, July 7, 1699, of valuables found, viz.:Bag No. 1. Gold dust, (60 oz.
" 2. Coined gold, 11 oz.; silver, 124 oz.'  " 3. Gold dust, 241 oz.
"      "' 4. Si lver rings and precious stones, 4- oz.
"'  " 5. Unpolished stones, 12- oz.
6" 6. Crystal, cornelian rings, agates, and amethysts.
"   " 7. Silver buttons and lamps.
"   " 8. Broken silver, 173l oz.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              337
Bellamont remained       in  the  colony   but fourteen
months.    At the close of the session of the General
Court in 1700, he returned to New York, and left the
lieutenant governor again in power.1        No remarkable
event of public interest which need find a place in our
present history marked this second period of Stoughton's administration, save that the scarcity of money
was seriously felt here as every where.       The interests
of the Cape, however, prospered.       A  meeting of "the
proprietors of Pamet " was held February 4, and some
differences being amicably adjusted, the progress of the
settlement of this part of the Cape was accelerated.
The year forms the epoch of the organization of the
first church in Harwich, and the settlement of the Rev.
Bag No. 9. Gold bars, 353 oz.
" 10. Gold bars, 2384 oz.
"   "11. Gold dust,   59- oz.
"   " 12. Silver bars, 309 oz.
These several bags and their contents were delivered to the govern..
ment. There has been much digging, at different periods since, for
Kidd's treasures, not on Gardiner's Island only, but on different parts
of the coast and on the banks of some of the large rivers. The mania
for this species of gold digging doubtless received increased impetus
from the fact that a large sum of money, chiefly foreign coins, were
seized about the time that the treasures of Kidd were revealed, found
in the possession of one Smith; and from the apprehension of one
Bradish, of London, who, with his piratical crew, had deposited large
sums of money on Long Island and elsewhere.
1 Gov. BELLAMONT had the good fortune to make himself generally popular in his governments. A nobleman of polished manners,
and a fiiend to the revolution in England which had excited so much
joy in the colonies, he was also a great favorite of King William.
The governor was received in this colony with unusual parade, and
during his stay much respect was shown to him. He evidently took
pains to ingratiate himself with the people. He died in New York,
March 5, 1701.
VOL. i.       43




338             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
NATHANIEL STONE as pastor.      The pastorate, we shall
find, was protracted through fifty-five years.  The year
is also marked by the decease of that estimable and
venerable man, Rev. THOMAS THORNTON, formerly the
minister of Yarmouth.1      Before we proceed      farther
with the events of the century before us, it may be well
to record some of the other changes of the past, of an
ecclesiastical nature, since the influence of the ministry
in the early days of the colony was so intimately interwoven with the entire progress of society.         The
ministry of Rev. JOHN SMITH of Sandwich, greatly protracted, had ceased by reason of death, and was succeeded in 1691 by that of Rev. ROLAND COTTON.        That
of the   aged  Thornton was committed        alone to his
former colleague, Rev. JOHN COTTON.     That of the pious
Walley was, in 1683, succeeded       by the ministry of
Rev. JONATHAN RUSSELL, whose prolonged labors were
in the then unrevealed orderings of Providence to be
followed in 1712 by a son bearing the same name, fulfilling also a lengthened pastorate, and inheriting all
1 Rev. TIIoMlA Ti-IORNTON was in Plymouth Colony prior to June
18, 1663, from which date he continued in the ministry at Yarmouth
to 1693. In 1691 he received as colleague Rev. John Cotton; but,
two or three years after, the infirmities incident to extreme age led
him to yield to the kindness that always awaited him of the welcome
of a happy home in the bosom of the family of his son Timothy, at
that time a prosperous merchant of Boston, at whose house he died,
Feb. 15, 1699-1700, aged nearly 93. Of this excellent pastor, the
scenes of whose closing life were a beautiful comment on his protracted
and useful ministry, we have much to say, not merely as the record
of a faithful pastorate, and as presenting a lovely picture of the blessing that hallows the last days of an aged saint, but as affording an
interesting view of the times and manners of the period in which he
lived. But this, with a genealogical notice, we must for the present
defer.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.           339
his father's virtues.  The devotedly faithful and laborious Rev. SAMUEL TREAT of Easthamr        settled in 1672,
and who had been preceded by Rev. John Mayo and
Rev. Thomas Crosby, was still working on and waiting
on his ministry until, as in 1715, he should be called to
his reward. And in Falmouth the labors of Mr. SAMUEL
SHIVERICK were, with the century, begun.
The decease of Gov. Stoughton occurring in 1701, the
duties of government devolved on the COUNCIL, which
was in fact the administration until June 11, 1702,
when Gov. Joseph Dudley, appointed by Queen Anne,
arrived.'  Difficulties again  arose between   England
and the French and Indians.2    The new    governor applied himself to the duties of his station with great
diligence, buti instructions from the crown to procure
an act of court rendering   his salary and that of the
lieutenant governor permanent, occasioned a controversy with the legislature reaching into the administrations of his successors.
A law of the province was enacted requiring all fishermen to report under oath to the town clerk, in their
respective towns, the quantity of fish and oil obtained
in each and every voyage; also providing that any
person or persons who shall find on the sea shore any
wreck or lost property shall report the same to the
proper authorities.  A movement being made for the
Lt. Gov. STOUGHTON was an aged man, and possessed of the
confidence of the people. A grad. of H. C., 1650, he was a preacher
in Eng. many years, and coming back to New Eng. in 1662, preached
the election sermon in 1668. Esteemed a man of great learning, integrity, prudence, patriotism and piety, he d. a bachelor, July 7, 1701,
aged 70, and left ~1000 to Harvard College, besides various other
charitable bequests.
s This war, in the reign of Queen Anne, lasted from 1702 to the
peace of Utrecht in 1713.




340             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
establishment of a new     town to be taken from       the
town of Harwich, and a petition to that effect having
been preferred by Gershom Flag, Benjamin Halla Samuel
Hall, Manoah Ellis, Joseph Sufferance, and Samuel Nickerson, in behalf of themselves and their families, it
was " ordered, that the sd. 6 families shall first defray
their part of the arrears of all past charges in the sd.
town of Harwich, and, there being a learned minister
settled  there, shall continue to belong     to  sd. town
until there shall be a learned orthodox minister settled
at Monamoiett,1     when this court may take further
order."
In  1704, the further redemption of bills of credit
which had been issued at different times to meet the
exigencies of the disastrous expedition of 1690 against
Canada, and which were punctually met until the present time, was deferred by order of court.       Gold and
silver had become'almost extinct in the province, and
paper money having sadly depreciated, the usual commercial troubles, of course, ensued.
In 1705, it was ordered by the General Court that
" the part of the Cape lying below Eastham, and known
as the Indian Pamet, shall be a separate town2 by the
1 Conflicting views and interests seemed to have caused frequent
disputes between the settlers at MIonamoiett and the town of Harwich;
as also between Monamoiett and inhabitants claimed as within its
bounds. Very soon, subsequent to the above order of Court, we find
Isaac Atkins, John Ellis, Beriah Broadbrook, and Joseph Sufferance
setting forth in a petition to the court, that "'they have paid their
taxes to Harwich, and that the constable of MIonamoiett has seized
upon their property for like taxes at the latter place," and asking for
relief.
2 We follow the record; but a district was evidently intended;




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTYo              341
name of Danzgerfield."    That part of the Cape below
Parmet, subsequently known by the name of Provincetown, but hitherto known only by the cognomen u       Cape
Cod' was evidently the resort of many, and the residence of not a few, engaged in mercantile adventures,
at an early period.    The existence of ruins of substantial buildings and other circumlstances indicate this, as
we shall show    hereafter.2  Rev. JOHN COTTON, the minister of Yarmouth, died the first month of this present
year.
In 1706, April 25, died suddenly, in Barnstable, Gov:
THoiMAS HINCKLEY, at the advanced age of 86; a gentleman of distinguished reputation and of great energy
of character, who, as we have seen, filled a large space
in the history of the county of Barnstable, and especially in the affairs of the Plymouth Colony. In truth it
may be said, it was his to fill a large space in the zorl'ks
history.   He had stood by the cradle of the colony in
quasi a town, yet associated with Eastham. The title of a subsequent
act, 1709, is "An Act making Pamet, a district of Eastham, a township
to be called Truro."
1 This name, it is to be presumed, was not inflicted because of any
especial hostility manifested at any time on the part of the Pamet
Indians, who were ever friendly and well disposed towards the early
settlers; but was proposed in view of the dangers that beset navigation at this locality. The name, however, as will appear, was ephemeral, being soon exchanged for another supposed to be in better taste
- at least more agreeable to the people resident there and petitioning
for town privileges.
2 The following letter is indicative of the position and importance of
the ancient Cape Cod proper at this time, and shows also that there were
some who were not only willing to receive civil distinction and emolument, but disposed to prefer their own claim for promotion. The letter is interesting historically, though perhaps it may not at the present
day be regarded as best fitted for a place in the pages of " The Comn



342              THE H-ISTORY OF CAPE COD.
its infancy, and'G had been, from first to last, the associate, in weal or woe, of its great and good men, and
plete Letter-writer."  We give it verbatim et literatim as thus furnishing the best evidence of the disinterested patriotism of a successful
office-seeker more than one hundred and fifty years ago: -
" CAP CoD, July 13th 1705.
4" SQUIER DVDLY.
"Sir:- After all due sarvis and Respecks to your honnor wishing
you all hapynes boath hear and hear after I mack bould to inform
your honnor that i have liveed hear at the Cap this 4 year and I have
very often every year sien that her maiesty has been very much
wronged of liar dues by these contry peple and other whall men as
corns hear a whalen every year which tacks up drift whals which
was neuer killed by any man which fish i understand belongest to lar
magiesty and had i had power i could have seased severl every year and
lickwies very often hear is oportunyty to seas vesels and goods which
are upon a smoglen acompt i belive had i had a comishon so to do i
could have seased a catch this last weak which had most of thar men
out landish men i judge porteges she lay hear a week and asloop i beleve did thar bisnes for them: sir I shall be very Redy to sarvef bar
magisty in Either of thes or any thing els that i may be counted
worthy if your honor see case to precure a commishon of his Exalency for me with in strocktions I shall by the help of god be very
faithful in my ofes one thing mor i mack bold to inform your honnor
that hear are a gret meny men which goues fishing at this harbor and
som times the french corns hear and then every one rous his way
becas thay have no one to heed them i my self haue ben a souferar
since i liveed hear being cared a way by a small slop and hear
was 130 men and severl brave sloops and no hand a capt about 12
miles distance. but we may be all tacken at the Cap and he no nothing
of it i levef it to your honnors consideration and mack bold to subskribe
my selef your hombed and unwothy sarvnt         WM. CLAPP.
" Sir I am astranger to your selef but if you plese to inquier of
Capt Soethwark ann he can in form your honnor whether i am capebel of any such sarvis.
" To the honnored MIr. Pall Dodly Eisquier att Boston."
The letter is indorsed by the Gov'r, -  Commission for William
Clap, Lt. at the Cape. - Warrant to prize drift whales, a water baylif.
- Letter from the Custom House. - Lives at Cape Codd."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               343
had lived, himself the chief among the surviving, to see
the last chapter written in its immortal annals."'
1Gov. H-INCKLEY was the son of Mr. Samuel H., who came fiom
England to Boston, 1634; was in Scituate in 163G; removed to Barnstable in 1639, and d. Oct. 31, 1662, having been a very prominent
nman in public affairs. Gov. H. was b. in 1618. He came with his
father to Barnstable, and was early and constantly prominent in town
affairs, -a deputy as early as 1645, a magistrate and assistant in the
colony from 1658 to 1680, and gov. in 1681, continuing in office, ex
cept as interrupted by Andros, until the union of the colony with
Mass. in 1692. He was also one of the two commissioners for Plymouth colony in the General Board of the United Colonies from 1678
to 1692. Under the administration of Andros he was appointed as
one of the Council. His acceptance of a seat in council under an administration and policy that suspended the ancient rule, was deeply
regretted by many of his friends. It has been contended, however,
that he was too good a patriot to approve of the arbitrary, vexatious
and oppressive measures of Andros and his adherents, and retained
his seat at the Board for worthy purposes, hoping to stay or qualify
by his influence the obnoxious proceedings of the crown. That he
was honest, as well as energetic, we think there can be no doubt from
a review of his whole course, although his policy at tlis juncture has
ever since been questioned. Gov. H. d. ea nearly 87. His first marriage
was Dec. 7, 1641, to Mary, dr. of Tlios. Richards, who d. June 24,
1659, and he m. second Mary, wid. of Nath'l Glover of Dorchester,
Mar. 16, 1659-60. She was a dr. of Quartermaster Smith, who
came from England with his family in 1635. She has been colmended as a Christian gentlewoman, "of uncommon excellence and
great accomplishments."'  Prince, the historian, who was her grandson, says, "To the day of her death she shone in the eyes of all as
the loveliest and brightest for beauty, knowledge, wisdom, majesty,
accomplishments and graces, throughout the colony."  She d. July 29,
1703. By these two marriages, Gov. H. had a numerous family,M>ary, 1644; Sarah, 1646; Melatiah, 1648; Hannah, 1650; Samubl,
1 (52; Thomas, 1654; Bathsheba, 1657; Mehitable, 1659; Ebenezer,
1661; M3ercy, 1662; Experience, 1664; John, 1667; Abigail, 1669;
Thankful, 1671; and Ebenezer and Reliance, 1673. It is said there
was yet another daughter by the second m. who d. young; if so, his
issue numbered seventeen. The father of Gov. H., whose wife Sarah d. Aug. 18, 1656, m. 2d. Bridget Bodfish, Dec. 15, 1657. He




344             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1707, and for a number of years, the French and
Indian war -in great degree, so far as some portions
of NTew   England were affected by       it, literally and
almost exclusively an 1IndiaJn war of a merciless character instigated by the French —     continued to make
exactions upon the people, and its influence was not
unfelt upon the Cape.
In 1708, a representation was made to the General
Court by the Court of General Sessions, in regard to
the ministry of S'andwich' and Falmouth; and ~20
was appropriated to Falmouth G towards the settlement
of a minister."2   This year also witnessed the settlement of Rev. Daniel Greenleaf, as successor of Rev.
John Cotton at Yarmouth.3
The " District"' that was some three or four years
since erected by the name of Dangerfield, was, July
16, 1709, on the petition of Capt. Thomas Payne of
Pamet, incorporated by the name of TRURO, making the
seventh township on the Cape; and, Aug. 1, pursunt
brought to New England four children, and had in Barnstable, Samuel, bap. July 24, 1642, and John, May 24, 1644; perhaps there were
others. Gov. Hinckley's remains were deposited in the old, or upper
burying ground, marked by a stone which has attracted the steps of
many visitors.
1The Rev. ROLAND COTTON was the minister at Sandwich at this
time, having succeeded Mr. Smith in 1691. The above probably had
reference to inadequacy of support growing out of the depreciation of
the currency.
2 The Rev. JOSEPiH  IETCALF was at this time officiating at Fa!mouth, and was continued the minister and pastor until his death in
1723.
3 Rev. JOHN COTTON was bro. of Rev. Roland of Sandwich, and
son of Rev. John of Plymouth, who was s. of Rev. John of Boston,
who had been the minister of Boston in Lincolnshire, Eng., and came
over 1633.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        345
to provision made, the town was organized. It was expressly provided as a condition of its assuming its new
position, G that they procure and settle a learned godly
minister." 1
A petition being preferred, in 1710, by Simon Popmenot, Joseph Prior and others of Mashpee, " complaining of the town of Barnstable for taking and appropriating Indian lands that were conveyed to the Indians
by Wepeepwish and Tookenshashon, sachems, and confirmed by the General Court at Plymouth," Nathaniel
Thomas, Isaac Winslow, James Warren and Samuel
Thaxter were appointed to visit Barnstable, and "' Pmake
enquiries about encroachments on the Indians' lands
lying about Mlashpee and Sautuit Pond, Oyster Islands,
and adjacent, or elsewhere."
The " sinews of war" being required notwithstanding the embarrassments of the times, the General Court
determined, in 1711, on a "new issue of bills of credit
to the amount of ~40,000, to be loaned to merchants
and others" for a term of years. This system of legislative financiering having been once initiated was, we
shall find " like the letting out of water" over an embankmient.
Again an effort was made to secure for Monamoiett
incorporation as a township; and, Oct. 19, on the petition of the inhabitants, selectmen and others, order of
notice was served on the town of H-arwich. The Rev.
Jonathan Russell of Barnstable died the present year,
Feb. 20, aged 55.2
1 The Rev. JoHN AvaER was settled here, Nov. 1, 1711, and d. in
office, 1754.
2 The family of the EUSSELLS (ancient and distinguished-the
VOL. I.     44




346             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1712, June 11, Monamloiett was incorporated with
full powers as a township by the name of CiATHAIM.
The Rev. Jonathan Russell, Jr., this year succeeded his
reverend father of the same name as minister of Barnstable.
In 1713, upon a representation made, June 8, ~40
was voted    to to te town of Falmouth towards buildino
a meeting house; one half to be paid when the frame
shall have been raised, and the balance vwhen the edifice shall have been completed."
The peace negotiated at Utrecht this year put an
end to the French and Indian war, which during twentyfive years, with an exception of only four or five after
the peace of Ryswick, had occasioned continual expense, sacrifice, and alarm, anld which had greatly diminished the resources of the country.'      The emission
lineage in long line of ancestral descent embracing many noble men
and challenging a full share of England's best blood) it does not conport with our plan to notice in this place further than to say: Rev.
JONATHAN IRUSSELL was son of Rev. John, who graduated at HarYard College 1645, was 1st min. at Wethersfield, Ct., and then, 1659,
at Hadley, Mass., and who d. in Hadley, Dec. 10, 1692, m. 85, whose
father was John of Cambridge. The minister of Barnstable was the
elder son of the former; graduated at H-arvard College 1675; ordained Sept. 19, 1683; m. Martha, daughter of Rev. Joshua Maoody,
of Portsmouth, N. -.; and had Rebecca, July 7,1681; Martha, Aug.
29, 1683, who d. 1686; John, Nov. 3, 1685; Abigail, Oct. 2, 1687,
who m. Nathaniel Otis, 1710; Jonathan, Feb. 24, 1689-90; Eleazer,
April 12, 1692; Moody and Benjamin, gem., Oct. 11, 1702, both
of' hom d. Feb. 12, 1712-13, the same day; and 1Hannah, Sept. 12,
1707. Mrs. R. d. Sept. 28, 1729.
1 It has been estimated that for some years, not less than one fifth
part of all the inhabitants able to bear arms were in the actual service, whilst those left at home were subject to constant alarms. Many
otherwise productive fields lay waste, and navigation was impeded;




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               347
of bills of credit had afforded but temporary pecuniary
relief and had ultimately " worked the ruin of many."
Embarrassed by a heavy public debt, various expedients were proposed and were here on the Cape, as elsewhere, the cause of great anxiety and contention for
many years.     The party for a public bank finally prevailed, and a new loan of ~50,000 was the result.'
the pecuniaryresources of the country were crippled, and the aspect
of affairs became exceedingly gloomy. It has been computed llat
during these wars, as many as 8000 young men, the flower of the
country, fell by the sword of the enemy or by the hardships of' the
war, in New England and New York. Families were every where
called to mourn for friends fallen or carried into captivity.
Paper money had become the sole instrument and measure of
commerce; for this medium, which was negotiable in the province
only, and here of merely ideal value, was all that remained - that
which only was adapted to transactions with the whole commercial
world, had, as might have been foreseen, disappeared. Still, the evil
was not generally attributed to the true cause; and it was thought
that increasing the circulation by a new emission of paper would enliven and reform the trade. Parties engaged in angry contention, was
the result of differing opinions. One party, quite a fractional minority, were for calling in all the paper emission and depending on a specie
currency alone - being utterly opposed to a depreciating medium, on
the principle, ancient but too little influential, "Nil utile quod non
honestum;" another party, very numerous, was in favor of a private
bank authorized to issue bills of credit secured by mortgages on real
estate; the third party was in favor of a loan of bills by the government to any who would mortgage their estates as security for the
repayment of the bills - the interest to be applied annually to the
support of government. The controversy every where divided towns
and even families. The ~50,000 loan, in bills of credit, being decreed, the bills were put into the hands of trustees, and lent for five
years at five per cent. interest- one fifth part of the principal to be
returned at the end of each year. Great resentment was manifested
on the part of the disaffected; and a general fear of the consequences
of adhering rigidly to the terms of the loan postponed the composing
of the difficulty for many years.




348              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1714, the Indians living on the borders of Eastham   and Harwich preferred a complaint to the General Court, of trespass on their lands, on the part of
these towns; and an investigation was ordered.
The "Province Lands/" hitherto in some sense, for
municipal convenience, regarded as a part of Truro,
were constituted    a distinct " precinct," entitled " the
Precinct of Cape Cod."      No public act of legislation in
express reference to this part of the Cape, except that
indicated above, was had until the present time.         Apprehensions now being entertained that the harbor at
this place would be injured by the destruction of trees
and bushes which were indispensable in          staying the
drifting of the sanls, an act was passed to prevent the
apprehended calamity.'      It was subsequently ordered,
"An Act for preserving the harbor at Cape Cod, and regulating
the inhabitants and sojourners there," was passed as follows -
" Whereas, the harbor at Cape Cod, being very useful and commodious for fishing and the safety of shipping, both inward and
outward bound, is in danger of being damnified, if not made wholly
unserviceable, by destroying the trees standing on the said Cape, (if
not timely prevented,) the trees and bushes being of great service to
keep the sand from being driven into the harbor by the wind, -
"' Be it enacted, by his excellency the governor, council, and representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the
same, that from and after tie publication of this act, no person or persons may presume to bark or box any pine tree or trees, standing upon
any of the province lands on the said Cape, for tie drawing of turpentine, on pain of forfeiting and paying the sum of ten shillings for each
tree so barked or boxed, and the turpentine drawn from them, if to
be found; one moiety thereof to her majesty for the support of her
majesty's government within tllis province, and the other moiety to
him or them that shall inform or sue for the same in any of her
majesty's Courts of Record within this province.
And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that whereas
a nuimber of inhabitants are settled upon the said Cape, and many
others resort thither at certain seasons of the year to make fishing




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                349
May 26, that the line be settled between the Province
Lands and Truro; which was done, Sept. 24.1
The following year, 1715, the people of Truro became restive under the frequently recurring difficulties
which grew out of the anomalous position or municipal
voyages there, which has not hitherto been under the government of
any town or regulation among themselves, - that henceforth all the
province lands on the said Cape be a district or precinct; and the inhabitants there are obliged to procure and support a learned orthodox
minister of good conversation to dispense the word of God among
them, and to allow him sixty pounds a year maintenance.
"And for the better enabling them to raise and pay the said yearly
maintenance, with the assistance of such as sojourn among'st them
at the fishing seasons, and have the privilege of the audience with
them, -
"Be it further enacted, that all and every person or persons coming
to abide or sojourn there on fishing or whaling voyages, during his and
their continuance and abode there, shall pay fourpence a nanl per
week weekly, to be paid by the master of the voyage or boat, for his
whole company, to Ebenezer Dean, who is hereby appointed and imnpowered to be the first collector and receiver of the said rate or duty,
on behalf and to the use of the minister of the precinct. And upon
neglect or refusal of any person or persons to make payment as aforesaid, to levy the same by distress, by warrant to him directed from the
next justice of peace, said justice being also hereby impowered, upon
complaint to him made, to issue foith a warrant of distress accordingly.
"  nd the said district or precinct is hereby annexed and put under
the constablerick of Truro, until this court take further order; and
the selectmen or assessors of Truro are hereby directed and impowered to assess and apportion on the inhabitants of the said precinct, from
time to time, such sum and so much as the duty as aforesaid laid upon
the fishermen shall fall short of making up sixty pounds per annumt
for the minister, directed as aforesaid, and to make out a warrant, as
the law directs, for the gathering of the said assessment."
1 An extract from the record is as follows: " Beginning at the easterly end of a cliff near the Cape harbor, called by the Indians Hetsconoyet, and by the English Cormorant Hill, at the jawbone of a




350              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
character of the Precinct of Cape Cod; and, on a petition being presented to the General Court by Constant Freeman, the representative of Truro, praying
"that Cape Cod (i. e., Precinct) be declared either a
part of Truro, or not a part of Truro, that the town
may know how to act in regard to some persons," an
order of notice was issued summoning the inhabitants
of the precinct " to show cause why they do not entertain a learned orthodox minister of the gospel to dispense the word of God to them        as required by law."
The decease of the Rev. SAMUEL TREAT of Eastham, occurring this year, was much lamented.'
A  petition was also presented from       Elisha Hedge,
whale set in the ground by the side of a red oak stump; and thence
running by marked range-trees nearly on,a north and west line, about
half point more westerly, to a marked pine tree standing by a reedy
pond called by the Indians WYeocknotchcoyissett; and from thence by
marked range-trees to a  high hill on the back side near the North
Sea, with a red cedar post set in the said hill; and thence to run in
the same line to the sea; and running back, on the contrary line, to
the harbor."  The document from which this is an extract was signed
by John Otis and William Bassett, committee appointed by the General Court, and by Thomas MIulford, Thomas Paine, Joseph Doan,
Hezekiah Purington, Zededciah Lambert, and Samuel Knowles; indorsed, "Thomas Paine, Esq., and Mr. Zedediah Lambert, agents for
the proprietors, consenting."
1 Rev. SrAMUEuL TP.EAT, the eldest son of Gov. Robert Treat of
Milford, Ct., was one of 21 children by the same father. In 1(74, he
m., 1st, Elizabeth, daughter of' Rev. John Mayo, who in 1655 had
been called from Eastham to the pastorate of the Second Church in
Boston. By this m. he had 11 children. 3rs. Treat having died in
1696, he m., 2d, Abigail, being' the widow Easterbrook," daughter of
Rev. Samuel Willard of Boston. By this last m. he had 3 children,
one of whom was Eunice, the mother of Robert Treat Paine, one of
the judges of the Supreme Court.  Another daughter m. Joseph
Greenleaf, Esq., of Boston. Several of his descendants m. in Eastham, but the name has not been continued on the Cape.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              351
John Smith, son and heir to Samuel Smith late of Easthanl, deceased,' David Meloit, and Hugh         Stuart, "of
Monomnoy, alias Chatham," asking         that lands "purchased of the Indians, John and Josephus Quason, in
1694, called Monormoy      Beach, with     some pieces of
meadow, &c., may be confirmed to them."            This petition, however, seems not to have been received with
favor.
Gov. Dudley, whose administration had been not a
little disturbed by various prejudices and conflictsespecially, in the later period, by the annoying controversy respecting the currency of the province, which
controversy was wide-spread and agitated the whole
community -     was, soon after the death of the queen
and the accession of GEORGE I., superseded; and WILLIAM
TAILER, lieutenant governor, acted, ex officio, in the absence of an appointee, in his place.2
1 It was at this early period necessary thus to distinguish amongst
the numerous John Smiths. We find the name ubiquitous in the
early days, rendering it very difficult to trace the genealogy.
2 Gov. DUDLrEY, who was superseded in November, was the son of
Thomas Dudley, lieutenant governor of Massachusetts in 1630, and
afterwards governor. Gov. Joseph Dudley, above, d. in PRoxbury,
April 2, 1720, s. 72. " I-e was an humble Christian and an honor to
his country," says one; says another, "He was despotic and dictatorial, and under his administration the people began to feel the
change of their charter; but he was learned, and pious, and had
many friends." I-e certainly was a man of much address, allaying in
good degree storms that would have overwhelmed most others. The
means by which he won popular favor, are suggested in a publication
of that day, on this wise: "Besides the caresses of his table, which
are enough to dazzle an honest countryman who thinks every body
means what he speaks, the influence which preferments and commissions have upon little men is inexpressible."




352            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAPTER       XVII.
Gov. Shute. - A Singular Project. A New Town..- Governor's Salary.Bills of Credit. - Gov. Burnet. -Ecclesiastical Discontents. - Provincetown incorporated. - Courts in Barnstable. - Speculations. - Difficulties with Government. - Gov. Belcher. - Expedition to Cuba. - Land
Bank. - Gov. Shirley. - Great Awakening.
SAMUEL SHUTE, who had been appointed to succeed
Gov. Dudley, did not arrive in Boston until Oct. 4,
1716. His first and great effort wa s directed to the
promotion of trade, to effect which he recommended
another emission of paper money; the final result of
which was of course a depreciated currency and still
greater embarrassment than before existed.     Population, according to official reports, had greatly increased
since the colonial charter had been exchanged for the
provincial -  the Bay State containing 94,000 -white inhabitants, 2000 slaves, ~ and 1200 Indians who professed
Christianity and tilled their lands in peace."    Commerce had also increased -    T about 160 vessels, of the
oaggcreogate burden of. 6000 tons, beinr annually built
lanid forming a good part of'the remittances to England.
Thlle prvince owned at least 190 vessels of the aggregate burden of 8000 tons, navigated by 1100 men;
besides which, 150 boats employed 600 men in fisheries
on the coast.
In 1717, February 6, John Bacon,1 agent for the
1 The name of Bacon was early associated with the town of Barnstable. The records show that Mtr. NATHANIEL BACON was one of




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             353
town of Barnstable, presented a petition to the General
Court " for a division of the town into precincts;" and,
February 10, " on the petition of Mr. Joseph Crocker
and others, Mr. Samuel Sturgis, Melatiah Bourne, Esq.,
the first settlers in that town, his name appearing in the list of early
settlers in 1640. Himself a prominent and influential man, his descendants have ever been distinguished for probity — no name standing
higher for integrity and moral worth; and among his posterity have
been those of prominence in public affairs. There is reason to infer
that he was from Stratton, Rutland Co., England. A deputy every
year excepting two, friom 1652 to 1667, from the town of Barnstable to the General Court, he was then elected an assistant in the
government of the Plymouth Colony, and continued in that office by
successive elections until his demise in 1673. By his marriage with
Hannah, dr. of Rev. John layo, Dec. 4, 1642, were Hannah, b. Sept.
4, 1643; Nathaniel, Feb. 5, 1645; Mary, Aug. 12, 1648; Samuel,
Feb. 25, 1650-1, who m. Mary Jacob of Hingham and d. Feb. 18,
1680-81, leaving drs. Hannah and Mary; Elizabeth, Jan. 28, 1653-4,
who d. 1676; Jeremiah, May 8, 1657; Mercy, Feb. 28, 1659-60,
who m. Mr. John Otis, July 18, 1683; and John, June, 1664. The
eldest son of the preceding, NATHANIEL, Jr., 2d gen., m. Sarah, dr. of,Gov. Thomas Hinckley, March 27, 1673, and had Nathaniel, Sept. 9,
1674, who m. Ruth Dagget of the Vineyard, Nov. 11, 1696; Mary,
Oct. 9, 1677, who m. John Crocker, Nov. 5, 1702, and d. 1710; Elizabeth, April 7, 1680, who m. Israel Tupper, Aug. 31, 1704; and
Samuel, Jan. 20, 1682. The father d. Dec. 31, 1691; the mother,
Feb. 16, 1686-7. JEREMIIAI-, the 3d son of the 1st Nathaniel, and bro.
of the preceding, m. Elizabeth Hawes, Dec. 10, 1686, and had Sarah,
Oct. 16, 1687; Anne, 1688; Mary, 1689; Samuel, April 15, 1692;
Jeremiah, Oct. 2, 1694; Joseph, June 15, 1695; Ebenezer, March
11, 1698; Nathaniel, Sept. 11, 1700; Job, March 23, 1703; and
Elizabeth, Aug. 6, 1705. JOHN, the youngest son of Nathaniel 1st,
m. Mary Hawes, June 17, 1686, and had Hannah, 1687; Desire,
1689; Nathaniel, Jan. 16, 1691-2; Patience, 1694; John, March 24,
1697; Isaac, March 29, 1697; Solomon, April 3, 1701; and Jude,
Dec. 9, 1703. (We must omit, our note requiring brevity, some
branches of the family; and defer to the genealogy to be resumed in
the annals of Barnstable.) SAMUEL, of the 3d gen., son of Nathaniel,
Jr., b. Jan. 20, 1682, m. 1st Mary, dr. of Thomas Huckins, March
VOL. I.       45




354              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
and   Mr. Samuel Jennings, were appointed          a committee to determine the controversy and         settle the
bounds between      the  said  town   and   the  Indians,"
which was accordingly done.       A  grant was made of
30, 1704; and 2d Sarah, wid. of Samuel Allyn and dr. of Edward
Taylor, Jan. 26, 1708, who d. Sept. 25, 1753.  He had by 1st
m. Ebenezer, March 15, 1705, who d. July 17, 1706; and by 2d m.
Ebenezer, Dec. 4, 1708, who m. Lydia Lothrop, and removed with
his family to Connecticut; Mercy, May 22, 1710, who m. Jonathan
Hallet, Aug. 4, 1744; and Edward, Jan. 23, 1715. EDWARD, the
last mentioned, the youngest son of Samuel, and of the 4th gen., m.
1st Patience, dr. of Benjamin Marston, Sept. 2, 1740, who d. Oct. 21,
1764, e. 44; and 2d Rachel Doane of Wellfleet, Dec. 21, 1765. lHe
had Edward, Oct. 19, 1742, who m. Lydia Gorham, Jan. 28, 1764,
and d. Aug. 20, 1811; Lydia, Feb. 5, 1744, who d. April 28, 1745;
Nymphas, June 2, 1746, who d. Dec. 6, 1746; Samuel, Oct. 17,1747,
who d. Nov. 7, 1747; James, Oct. 30, 1748, who m. Joanna Hamblen
and removed with his family to Freeport, Me., and d. 1803; Susannah, Dec. 13, 1750, who d. March 24, 1753; Sarah, Dec. 25, 1752,
who d. April 11, 1776; Susanna, Feb. 14, 1755, who d. infant; and
Ebenezer, Aug. 30, 1756. The father of these, Edward Bacon, Esq.,
d. March 16, 1783, e. 68, having occupied for many years a prominent position in the town, county, and colony, and performed his
various public duties with signal ability. He was some time town
clerk, 8 years selectman, a representative to the General Court 1773,
4, 8, 9, and 80, a delegate for forming a new const., in 1779, and continued in office as a judge of the Common Pleas and General Sessions
from his appointment in 1764 to the revolution. EBENEZER, of the
5th gen., son of Edward, Esq., b. 1756, m. 1st Abigail, dr. of Daniel
Carpenter, May 28, 1779, who d. July 1, 1781, s. 22; 2d Rebecca.
dr. of --  Jenkins, Sept. 21, 1782, who d. June, 1791, se. 28; and
3d Abigail, dr. of Daniel Crocker, May, 1792, who d. Jan. 18, 1859,
me. 89 years, 2 months, 12 days, having been 48 years a widow - and
regarded as a woman of much intelligence and exalted worth. The
issue by the 1st m. was Abigail, June 23, 1781, who d. infant; by the
2d m. Abigail Carpenter, Sept. 23, 1783, who d. Dec. 30, 1801; Rebecca Jenkins, Dec. 7, 1784. who m. Roland T. Crocker, Esq., and
d. June 16, 1848; Lydia, March 16, 1786, who d. Jan. 19, 1802;
Daniel Carpenter, MIay 23, 1787, who m. Desire Taylor, dr. of Ed



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             355
~150 G towards the expense of building a meeting
house at Provincetown, alias Cape Cod" -       the money
to be expended under the direction of Thomas Payne,
Esq., Capt. Ebenezer Doane, and Mr. John Snow -        the
edifice " to be 32 ft. by 28 stud, and to have galleries
on 3 sides," the inhabitants to sustain the balance of
expense and keep the premises in repair.
This year also the singular project of building "'a
high  fence   of palisades or   of boards, from    Picket
Cliff,"  the north-east boundary      between   Sandwich
and Plymouth, " to Wayquauset Bay in Wareham, to
keep wolves from     coming into the county," was the
theme of general discussion.     The town of Sandwich
took action on the subject, regarding the enterprise as
not only feasible but highly important, but Falmouth
alone acceded to the proposition.      The other towns,
with all which conferences were had, were backward in
agreeing to   furnish  an   equitable proportion of the
means to meet the expense, and thus the project failed
of accomplishment.     Some beyond the county limits
ward Gorham, Esq., and d. Nov. 13, 1856; Temperance, Dec. 24,
1788, who d. single, Nov. 13, 1843; Rachel, Jan. 5, 1791, who m.
David Crocker, Esq.; and c. June 17, 1848; and by 3d m., Eliza,
Feb. 7, 1793, who m. Elisha Scudder, Esq.; Ebenezer, Aug. 28,
1794, who m. Phebe Davis; Edward, April 10, 1796, who d. single,
June 17, 1853; Mary Ann, Aug. 7, 1800, who m. Horace Scudder,
and d. July, 1845; David Crocker, 1lay 29, 1802; Francis, Dec. 21,
1804, who m. Eliza B. Dehon; Abigail Lydia, Oct. 26, 1806, who m.
Barnabas Davis, and d. Aug. 13, 1840; Sarah, Oct. 11, 1808, who d.
June 23, 1823; and Ellen, April 11, 1811, who m. Rev. E. H. Sears.
The father of this numerous family filled a large space in public
affairs; was one of the jusfices of the Court of Common Pleas, county
treasurer, register of deeds, selectman of Barnstable, &c. He d. Nov.
28, 1811, e. 55, deservedly honored, highly esteemed, and affectionately lamented.
1 Perhaps intended for Peaked Cliff, which is the modern name.




356              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
were opposed to permission being granted by the General Court, as they did L not wish all the wolves to be
shut out of the county upon their own limits." 1
In 1718,    in the month of April, a pirate-ship, the
Whidah, of twenty-three guns and one hundred and
thirty  men, Samuel      Bellamy   commander, ventured
upon the New England coast near Cape Cod, and, after
having   taken, seven   vessels, seven    of the   piratical
crew were transferred to one of the prize ships.        The
men soon became drunken and slept.          The master of
the captured vessel ran her ashore on the back of the
Cape and the seven pirates were secured. Soon after,
the pirate-ship itself was forced ashore by the winds,
near table-land, and the whole crew, except one Englishman   and an   Indian, were drowned.       Six   of the
pirates, upon trial before a special court of admiralty,
were pronounced guilty, and were executed in Boston,
Nov. 15." 2
1 This fence would have been a little N. and W. of the projected
canal intended to unite " Barnstable and M3anomet Bays."  The
starting of such a project shows how troublesome wolves for a long
time were. But probably at this date more correct views prevailed in
regard to the anatomy of this destructive animal, than those expressed
by Woods at an earlier period, in his account of New England: he
says of the wolf, " One of them makes no more bones to run away
with a pig, than a dog to run away with a marrow-bone, It is observed that they have no joints, from their head to their tail, which
prevents them from leaping or sudden turning, as may appear by what
I shall shew you. A certain man having shot a wolf, as he was feeding upon swine, breaking his leg only, he knew not how to devise his
death. On a sudden, the wolf being a black one, he was loath to spoil
his fur with a second shot, his skin being worth five or six pounds
sterling, - wherefore he resolved to get him by the tail, and thrust
him into a river that was hard by, wlich effected, the wolf, not being
able to turn his jointless body to bite him, was taken."
2 See annals of the towns.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              357
A hearing was had, Nov. 1, on the petition of Peter,
Thomas and Josiah Oakes, agents for that part of Eastham   called Billingsgate, and it was ordered by the court
"that it be a town called by the name of PooL." 1 The
settlement of Rev. SAMUEL OSBORN in Eastham, and the
transfer of his pastorate to the South Church exclusively soon after, is a matter of record.2 The Rev.
THOMAS PRINCE, of Sandwich, son of Samuel, Esq., was
ordained, Oct. 1, as associate pastor of the Old South
Church in Boston.3
1 The bounds were to be " from the bound-line of Truro across the
neck from sea to sea; extending S. to a valley called Bridge Valley,
and so running, as the valley and brook runs, across the neck from the
backside sea to the mouth of sd. brook, and from the mouth of sd.
brook to the Point of Billingsgate Beach."  It was ordered " that the
salt marsh that will fall within the line of Billingsgate be not taxed to
sd. place until improved by owners living within the line;" also " that
the whaling and oyster fishing be in common as formerly," &c.
2 Ir. OSBORN was a man of much learning, - somewhat versatile
- by some censured for his tenets and practices; by others approved
generally. His labors in several places, either as schoolmaster or
minister, will be in succeeding pages subject of notice; as also his
demise at a very advanced age. Several of his descendants were
highly talented and left their mark upon the age in which they lived.
3 This eminent divine, whose portrait we are enabled, through the
courtesy of Mr. Drake, to present to the reader, and whose lineage
will appear in connection with a note touching his excellent father and
distinguished brother, was truly an honor to his native town. Born
in Sandwich, May 15, 1687; grad. H. C., 1707; he studied for the
ministry. In 1709, March 29, he sailed for Barbadoes, and went
thence to England. From England he went to Madeira, and again to
Barbadoes, but returned to London, Oct. 17, 1710. During all this time
he kept a journal, which is now in the possession of Rev. Chandler
Robbins, D. D., of Boston. The vessel in which he sailed was accidentally burned at London, and he took up for a time his residence in Eng.,
preaching several years at Coombs, Suffolk - receiving also invitations to Battersford and other places. His mind, however constantly
reverted to America; and, May 15, 1717, he sailed from London for




358              TIE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
A country road was laid out, in 1719, from.Harwich
to Truro.    On the petition of John Yeats and Nathaniel Gould, representing' that the easternmost end of
Harwich, bordering on Easthan, is 7 miles from           the
meeting house in Harwich,        obliging  them   to  go to
Easthain to meeting; and that now a place of worship
is erected in the S. part of Eastham, but 2 m. distant;
and desiring, therefore to be set off from 1H. to E.," the
prayer was granted.
A jealous guardianship of the rights of the people
of the province, and      that determined adherence to
principle once adopted which       distinguished the colonists and runs through their whole history, was still
Boston. With him came his friends the Dennys and Solut hates, who
were partial to his ministry. Arriving July 20, he was cordially welcomed and invited to the charge severally of churches at Hingham,
Bristol and Boston.  Accepting the invitation from the Old South
Church to succeed the lamented Pemberton as colleague with the venerable Dr. Sewall, he was ord. Oct. 1, 1718. He m., Oct. 30, 1719,
Deborah Denny, 10 yrs. his junior, and who was of the company
accompanying him from England. She d. June 1, 1766, aged 67.
They had Thomas, Feb. 27, 1721-2, who grad. at H. C. 1740, a
young man of great promise, who d. Sept. 30, 1748, aged 26; Deborah, Dec. 23, 1723, who d. July 20, 1744; M'iercy, Dec. 6, 1725, who
d. May 18, 1752; Sarah, July 16, 1728, who m. Lt. Gov. Thomas
Gill, April, 1759, and d. Aug. 5, 1771; and Grace, Feb. 16, 1742-3,
who d. in infancy. Rev. Mr. Prince d. Oct. 22, 1758. Besides his
other labors, he was author of that most invaluable work, " New England's Annals and Chronology."  It has been truly said of him,'"-He
was a man of fine genius improved by diligent study, and polished by
an extensive acquaintance with mankind; an ornament to his profession and a rich blessing to the church."  In the opinion of Dr.
Chauncey, " No one in New England had more learning, except Cotton Mather."  His collection of public and private papers, unpublished, relating to the civil and religious history of Noew England, and
other valuable AISS., it is ever to be regretted, were destroyed by the
vandalism of the British troops occupying the Old South meeting




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ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               359
manifested in regard to the requisition of Queen Anne
in former years and still pressed by the parent government, that the system       of donations and free gifts
to the governor should cease, and         that a salary    as
named by the throne should          be permanently established. The people continued to resist it, and it was a
subject of contention as often as it was broached, involving successive governors and the council and legislature in misunderstanding.
If we except the annoyances that were experienced
in relation to the fisheries, and which, having continued
a long time, were now becoming        intolerable,l there is
nothing to record     in which the Cape is particularly
house where those papers were deposited in a private apartment. Ite
published, in addition to that notable relic of his labors already mentioned, a sermon on the death of his father, 1728; another on the
death of Mrs. Deborah Prince, 1744, and other similar productions.
After his decease, a sermon that he had preached on occasion of the
death of his son Thomas was published in Edinburgh, with others of
his sermons, by his friend Rev. Dr. Erskine. Other sermons, numerous and valuable, remain. His books, which he called " the New
Eng. Library," are retained by the corporation of the Old South
Church —a portion being in the temporary keeping of the IMass.
Hist. Soc. A catalogue of them was printed in 1847. In 1858, a
"Prince Society for Publication" was founded in Boston and named
in honor of him, which Society celebrated the centennial of his death
by listening to a eulogy pronounced by W. H. Whitmore, Esq., to
the courtesy of which gentleman the writer is indebted for data tending to the correction and fulness of the present note.
1 The peace of Ryswick, more than twenty years before, was scarcely
obtained, when the inhabitants of N. Eng. were made sensible of the
designs of the French to make themselves sole proprietors of the fisheries to the eastward of the Kennebec. The French asserted an exclusive right to the fishery upon the sea-coasts and in all the inland
waters. All English vessels found fishing on the coasts were, by
order of the king of the French, to be seized.




360              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
interested, as occurring in 1720, unless it be the settlement of Rev. JOSEPH      LORD   in  Chatham, and of Rev.
BENJ. WEBB over the South Church in Eastham.
In 1721, the General Court which had passed an act
to issue ~50,000 in bills of credit, resolved on another
issue -the desired effect of the former not having been
realized; and to loan the amount in just proportions to
the several towns, as a means of remedying the scarcity
of money-     thus increasing the amount in circulation
to ~100,000.     The effect, instead    of bringing permanent relief proved far otherwise.l
The small-pox was at this period devastating and
alarming.2
1 The people seem not to have generally understood the necessary
consequence of these emissions, viz.: the greater the quantity of the
fictitious substitute for money, tie less its value. For more than
thirty years the evils of such legislation were every where felt; and
they especially whose dependence was on a fixed income for support,
(and among these were the clergy generally,) were reduced to a state
of great deprivation and anxiety. Trade was indeed reduced to a
state of barter. The rich, it is true, were becoming richer, but the
poor were inevitably becoming poorer under the financial systems of
the day, and the province seemed on the verge of bankruptcy and
ruin.
2 This disease had been brought into the harbor of Boston by the
Saltortugas' fleet. Of 5889 persons who took the infection, 844 died.
Inoculation was introduced, but such was the prejudice of the people against this resort, that even the lives of those who proposed it
were insecure from the popular rage. Both Dr. Cotton Mather and
Dr. Boylston were obnoxious to the resentment of the multitude. So
much horrified by the remedy proposed were many, even ordinarily
sober-minded people, that the opinion prevailed that if any of the inoculated should die the physician should be treated as a murderer.
Dr. Boylston's family were hardly safe in his house, and he often met
with affronts and insults in the streets. The faculty generally disapproved of his conduct, although to show his confidence of success he




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             361
In 1722, the people of Billingsgate having erected a
meeting house, applied to be set off as the third parish
in Eastham; but with a proviso that the ministers of
each of the three precincts shall be supported by the
town jointly.   The prayer was successful, and the precinct was the next year " allowed."     The inhabitants of
a portion of Yarmouth also desired to be erected into
a new precinct, the result of which was that the eastern part was set off making the western and eastern
precincts.  An application from    Melatiah Bourne, Esq.,
of Sandwich, to be allowed to purchase lands of Nathan Wicket Indian, viz., "an island of 15 acres in
Monumet Bay," was granted, and John Otis, Esq., Col.
William Bassett and Mr. Eldad Tupper were appointed
to act for the Indians to insure justice.     Rev. Roland
Cotton, the minister of Sandwich, died March 29, and
was succeeded by Rev. BENJAMIN FESSENDEN.1
began with his own children and servants. Rev. Dr. Mather, the
first proposer of the remedy, was reproached and vilified in pamphlets;
and a grenado-shell was thrown in at his window, with a scurrilous
menace fastened to the fuze. It was alleged that "the machination
of men" was "preferred"? by him "to the all-wise providence of
God."
1 Rev. ROLAND COTTON, ord. Nov. 28,1694, g. s. of the learned and
Rev. John of Boston, and s. of Rev. John of Plymouth, was b. Dec.
27, 1667, and grad. HI. C. 1685. By his m., 1689, with Elizabeth,
wid. of Rev. J. Denison of Ipswich, and sister of Gov. Saltonstall, he
had John, July 15, 1690, who grad. H. C., 1710, was ord. minister
at Newton, Nov. 3, 1714, and d. May 17, 1757,leaving published sermons preached on occasion of the death of Nath'l Cotton of Bristol,
1729, and at the ordination of his bro. ~Ward, 1734; Joanna, Aug. 16,
1691, who m. John Brown of H-averhill, Sept. 17, 1719, was the
mother of 4 s. educated at H. C., 3 of whom were ministers, and was
maternal ancestor of Peter C. Brooks of Boston; Elizabeth, 1693;
Sarah, 1696; Nath'l, June 13, 1697, who d. at Bristol, 1729; Abigail,
1699; Maria, 1700; Roland, Nov. 13, 1701, who d. Mlar. 18, 1725;
VOL..        46




362             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1723, Jan. 1, Gov. Shute, whose administration
had become quite unpopular, embarked for Englandc,
and, until his successor arrived, Lt. Gov. William  Dummer presided.   The 24th of February became memorable as the date of Ca dreadful storm."2        The Rev.
Josiah Oakes this year became the minister of the
Eastham parish subsequently known as Wellfleet.
The year 1724 was marked chiefly by the settlement
of Rev. JOSIAH MARSHALL as minister of Falmouth, whose
pastorate continued to 1730; and 1725 appears to have
been barren of events of interest for the pen of the
historian, if ve except the settlement of Rev. JOSEPH'GREEN over the east church in Barnstable.       The year
1726 was chiefly memorable for its indications of ecclesiastical discontent. Rev. Mr. Greenleafi the minister
of the western precinct of Yarmouth, felt constrained to
enter a complaint to the Court of General Sessions relating to his salary; but the appeal of the people to
the General Court, through Mr. Samuel Sturgis, their
agent, was sustained.    The people of the Billingsgate
precinct were also before the General Court, representing that their minister, Rev. Mr. Oakes, had, for some
Josiah, June, 1703; Ruth, 1710; and Ward, Sept. 8, 1711, ord. 1734.
One of his drs. m. Rev. Silas Bourne of Scituate.
1 He went to prefer complaints against the province. The matter
of salary had continued, as before and after, the vexed question. Besides this, he charged that his power as governor was assumed by the
General Court. In consequence of his complaints, an explanatory
charter was procured the next year, which confirmed the prerogative
for which he had contended. He d. in Eng., April 15, 1742.
2 Elder Faunce of Plymouth said, " It raised the tide 3 or 4 ft.
higher than had been known aforetime." An account of this storm
was furnished to the Royal Society, London, by Cotton Mather. A
similar storm occurred in 1770, and again in 1785.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              363
cause, become very unpopular, and that they had, for
that reason, invited another minister; but that Mr.
Oakes, assisted by John Doane, Esq., and eight or ten
others, had possession of the meeting house, thus mnaking it necessary for the disaffected majority to worship
in private houses     the precinct being involved by the
existing state of things in great confusion and distraction.   Their petition for relief was considered by the
court, and it was "ordered that Mr. Oakes proceed no
farther in the work of the ministry in sd. parish; but
that he shall be paid for the past at the rate of ~80
per annum."
From   the time of the erection      of the " Province
Lands," at the extremity of the Cape, into a precinct,
thirteen years since, the number of inhabitants in that
part of the county has become much increased; and
now, June 14, 1727, the precinct of Cape Cod was incorporated   as a township by the name of PRovINCETOWN.1   Its location being    peculiar, and    its relative
1 The act of incorporation was on this wise: " Be it enacted, c'.c.,
that all the lands on said Cape (being Province Lands) be, and
hereby are, constituted a Township, by the name of Provincetown, and
that the inhabitants thereof be vested with the powers, privileges and
immunities that the inhabitants of any of the towns within the Province by law are, or ought to be vested with, saving always the right of
this Province to said lands, which is to be in no wise prejudiced. And
provided that no person or persons be hindered or obstructed in building such wharves, stages, work-houses and flakes, and other things as
shall be necessary for the salting, keeping and packing their fish, or in
cutting down and taking such trees and other materials, growing on
the said Province Lands, as shall be needful for that purpose, (without
making any wilful waste, or spoil, or barking, or boxing any pine
trees standing or growing on the said land,) or in any sort of fishing,
whaling, or getting of bait, at the said Cape, but that the same be held
in common as heretofore, with all the privileges and advantages thereunto in any wise belonging."'




364            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
position hitherto in many respects anomalous, the inhabitants, though allowed the right of representation, were
to be exempt from taxation except for municipal purposes, and from military duty.  The provincial government also continued to provide for the support of the
clergyman of the place.
The General Court proposing another issue of bills
of credit, ~60,000, the former bills of the ~50,000
loan having greatly depreciated, there was again much
difference of opinion throughout the province in regard to the policy of the measure. In this diversity
of sentiment the inhabitants of the Cape partook, and
were much involved in the political contentions growing out of it.
The representatives of the several towns set forth in
petition to the General Court,'" the great inconvenience
and expense incurred by the people of the Cape, especially by those more remote, in being obliged to
attend the Superior Court of Judicature and Court of
Assize in the County of Plymouth; and asked that
such order might be had that the courts migJht sit once
a year in the County of Barnstable.    The application
was successful. -  The Indian proprietors of Oyster
Island at the same time asked and obtained leave to
sell their land; and a committee was appointed to
assist them in negotiating a sale of the same.
On the 29th of Oct. was another shock of earthquake.' The Rev. Daniel Greenleaf this year ceased to
1 It occurred at 10 o'clock 4 m., at night, and was much more
violent than that occurring just a century previous. Throughout New
England it caused great alarm. Its noise was compared to that of ten
thousand carriages driven over pavements. Walls of cellars were prostrated; chimneys were thrown down; and seamen upon the coast supposed their vessels had struck on some shoal. In New York it was




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              365
be the minister of Yarmouth; the East church in that
town was gathered, and the Rev. Josiah Dennis became
the pastor.
The fresh issue of the loan, ~60,000, intended " to
relieve the decline of trade," led, in 1728, to speculations, especially in Eastern lands, which beccame now
for the first time almost a mania: -we saty, for the
first time; not the last, as the memory of man        y now
living will sadly attest.
Gov. WILLIAM BURNET, appointed on the accession of
GEORGE II., arrived in Boston July 13.    Owing to certain
instructions he had received from his sovereign, a subject by no means new was soon broached that proved
not very flattering to his hopes of a quiet and prosperous administration.1    The governor failed to make
as sensibly felt as in Massachusetts. It happily proved " reformatory
of some loose-livers in America, who became apparently devout penitents," according to the testimony of some prominent divines of the
day.
1 The administration of Lieut. Gov. Dummer had hitherto given
very general satisfaction; but the new governor had no sooner communicated the king's instructions to require a fixed salary, than the
demand was declined. The people were ready to vote a competent
sum from year to year, but were inflexibly resolved not to establish
a salary that would make any governor independent of their wishes.
The orders of the crown were peremptory that the governors should
"receive no more gifts " in any shape, and that the salary should be
"permanent," - believing that the practice of voting salaries from
time to time was preferred by the people of the province only to
attach the governor to their cause. Great misunderstandings, therefore, immediately sprang up between the governor and the court.
The inhabitants of Boston taking sides with the opposition, the governor determined to convene the representatives at some place where
they might be relieved from the pressure of Boston influence. Tlhe
court was accordingly removed to Salem, April, 1729, and, still
proving refractory, was again adjourned to meet in Cambridge in
August. It was a defect in the charter of William and Mary that the




366             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the impression he desired, and felt severely the difficulties of his position.   l-Ie sickened and died before the
expiration of the year,1 and the lieutenailt governor
was again in power.2
SAMUEL PRINCE,, Esq., who had been a promlinent and
influential citizen of the town of Sandwich1 died July
3 in Middleboro', whither he had gone to enjoy, as the
solace of age, the kind attentions of his daughter, in
the family of Rev. lr. Thacher.3        The Rev. Thomas
governors of the provinces were to be appointed by the king instead
of being chosen by the people; and it was on this ground that the
-legislature refused to settle on thle governors fixed salaries.
1 Gov. BUrPNET was evidently a mran of superior talent, gentlemanly, the delight of all intellectual circles, and, aside fiom his
official relations, universally esteemed. He was b. 1668, son of
Bishop Burnet the historian, and d. Sept. 17, the present year.
2 The lieutenant governor had the credit of being governed by a due
regard for the public good. As he will not be further conspicuous
upon our pages, we may remark that he enjoyed the reputation of being a liberal, pious, benevolent man. Lieut. Gov. Dlummer d. Oct.
10, 1761.: iMr1. SAMUIEL PRtINC]E was son of the Elder, John of Hull, who
came over in 1G33, b. at E. Sheiford 1610, eldest son of Rev. John,
rector of E. Shefford, Berkshire, who m. Elizabeth, dr. of 1ev. Dr.
Tolderbulry. The father of Mr. Samuel Prince was in VaTtertown,
New England, about 1633; then at HIingham, and settled at Nantasket 1638. In 144- he was first ruling-elder at Hull, and d. there
Aug. 16, 1676, m. 66. His 1st m. was with Alice Honour of
Watertown, and the 2d with Anne -. By the last m. was no
issue. By the former were John 1638; Elizabeth 1640; Joseph
1642; Martha 1645; Job 1647; and Samuel, b. at Boston May,
1649, d. 1728. This last, whose name stands at the head of this
note, was admitted a townsman in Sandwich in 1682. He m. 1st
Martha, dr. of Wmn. Barstow, Dec. 9, 1674, who d. Dec. 18, 1684;
and 2d Mercy, dr. of Gov. Hinckley. By the former m. the issue
mwas Samuel Sept. 20, 1675; Martha Mlar. 15, 1677-8, who m. Ezra
Bourne, Esq., of Sandwich, Dec. 27, 1698; John Oct. 1, 1680, who
d. young; Anne Feb. 1682-3, who d. inft.; and Nathan Sept. 17,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               367
Smith became, in 1729, the minister of the first church
in Yarmouth.
Lieut. Gov. Wmi. TAILERWas at the head of the province
in 1630, until JONATHAN BELCHER, appointed to succeed
1684, who d. 1685. By the 2d m. were Thomas May 15, 1687,
who became the distinguished pastor of the Old South Church in Boston; Mary Jan. 8, 1688, who m. Rev. Peter Thacher of MAiddleboro', Jan. 24, 1710-11, and d. Oct. 1, 1771; Enoch Sept. 19, 1690,
who d. Aug. 31, 1713; John Nov. 20, 1692, who m. Eliz. Wooden
Nov. 30, 1713, and was lost at sea Feb. 1716-17; Joseph Ap. 1,
1695, who m. Hannah Beach July 4, 1732, and d. at Stratford, Ct.,
Dec. 4, 1747; Moses Feb. 22, 1696-7, who m. Jane Bethune Feb,
1, 1737-8, and d. in Antigua July 6, 1745, his wid. surviving him in
Newburyport until Mar. 9, 1795; Nathan Nov. 30, 1698; Mercy
Dec. 21, 1700, who d. at Middleboro' Aug. 9, 1748; Alice Aug. 13,
1703, who m. Samuel Gray of Harwich, Sept. 13, 1731, and d. at
Little Compton, July 2, 1733; and Benja. Feb. 23, 1705-6, who d.
early. Of this numerous family, Samuel, the eldest, had farms in
Milford and Coventry, Ct., and d. in Roch., Mass., 1722, before his
father's demise; John, the 6th son, had a dr., Eliz., who mn. Seth
Ames of Bridgwr., 1734; M'oses, a mariner, left issue Saml. and
others; Thomas is particularly mentioned, p. 357; and NATHAN, the
9th son, a grad. H. C. 1718, an eminent and accomplished scholar,
also deserves more than a passing notice: -
A Tutor in H. C., after graduating, 14 years; and a Fellow, 5
yrs.; for causes, evidently, that redound to his credit at the present
day, he was removed in 1742. Declining to assist in, or sanction,
certain practices indicated, and his removal being consequent, it led
to an able " Review of the constitution and govt. of Harvard College
from its foundation in 1636 to the year 1742."  In this document,
which he caused to be published in self-defence, he contended that
the General Court alone have power to dismiss members of the corporation, and are the only legitimate visitors; complained of the management of the treasury; and reprobated the injustice which he
believed resulted from the practice of arranging students in classes
and their names in the catalogue according to the supposed dignity of
their family or connections.- It will be observed that the alphabetical arrangement of names did not prevail till 1773. We have referred to evident causes of the removal; and we think we are sustained




~368             TIlE HISTMORY OF CAPE COD.
Gov. Burnet, arrived in August; and, the controversy
in regard    to the salary being again      renewed, fortunately a present compromise was effected.
Additional legislation was had in regard to Provincein this, not only by the nature of his defence and by the position
which he subsequently occupied, but also by the fact that his eminent
brother, Rev. Thomas Prince, took part with him against the proceedings  a course to which even fraternal affection would not otherwise
have impelled him. This distinguished man, Rev. NATI-AN PRINCE,
was, in the view of competent judges and contemporary witnesses,
even "a greater mathematician and philosopher, and a better classical
scholar and logician, than his brother; and is ranked among the great
men of the country."  Although brought up in " deep-rooted aversion
to the Episcopal Church," his large mind was finally led to other conclusions; and, taking orders in " the church," he became finally a
faithful and devoted missionary and rector at Ruatan, W. Indies,
where, highly honored, he d., July 25, 1748. For knowledge of the
position he thus occupied, and the estimation in which he was held, we
must have reference to the "Proceedings of the Society in England
for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts."  A sermon is before
us, preached before that venerable society, in London, 1747, "by
the Rt. Rev. Father in God, Samuel, lord Bp. of St. Asaph," and also
an " Abstract of Proceedings," 1746-7, in which mention is made of'" Mr. Prince, missy. to the Moskito Indians, Bahama Islands," also
of " Mr. Bewsher, catechist to the Negroes on the Plantations in Barbadoes."  The Abstract says, " At length they have found, as they
charitably hope, in the Rev. Mr. NATHAN PRINCE, (a native of New
England, bred to learning, and for several years Fellow of H. C. in
that country, who, after having joined himself to the Ep. Church in
New Eng., and done service in it as a schoolmaster, came recommended to the society by their missionaries in New Eng.,) a proper
person to be employed in the instruction of the Moskito Indians who
inhabit that part of the continent of N. America which lies nearest to
the Island of Jamaica, and is from them called the Moskito Shore.
These Indians are the descendants of those who fled before the
Spaniards in the bloody conquests in those parts, and they have put
themselves under the protection of the king of Gt. Britain, and call
themselves his subjects, and show an earnest desire to be united to us
both in govt. and religion: Wherefore, the socy., after Mr. Prince's




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               369
town.'   The town had continued to advance in wealth
and population; and such was the value of its harbor
to the commercial world, that the provincial authorities were duly mindful of its importance. The Rev.
having been ordained Deacon and Priest by the lord Bp. of London,
have appointed him their missy., and directed him to settle at Black
River, the chief place of resort on the Moskito Shore; and, under
God's providence, Mr. Prince is now on his voyage thither."  Again,
"Rev. Mr. Boschi, the socy's. missy. to St. Bartholomew's Parish, in
his letter from thence, Aug. 22, 1747, acquaints the socy. that he being appointed a chaplain to the garrison lately established in the
Island Ruatan in the neighborhood of the Moskito Shore, was preparing to remove thither; and they have directed Mr. Prince, their
missy., to hold a corresponde. with Mr. Boschi, for their mutual comfort and assiste. in the evangelical work, (the socy. having accepted
Mr. Boschi's offer to instruct the neighg. Indians.)  Mlay God give a
blessing to it, till in due time we shall all become one fold under one
shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord."  That Mr. Prince fell a sacrifice
to his zeal in his Master's work in an unpropitious clime, is clearly
evident; and leaves a presumption that, like his revered brother
Thomas, he was not simply a learned man, but a man of God. - Besides the work before mentioned, which shows him to have been in
advance of the age, he published in 1734, "An Essay to solve the difficulties attending the accounts of the Resurrection," a work that
"discovers great profundity of learning and masterly argument."
1 "An Act to prevent damage being done to the harbor of Cape
Cod, by cattle and horsekind feeding on Provincetown land.
"Whereas many persons, not inhabitants in Provincetown, frequently drive down great numbers of neat cattle and horsekind to
feed thereon, whereby the beaches there are much broken and damnified, which occasions the sands blowing into Cape Cod Harbor, to the
great damage thereof," Be it therefore enacted by his excellency the governor, council,
and representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, that from and after the publication of this act, no per.
son or persons not being inhabitants of Provincetown, shall presume
to turn or drive any neat cattle or horsekind to or upon the lands of
Provincetown, so called, to feed thereon, upon the penalty of forty
shillings a head, for all neat cattle, and for every horse or mare that
VOL. I.       47




370             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Samuel Palmer was this year settled in the ministry at
Falmouth; and the Rev. Isaiah Lewis in the second
parish of Eastham.
The only local historical incident that we find to
shall be turned or found feeding on Provincetown land; which penalty shall be recovered by the selectmen or constable of the said
town, or any other person who shall inform and sue for the same;
the one half of the said forfeiture to be to him or them who shall
inform and sue for the same, and the other half to be to and for the
use of the poor of the said town.
" And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if any
neat cattle or horsekind shall at any time hereafter be found feeding
on the land or beach of the said township of Provincetown, other
than such as are owned by the inhabitants of the said town, that it
shall and may be lawful for any person to impound the same, and to
give public notice thereof, in the said town, and the two next adjoining towns, and the impounder shall relieve said creatures, while impounded, with suitable meat and water; and if the owner thereof
appear, he shall pay ten shillings damage to the impounder for each
head of neat cattle or horsekind so impounded, and costs of impounding and providing for the same; and if no owner appear within the
space of six days to redeem the said cattle or horsekind so impounded,
and to pay the damage and costs occasioned by impounding the same,
then and in every such case the person or persons impounding such
cattle or horsekind, shall cause the same to be sold at public vendue,
for payment to the town of the damage sustained by reason of such
cattle or horsekind feeding upon the land of the said township; as
also to pay the costs and charges arising about the same to the impounder, (public notice of the time and place of such sale to be given
in the said town of Provincetown, and in the town of Truro, fortyeight hours beforehand,) the overplus, if any there be, arising by
such sale, to be returned to the owner of such cattle or horsekind, at
any time within twelve months next after, upon his demanding the
same; but if no owner appears within the said twelve months, then
the said overplus shall be one half to the party impounding, and the
other half to the use of the poor of the said town of Provincetown.
"This act to continue and to be in force for the space of five years
from the publication thereof, and from thence to the end of the next
session of the General Court, and no longer."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         371
mention of 1731, is that of a record of ecclesiastical
discontent in Sandwich. A petition of Jireh Swift and
others, representing " that great dissatisfaction was
conceived at the conduct of the minister, Mr. Fessenden; that the aggrieved had called in council seventeen
churches to advise, which said council had laid Mr.
Fessenden under censure, and advised his removal,
but that he and the church refused to submit; and
that the petitioners not being able with a good conscience to sit under his ministry, pray for a division of
the parish, the petitioners to be allowed the right of
one half of the parsonage." Their grievances seem not
to have been viewed by the court in the same light as
by themselves, and their petition was " dismissed."
The record is sufficient for the year 1732, that DIVINE
PROVIDENCE, watching ever over the destinies of the
country, and seeing the end from the beginning, benignly ordered the birth in Westmoreland County, Virginia, February 22, of him who was in after years to be
called the BENEFACTOR, the FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY.
In 1733, the complaint of "the scarcity of money"
had become general, ay, universal. It was, of course,
an artificial scarcity, arising from the depreciation of
paper which from being too abundant had become, in
value, of little worth. Every new emission was thus
doomed to depression, embarrassing trade and doing
great injustice to the honest and industrious portions
of the community who were creditors.l  The inevitable
1 The flooding of the country with the ~100,000 of Rhode Island
bills of credit, and the issuing of ~110,000 by an organized company of
merchants in Boston, served to increase the already existing evils. A
fluctuating and deceitful medium, notwithstanding all past experience,




372             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
operation seemed to be inadequately understood.      The
annals of the towns will show the effect of these fluctuations in the currency, upon the interests of the
Cape.
An effort was made in 1734 in behalf of the towns
on the lower part of the Cape, to have the said towns
set off from the county of Barnstable as another and
distinct organization.  Failing in this attempt to be
erected into a separate county, those towns renewed
their application to the General Court for an act lessening the number of courts held at Barnstable.    Sylvanus
Snow and others of Eastham petitioned " to be released
from paying rates at Billingsgate."
In 1736, May 26, Judge Peter Thacher of Yarmouth
died.1  The detail of doings and events for several
years embrace only matters of minor importance.      Pecuniary controversies growing out of the wise instructions the governor had received from the crown not to
consent to the issue of bills of credit to remain current
beyond a short period, and a disposition on the part
of many to expand paper issues, occupied a large portion of the public mind.    With the exception of the
it will appear was still destined to tax all classes of people - insensibly but unequally - drawing, by a kind of' magic stealth real property from its possessors, and substituting fictitious and imaginary
wealth in its place-disaffecting the people, alienating neighbors,
and threatening to overwhelm posterity with its curse, until the cause
which contributed to its increase proved the means of its abolition.
1Judge THACHER was a man of note, and son of Col. John by his
1st mar. Early a representative; justice of the peace 1713; justice
of the Common Pleas 1720, and chief justice 1728; overseer of the
Indians 1729; some time of the Council. He was a humble Christian,
and d. se. 71.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              373
comparatively unimportant items of the establishment
of a ferry between Falmouth and Martha's Vineyard.'
in  1736; the petition     of John Knowles and others,
agents of the towns of Eastham, Harwich, Truro, Chathail and Provincetown, in 1737, "for a law requiring
the courts to be held a part of the time in Easthan;"
the "choice of jurymen " in 1738'for Barnstable and
Dukes Counties "-      Martha's Vineyard having been associated with this county; and the evidence furnished
of the increasing attention to domestic manufactures2
and the extension     of facilities therefor; 3 absolutely
1 Joseph Parker and others were the grantees; " the grant that
had previously been made to Barker was annulled."
2 The climate and pasturage were both favoiable to the rearing of
sheep; the one contributing a peculiar richness to the meat, the other
to the fleece. The woollens used in families were now manufactured
chiefly under the domestic roof. Flax also succeeded well.
3 An important move in this direction was the granting of extended
mill privileges to MAr. Benjamin Marston of Barnstable, which privileges were efficiently improved through a long course of years and
especially devoted to the dressing of the faithfully-made and enduring
fabrics so abundantly supplied from the spinning wheels and looms
then as indispensable accompaniments in the dwellings of all wellordered families as are piano-fortes, &c., at the present day in families
where the music of the spindle and the shuttle are never heard.
From this date, 1738, the cognomen " MARSTON'S MILLS" became
the designation of the locality, and so continues to the present time.
Mr. BENJAMIN MARSTON it is understood came from Salem, and
was the first of the name in Barnstable. He was an energetic, prominent and influential citizen. By his marriage with Elizabeth Goodspeed April 26, 1716, he had John Feb. 25, 1716-17; Patience
Jan. 1, 1720, who m. Edward Bacon, Esq. 1740; Benjamin Jan. 2,
1725; Nymphas Feb. 12,1727-8; Lydia March 1731, who m. James
Allen 1715 (fromn whom were James 1752, Benjamin 1754, M3arston
1759, Thomas 1760, Nymphas 1764, and John 1767 who graduated at
Harvard College 1785, S. T. D. 1813, and was the minister at Duxbury;) Prince March 24,1735-6; and John Dec. 3, 1730, who d. Feb.
22, 1817. Of this issue, NYMPHAS MARSTON, Esq., the 3d son, was




374              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
nothing   appears upon the public records worthy of
mention until the year 1739 when the war with Spain
began to exert an influence on the destinies of New
England.    Men were enlisted on the Care as elsewhere
for the expedition to Cuba; many of these, including
some of the most active young men of the province,
soon fell victims to an uncongenial climate, and the
war proved impoverishing to the country, greatly increasing its former financial embarrassments.      The only
items of merely local interest this year, are the settlement of the Rev. Joseph Crocker as the minister of the
third parish in Eastham; and the grant of one hundred
and fifty acres of land to Matthias Ellis of Sandwich " in
especially distinguished; was very prominent in public affairs, and filled
a large space in society. A graduate of Yale 1749, he was from
1760 for a long course of years  an active magistrate. He also represented the town in General Court as early as 1765, and was with
Shearjashub Bourne elected Nov. 19, 1787, a member of the convention " to take into consideration and act upon the constitution or frame
of government for the United States of America."  At the time of the
suspension of the courts prior to the revolution, he sat with the Court
of Common Pleas and General Sessions; but his patriotism was, like
that of Col. Otis, Daniel Davis, and others of high position, approved, as his prompt acquiescence in the measures of the liberty
party and the high appreciation of his public services in subsequent
time, testifies. Indeed, his zeal in the cause of his country was manifest by many unostentatious acts. Not only a large landholder, but a
man of ready means, large advances were made by him to pay the
expenses of the war, as receipts among his papers show. On one occasion, the soldiers called out from below for the defence of Falmouth,
on their return to their homes intending due honor to the generous
friend whose doors were always open and his table bounteously spread
for the enjoyment of patriotic guests, gave vent to their enthusiasm
by firing a salute in his house. The plastering in the dining room
was of course somewhat shattered by the explosion, and the marks of
it have been suffered to remain to the present time - a relic of the
past. The patriotic host concluded that the damage done was " quite




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ANNALS. OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             375
consideration of the great services rendered by him in
the expedition to Port Royal -      especially in guarding
the artillery at the great hazard of his life."
In 1740, the harbor at Provincetown again received
the attention of the General Court, complaint being
made that " many persons, not inhabitants of the town,
were in the habit of driving down great numbers of
neat cattle and horses to feed upon the lands, whereby
the beaches were much broken and damnified, occasioning the moving of the sands into the harbor to the
great damage thereof"      A grant of ~50 was also made
to Provincetown for the miniistkry.      The Rev. Samuel
pardonable" if his guests would "carry out their zeal in shattering
and scattering the ranks of the common enemy."  Mr. Marston married an Allyn, but had no children who survived to adult age; and
left his house and homestead to his nephew, Dea. Winslow Marston, from
whom it descended to the present owners and the occupant Judge
Nymphas. Of this honored citizen, Nymphas, Esq., b. 1727-8, d.
Feb. 11, 1788, on the anniversary of his birth, se. 60, we are enabled,
through the courtesy of members of the family, whose position proves
them not unworthy of their descent, to present an excellently engraved likeness. The lithograph is taken from a painting executed
by Copley. From Prince, the 4th son of Benjamin 1st, who m. a
Winslow, and who succeeded his father in the management of the
mills, was Isaiah who went to Waterville; Nymphas who removed to
Plymouth; and Winslow, John, Benjamin, and Prince, all of whom
resided on or near the old homestead, and Lydia who m. Ansel
Goodspeed and went to Vermont. From Winslow, the son of Prince
1st, was the Hon. Nymphas who graduated at Harvard College 1807,
some time of the Massachusetts Senate, judge of probate, &c., - an
eminent counsellor, happily surviving, and at present the father of the
bar in Barnstable County; Mary who m. Luther Hinckley, Esq.; HIon.
Charles, some time of the Senate, executive Council, and high sheriff,
and now commissioner for the Indian plantation of Mashpee; Prentiss who d. before majority; and Phebe who d. young. From Hon.
Charles is Hon. George, late judge of probate, and counsellor at law.




376             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Spear who had for some length of time officiated as the
minister, ceased from   his charge about this time.    In
the annals of Provincetown it will be seen that Mr.
Solomon Lunbert officiated there at different periods.
The opposition of Gov. Belcher to the general currency-policy  of tie province, and especially to      the
scheme of a "L Land BancZ  " having called forth an extensive hostility to his administration, was, doubtless.
the cause of his removall and the appointment of WILLIAMI SHIRLEY, who was destined as his successor to act
a conspicuous part for a long time in American affairs.
The land-bank project prevailed; for banks had become from supposed necessity favorite objects with the
majority.   The professed aim   now being to supplant a
paper currency by silver coin, and the very remedy
suggested supposing the want of the precious metals,
LAND was regarded as the most permanent substitute on
which credit could be effected.      The design seemed
plausible, and in the view of many the land bank was
the very ie plus ultrra for removing the great inconveniences that otherwise must necessarily follow      the
withdrawing from    circulation all the various emissions
of paper money without providing any other medium
than that of gold and silver; 2 but the result was only
Gov. Belcher had been a princely merchant, and retired from
commercial transactions on his being appointed governor. Hle was a
man of integrity, of piety, of graceful and dignified demeanor, given
to hospitality, and stood high in the estimation of all who were not
his political enemies. He was b. 1681; graduated at Harvard College
1699; and d. governor of New Jersey 1757.
2 The Company was authorized to issue notes, or bills of credit, on
land security, to an amount not exceeding ~150,000. The subscribers
of stock were to receive the sums by them severally subscribed, in
bank notes, - and, as security, were to mortgage to the directors real
estate to entire satisfaction, with the condition to pay annually, for




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               377
troubles multiplied to the many, the utter prostration
of many families, and the pecuniary ruin of numerous
individuals1 on the Cape.2
In 1742, the provincial court ordered that boxes be
twenty years, five per cent. of the principal loaned, and three per cent.
interest either in the notes, or hemp, flax, cordage, bar iron, linen, wool,
copper, leather, flax seed, beeswax, sail cloth, nails, tallow, cord wood,
&c., which articles were to be delivered to the directors or their agents,
to be employed in trade. The company consisted of 800 persons,
about 400 of whom belonged in Boston, the others being scattered in
different towns over the province.
1 The scheme was, from its first inception, regarded as very obnoxious by many influential citizens who made the utmost exertion to
suppress it. The matter was, however, utterly uncontrollable by any
means within the province; for, besides the numerous subscribers,
great numbers of those whose pecuniary circumstances were embarrassed favored the project of a land bank - and every vote told alike,
the vote of the most opulent and the vote of the most needy, in a popular election; and the great majority of the representatives chosen,
and engaged in chartering the bank, were either subscribers to or
expectants of personal benefits from the scheme: so notorious was
this that the General Court for that year was long honored with the
sobriquet, "the Land-bank House."  The authority of Parliament
was finally invoked; and, in 1743, by special act, the Land Bank
Company was fortunately dissolved, - not, however, until the extent
of the issue had reached ~49,000, in sums alone of 20s. down to 3d.;
and although the General Court took the settlement of the bank's
affairs from the directors and vested it in a board of commissioners, the
winding up of the business required about thirty years, and was finally
effected by means of an assessment on the several partners, and by a
lottery. Had not Parliament interposed declaring the law which prohibited similar institutions in England, applicable to the British plantations, the province would have been entirely under the control of
the Company.
2 We might add here, were it not too ridiculous, the memorable
event of " Wampum's War."  The alarm and disasters of this " war"
occurring at this period, seem to have been chiefly confined to a town
bordering on the County of Barnstable. Joe Wampum, a native of
VOL. I.       48




378             TIE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
provided in each town for the drawing of jurors. The
" great awakening," a religious movement that in its
progress affected more or less the whole length and
breath of the land, also began about this time.
In 1743, Solomon Briant of Mashpee, Indian, asked
leave to sell lands; and Silvanus Bourne, Esq. was appointed to supervise the sale and render said Briant all
needed assistance.    A  memorial from    William   Rotch
and others of Provincetown showed " that by reason of
the removal of the greater part of the inhabitants the
town was in great measure broken up, so that not one
of the selectmen chosen remained." Legislation was
asked, to give relief.
the old Comassekumkanet, or Herring Pond, tribe, arrived at the
former seat of government of " the Old Colony," March 30, during the
time of divine service, -direct from Buzzard's Bay; and gave the
astounding information that the Spaniards had effected a landing in
considerable numbers near the " Head of the Bay." As war existed
between England and Spain, the intelligence seemed plausible, and the
panic was great. Drums beat to arms, and the militia were ordered
out. It proved, we hardly need say, to be an " Indian story:" but
Wampum gained by it this immortality.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             379
CHAPTER         XVIII.
The French War. - Rev. George Whitefield. - Cape Breton. - Peace. -
England and France again at Variance. - Union of the Colonies. - Expeditions to Nova Scotia, Crown Point, and Niagara. - Gov. Pownal
succeeds Shirley. - Sir Francis Bernard comes into Power. - The Cape
Towns desire fewer Courts. - Wellfleet is incorporated, also Mashpee,
as Districts. - England becomes arrogant.
ANOTHER war between Great Britain and France was
begun in 1744; and the Indians, through French influence, again assaulted    some of the New      England
towns, being offered a reward for scalps. This war
proved to be a great calamity, for it extended through
a period of nineteen years. Some inhabitants of the
Cape suffered by being taken prisoners; and the towns
were often called upon for men and money.
The Rev. GEORGE WHITEFIELD'S movements were about
this time the subject of much animadversion. An
English Episcopal clergyman, now only about twentyfive years of age, whose       powers of oratory     were
very great, his ministry in his itinerating course
through the country was sought by many, but by
some opposed. In the estimation of his opponents,
his  preaching was      wildfire;" in  the view    of his
admirers, it was' apostolical."1     The   ministers   in
1 Before taking orders in the Church of England, in 1736, his benevolent zeal had led him constantly on visits of mercy to the poor, to
soothe the sufferings of the distressed, and to administer religious instruction tothe imprisoned. His earliest efforts in the ministry had
been attended with surprising effects. Embarking for America, in




380               THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
this county were      generally averse to his encouragement.1
In 1745, Lieut. Gov. Spencer Phips was for a time
at the head of affairs.     Many persons from        the Cape
1738, his labors were incessant; and wherever he travelled, through
the middle and southern colonies, he dispensed the word of life to thronging multitudes.  Returning to Europe in 1739, he received priests'
orders from the Bishop of Oxford, and then again returned and resumed
his itinerant labors in America. [It may not be understood by every
reader that, in the Protestant Episcopal Church, whether in England
or in this country, or elsewhere, every candidate for holy orders is at
first admitted to the diaconate only - that having served for a stipulated time in this degree, he may in due time be advanced, if approved, to the full orders of the priesthood. In both offices they
preach and baptize; but only when admitted to the priesthood may
administer all the offices that appertain to that degree.]  From  Savannah to the remotest New England his voice was heard, and the
power of his eloquence was acknowledged.  The Orphan House in
Savannah, and numerous converts every where he went, attested his
zeal, energy, and the power of the Holy Ghost attending his ministrations. His popularity and influence continued to the time of his
decease in Newburyport, Sept. 30, 1770, at the age of 55. Indeed,
few men since the apostolic times, had labored more indefatigably in
preaching the gospel of salvation, or had been more instrumental in
imparting the Christian hope to multitudes.  His power over the feelings of his auditory was universally acknowledged to be wonderful;
and when places of public worship were not opened to him, thousands
were addressed by him in the streets, or fields, or groves. In a word,
liberal and catholic in his spirit, his whole life was spent in most disinterested and benevolent exertion.  Cowper has truly said of him, -
"He loved the world that hated him. The tear
That dropped upon his Bible was sincere.
Assailed by scandal and the tongue of strife,
His only answer was a blameless life;*
And he that forged and he that threw the dart
Had each a brother's interest in his heart.
Like Paul, he labored; arit like him, content
To bear it, suffered shame where'er he went."
Mr. WThitefield having been invited to Boston by distinguished
pastors of that town, on one occasion preached, it has been said, to an




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                  381
towns were now in the service of the colonies against
Cape   Breton     and  at the    taking   of Louisburg, then
called   "' the  Gibraltar   of America."        Some    greatly
distinguished themselves.2
audience of 20,000 persons. This was probably on the Common.
Hailed, wherever he went, as a champion of the cross, the places for
public worship often became so crowded as not to accommodate all
who thronged to hear him. The opposition to his itineracy first arose
in Connecticut, where severe laws were enacted restraining itinerants.
But the feeling soon diffused itself in other directions. A large number of ministers on the Cape united in a protest against his itinerating influence the result of which it was no doubt honestly thought
had been strife in churches tending to divisions. It has been suggested, however, not without good reason, that had not some of his
converts attempted in the ardor of their zeal to follow his example by
injudicious measures, the evils imputed to him had never existed.
1 The reduction of Louisburg was considered an object of the utmost importance in a commercial respect. It had been fortified by
the French at a vast expense. The news of the brilliant achievement
of its capture caused great exultation in the colonies, and encouraged
the attempt to conquer all the French possessions in North America.
It also aroused the ire of France for revenge, and determined the
French government to attempt the conquest of the whole of New
England.
2 In Niles's Wonder-working Providence, 1745, appear the names
of leading officers of the army who were at the reduction of this fortress. Some of those attached to Col. Gorham's regiment are, with
himself, thus mentioned:"Whilst we in honor these commanders have,
Let's turn our thoughts to Col'nel GomRrA'S grave,
Who with his ancestors distinguished are
As men of courage, mighty in the war;
He lies interr'd in that new-conquered soilThe fruit of his and others' warlike toil.
Lieutenant Col'nel GORX.nh, nigh of kin
To his deceased Head, did honor win;
Unite in nature, name, and trust, they stood -
Unitedly have done their country good.
May Major THACHER live, in rising fame 
Worthy of ancestors that bear his name,
And copy after virtuous relations
Who so well filled their civil, sacred, military stations.




382               THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
An additional act was passed this year for the protection of Cape Cod harbor;' also for the protection of
East Harbor in Truro.       The petition of John Hallet, in
behalf of the town of Yarmouth, showed that" by reason
of the interruption and failure of their whale-fisheries,
the inhabitants were much        impoverished;" for which
cause they asked to be excused from         sending a representative to the General Court.        James Ned, Indian, of
Sandwich, asked permission to        sell land, and Mr. Tupper was appointed to assist him in making the sale.
The year 1746 was the time when the French armaNow Capt. CAREY, seized with sickness sore,
Resigned to death when touched his native shore;
And Capt. DEIMMICKI slain by heathen's hand
As was his father under like command."
The captains of this regiment mentioned in a note appended, are
Jonathan Carey, Edward Dimmick, Elisha Doane, Silvanus Cobb,
Israel Bailey, Gershom Bradford and Samuel Lombard. Among
those mentioned as attached to Maj. Gen. Wolcott's regiment of the
Ct. forces, we recognize the names of Capt. Daniel Chapman, and
also of Lt. Lothrop, a descendant from the Rev. John Lothrop of
Barnstable:
" LOTHROP likewise, in his lieutenancy,
Gives pledges of his skill and loyalty."
And further -
" Some reverend pastors' minds deeply impressed
WVith glowing warmth to see our foes suppressed,
To act their part, are willing forth to go
With Christian courage and heroic too."
And among these are mentioned Crocker and Hawley.
1 One of the provisions of this act was, that the inhabitants of
Provincetown were " allowed to keep and suffer to feed on the lands,
one bull and 3 yoke of oxen for the inhabitants in general, and one
horse and one cow for each family in particular; also such person as
shall have license to keep a house of entertainment was to have liberty to keep two cows." The act forbade " the cutting down of trees
growing within 160 poles from high-water mark."  This act was revived and continued by successive legislation to 1775.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.           383
rnent, under the Duke d'Anville, was despatched for
America-the most formidable that was ever sent;
and as the object was not only to aid the movements
of the Canadians and Indians and recover Louisburg,
but to distress and conquer New England, the intelligence spread consternation abroad on every side.1
Some of the Cape towns are found at this period petitioning and protesting against impressments for the
public service.  The inhabitants of Truro also memorialized the court, showing the exposure of that place
to the ravages of the enemy, their impoverished condition, and asking for means of defence. A supply of
small arms, a four pound cannon, and ammunition were
granted them.    Josiah Ellis and others of Harwich
also petitioned to be constituted a distinct precinct,
which was granted. —The Rev. Benjamin Fessenden,
the minister of Sandwich, died, Aug. 7.- The following
year, 1747, the impressment of seamen was again denounced, and its continued outrage severely felt in all
parts of the county. -   The Rev. Edward Pell was now
the first pastor of the south precinct of Harwich, which
parish was organized the previous year.
By act of the General Court in 1748, provision was
1 This armament consisted of 11 ships of the line and 30 smaller
vessels of war, with transports besides containing 3000 regular troops
and 40,000 stands of arms for the use of the Canadians and Indians.
The fleet had a long and disastrous passage, sustaining much damage
by storms and great losses by shipwrecks, so that before its arrival it
was reduced more than half. A mortal sickness then set in, carrying
off a great portion of the troops. The two principal commanders
died suddenly, one or both by suicide induced by despair of success,
and the remaining ships returned one by one to France. The colonists acknowledged the hand of Providence in this, and regarded it as
a great deliverance.




38 4             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
made for calling in the outstanding "bills of credit'
and determining the rates of coined silver.        The bills
were to be redeemed at the treasury, in silver, at the
rate of ~2 5 old tenor, and ~0 11 3 middle and new
tenor, by one piece of 8 — that is, a Spanish dollar.'
The funds to redeem      the bills were the money voted
by Parliament to reimburse the expenses incurred by
the province in the reduction of Cape Breton, and a
provincial tax of ~75,000.
The peace of Aix-la-Chapelle this year caused much
joy,2 and was hailed by the Cape towns as the precursor of better times3
1 " Old tenor, middle tenor, and new tenor," had each slid down the
lapse of depreciation. At first they were very little below par; but
in 1702 an oz. of silver was equal to 6s. 1Od. in bills of credit; in
1705 to 7s.; 1713 to 8s.; 1716 to 9s.; 1717 to 12s.; 1722 to 14s.;
1728 to 18s.; 1730 to ~1; 1737 to ~1 6; 1741 to ~1 8; and 1749
to ~3.
2 By this treaty, Louisburg was given up to France very much to
the chagrin of the Mass. colony. The conquest had been emphatically the people's enterprise - undertaken at their solicitation, fitted
out from their resources, and accomplished by their courage and perseverance - and it was regarded as a place important to be held for
the protection of commerce and the fisheries.
3'" Military glory is usually followed by national debt."  The sum
of depreciations, like those of 1749 and subsequent, is not to be estimated by figures alone. The poverty and distress of those depending
on the income of moneys loaned; the decay of public institutions because of the diminution of their vested funds; the price of depreciation
paid by officers and soldiers of the army in most injurious disproportion; the discouragement to the clergy, paid in an almost valueless
currency, and the demoralizing temptation every man was under,
almost in self-defence oftentimes, to avail himself of any advantage in
his contract not guarded against at the time of its being made, were
most serious evils; but perhaps more than all the remedies proposed:
- the community, like the envenomed adder which under the operation of an invisible scourge stings its own body, increasing the cause




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              385
The excessive heat and drought that occurred at this
period was a memorable event.         A scarcity of provisions followed, and even hay and other provender for
cattle were imported from       Europe.    Fortunately the
succeeding autumn displayed the happy adaptation of
nature   so  often  remarked      the   renovation   of the
earth and a profusion equal to the distressing        deficit.
The Rev. Joseph Lord of Chatham        died this year; and
the Rev. Isaiah Dunster was settled in Harwich as colleague of Mr. Stone.
In 1749, Lt. Gov. Phips was once more commanderin-chief, Gov. Shirley     going  again   to  England.     A
large amount of money provided by act of Parliament,
was received at Boston and placed in the provincial
treasury, amounting to the sum       of ~183,694 2s. 7-d.
of their ruin by similar experiments. Had the laws for supporting
the credit of bills been strictly adhered to, the effect would have been
the salvation of all, and the mutual reproaches which follow misfortune would not have been heard. For such misfortunes no one feels
exclusively in fault, either individually or in a party aspect. The
indiscreet use of foreign luxuries is always alleged on the one part;
the fatuity of the people's own representatives in issuing a currency
in its nature unstable and incapable of supporting credit, is the reproach cast on the other part even by such as at the time were well
pleased and consenting. And yet the remedy which all again demand
is some similar experiment sure to reproduce the same evils —the
emissions again sliding down in a little time! A fluctuating and deceitful medium, taxing in fact all classes insensibly, is sure to draw
away, as if by magic stealth, real property from its possessors and
substitute imaginary wealth in its place, until sooner or later, as it
must needs be, the bubble bursts, disaffecting friends with each other
and threatening posterity with the evils which such a course propagates. The ideas of a people long accustomed to such a currency
become fixed - they think they cannot do without it, and their fears
perpetuate the evil.
VOL. I.       49




386            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
One object of this act was to suppress the circulation
of paper money and establish for the future a silver
currency.1 It provided, therefore, that after the 31st
of March, 1750, all debts shall be paid in coined silver.
This is said to be the origin of the term "llawful
money."   Notwithstanding the interests of the public
and the principles of justice were, by this act, promoted
and settled on a firm basis, and a sound and stable currency was established, many persons were opposed to
it, and some even attempted forcible resistance.
Joseph Freeman, Jr. of Harwich, " for his services
and sufferings in the late war, he having been grievously wounded by the enemy," was considered as entitled to pecuniary relief.  The town of Sandwich
received a pastor in the person of Rev. Abraham Williams; and Chatham by the settlement of Rev. Stephen
Emery.
In 1750, an excise act laying a duty on wine and
spirits was passed, but the assent of the governor was
refused.
The country, like ancient Rome, has, we have all
along seen, enjoyed repose only at short intervals. Internal discord, troubles with the Indians, or foreign hostility, have often convulsed the state. Still the people
are honest, frugal, industrious. As in the ancient Roman commonwealth, so here the first magistrates, the
greatest generals, and, we may add, the most useful and
eminent divines, were more or less engaged in industrious, laborious, and productive pursuits.  The same
1 This money was in 215 chests of about $3000 each, with also
100 casks of copper. There were 17 cart and truck loads of silver,
and 10 truck loads of copper.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.          387
hand that had become hardened by conducting the
plough was often selected to guide the affairs of state
or wield the sword in battle.  Quintius Cincinnatus, M.
Curius, Scipio Africanus, have each had noble representatives among our progenitors.  Labor was not then
degrading. It remained for the extension of commerce and the acquisition of plethoric wealth, here, as
in Romen to introduce those opposites to our pristine
simplicity and virtue - avarice, luxury, and the concomitant evils - private and public corruption.  There
have always, however, even to the date of this present
writing, been left among us some of the old Romans.'
In 1751, Rev. Edward Cheever was settled in Eastham; and in 1752, Rev. Edward Pell of Harwich died.
In 1753, troubles again occurred between England
and France.   The latter was charged with a violation
of treaties. W\ar seemed inevitable; and it was at this
juncture that we find WASHINGTON for the first time in
public service-called in his 22d -year, in his own
state, as Major Washington, to execute a most important mission to counteract certain movements of the
French among the Indians of the far west.
In 1754, the British ministry perceiving war to be
unavoidable, suggested the expediency of the colonies
uniting in some scheme for their own common defence.
1 Of this we are forcibly reminded by some remarks in the Senate
of the U. States made by a descendant from Cape Cod, now a senator
from Maine, who, alluding with becoming self-respect as well as indignant scorn at the jeers of a southron against " the white laborers of the
north," says, "The senator has entirely misapprehended the character
of northern laborers. I am myself a laboring man. Educated in a




388             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
The proposal of a union came first from      Gov. Shirley.
It will be seen how suggestive was this of future unions
for purposes not so well approved by royal authority.
Left thus to bear the evils of war almost without assistance in the defence of their coast, frontier and firesides, the colonies were most effectually taught to rely
on their own     energies.   They   had already learned
something of the art of war; they now       learned what
was their own strength.'
Among the most remarkable legislative occurrences
of the present year was the passage of a bill proposed
for granting an excise on wines and other spirituous
liquors.  A  similar bill, but less obnoxious, had once
been rejected by the governor.      Tids provided for putting, if necessary, every householder under oath as to
the quantity consumed in his family.      And, it must be
remarked, the tax was not imposed to prevent the consumption of these articles, but to relieve polls and
estates from what was, in contradistinction, called the
" drly ax."2  Ecclesiastical changes this year occurred in
printing office, I now toil in the fields earning the bread I eat by the
sweat of my brow. I, sir, am a representative of the laborers of the
north. "
1 The plan of confederation was drawn by BENJ. FRANKLIN, July
4, just twenty-two years before that distinguished philosopher and
statesman affixed his name to the Declaration of Independence.
2 The provision in the bill being regarded as a regulation intended
to invade the sanctity of private life, subjecting all persons not only
to the oath, but to search and examination by inferior officers at discretion -which officers are not always of the finest sensibilities or the
most approved manners, the governor denounced the plan. IHe
held it to be inconsistent with the natural rights of private families;
and further expressed his disapprobation of it as having been " tacked
by way of condition to the ordinary excise bill." (There was "kiteflying," it will be perceived, even in those days.) The bill was regarded by one portion of the community as unconstitttional, inasmuch




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              389
the decease of Rev. John Avery of Truro, the retirement of Rev. Thomas Smith of Yarmouth, and the
settlement of the Rev. Benj. Crocker in Harwichl south
precinct.
Troops were raised in 1755, throughout the colonies;
naval and land forces arrived from England; and expeditions were sent against Nova Scotia, Crown Point,
Niiagara,and Fort Du Quesne.1      "A terrible earthquake
occurred in America, Nov. 18 — the most violent ever
known in the country." Traces of it now exist after a
lapse of more than a century.
The Rev. NATHANIEL STONE, pastor of the           ancient
as it descended into the private economy of fmilies, obliging persons
to exculpate themselves from an innocent act, contrary to the spirit of
that maxim in law that no man is held to convict himself. It was
also charged that it was calculated to produce perjury and bribery,
and diminish the force of oaths. By some the virtues of spirituous
liquors were celebrated, and the bubbling springs of the settlements
were berated as loaded with danger flowing from mineral hills and
through marshes and fens filled with the spawn of noxious reptiles.
Mobs also were deprecated as the inevitable result of the passage of
the bill. The bill was lhowever, after all, finally a law, with some
amendment, and signed by the governor. The town of Boston, thereupon, chose an agent to proceed to England to prevent, if possible,
the act receiving the royal assent. Although the question had been
submitted to the towns for their opinions on the bill, and the returns
showed that the people were much divided on the subject, the CAPE
does not appear to have been greatly agitated by the matter, nor did
the dismal predictions of many seem to be fulfilled.
1 Now Pittsburg. Braddock, the officer in command, was slain.
Of eighty-five officers, sixty-four were killed or wounded, as were also
about half the whole number of privates. Washington had two horses
shot under him, and four balls passed successively through his clothes,
but remained unhurt, and led off the remaining troops from this disastrous battle, the result of which might have been different had Gen.
Braddock and his men known more of the mode of Indian warfare.




390              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
church of Harwich, died this year, aged 88, after a long
and successful ministry, greatly honored and lamented.1
The Rev. Caleb Upham      was settled in Truro, and the
Rev. Grindal Rawson in Yarmouth.
1 Rev. NATHANIEL STONE was descended from Mr. Simon Stone
of Watertown, who, b. in Eng. about 1575, emigrated in 1635, in
company with his bro. Gregory, their respective families and other
friends, to America. They embarked Apr. 15 of that year in the
ship Increase. The records of the Plantation Office, Lond., show
that the above Mr. Simon was a husbandman, and aged about 50 yrs.
Tradition says, " Simon and Gregory were sons of Rev. Timothy of
the west of England; " also that there was L" another bro., Rev. Samuel, who went to Ct."  The two former settled on the borders of Cambridge and Watertown, near the present Mt. Auburn - Simon on the
south in W. and Gregory on the east in C., the dividing line of these
towns making very nearly the division of their estates, their respective houses standing near the line. 3Mr. Simon's was but recently, and
is perhaps still, standing on the bank of the river in the rear of Mt.
Auburn, a curious relic of olden times, and occupied more than 200
years by lineal descendants. lie, Simon, was twice m., both wives
dying before him. His will mentions 2 s. and 2 drs., but his children
seem to have been Frs., aged 16 yrs. when lie embarked; Anne, aged
11; Simon, aged 4; Iaria, aged 3; Joe, aged 5 weeks; John, b.
after his parents arrived here, viz., 6 mo. 15, 1636, as per WAatertown
records; and Elizabeth, 2 mo. 1, 1639. His w. Joan (Joanna Clark)
mentioned in the certificate in the Plantation Office, put down as
"Joan, uxor, m. 38, d. Sept. 22, 1685, m. 80. Mr. SIMON, the 3d of
these ch., b. 1631, d. Feb. 27, 1708, me. 77, of Watertown, m. Mary
Whipple of old Ipswich, and had 12 ch., including 2 who d. in infancy, viz., Simon, b. 1656-7, d. 22, 7 mo. 1665, m. 8; John, July 23,
1658, who d. at Groton, m. 80; Matthew, Feb. 16, 1659, who d. at
Sudbury, 1743, Sm. 84; Nath'l, Feb. 1661, who d. 2 days old; Eben'r,
Feb. 27, 1662, who d. in Newton, Oct. 4, 1754, e. 92; dMary, 1664,
who m. Starr of Dedham; Natlhl, April, 1667, who settled in Harwich; Elizabeth, 1670, who m. Stearns of Stoughton; David, Oct.
19, 1672, who d. at Watertown, 1750, me. 78; Susanna, Nov. 4, 1675,
who m. Goddard, and.d. 1754, e. 78; and Jonathan, 1677, who d. on
the paternal estate, 1754, ae. 76.
Rev. NATHANIEL (3d gen.) b. in Watertown, 1667, grad. H. C.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             391
The year next ensuing, 1756, the French and Indian
war, which had in fact been carried on without any
formal proclamation of hostilities, was recognized by
declaration. Pitt being at the head of affairs in Eng1690, m. Reliance, dr. of Gov. Hinckley, Dec. 15, 1698, and was ord.
at Harwich, Oct. 16, 1700; his wid. Reliance d. May 24, 1759, va. 84;
he d. Feb. 8, 1755, ae. 87 yrs. and 10 mo. They had Mary, Sept. 16,
1699, who m. Barnabas Freeman of Eastham, Dec. 10, 1734; Zezia,
Apr. 8, 1701, who m. Isaac Lincoln, Apr. 10, 1729, and d. Nov. 2,
1763, ae. 62; Reliance, Apr. 26, 1703, who m. Joseph Paddock of
Yarmouth, Mar. 17, 1725-6, and d. 1734, c. 31; Heman, Sept. 4,
1705, who m. Temperance Sturgis of Yarmouth, June 21, 1737, and
d. Apr. 26, 1779, n. 75; Nathan, Feb. 18, 1707-8, who m. 1st Judith
Fox of Woburn, 2d Mary Thacher of Attleboro'; Thankful, Mar. 2,
1708-9, and d. MIay 3, 1781, oe. 73; Eunice, June 23, 1711, who m.
David Bangs of Harwich, Sept. 23, 1731; Nathaniel, Nov. 29, 1713,
who m. Mary Bourne of Barnstable, 1742, and d. Jan. 7, 1777, a-.
63; Achsah, Sept. 1, 1715; Hannah, June 30,1718, and d. soon; IHannah, May 26, 1720, who d. soon; and Huldah, July 6, 1722, who d.
1727.  [The genealogy will be resumed at a later date.]  Rev. Nathaniel was ancestor of most of those of the name of Stone in Barnstable county. [The exception is a descendant of Gregory of Cambridge, b. 1590, m. in Eng. 1st Margaret Garrad, 2d wid. Lydia Cooper; "the deacon," who had John, "the elder of Sudbury," 1619, d. in
Cambridge, now Framingham, MIay 5, 1683, e. 44; Daniel, David,
Samuel, Elizabeth and Sarah, all of whom in. and settled in C., then
including Lexington and W. Cambridge on the N., and Newton and
Brighton on the S. The above "Elder " was about 16 yrs. old when
he came over, and m. Anne I-ow, dr. of Elder Edw. H-. of Watertown, and had Nath'l of Sudbury, youngest s., 1660, who m. Sarah
Wait, Apr. 25, 1684, of Malden, and d. in Framingham. 1732, ie. 72;
who had Hezekialh, youngest, of Framingham, 1710, who m. Ruth
How of Sudbury, and d. July 18, 1771, s. 60, from whom was Eliphalet, eldest, of Oxford, Sept. 5, 1735, m. Lydia Goddard, and d. Feb.
9, 1817, ae. 81; who had " Capt." Shubael, 3d s., of Marlboro', N. H.,
176-, who m. Polly Rogers, and had Jeremiah, 4th s., Nov. 2, 1798,
who rn. Esther Wildes of Topsfield, and is now a prominent physician
at Provincetown, and bro. of Rev. Cyrus, some time miss'y of the A.
B. F. M. at Bombay.] Rev. Nathaniel Stone, mentioned at the head




392             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
land addressed a circular to the provincial and colonial
governments assuring them that an effectual force
should be sent by the crown, and calling on each to
raise the utmost force that the population would allow.'
Massachusetts was not backward in her duty, as facts
too numerous to be recorded here attest; nor had the
Cape been an unconcerned        spectator of these movements even before this crisis.    Many of its citizens had
been actors in the events that occurred in Nova Scotia
the previous year.
One of the incidents of the expedition of the previous year is of painful interest. In July, the 20th, of
this present year, a large company of French people
arrived at Sandwich, coming in at Monumet, in seven
two-mast boats.    Of these strangers, Silas Bourne, Esq.
said in a letter communicating the fact to Col. Otis,
then in Bbston, " They profess to be bound to Boston,
of the present note, although pastor of the 1st church in Harwich,
was resident in that part of the town since called Brewster, the meeting house standing about half a mile from the N. shore. The ancient
church in H., by subsequent changes, came to be known as the
Brewster church, the 2d or South church of the ancient Harwich,
formed in 1747, becoming on the division of the town the 1st Congregational church of the latter place. Mr. Stone " was a man of piety,
of talents, and of firmness, much revered and beloved by the people of
his charge."  He held a prominent position among the clergymen of
his day, and published a volume, 1731, entitled "The Wretched State
of Man by the Fall," &c.; also a sermon preached before the first
Supreme Judicial Court holden in the county. He was tenacious of
high literary and other qualifications for the ministry, and rigidly opposed to the introduction of an itineracy. He received an assistant as
colleague in 1748, in the person of Rev. Mr. Dunster.
1 The number of men brought into the service was 50,000, of whom
20,000 were furnished in America. Three expeditions were resolved
upon, and Louisburg, Ticonderoga and Fort Du Quesne were the
points.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            393
and want their boats carted      across to the opposite
bay.   They have their women and children with them,,
and say they were last from      Rhode Island, but previously from  Nova Scotia."    Their business and character being unknown, Mr. Bourne expresses a " fear
that they may continue, when once in the bay, to miss
Boston, and go to strengthen the enemy."      He thought
it "safe, therefore, to detain them."    They were, accordingly, "ninety in number, distributed among the
several towns for safe keeping until the matter could
be better understood."    Subsequently we find the General Court ordering " that the canoes left at Sandwich
by the   rench?neitrals who deserted from  the southern
government, shall be sold"      To many the character
of this people was for a long time a profound mystery.   It can be hardly necessary now      to say, they
were ACADIANS who, in obedience to advices from      England, had been banished from their homes consequent
upon   the  successes in Nova Scotia-       thousands of
whom had been scattered abroad heart-broken and bereft of hope, who finally through manifold hardships
became extinct.1
LONGFELLOW, in "Evangeline," has a beautiful tribute to their
memory; and others have written touching tales of the sufferings of
these earliest European occupants of the country. The story of this
people is peculiar. "Frugal in their habits and of a mild disposition,
their attention had been turned from hunting and fishing, the delight
of their ancestors, to the cultivation of the soil, and by diligent effort
lad reclaimed from the forest and the ocean the farms on which they
dwelt. By the treaty of Utrecht, however, they had been brought
under the dominion of England; but still loved the language and
usages of their fathers, and the religion of their childhood was engraven upon their souls. For forty long years they were totally neglected by the English, but prospered and their substance increased.
The crops of their well-cultivated fields were rich; flocks and herds
VOL I..     50




394              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
The town of Truro again petitioned for arms and
military  assistance, representing    their privations and
their exposed     situation.   Provincetown     harbor was,
thereupon, ordered to be "fortified by a battery of six
grazed their meadows and roamed over the hills; domestic fowl
abounded; and the thickly clustered villages of neat thatch-roofed
cottages sheltered an industrious, harmless, frugal, and happy people.
The spinning-wheel and the loom were busily plied; and from morn
to night matrons and maidens, young men and their sires, toiled for
the bread which they ate in peace and content. This gentle people,
distinguished for their benevolence and kindness to strangers, were
known as'the neutral French,' because of the obligation which they
had subscribed.. Happy in their seclusion, they conducted their affairs in the simplest manner; each family provided for its own wants;
no locks were needed for their doors;'no tax gatherer counted their
folds; no magistrates dwelt in their hamlets.' They were too inoffensive to require the interference of the arm of the law, and their
disputes were amicably settled by their elders. Poverty was rare;
early marriages were encouraged, and fathers delighted in settling
their children in a cottage of their own. Living in love, their lives
glided on'like rivers that water the woodlands, reflecting the image
of heaven.' Since the English had settled around them, they had
been grievously oppressed; - and now the advices from England
were that they should be driven from their homes. Even the liberty
of transmigration was denied; they must be treated as captives and
sent out and scattered over the, continent to live among the English.
Averse to exile, voluntary obedience was not to be expected; artifice
was the resort; they were entrapped and kidnapped; Aug. 30, 1755,
a proclamation was issued ordering all the male inhabitants of the
settlements, of 10 years of age and over, to assemble at the church at
Grand Pre on Friday, Sept. 2, prox., at 3 o'clock, P. M., then and
there to hear his majesty's orders, and no excuse was on any pretence
whatever to be admitted on pain of forfeiting goods and chattels in
default of real estate.' Some, through fear, fled to the forests; but
418 men unarmed came to the church which they found occupied by
English troops as their head quarters.  The doors were at once
closed, and these poor men stood to hear - what?'It is his majesty's orders, and they are peremptory, that the whole French inhabitants of these districts be removed. Your lands and tenements, cattle




ANNALS OF BAARNSTABLE COUNTY.              395
guns, viz., two nines, two sixes, and two four pounders', &c.   We cannot learn that this was ever done:
indeed the very next year we find the General Court
directing that " all these proceedings be stayed."
In 1757, THOMAS POWNAL who had been appointed to
succeed Gov. Shirley1 not arriving to assume the govof all kinds, and live stock of all sorts, are forfeited to the crown, with
all your other effects, saving your money and household goods; and
you yourselves are to be removed from this province.' Sad was the
announcement to the imprisoned captives, - received at first with
speechless amazement, in unbroken silence as each gazed on the
countenances of the others;- anon, a loud wail of anguish echoed
through the aisles and arches of the building. It was a cruel sentence,
and every heart ached that night in Grand Pre and throughout the
district of Minas as the intelligence reached the inhabitants from the
lips of the 20 men who were permitted to go forth. At the appointed
day, the inhabitants met for the last time -in all 1923 souls. The
prisoners in the church were drawn up six feet deep, and the young
men, 141 in number, were ordered to march first on board the transports. With frenzied despair, they refused to be separated from their
parents and companions, and were forced at the point of the bayonet.
Women and children knelt by the way through which they passed,
weeping and praying for blessings on their heads. Next the fathers,
109, embarked. Mothers and little ones were to wait until fiesh
transports arrived. The removal of the women and children was not
effected until the cold of December came. A large number of these
Acadians in the different districts escaped; the rest, 7000 in all,
were scattered from New Hampshire to Georgia. Many scattered
abroad would have perished from hunger and cold, but for the charities of the humane. Some went to I-ispaniola and there died. Mlany
died elsewhere of broken hearts. That people are extinct - unless,
peradventure, a few of their descendants survive unknown as such
and oblivious themselves to the sufferings of their ancestors." - See
Barry's History.
1 Gov. WILLIAMI SHIRLEY enjoyed a high reputation as a civilian,
but not as a military man. The abolition of the paper currency was
owing in a great degree to his firmness and perseverance. He died
March 24, 1771.




396             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
ernment, the council administered.     Provincetown was
allowed ~20 for the support of the gospel.        The Indians of Eastham and Harwich complained to the Ganeral Court; that their lands were encroached upon and
taken from   them," referring particularly to    a certain
neck or beach in or near Eastham      called Billingsgate
Point or Island, the place most convenient for the
whale fishery in the whole county, and always before
so improved."    They asked the interposition of the
authorities in their behalf.
In 1758, of the 7000 men raised       for the reduction
of Canada," the Cape furnished its full quota; and this,
it may well be supposed, was no inconsiderable number when it is said that " nearly one third of the effective men of Massachusetts was enrolled."         Other
northern   provinces lent efficient aid; the southern
were crippled by     peculiar circumstances which made
it inexpedient to enlist many whites."
The campaign in 1759 had for its object the entire
conquest of Canada; and Quebec, Ticonderoga, Crown
Point, and Niagara were the places destined to attack.'
1 It was during this campaign that Gen. Wolfe, who conceived the
bold design of scaling the " Heights of Abraham," and had reached
the " Plains" where a bloody battle ensued, having received a fatal
wound requested that he might be lifted up still at least to witness the
engagement, and on hearing the words, "They fly!" cried out, though
faint with the loss of blood and his eyes dimmed by the approach of
death, "Who fly? "-and on being told, "The enemy," exclaimed,
"Then I die content," and at once expired. It is but justice to add
that the French commander, Montealm, being also fatally wounded
and told by his surgeon that death was inevitable, replied, "It is
so much the better; I shall not then live to see the surrender of
Quebec."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            397
In 1760, Gov. Pownal having solicited his recall and
been appointed    governor of New      Jerseyl Thomas
Hutchinson, lieutenant governor, presided      until Sir
FRANCIS BERNARD, appointed, arrived, August 2. One of
Bernard's first offences was, in his inaugural address, to
refer to 1" the blessings of subjection to Great Britain."
The House, in reply, instead of acknooledging their
sutbjection, were careful to express simply their " relation" to that country.
Another effort was now made by different parts of
the county acting in unison, to induce the General
Court to lessen the number of courts in the county.
The Rev. Oakes Shaw was this year settled over the
West parish in Barnstable; and Rev. Mr. Rawson retired from the charge of the Yarmouth church.
The conquest of Canada leaving England at liberty
to listen, insinuations were made touching the danger
that America might at some day throw         off its allegiance.  Among the prerogative party in America were
some always aspiring to royal favor, ready to fan the
flames of suspicion.   It was now    too, that foremost
among the opposite or liberal party, a noble son of
Cape Cod began to be prominent -        an orator of superior power, of large heart, of enthusiastic daring;
bred in the school of true patriotism, and inheriting
those virtues that were personified in the venerable
1 Gov. POWNAL'S measures were accommodatedC with great address
to the state of the people. Having solicited his recall, he was appointed lieutenant governor of New Jersey, and subsequently governor of South Carolina. In 1768 he became a member of Parlliament,
and in that position strenuously opposed the measures of the administration against the colonies, declaring that the people of America were
universally, unitedly, and unalterably resolved never to submit to any
internal tax imposed by any legislature in which they were not represented. He died Feb. 25, 1805, ae. 830




398              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
member from Barnstable -       then speaker of the House.l
The exigencies of the day began to call for noble nen,
and noble men appeared.
The news of the death of King GEORGE II. was received in New England Dec. 17, andc events soon transpired significant in their influence upon the freedom     of
America.    The people were becoming more and more
sensitive in regard to any attempted or supposed invasion of their rights.2
That Barnstable should have the honor of being the native place of
two such men as the elder and youngler James Otis, father and son,
both now prominent on the side of the people, is a circumstance of
which that town may well be proud. Other sons also of the venerable
James Otis Sr., were, as will be seen, greatly distinguished.
2 A notable verification of this was an occurrence the following
year, 1761, transpiring on a trial of' a most important question, - the
legality of writs of assistance which the officers of the customs had applied for t tthe judges of the Supreme Court. It was this event
particularly that began to give to James Otis Jr. a w'orld-^wide and
enduring reputation. Whilst the chief justice, Thomas Hutchinson
(who was also lieutenant governor) and his four associates sat upon
the trial, in the crowded council-chamber of the old town-house in
Boston; after " the learned, talented, majestic Gridley," as king's
attorney, - allowed by all to be at the very head of his profession,had opened the case in a masterly manner; and after Oxenbridoe
Thacher, a lawyer of great learning and distinction, had replied with
signal ability; Otis, then a young man, who had been a pupil in the
law-office of the king's attorney, arose to speak in behalf of the inhabitants of Boston, whose houses if the application of the crown officers
was sustained, those officers would be authorized to enter at discretion
- and said, I am determined to my dying day to oppose Awith all tihe
powers and faculties God has given me, all such instruments of slavery
on the one hand and villany on the other as this writ of assistance is,
I argue in favor of British liberties at a time when we hear the greatest monarch upon earth declaring from his throne that he glories in
the name of Briton and that the privileges of his people are dearer to
him than the most valuable prerogatives of the crown. I oppose the
kind of power the exercise of which in former periods of English his



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               399
In  1G761  the " French neutrals" still remained         in
Barnstable County, as appears by various records.        The
Indians of Mashpee       seem   to  have   partaken of the
spirit of the times: they complained of their political
condition, and asked for larger liberty; and the plantation was erected into a DISTRICT.     By the report of the
committee who brought in the bill, the plantation was
tory cost one King of England his head and another his throne. Let
the consequences be what they will, I am determined to proceed and
to the call of my country am ready to sacrifice estate, ease, health, applause, and even life. The patriot and hero will ever do thus. And
if brought to the trial, it will then be known how far I can reduce to
practice principles which I know to be founded in truth."  His whole
plea was most able, and was poured forth and listened to with almost
breathless attention for over four hours - a stream of eloquence,
patriotism, and legal acumen, creating most intense excitement. Well
did John Adams say, in reference to that plea and occasion, " Otis
was a flame of fire; with a promptitude of classical allusions, a depth
of research, a rapid summary of historical events and dates, a profusion
of legal authorities, a prophetic glance of his eyes into futurity, and a
rapid torrent of impetuous eloquence, he hurried away all before him.
American independence was then and there born. Every man of an
immense crowded audience appeared to me to go away, as I did,
ready to take up arms against writs of assistance."  The same year
the gifted orator and patriot was chosen a representative of Boston.
We are quite willing that Boston should claim him as her adopted son,
as she has claimed many of Cape Cod origin; but we submit whether
the county of his nativity and where he grew up to manhood may not
indulge a laudable pride in the contributions it has made from time to
time to the renown of the metropolis. It might to the cynic appear
like vaunting to enumerate the long catalogue; and we may well be
content to name only the Rev. Thomas Prince and the younger Otis;
although whether we survey the list of eminent divines, distinguished
statesmen, accomplished scholart, learned jurists, and others, or scan
the columns of commercial enterprise, we are not soon restricted.
The fact may have been ignored in history and the Cape passed by
as a terra incognita; but the peninsula of Cape Cod has been in
more senses than one " the right arm of the commonwealth."  A
statue of Otis has recently been erected at Mount Auburn.




400             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
represented as eight miles by five or six in extent, containing sixty-three wigwams and two hundred and
thirty-seven inhabitants.
In 1762, the Rev. Joseph Green, Jr. became the pastor at Yarmouth first church.
In 1763, by the peace of Paris, Canada, Nova Scotia,
and   Cape  Breton were     conceded   to the   English.
Glorious as the result was deemed in England, it was
still more a cause of congratulation here as affording
to the colonies an interval of repose.      Hon. Sylvanus Bourne of Barnstable died September 18, aged
seventy.'
WELLFLEET which had continued hitherto a part of
Eastham, and which had for some years been the North
Precinct in said town, was, May 25, incorporated as a
district with the powers of a town excepting that it was
to be joined with Eastham     in the election of representatives.
Facilities for communication between different parts
of the province were by this time enlarged, and intelligence of stirring events was now being more readily
disseminated than formerly -    though still very infrequent and comparatively slowly -    through the medium
of "tthe posts."  It was a time too when such intelligence was eagerly sought. England seemed now, in
1 Hon. Mr. BOURNE, son of Melatiah of Sandwich, was many years
judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and at the time of his death
chief justice; more than 20 years of the Council; judge of probate.
about the same length of time; colonel of militia, &c. He was father
of Judge WVilliam Bourne of Alarblehead. He is represented by his
contemporaries as a man of considerable attainments, polished manners,
agreeable wit, and withal deeply religious.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               401
the view of many, to be arrogant in her control of her
American colonies.1      She had, by the peace of 1763,
and by her complete triumph over the French (which
was in truth the achievement very much of the colonies themselves) become mistress of the seas and in
fact arbiter of the world. But now, apprehensive that
1 That the American people, children of the same stock with themselves, were heirs to the same political rights, seemed to be out of
mind with the government of England; and if Americans were not
absolutely held in contempt, it appeared to be thought that their labors and money must, if demanded, be given, with or without consent,
at England's dictation. But the people here having grown up with
a proper self-respect, understood as they thought their own rights.
Their early privations and toils and dangers had contributed at least
to make them strong and brave. When the British government could
afford the colonies no protection, and therefore proposed their uniting
in their own self-defence against the French, in 1754, the plan of
union penned by Franklin and adopted by the colonies, was considered
in England as in some of its features objectionable: it "gave too
much power to the people."  There were also many in the colonies who
thought it " conceded too much to the king."  So diverse, even then,
were the views of the Americans from those of the British government! As long as the French war continued, England wanted the
services of Americans: now the government wanted to derive a
revenue from them. A great addition to the usual taxes of England
was. necessary; and the ministry, apprehensive of rendering themselves unpopular by pressing too' severely on the resources of the
people at home, determined to supply the deficiency by a system of
extortion and depredations in the shape of duties upon the colonies.
We may as well say here, en passant, the causes that led to the
American revolution naturally lead to an inquiry into the principles of
the tenure by which the people of the American colonies held the right
of soil, and the principles of the jurisprudence by which they were
governed. By the laws of nature, occupancy and possession is the
only law of title. The law of force gives no just right to property;
for might often overcomes right. When the Christian princes of
Europe granted letters patent to adventurers to discover and possess
the soil of foreign lands, they well knew that they had really no more
right to grant such authority than the Pope of Rome had in exercising
VOL. I.       51




402              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
a people of such amazing energy as the colonies had
displayed, possessed of such resources, and governed
by such principles of civil and religious liberty, might
some day conceive the idea of becoming themselves a
great, powerful, and independent nation, a question of
prominence and interest arose: viz., how can Great
the same power centuries before. And if the very first principles of
their claims were thus founded in error, all subsequent claims arising
therefrom were supported by error. The aborigines possessed by
right of occupancy, or possession, from time out of mind. This also
confirmed their title by the rights of prescription according to the
common law of civilized nations. Great Britain could not then claim
either by the law of nature, or the common law of nations. She
never pretended to claim by the right of statute, for she had no right
on which she could found a statute. The kings of England authorized
foreign discoveries, with the right of occupancy. But did they in the
present case become joint partners by furnishing any part of the capital to support the adventurers? None. Where reposes her claim?
The only answer that could be given was, the soil became settled by
lawful subjects of the crown. But were the claims over or upon the
lives and property of those subjects, and the laws she enacted, valid
and of binding force upon exiles in a distant and foreign land? She
claimed no such right over exiles in Germany, France, Switzerland,
or Holland: why in America? True, it will be said, her claims were
mutually understood and acknowledged by the parties. This was undoubtedly the fact so far as their mutual interests extended. But,
this state of things ended, were not the parties, of right, at liberty?
The right of the exiles, to the soil, was alleged to be, first, purchase
from the natives who were the rightful owners; and, second, occupancy and labor and treasures bestowed in clearing, cultivating, and
defending these purchased possessions. Hence, when England drew
her sword to defend and enforce her claims, and to compel the exiles
to yield, the colonies felt justified in setting at defiance her power, and
proclaiming their independence. It constitutes necessarily no part of
the argument, whether the early settlers were compulsorily exiles, or
exiles simply from choice. It would, indeed, be too much to say that,
but for the oppressions by England, the colonies would never have
claimed alone the rights which they had been content to enjoy for so
many years in connection with the mother country; for the time, in




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               403
Britain  most effectually secure her permanent sovereignty over these rising colonies?       It was a momentous question, and even thus early divided her councils.
The impression became general that the colonies were
rich, and that the principal men were living like lords
upon their estates, whilst the people of England were
any event, would undoubtedly have arrived when this great country
would claim its independence and right to rank among the free and
enlightened nations of the world. That sage in the councils of England, the venerable Earl of Chatham, understood this; and, foreseeing
it, gave suitable counsels and warning.
Again, it may be said, we well know, " the colonies submitted the
entire question by taking out letters patent and acknowledging the
jurisdiction of the crown."  True: but such was the obscurity of
rights in that age; besides, the force of circumstances was imperious.
But from their very acquaintance with the natives, they soon saw
what was the Indian's natural freedom; and it were strange if the idea
did not begin to possess their own minds that they also should be
free. Moreover, they expected from the letters patent, or charters
which they received, a guarantee of protection in their rights from the
encroachments of others; and, instead, were, as they conceived, vexed
by continued oppressive acts undermining those civil and religious institutions they had planted upon the basis of a supposed freedom and
natural, rational liberty. They felt that England but illy performed
her part of the contract, and fell far short of realizing their reasonable
expectations. And, with their eyes open to their true situation, they
at last sought redress. Thereupon, England became, as they conceived, more exacting and oppressive. She resolved to tax them;
and the colonies believed that submission to this as a right claimed by
Great Britain would be additionally dangerous to liberty. They believed that the right claimed once admitted, the people of the colonies
would be, in effect, slaves forever. True: Great Britain proposed to
furnish an army, and to pay them; only taxing the colonies for remuneration. But this was seen to be a flimsy pretext, and was ably
exposed. The colonies declared themselves now able to take care of
themselves. The Eastern colonies had, without the aid of England,
taken Louisburg: they could defend themselves. Great Britain, notwithstanding, was restless without some assurance of a permanent
sovereignty over the colonies.  But here, to the honor of humanity,




404              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
oppressed with taxes for the support and protection of
the colonies. That a vast debt had been incurred by
Great Britain, was not doubted by the colonists; but
that the debt had arisen from support and defence of
the  colonies, was not so      apparent.     Besides, Great
Britain held Canada as an indemnity for the expenses
it should be recorded, her councils were divided. The elder PITT
stood forth, at the head of a noble party, for mild and generous measures. North and Bute, at the head of the other, were for bold, energetic, and coercive proceedings; and the counsels of the Earl of
Chatham were set at defiance. The result was, a regular system of
duties on merchandise was agreed on. Great Britain's permanent
and equitable revenue from her colonies under her navigation act, by
profits on her extensive manufactures, and from the duties drawn from
commerce, she was unwisely ready to risk to gratify a haughty and imperious lust for domination; and a system was adopted that, in the
opinion of the colonies, amounted to prohibition. The colonies, uninfluenced by the plausibility of England's pretexts, saw the evils that
would result to themselves, and naturally took alarm, resolutely determined to resist all usurpation at the threshold. They saw, or
thought they saw, in contemporary and subsequent proceedings, despotism in the abstract; and the alarm against usurpation and tyranny
was rung through the land, the patriotic rallied around the standard of
liberty, and determined to protect their rights. It was, indeed, a bold
and noble resolve; and was carried out by as sagacious, resolute, and
noble-minded men as the world ever produced.
The restrictions on trade, under the navigation act of 1660, had
been borne with patience, because those restrictions were supposed to
be of natural utility, and implied no concessions to the crown inconsistent with freedom and their rights.  But now a cloud overspread
the horizon that told them that their dearest rights and the purest
principles of liberty, were being obscured, and that the maxim interwoven with all their political creed, that "taxation and representation
were, and ought to be, inseparably connected," was about to be trodden in the dust.  Gov. Bernard himself clearly intimated to the
English government that the duties, if persisted in, would ruin the
commerce of America, and, at the same time, destroy the best interests of Great Britain: but all was of no avail.
Touching the right by " discovery," to which we have referred, we




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               405
of the war. It ought to have been foreseen that, with
so flimsy a pretext, to tax America was to pursue
a plan of usurpation and despotic sway that might
eventuallyforce a conflict between the colonies and the
parent country rather than secure the permanency of
the colonial connection.
may add that from the time of Columbus who landed at St. Salvador,
(the first island discovered,) in a gorgeous dress, with drawn sword in
hand and the royal standard displayed, taking possession for the crown
of Castile and Leon, - leading to the inscription on his tomb, that he
had given a new world to Spain, - the practice of Europeans became
general to take possession, by the right of discovery, of whatever parts
of America they were the first to visit. With this practice the Pope
of Rome accorded; the propagation of Christianity being held out as
the ostensible object. Religious considerations were thus made a pretext for every species of injustice, cruelty, bloodshed, and slavery.
How lamentable that the religion of Christ that breathes " peace and
good will towards men," should have been so abused and stigmatized
by the hyprocrisy of those possessed by base passion only for worldly
aggrandizement! If subsequent discoverers and adventurers have
truly been influenced by nobler motives, it may justly be expected
that their actions will clearly discover the sincerity of their professions.
In the "General Considerations for the Plantation in New England," in 1629, it was said, "The whole earth is the Lord's garden,
and he hath given it to the sons of Adam to be tilled and improved....It is the revealed will of God that the gospel shall be preached
to all nations; and though we know not whether the Indians will receive it or not, yet it is a good work to observe God's will in offering
it to them; for God will have glory by it though they refuse it...
But what warrant have we to take that land which is, and hath, of
long time been possessed by others of the sons of Adam? That which
is common to all is proper to none. This savage people ruleth over
many lands without title or property; for they enclose no ground.... And why may not Christians have liberty to go and dwell
amongst them in their waste lands and woods (leaving them such
places as they have manured for their corn) as lawfully as Abraham
did among the Sodomites? For God hath given to the sons of men
a twofold right to the earth: there is a natural right and a civil
right."




406             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAPTER XIX.
The Mother Country becomes oppressive. - Stamp Act.- Taxes imposed.
-Soldiers sent over. -Convention. - Certain offensive Acts repealed.Duty on Tea retained. - Pocasset a Parish. - Gov. Hutchinson. -Public Meetings. - Tea destroyed. - Tea Ship ashore at Cape Cod. - Fire in
Sandwich Woods. - Gen. Gage. -Boston Port Bill. - League and Covenant. - General Congress. - Diverse Views among the People. - Movement in Barnstable County.
THE repose of the colonies after the French and Indian war'was, as we have suggested, of short duration.
Troubles assailed them from another quarter. The
mother country was regarded as oppressive.      Measures
of the British government, founded on their claim to
make laws and levy taxes on the people of the colonies without their consent or representation, began, in
1764, to elicit much discussion and to create much
uneasiness. The colonists, we have before said, were
always extremely sensitive in regard to any supposed invasion of their rights: they had now, for various reasons,
become more sensitive in this respect than ever. England had, " in defence of her American possessions," as
was said, incurred a vast debt;" and a plan of revenue by taxing the colonies was therefore brought forward in Parliament, Sept. 29, ^ to obtain indemnification." An excise was imposed on certain goods, and
stamp duties were also proposed.      Until this time the
colonies had been permitted to tax tlhemselves.l
1 The colonies now, as ever, contended " that taxation and representation should go together." This was, in fact, the very hinge on




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              407
The stamp act having been passed by Parliament,
great excitement was, in 1765, beginning every where
to exhibit itself.1 A measure so obnoxious, imposing a
heavy tax on almost every necessary transaction of
business, caused the most determined opposition.2       The
stamp officers in the colonies generally were compelled
by the people to resign, and the stamp act became in
consequence a nullity.3
A congress of deputies from each colony, to meet at
New York in October, having in the emergency been
proposed, "to    consult on    the common     interest," the
first Continental Congress ever held met at the time
appointed.    TIMOTHY RUGGLES, isq., whilom      a resident
and inhabitant of Sandwich, was chosen president of
the assemblage. Their first measure was a declaration
which the revolution, now in embryo, turned. Dr. Franklin, then in
London, had written home, " The sun of liberty is set; the Americans must light the lamps of industry and economy;" and Charles
Thompson, in reply, had said, " Be assured we shall light torches of
quite another sort,"- thus predicting the convulsions to follow.
1 By this act, a single ream of blank policies of insurance worth
~20, was increased in expense to ~190; a ream of bail-bonds before
costing ~15, was made to cost ~100; and all deeds, notes, &c., on unstamped paper were declared henceforth null and void.
2 In Boston the bells were muffled and tolled a funeral peal; the
crown officers were insulted, and various demonstrations of a spirit of
defiance were made.
3 It may be pertinent here to mention that when the same spirit of
resistance to the stamp act was exhibited in New York, a descendant
of Cape Cod was the prominent spirit in the transactions recorded as
occurring there.  Capt. Isaac Sears, who had commanded a privateer,
put himself at the head of the disaffected, with "Hurrah! my boys,
we will have the stamps!" and he was as good as his word - they
were seized and committed to the flames. The governor dared not
resist. Sears was then placed by the people at the head of the committee for general safety.




408             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
of the rights and grievances of the colonists; asserting
the former to be " the rights and liberties of the'natural born subjects of Great Britain- the chief of which
are the exclusive power to tax themselves and the trial
by jury -both of which Parliament by its recent acts
has invaded."1
The stamp act was repealed, Jan. 16, 1766, through
the influence of Mr. Pitt, Lord Camden, and others -
a change having taken place in the cabinet; but the
repeal was preceded by a declaration of Parliament
that they had and "of right ought to have power to
bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever." This declaration gave great offence.
In 1767, the favorite project of the British ministry
being still persisted in, - that of taxing the colonies, -
an act was passed imposing certain duties, viz., on tea,
paper, glass, paints, &c.; a custom house was established; a board of commissioners appointed; and two
regiments of soldiers sent over, to be stationed at Boston,
to sustain the parliamentary act. And yet another most
arbitrary act ensued, - a measure that was not needed
to exasperate the people, for they were already sufficiently  indignant, -a    provision  that all offenders
1 When Mr. Grenville, in Feb., opened the plan of the stamp bill,
a member in its support asked, in debate, "Will these Americans,
planted by our care and nourished by our indulgence, as well as protected by our arms, grudge to contribute their mite to relieve us from
heavy burdens? " - the rejoinder of Col. Barre, worthy of his noble
and honest heart, was, "Planted by your care? - no! your oppressions planted them in America. Nourished by your indulgence? -
they grew by your neglect. Protected by your arms? -they themselves have nobly taken up arms in your defence." Col. Barre had
resided in America and was familiar with its history.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       409
against the laws shall be sent to England for trial!
This was denominated " the mutiny act."  The impression upon the colonies was imbittering. Firm to their
rights, resolves, petitions, remonstrances and addresses
were the first resort; in these the Cape towns not only
participated, but were among the foremost. No people
were more indignant and determined than they.
In 1768, the General Court having refused all compliance with the mutiny act and it having been peremptorily demanded of them that they should rescind,
a spirited debate ensued in which James Otis, Jr., now
become a representative from Boston, said, " Let Great
Britain rescind: if she does not, the colonies are lost to
her forever."  The remark is not claimed as prophecy;
but it zuas determinzed as the inevitable result if Britain
should persist in her present policy.
A convention was appointed to be held, in September, "on important business," in Faneuil Hall, Boston.
In this convention the towns on the Cape were fully
represented.  Gov. Bernard had, in June, first prorogued and then dissolved the General Court for refusing to rescind the resolution that had led to a
circular from the House of Representatives to the legislative assemblies of the other colonies; and application having been made to him to convene the General
Court again, he had declined. Not only so, but a large
body of troops were on hand to enforce at the point of
the bayonet offensive acts. Delegates, therefore, from
ninety-six towns and eight districts assembled. They
petitioned the king. They had barely the opportunity to
do this: for, the very day after their grievances had
been stated and " an address of the sovereign people"
had been issued, almost simultaneously upon their adVOL I.     52




410             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
journment, the town of Boston was garrisoned by 4000
regular British troops. The convention, however, were
together long enough to cause their influence to be felt
and feared by the governor and his satellites.
The feelings of the people of the province, already
sufficiently chafed, became, in 1769, entirely irrepressible. The presence of a mercenary soldiery sent from
England with the design of intimidation, was quite too
odious and provoking to be borne.     Numerous, indeed,
were the causes of irritation from day to day; quarrels
between the soldiers and the people of Boston were of
almost constant occurrence.
The General Court, convened May 30, was, after
altercation with the governor, removed to Cambridge.l
The governor, July 6, made a requisition on the court
for funds "to defray the expenses of the troops in
Boston;" this was promptly and indignantly refused.
Non-importation associations, under the motto, "united we conquer; divided we die," began now to be the
order, of the day in the towns and indeed in all the
colonies; but nowhere did the fires rage with greater
violence than in Massachusetts, for here were the "insolent foreign troops," and here was the focus of the
approaching revolution.2    Bernard left3 the province,
1 Why should they legislate in Boston surrounded by the minions
of power, and at the very mouths of a tyrant's cannon!
2 The agreement of non-intercourse with the mother country had
been entered into first by numerous and highly respectable merchants
of Boston, who had issued circulars to the several towns. The Cape
towns took action at once and adopted stringent resolutions in accordance with the doings of the patriotic in Boston.
3 Gov. BERNARD found no good resulting from the aid of the military. He became daily more obnoxious to the people. His course,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              411
and the administration devolved on Thomas Hutchinson, lieutenant governor.
On the 5th of March, 1770, an       affray having taken
place between a detachment of royal troops under
Capt. Preston, and inhabitants of Boston, in which three
of the latter were killed, and five dangerously wounded,
the excitement became intense.       The sympathies of the
people were every where enlisted with Boston, the inhabitants of Barnstable County not failing to bear a
prominent part.
During the year Lord North was appointed prime
minister of England, and all duties were repealed except that of 3d. per pound on tea; by which the ministry intended to establish their right to raise a revenue
in the colonies.   This the people understood, and resolved to resist —utterly opposed to the principle of
taxation in whatever shape.l
however, was so agreeable to the ministry that he was created a baronet,
Mar. 20, and, Aug. 6, becoming a member of Parliament, he left the
scene of contention. His administration had been felicitous in good
degree at the first, saving some abatements; but existing during a most
interesting and perplexing period of American history, he could not
with fealty to his sovereign conduct in any way that should not occasion great dissatisfaction among the people. As there were opposing
parties -the one determined defenders of the rights of the people,
the other advocates for the crown - it was impossible for him to retain a neutral position. When found desirous of strengthening the
royal authority in America, the friends of liberty uniformly opposed
him. His appointment of MIr. Hutchinson, too, as chief justice, in
derogation of the claims of the elder James Otis of Barnstable, was
highly censured. He seems, in a word, to have had no talent at conciliation, if he had the disposition. He died in England in 1779.
1 Though all other offensive measures be repealed, the duty of 3d.
per pound on tea remaining showed that the principle, the real point
in question, was not conceded; and it was seen that if this tax, though




412             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
The business of the country being greatly obstructed and difficulties thickening, many persons removed from    Harwich, Chatham, and other places, to
Nova Scotia. These persons, generally most worthy
citizens, were not influenced to this step by any overweening partiality for Great Britain, but by economical
and business considerations alone. The fertile, though
rough, lands of that province had their influence; but
the chief intent was the prosecution of the fisheries
under more favorable auspices.'
We have been so engrossed by the general features
of public affairs at this period, that we have probably
passed by some transactions of merely local interest
for several years; but these will appear in the annals
of the towns.   The great questions that absorbed the
public mind were themselves not merely general, but
of local interest.  They were felt to be so here; and
here were master-spirits in directing and aiding the
movements designed to promote the great cause of true
patriotism and American liberty. If we make these
movements prominent in this part of our History, it is
because justice requires it - a necessity is laid upon us.
A petition from the inhabitants of that part of Sandwich called Pocasset (the Indian Pokesit) set forth that
small, were not resisted, Great Britain would establish the right she
claimed, " of binding the colonies in all things whatsoever," as set
forth in her " declaratory act."
1 The numerous families of Cape origin in Nova Scotia, many
members of whom have been greatly distinguished, impose on us the
obligation to guard the reader against the impression that the ancestors of all were tories. Most of these removed thither prior to the
revolution. Some few fled thither subsequently; but the former
should not be confounded with the latter. They have no share in the
odium.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      413
Mr. Tupper1 had " been for some time preaching to the
Indians," and that " the white inhabitants of the neighborhood" had "also attended his ministry, and built a
meeting house for the mutual accommodation" of both
races, "assigning seats in the same to the natives."
They prayed, therefore, that themselves, " embracing
30 families and about 200 souls," might " be constituted
a distinct parish." The application was granted; and it
was determined that the bounds of the precinct shall
be as follows: Northerly by the lands of Wm. Tobey
and Jona. Tobey, inclusively; easterly to the extent of
the petitioners' lands in the woods; southerly by the
Falmouth line; and westerly by Buzzard's Bay."
We have, in our minute attention to political events,
been apparently oblivious to the ecclesiastical changes
which have occurred in the county for some years.
These we have not designed to mention with much particularity in our county history, but to reserve the chief
notice of them for the annals of the towns. We may
here, however, make amends for any seeming delinquency, by stating that Rev. Nathan Stone became pastor of the E. church in Yarmouth, since Dennis, in
1764; Rev. Mr. Green and Rev. Jona. Mills became
supplies for the church in Provincetown, respectively, in
1760 and 1765, the latter being transferred to the S.
precinct in Harwich in 1766; Rev. Mr. Green of Yarmouth died in 1768, and Rev. Timothy Alden was settled as his successor in 1769; and Rev. Mr. Green of
Barnstable died in 1770, being succeeded by Rev. Timothy Hilliard in 1771.
In 1771, THOMAS HUTCHINSON was appointed and re1 Rev. Elisha Tupper.




414              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
ceived his commission as governor.        The resentments
engendered by the proceedings in Parliament were still
in the ascendency.     Hutchinson, in spite of the remonstrances of the members, used his prerogative          of adjourning the General Court from Boston to Cambridge
and then to Salem.     The "c sons of liberty" were active
and determined.     The General Court now         refused to
do business out of Boston, and sent a message to the
governor, saying, "The people have a right to         appeal
to Heaven when despotic rulers abuse their power;"
and protesting that " the grievances of the people are
too great to be much longer borne."'
1 Great Britain believing she had power to enforce her demands so
stoutly resisted by the colonies, drew THE SWORD, unfortunately for
her honor and integrity; the colonies, as she might have foreseen, set
her threats and coercive attempts at defiance, and proclaimed their
rights. Had she refrained from oppressive measures, been content to
rule without usurpation, and moderated her despotic sway, there can
be no doubt the connection would have been prolonged; but it can
hardly be supposed, as we have before remarked, that even then the
colonies would not ere long have claimed the rights of an independent
government.  The time would, in any event, have arrived when
America would claim her rank among the nations as free and independent. It would be too much to expect, perhaps, that this could
ever be effected without violence. A people possessed of the energies
and resources of the American colonies, and whose hearts glowed
with the pure principles of liberty; whose rich and extensive country
opened so vast a theatre for those principles to display themselves,it cannot be supposed would always be content to remain a mere appendage to the crown of England. The English ministry foresaw
this; and to secure permanent sovereignty became with them the
momentous question. The mild and conciliatory measures proposed
by that portion of the empire at the head of which stood the illustrious Earl of Chatham, were repudiated; and the bold, energetic and
insulting projects of that portion at the head of which stood a North
and a Bute prevailed. Great Britain derived a revenue from the
colonies by regular trade; and the profits on her extensive manufac



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             415
We have now      arrived at the commencement of the
year 1772; and this, like the previous year, is not distinguished by any very important events; but still discussion is going on, and a spirit of determination is
evinced on every hand showing that the country has
reached a period of deep and absorbing interest.         It
was felt to be so in the County of Barnstable.     Difficulties between the colonies and the parent country were
thickening; serious troubles were apprehended; and
town meetings were held to take into consideration the
alarming condition of public affairs.1   A plan for ascertaining the strength of each town c on the side of liberty," by regular corresponding committees, was adopted
by the General Court.
In 1773, the state of public affairs began to wear an
increasingly threatening and     alarming aspect.    Associations of " the sons of liberty" continued to be
organized in all directions; for England, it was believed, was imposing upon the colonies burdens no
longer to be endured - endeavoring to deprive the
people of rights not to     be relinquished.    The Cape
tures, and the regular duties drawn from commerce, should have satisfied her. Gov. Bernard, in 1764, had faithfully presented to Great
Britain her true policy in this matter; but without avail.
1 The burning of the Gaspee near Providence greatly enraged the
British ministry. The Gaspee was a revenue vessel, the lieutenant in
command of which had made himself very obnoxious to the people by
his overbearing zeal in the execution of his trust. The lieutenant, in
giving chase to a packet that had refused to lower its colors to his
orders, run his vessel aground; she was boarded in the night by some
fishermen and burned. All efforts to discover the perpetrators were
ineffectual. Although ~500 reward was offered for this purpose, the
people were banded together by the principle of resistance to tyranny,
and no clew to the perpetrators could be obtained.




416              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
towns were now, as always, on hand, asserting the
rights and liberties which they believed were guaranteed by charters and constitutions. Meetings were
called in all of them, to deliberate and to act.1
Just before the destruction of the tea in Boston harbor, the last of the tea-ships, Capt. Loring, was cast
ashore "on    the back     of the   Cape."   Much    of the
cargo was lost; enough, however, was saved to transfer
the war upon teas to this county, and the patriotic
were   determined "to resist the sale and use of the
article, if needs be, in blood up to their knees."
We should have mentioned in connection with the
1 The decree of Parliament in favor of the East India Tea Co. of
London, enabling them to export their teas to America subject to what
the colonies believed to be an unconstitutional tax or tribute, was
peculiarly offensive, and the determination was very general to resist
it. The consignees were regarded as having by their acceptance forfeited all right to protection -objects of indignation and resentment.
The course pursued by Great Britain was pronounced " an affront to
the common sense of mankind and to THE MAJESTY OF THE PEOPLE
who are, under GOD, the source from which is of right derived all
power and majesty." It was alleged, " Parliament has for years
passed acts in derogation of English liberty. Undertaking to regulate
the internal policy of the colonies without conceding the right of the
colonies to be represented, it has imposed heavy duties on articles of
consumption imported into the colonies, and has levied taxes that are
oppressive and not to be endured."  The people of New York and
Philadelphia sent back to England the tea-ships that had arrived in
those cities; but the people of Boston were under a species of duress,
and failed in the attempt to carry the same measure. Determined,
notwithstanding, to defeat the act, at whatever hazard, about 20 persons in disguise went on board the craft freighted with teas and broke
open and threw into the dock 342 chests of the "abhorred article"
now termed "the fetters and chains of liberty."  This cool and deliberate act of defiance to government tended, as it was foreseen it would,
to a crisis that was not to be hazarded without a firm resolve never
to retreat from the ground taken. The sensation produced by the
event in England was immense.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            417
events of the preceding year that a devastating fire
occurred in June, in the woods of Sandwich, spreading
on every side and destroying a large amount of property.  A  report of Mr. Isaac Lothrop, Thos. Gilbert,
Esq., and Mr. Benj. Freeman, the committee appointed
by the General Court to go to Sandwich, view          the
premises and present to the legislature the true state
of the sufferers, was this year made and acted on. -
The Eel River bridge needing to be rebuilt, was again
the subject of remonstrance and contention. The several towns in the county, by their agent, Edward
Bacon, Esq., petitioned for exemption from     obligation
to build the bridge, but their request was denied.
In 1774, Hutchinson being removed from        office in
consequence of unpopularity incident upon the exposure of letters that had been written by him to leading men in Great Britain in 1767 and 1768, which
letters, it was believed, had tended greatly to increase
the prejudice of Parliament against the colonies, Gen.
THOMAs GAGE, commander-in-chief of his majesty's forces
in America, was appointed, by GEORGE III., to succeed
him.1  He arrived in Boston, May 13, and Hutchinson
sailed for England the next month.
1 Gov. HUTCHINSON was descended from the famous Ann Hutchinson whose peculiar views and influence excited so much opposition
among the religious world in New England. For 10 years he was a
representative, and 3 years was speaker of the iHouse. In 1752 he
was a judge of probate; a member of the Council from 1749 to
1766; chief justice in 1760; and lieut. gov. from 1758 to 1771; thus
holding at one time the offices of councillor, judge of probate, chief
justice, and lieut. gov. Andrew Oliver, the distributor of stamps, was
his brother-in-law, and thus Mr. H. became identified with that obnoxious procedure, and his house was sacked by the infuriated mob.
Unhappily his whole admn. as gov. was involved in constant disVOL..       53




418             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In order to punish the people of Boston, and conpel them to restore the value of the teas they had
destroyed, Parliament had in March passed a bill interdicting all commercial intercourse with that port,
and prohibiting the landing or shipping of any goods
there.'  Provision was also made for transporting to
Great Britain for trial, all offenders, the charge to be
paid out of the customs. GAGE being regarded by the
people as a fit instrument for executing the designs of
a tyrannical ministry and Parliament, and being armed
with authority to seize any and all persons who might
be accused of high treason, or of what might be regarded by enemies as constructively high treason, consternation  prevailed   on  every   hand; especially    as
shortly after the arrival of Gage two additional regiments with artillery and military stores followedthus, as was naturally supposed, indicating the inexorable resolve of the British government to reduce the
colonies to submission by force and arms.       The efect
of the Boston port bill was, of course, to deprive at
once a large portion of the inhabitants of the means of
subsistence.  The only way in which their sufferings
could be relieved, was by contributions from         other
putes with the Assembly and Council. The exposure of his letters
confidentially written to England operated much to his injury: The
tea affair served still further to involve him in trouble. Hie died in
England, June 3,1780, m. 69. Gov. Hutchinson is now acknowledged
to have been a man of excellent character, of unwearied industry,
and highly respectable talents. Whatever political views he entertained he was candid and manly in avowing.
1 Boston was looked upon in England as the chief seat of rebellion,
and was therefore selected to the honorable position of an object of
especial vengeance. The public offices were ordered to be removed
to Salem; and every movement seemed to betoken preparation for
some grand event.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               419
towns.    These were promptly made; nor did the CAPE
towns fail to extend their patriotic aid.l The vindictive measures of Parliament served, in fact, to unite
more firmly the people every where          in resistance  to
Great Britain.2    The remark     of Col. Barre in Parlia'
ment, when these odious and insulting measures were
being adopted, "You       are offering the last of human
outrages to the American people: they are too much
like yourselves to be drive," was now being strikingly
verified.   The people began to feel that a reconciliaThe donations to Boston during the siege were, in part at least,
Barnstable, ~12 10 8; Wellfleet, ~7 10 8; Eastham, ~10 and 50
bush. of corn; Falmouth, ~30 18 and 514 cords of wood, at one
time -304 cords of wood at another time, and ~5 15 8; Truro,
~11 16; Sandwich, ~19; Mashpee, 18s.; Yarmouth, S. parish,
~7 4 8, West, ~5 6 8; and Eastham, N. parish, ~7 16.
2 Capt. ISAAC SEARS, afterwards known as " Col. Sears," descended from the Yarmouth family, again stood forth in New York
as the champion for liberty, (as he had done on the occasion of resistance to the stamp act,) now in support of Boston. The tories
had made so formidable opposition that in the appointing of a committee of 50 in reference to the Boston port bill, the corm. was found
to be equally balanced, the number of tories on the com. being equal
to the whigs. It became important, therefore, to add two more to the
corn. to secure a majority on the side of liberty. So nicely balanced
in some places were the opposing parties and so critical had become
the fate of America. Again, when Gage, after the patriots of Boston had fled to the country with such effects as they could command
and conveniently remove, had sent to New York to secure in a private
manner all such articles as might be used in camp and had succeeded
to some extent, this same Capt. Sears who had before triumphed over
the tories and obtained a representation to Congress, discovered the
designs of Gage and gave the alarm preventing further sales, - urging that America would need all such articles for her own service.
Much, at this time, was depending on the vigilant patriotism of a few
active leaders. The destinies of the country were suspended oftentimes
as it were by a thread, which thread if broken might prostrate the
cause of liberty without recovery and drench the land in blood.




420             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
tion was neither to be expected nor hoped for, but that
they must be ready to defend their rights by anl appeal
to force.
Measures were now taken every where to prepare
for the contest.  A committee of correspondence, consisting of distinguished men in the province, set forth
an agreement, called c A SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT,"
copies of which were sent in all directions and were
numerously signed.    The subscribers to this league determined to suspend all intercourse with Great Britain,
until their rights should be restored.
By the General Court of Massachusetts it was resolved
that a Congress of the colonies was necessary.'    They
also enrolled a body of men to be prepared for any
emergency, " to march at a minute's notice," who were
therefore called " minute men."    Five general officers
were appointed to     command them.      Committees of
safety were appointed generally by the towns to act in
conjunction with the central committee; and measures
were taken to collect military stores to be deposited at
Concord and Worcester.
The plan for assembling a Continental Congress was
proposed, and speedily adopted by all the colonies
Georgia alone excepted.2    This Congress published a
declaration of rights; agreed to suspend commercial
intercourse with Great Britain; and drew up addresses
to the king, to the people of Great Britain, and to the
1 The troubles that perplexed the early settlements of the colonies
had led the people of each to feel their mutual dependence, and to
cultivate that intercourse and union so necessary for mutual defence.
Troubles now again bring them into sympathetic contact. Thus is
being laid the foundation of a national government, to stand forth the
perfection of successive ages, the admiration of the world.
2 This body at first consisted of 55 members, embracing generally
men of eminent character and distinguished abilities.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             421
colonies.1  This Congress also in view    of any possible
attempt to carry into execution the late acts of Parliament resolved that" every person who shall accept or
act under any commission or authority derived from
the act of Parliament, changing the form of government and violating the charter, ought to be held in
detestation."  What a grand moral spectacle is here
presented!    How unequal the approaching and inevitable contest!   On the    one hand, we see the first
maritime power in the world; possessed of immense
wealth, of vast resources, well-disciplined armies, and
experienced and able military and naval commanders.
On the other hand, are infant colonies possessing none
of these advantages; with no general government to
control the conflicting interests of the several parts;
entirely destitute of experienced     officers, disciplined
troops, arms and munitions of war, armed ships, and
even of revenue.     It is not strange that their resolution, if needs be to engage, nevertheless, in the unequal conflict, was regarded in England generally with
contempt and derision;3 nor that some among them1 These able state papers were highly commended by Lord Chatham in the British Parliament.
2 Their want of these essentials, but especially of money, embarrassed all their operations during the whole continuance of the war.
3 The Br. ministry confidently believed, that their opponents could,
and would, be easily and speedily crushed. In "A friendly Address
to All Reasonable Americans, on the subject of our political confusions, in which the necessary consequences of violently opposing the
king's troops and of a general non-importation are fairly stated,"
(such is the title,) published anonymously in 1774; (which work
Gen. Lee deemed worthy of a counter-pamphlet of " Strictures," regarding the former pamphlet as "designed to dissolve the spirit of
union, and check the noble ardor prevailing through the continent;")
the writer says, " All who have the courage now to declare themselves
friends to the govt., will undoubtedly think themselves bound in honor,




422              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
selves, unhappily, shrunk back as if from        a precipice
beyond which there was no redemption.           Perhaps the
thing most strange      now   appears, that any of their
brethren and fellow-citizens should have evinced, under
interest, and conscience, to resort to the king's standard; and many
thousands of others, and indeed the greater part of those who shall
not have rendered their cases desperate, - when they see the danger
thus nearly approaching, and the storm ready to burst, - will be glad
to fly for shelter to the royal standard, and be zealous to signalize
themselves in the king's service, in order to render unquestionable that
loyalty which was formerly suspicious. It is morally certain that, in
the day of trial, a large majority of the Americans will heartily unite
with the king's troops in reducing America to order. Our violent
republicans will then find themselves deserted by thousands and thousands in whom they now confide; and inexpressibly DREADFUL must be
their disappointment! 0 tlat they were wise, that they understood
this, that they would consider their LATTER ElND! I shall say no
more on the supposed case of our waging WAVA AGAYINST THE KING,
and entering into a STATE OF REBELLION; the thoughts of which all
sober men, and all conscientious men, and all who prefer the good of
their country to the gratification of their own obstinate humors, must
reject with horror. l ut another scheme is proposed: a general nonimportation acgreenment in order to get rid of a duty of three pence a
pound on tea!   The remedy is ten thousand times worse than the
disease. It is like cutting off the arm to get rid of a small sore on
one of the fingers. In the Province of Mass. Bay, there is a large
number of populous seaport towns which have no other support than
their fishery; many of them, with families, that know of no other
means of subsistence than the cod fishery. Now, when all these fishermen are turned ashore, and their vessels become useless,... &c.
&c. Should Congress support the madmen of New E nland, in tlleir
scheme of an Independent Republic, I affirm that the original contract
between them and the most respectable part of their constituents will be
dissolved; that we shall be at full liberty to consult our own safety
in the manner we shall think most conducive to that end; and that
we shall owe them no greater respect and obedience than they themselves pay to the British Parliament. The foregoing considerations are
addressed - not to those obstinate, hot-headed zealots who are at the
bottom of all our confusions; for arguments would be as much wasted




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              423
all the circumstances of constant aggressio           n on the
part of England and in full view of the sacrifices which
the patriotic were willing to     encounter for liberty, a
friendship still towards British rule and a hostility towards the noble-hearted and self-sacrificing       defenders
of their country's rights!
We are not disposed, however, to be unjustly censorious; and cordially adopt the remark once made
to us by a patriot of the revolution who was active
in directing the affairs of these troublous times in this
county-    that "much is to be pardoned to the religious
scruples of some who were truly good men            and regarded disloyalty to the king as an         offence against
Heaven; and somewhat, to the diversity of sentiment
which is inseparable from human nature." 
upon them as upon men that are intoxicated with liquor - but to all
reasonable Americans - to those who are still in the exercise of their
understandings.... O my infatuated countrymen! my deluded fellow-subjects and fellow-Christians! open your eyes, I entreat you;
awake from your dreams, and regard your safety! "
1 If some in America were inimical to the cause of liberty, and
sympathized with a corrupt and despotic ministry, still it is grateful
to record the fact that even in Britain were some of opposite views
to them, and who stood boldly forth in defence of American rights.
Lord CAMDEN is represented as exclaiming in the House of Lords,
"This I will say, not only as a statesman, politician, and philosopher,
but as a common lawyer, -my lords, you have no right to tax America. I have searched the matter. I repeat it: you have no right
to tax America. The natural rights of man and the immutable laws
of nature are with that people. Kings, Lords, and Commons may become tyrants as well as others: it is as lawful to resist the tyranny of
many as of one. Were I an American, I would resist to the last drop
of my blood." When Mr. Selden was asked, " In what law book do
you find a law for resisting tyranny? " he replied, " It has always been
the custom of England; and, my lords, the custom of England is the
law of the land."
Lord CHATHAM'S eloquent defence of America is familiar to




424              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Whilst such was the posture of affairs, a plan which
had been previously concerted with much care after
consultation among the leading men of the day, and
which was as important as it was bold and daring, was
put in execution in this county.     As it forms a material
item in our revolutionary struggle, and has not been
incorporated in the histories heretofore written of those
times, we shall make it the subject of a distinct chapter
and be somewhat minute in detail, relying implicitly
on authentic documents.'        That the reasons for this
every one. No greater orator, no abler statesman than he did England ever have. In the younger PITT and others were also found
the fast friends of America.
1 We may here, however, first present in substance, and chiefly in
his own words, the relation of the transaction, as furnished by 1Hon.
ABRnIAHAI HIOLAES of Rochester, whose high character and prominence
as a public man and able counsellor is well known. Mr. Holmes
penned his account of the proceedings, towards the close of his honorable life, in 1834, when he had become an aged man, and was almost
the only survivor of those who took part in the transactions recorded.
Mr. Holmes well remarks that " great and important events should
be kept in memory, and transmitted to children's children to the latest
posterity. It is true," he says,'" posterity cannot feel the same sensations in contemplating the events of the revolution as those who lived
in the day of them and participated in the efforts, the toils, and the
dangers of the enterprise: yet by the recital of these they may form
some idea of the exertions, the toils, the dangers, and successes of
their progenitors in obtaining the high and dignified position which we
occupy among the nations."  He continues, " I was led to these reflections by a review particularly of an event that occurred in the September of 1774; - an event probably now forgotten or perhaps never
known to but very few of those whose lives have been lengthened out
to the present time. It was the first overt act, done in the face of day;
without disguise, in the controversy with Great Britain that according
to British jurisprudence would be called TREASON."
Wee must interrupt for one moment this narrative by Mr. Holmes,
to say that we do not assert that this was the "first" instance of the
kind.  On the contrary, although Mr. H. asserts it, without doubt




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               425
movement were weighty and the determinative position of the people was, in view of the patriotic sentiment, well taken, is corroborated by the action, the
following month, of the Congress assembled at Philafrom the impression strong upon his mind, it would seem that proceedings somewhat similar were had at least in Great Barrington and
Springfield just previous. The time intervening between those occurrences and that at Barnstable, was, however, so short, that, with the
facilities then at command for the diffusion of intelligence, it is altogether improbable that the news of either demonstration could have
reached the Cape prior to its proceedings, much less previous to the
arrangements for this campaign; and the presumption unavoidably is,
that, as Mr. H. suggests, the " plan previously concerted with much
care," was but the carrying out of measures which had been well understood "amnong leading men of the day," and which were to be
general wherever they could be effected. Indeed, we might prove
conclusively that the action of the people in this county was the result
of active correspondence by which a plan whose ramifications were
extensive had been devised to take effect as soon as it should be
known the regulating act of Parliament had received the royal
approval, - since suffering the courts to sit would have seemed a
recognition of that act. Mr. H. continues: -
"The British Parliament, in its mad career, had assumed a right to
mutilate the charter of Massachusetts, which was a solemn contract
between the KING on the one part, and the PROVINcI  on the other.
Parliament was not a party to it; nor was it made under any authority from them, or with any reference to them; and with it they had
no more right to interfere than had the Bonzes of Japan: but this
authority Parliament assumed, and by an Act had taken from the
House of Representatives the right to choose the Council —a right
granted the province by its charter; and had authorized the king to
appoint the Council by mandamus, and directed the sheriffs of the several counties to appoint the jurors instead of their being drawn as was
provided by law, from the jury box, by the selectmen.
" This gave universal alarm, and involved the great body of the
people in the most perplexing agitation. They were not insensible of
the dangers attending opposition, and yet could not for a moment endure the idea of submitting to so notorious a violation of their rights.
After viewing the matter in all its aspects, they agreed that nothing
VOL. I.       54




426              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
delphia —   setting  forth  that as our ancestors at the
time of their emigration to America were possessed of
all rights, liberties, and immunities of freeborn Englishmen, and never lost those rights, so their descendthat might follow could be so bad as tame submission; and determined,
therefore, to apply a remedy. And as the Court of Common Pleas
was to be holden in Barnstable on the first Tuesday in September, it
was resolved to begin first with that court, and prevent its sitting for
the transaction of any business whatever.
"Accordingly a considerable body of men from Middleboro', more
from Rochester, and many from Wareham, repaired to Sandwich on
the Monday preceding the time for the opening of the court, and were
there joined by a large part of the population of that town. The later
part of the day, and the evening, were spent in organizing the body
and establishing rules and regulations. Dr. NAThIANIEL FLREEMIAN
of Sandwich was unanimously chosen the conductor-in-chief of the
enterprise, and officers of lower grade were appointed. FREEMAN,
afterwards a brigadier general, was a fine figure of a man, between
thirty and forty years of age. He had a well-made face, a florid
countenance, a bright and dignified eye, a clear and majestic voice;
and wore a handsome black lapelled coat, a tied wig as white as snow,
a set-up hat with the point a little to the right; in short, had the very
appearance,offortitzude personified.
On Tuesday morning, the body marched to Barnstable, and were
there joined by a considerable portion of the population of that town;
making in the whole, as was estimated, about 1500. They took possession of the grounds in front of the court house, in a condensed solid
body; and the conductor took his stand on the steps of the court
house door.
" Commissioners were then appointed to ferret out the disaffected
among the people, and bring them to a renouncement, in writing, of
their toryism.; and it was ordered that if any should refuse they be
brought before the body of the people assembled. The result was, all
signed' recantations,' though some did it very reluctantly. These recantations were afterwards pretty well imitated by Trumbull in his
MIcFingal: -
I now renounce the Pope, the Turk,
The King, the Devil, and all his work;
And, if you will set me at ease,
Turn Whig or Christian -what you please.'




ANNALS OF BAIRNSTABLE COUNTY.              427
ants, the people of these colonies, are by the immutable laws of nature, the principles of the English
constitution, and the several colonial charters or compacts, entitled to the same -including the common
"At length the court made its appearance led on by the high
sheriff with a broad cockade on his hat, a long white staff in his left
hand and a drawn sword in his right; and the court, (OTIs, WINSLOW, and BACON,) as the body did not give way, halted about an
arm's length from the compact assemblage.
"Col. OTIS, the chief justice, a very venerable-looking old gentleman, then addressing the people, inquired' Gentlemen, what is the
purpose for which this vast assemblage is collected here?' and was
answered by Dr. Freeman, standing on the steps of the court house,
in a loud and clear voice, (for he was at some distance from where the
court stood,) -' May it please your honor, oppressed by a view of
the dangers with which we are surrounded, and terrified by the horribly black cloud which is suspended over our heads and ready to
burst upon us, - our safety, all that is dear to us, and the welfare
of unborn millions, have directed this movement to prevent the court
from being opened or doing any business. We have taken all the consequences into consideration; we have weighed them well, and have
formed this RESOLUTION which we shall not rescind.' The chief justice, then, calmly but firmly replied, I This is a legal and a constitutional court: it has suffered no mutations; the juries have been drawn
fiom the boxes as the law directs; and why would you interrupt its
proceedings? - why do you make a leap before you get to the hedge?'
Dr. Freeman responded,' All this has been considered. We do not
appear here out of any disrespect to this honorable court; nor do we
apprehend that if you proceed to business, you will do any thing that
we could censure. But, sir, from all the decisions of this court, of
more than forty shillings amount, an appeal lies; an appeal to what?
-to a court holding office during the king's pleasure; a court over
which we have no control or influence; a court paid out of the revenue that is extorted from us by the illegal and unconstitutional edict
of foreign despotism; and there the jury will be appointed by the
sheriff  For this reason, we have adopted this method of stopping the
avenue through which business may otherwise pass to that tribunal,
- well knowing that if they have no business, they can do us no
harm.' The chief justice then said,'As is my duty, I now, in his




428              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
law of England and the right of trial by jury, and that
by peers of the vicinage.     The movement was, moreover, but carrying out the deliberate sense of right and
majesty's name, order you immediately to disperse and give the court
the opportunity to perform the business of the county.' Dr. Freeman
replied,' We thank your honor for having done YOUR duty; WE
SHALL CONTINUE TO PERFORM OURS.' The court then turned and
repaired to the house where they had put up.
"A committee was then chosen, of which Dr. Freeman was the
chairman, to wait on the chief justice, in the name of the assemblage,
and request him to attend at Boston at the time appointed by the
governor for the meeting of a new General Court; and then and
there to demand his seat at the Council Board, the chief justice being
one of those chosen that year agreeably with the provision of the
charter. The chief justice answered, in writing; he thanked them for
putting him in mind of his duty; said he had considered the subject,
and had concluded to attend and demand his seat, although he did not
expect the demand would be successful. The governor, as is known,
issued, for some reason, before the time of meeting, another proclamation forbidding the members of the General Court to meet. I thought
then, and I still continue of the same mind, that I never had seen, nor
have I since seen, any man whatever that felt quite so cleverly and
happy as did Dr. Freeman during the whole of this business; and I
think no man was ever better qualified to preside on such an occasion.
Dr. Freeman, after the conclusion of the business thus far, resigned
his post; and, at his recommendation, Major Otis, the clerk of the
court, and son of the chief justice, was appointed his successor. The
rest of the day was occupied in receiving the recantations of the disaffected, and in raising a liberty pole. The next day the assemblage
from the towns above, returned to Sandwich, where they found that
the disaffected had committed some outrages. The liberty pole in
Sandwich had been cut down, and other offensive acts perpetrated;
which things caused some little trouble. The perpetrators were soon
arrested and brought coranm nobis; who, after receiving a severe reprimand and paying the just value of the liberty pole, signing recantations, &c., were liberated. This was the FIRST ACT OF THE KIND;
and, I believe, there was never a Court of Common Pleas held under
the king's authority after this time, in the Province; except in the
town of Boston, where Gov. Gage, with his troops, had it in his power
to control."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               429
inflexible  determination    expressed    by protests, petitions and resolves by the people on the Cape in public
assemblages in previous months.
We have already entered our caveat against the supposition that it
is our intention to assert that the above was the'"first act of the
kind;" though our conviction is strong not only that Mr. II. believed
it was, but that at the time when the proceedings were had, the actors
themselves supposed it the first.
"The retrospection of these olden times," continues Mr. Iolmes,
the distinguished and venerable man who furnished the preceding account, " resuscitates all the feelings, sensations, and animations of
1774; such as none can. feel, in the same degree, who did not live at
the time, and participate in the fears and hopes, toils and danlgers of
those times. The contemplation of those events gives me a satisfaction unknown to the miser in counting his hoards; the agriculturist,
when his corn and oil and wine increaseth; or the merchant, when his
ships return laden with the riches of the East. Population, like the
human' body, is in a constant state of mutation. We never see the
people twice in all respects the same. There may be some who took
part in this adventure that still live, besides myself; but I know of
none. There certainly is not one in the town of Rochester; and it is
probable that a large majority of the population of the County of
Barnstable never so much as heard of the transaction.  Strange as it
may appear, I am acquainted with gentlemen who can talk very intelligently of the history of England, and even of Greece and Rome,
who know nothing, or little at best, of the history of our own country."
After this graphic and interesting account by the venerable and accomplished jurist who was himself an actor in the scenes which he
portrays, given by recollection sixty years after the occurrence, we
will turn to the authentic record of the proceedings, committed to the
custody of the writer long years since by the " conductor-in-chief" of
the occasion with the earnest injunction to permit no names of the
disaffected to be published at any time "lest peradventure the fathers
having eaten sour grapes the children's teeth should be set on edge.'
We will faithfully adhere to this injunction.




430              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAPTER XX.
Proceedings of the Body of the People.- Gathering at Sandwich. - Resolves. - General Agreement. - Leader chosen.- March to Barnstable.
- Respect shown to Col. Otis. - Assemble at the Court House. - Previous Proceedings reaffirmed by an increased Assemblage. - The Court
not permitted to proceed to Business. - Liberty Pole. - Confessions and
Recantations. - Demands made of the Court. - Committees of Vigilance.
- Address to Hon. James Otis. - His Reply. - Resolutions adopted.Resignatibn of Crown Officers. -Address to the Court, and Reply. - Subsequent Proceedings. -Tories are enraged, insolent, and revengeful.Desperate Effort at Vindictiveness. - The Assassins secured. - Whigs
indignant fly to avenge the Act. - Conciliatory Address. - Deference to
the Laws. - Three thousand People accompany their late Leader to Barnstable. - The Assassins humbled, implore Forgiveness, and submit to the
Will of the People.
" A  TRUE record of the proceedings of a great number of the inhabitants of the counties of Barnstable,
Plymouth, and Bristol, met and convened in the County
of Barnstable at the term for holding the County Courts
in September:
" First, the agreement of the people from the Counties of Plymouth and Bristol previous to arriving in
Sandwich, viz.:'" Whereas the vicinity from   the Counties of Bristol and
Plymouth having met at Roclester, Sept. 26, 1774, thinking
it necessary in support of the CoMMrroN CAUSE to make an excursion into the County of Barnstable to propose some matters
of importalice to the honorable Justices of the Inferior Court
of Commona Pleas and Court of General Sessions of the Peace
in that county:
"' And whereas a strict adherence to virtue and religion is
not only well pleasing in the sight of Almighty God and highly
comnmendable before men, but hatl a natural tendency to good
order and to lead mankind in the paths of light and truth:




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            431
" Therefore,-Resolved, That we will during the said excursion avoid all kinds of intemperance by strong liquor, and no
otherwise frequent the taverns than for necessary entertainment and refreshment; that we will not swear profanely or
abuse our superiors, equals, or inferiors by any ill or opprobrious language; that we will not invade the property of any
or take of their goods or estate without their leave and consent; that we will offer violence to no persons or use any
threatening words otherwise than such as shall be approved of
and accounted necessary by our community for the accomplishing the errand we go upon; and that we will carefully
observe an orderly, circumspect and civil behavior as well
towards strangers and all others, as towards those of our own
fellowship.
"Resolved, That Messrs. Aaron Barlow, Nathaniel Briggs,
James Foster, Joseph HIaskell 3d, John Doty, Judah Sears
Jr., Stephen Wing, and John Pitcher be a committee to hear
and determine all offences against morality, decency and good
manners that shall be complained of during the time of our
present enterprise, with power to call before them, examine,
acquit, or punish according to the nature and circumstances
of the offence.
" Resolved, That we will, during the time of our said enterprise, aid, protect and support our said committee in the full
and free discharge of their duty and office, and use our most
careful endeavors for the punishment of all offenders.
" Resolved, That no person shall unnecessarily absent himself from this community and fellowship, but shall duly attend at all public resorts, consultations, and debates; and
any person presuming to absent himself at any such time or
place without leave first had and obtained from some one of
the standing committee shall be considered as an offender and
be proceeded with accordingly.'' And, forasmuch as these our public transactions are of a
public nature and, as we apprehend, laudable; alnd as we
have no private interest to serve, or any thing in view but the
good of our COUNTRY and its comzmon cause;
" Therefore, Voted, That-these resolves be read once every
day at some convenient time and place during our transitory
state and temporary fellowship- that so our righteousness
may plead our cause and bear a public testimony that we are
3 Such especial care was had to guard against any irregularities
that otherwise might be incident to so general and promiscuous a
gathering.




432            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
neither friends to mobs or riots, or any other wickedness or
abomination.
" And lastly, we Resolve, That we will yield all due respect
and obedience to those persons whom we shall choose and appoint for our officers and leaders during the time of this our
intended journey to the County of Barnstable.'
" Sandwich, September 26, 1774, in the evening, at
the close of the day, the people already arrived from
the Counties of Plymouth and Bristol, in this town,
and their committee waited on the committee of correspondence for further consultation: after choosing Mr.
Stephen Nye moderator, it was motioned and
" Voted, That a committee of the Body be chosen to take
the aforesaid resolutions into consideration, as also the regulations necessary for the whole Body expected to be convened
at Sandwich on the morning of the morrow, consisting of
Warehlla  and Sandwich people.
" Accordingly, Messrs. Nathaniel Freeman, Joseph Haskell
3d, Stephen Nye, Aaron Barlow, John Pitcher, Noah Fearing,
and Samuel Briggs were chosen for that purpose; who after
consultation reported the following, viz.:
"Addition, to the General Agreement of the People of
Sandwich: Sandwich, Sept. 26, 1774, the people from abroad
being now arrived in Sandwich in the county of Barnstable, and being joined by a number of inhabitants of this
county, —jointly taking into serious consideration the aforesaid resolves, and the important purposes of our present meeting, - do vote that we adopt the foregoing resolves and regulations in every respect, and that we will strictly observe and be
goveriled by them accordingly, with the following addition, viz.:
"1. That being joined by the people from Wareham, we
do further appoint from  among them MIessrs. Noah Fearing,
John Gibbs, and Nathan Briggs; and from among the people
of Sandwich, Messrs. Nathaniel Freeman, Simeon Wing, Stephen Nye, Zaccheus Burge, Seth Freeman, Eliakim Tobey,
Joseph Nye 3d, and Micah Blackwell to be a committee in
addition to those eight chosen at Rochester above mentioned,
1 We are not to suppose that this whole plan had not been previously
arranged by the master-spirits of the enterprise resident in this county.
It were easy to show how and where and by whom the whole "was
previously concocted with care and consultation."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         433
to have joint and equal power and authority with them for
the purposes mentioned in said resolves, and like them to be
supported, aided, assisted and protected in the discharge of
their duty and office.
" 2. That the, Body of the. People march from hence to
Barlnstable in double file, at the beat of the drum, to-morrow
morning at 6 o'clock; that two of the committee, to wit,
Messrs. Nathaniel Freeman and Stephe NNye, ride in front, the
said Freeman to be Leader, Speaker, and Moderator till we
arrive at or near the court house in Barnstable and have
joined the body there to be convened; the said Stephen Nye,
together with Messrs. Noah Fearing and Joseph Haskell 3d,
who are to bring up the rear of the Horse, to be Adjutants to
see that the ranks be properly adjusted and to place those who
fall in by the way in the rear; that the rest of the committee
march at proper intermediate distances to see that a proper
regulation be observed; and tllat the Horse march first, and
the Foot bring up the rear.
" 3. That all further regulations be referred to the whole
Body of the People when assembled at or near the Court
House door in Barnstable.
" This report being made to the general committee,
&c., it was unanimously adopted and agreed to be laid
before the people the next morning for their acceptance, and for them   to appoint, if they see fit, the
committees, &c. whose names are inserted in the
report. The meeting of the committee was then dissolved.
C Sandwich, Tuesday morning, September 27, 1774,
the people being met and embodied together, they
unanimously agreed to adopt the report of the committee and be governed by those resolutions, and then
nominated and'appointed their leader and committee
as recommended in the report. - Having settled these
matters, they accordingly marched to Barnstable.
" On the march, a halt was made at the widow Chipman's in Great Marshes; and, the Foot coming up, it
was thought necessary that there should be two particular leaders for the Foot, to be in subordination to the
VOL. I.      55




434          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
principal: accordingly Mr. Salathiel Bumpas was chosen
first and Mr. Malachi Ellis second leader.
"It was then moved and voted, that as the Hon.
Col. Otis is, and ever has been esteemed both by this
body and by the province in general, a worthy friend
and supporter of the rights of the people, we will,
therefore, show him our respect and obeisance accordingly. The people then again proceeded on their
march, and, passing the house of Col. Otis, that honorable gentleman standing in front of his house, the
whole people raised their hats and greeted him as
they passed.
"At about 10 o'clock, all arrived at the court house;
and there being joined by a large number of inhabitants from various parts of the county assembled before the court-house door, the foregoing regulations
were read, and the assembled Body chose NATHANIEL
FREEMAN, moderator.' It was then put to vote, whether the Body assembled do adopt the foregoing regulations with the
addition of an enlarged committee, and this was unanimously passed in the affirmative; on which Messrs.
Joseph Otis, George Lewis, James Davis, John Crocker
Jr., Nathan Foster, Thomas Sturgis, Solomon Otis, John
Grannis, Elisha Swift, Ebenezer Nye, David Taylor, John
Chapman, Joshua Gray, Thomas Paine, Nathaniel Downs,
and Doctor Davis were chosen to join the committee
in power and authority, and to be protected and supported in the same manner.
" It was then voted, that Nathaniel Freeman be principal leader, moderator, and speaker, throughout the
expedition.
"It was also voted, that the committee repair to a
convenient place by themselves, and report the order
of procedure.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.     435
" Tie committee being together, agreed to prefer an
address to the justices of the court, desiring them not
to sit, under our present circumstances; and to satisfy
the people that they would not accept of a commission
under the new establishment, &c. A sub-committee
was, therefore, chosen to draught said address, consisting
of Messrs. Nathaniel Freeman, Stephen Nye, Thomas
Paine, Joseph Haskell 3d., and John Chapman.
" In the mean time it was reported that the court
were about to sit; upon which Messrs. Stephen Nye,
John Grannis, and John Doty were appointed a committee to wait on the justices and inform them that
the Body of the People were about to present an address to them, and therefore desired that they would
not proceed to open the court until said address was
presented. The committee reported that they had
waited on the honorable court with the message, and
that the chief justice had told them that the justices
were about dining, and therefore would not open the
court at present. -The committee then resumed considering and draughting the address; but before it was
completed, it was reported that the bell was being rung
for the court, and that the judges and justices were
coming up - on which the chairman at once repaired
to the Body and ordered them to draw up before the
court-house door; and then entering the court house
took out the deputy sheriff who was ringing the bell.
Very soon the justices appeared, when the chairmlan
told them it was the desire of the Body of the People
that they should withdraw until the address was ready;
and at the same time desired the people to maintaill
their ground. The whole Body were then appointed to
keep the door whilst the aforesaid committee should
finish their business. - The sub-committee having completed their duty, laid the draught of an address before




436             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD
the general committee who approved of the same and
reported it to the Body who unanimously
" Voted, That said address be immediately presented;
and Messrs. Nathaniel Freeman, Stephen Nye, Daniel Crocker, Noah Fearing, and John Pitcher were appointed the committee of presentation, who attended
to that service and reported that they had performed
the duty and that the court had promised to take the
address into consideration.
The address was as follows: -
" To the Hon. Justices of his Majesty's Inferior Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace for the County
of Barnstable:
" May it please your Honors: The inhabitants of this province being greatly alarmlnd at the late unconstitutional acts of
the British Parliameat, considering them calculated to establish tyranny and oppression instead of the once happy constitutionl of this province; in consequence of which many
respectable counties' in the same have prevented the sitting of
the Inferior Courts as well as tile Superior -we judge, not
fromn any apprehension that they were not constitutional, but
from the supposition that there might be appeals from them to
the Superior Court, the Chief Justice of which receiving his
support from  the crown independent of the grants of the
people cannot fail to have al unhappy bias in favor of said
unconstitutional act; and other of the superior judges having
sworn to carry the said acts into execution; and judging that
by proceeding upon appeals from a court friendly to the constitution and zealouis for our country's cause, to the said
Superior Court, we might in this way, if in no other, open a
1 This may seem to conflict with the before expressed opinion that
the action of the people in other counties had not here transpired;
but we think we have good reasons for adhering to that opinion. The
reader will, of course, judge for himself; but the expression, "1matny
respectable counties," we opine, shows that the address was predicated
upon the fact well known that the extended programme embraced such
general action, and the firm belief that the coalition were every where
faithful to the compact. We do not, however, consider the question
as a matter of much importance. One thing, at least, is very evident,
-that so intelligent a gentleman as Mr. Holmes, an actor in the
scene, supposed that the movement here was the first of the kind.




ANNALS OF BPANSTABLE COUNTY.              437
door for the said justice and his assistants to execute their
commission on the plan of the said oppressive acts;
" Wherefore, a great 1number of the inhabitants of the
County of Barnstable being now cenvened, with many others
of the counties of the Old Plymouth Colony, taking into
serious consideration the necessity of using every precaution
to prevent the operation of said acts; and believing the following one necessary,
"G Do hereby request your Honors to desist from all business
in said courts, and from holding any session thereof, until the
mind of the Continental, or of a Provincial Congress, shall be
obtained; and that your Honors will asszire this Body that
you will not in any manner ever assist in carrying said unconstitutional acts into execution - hold any commission in consequence of said acts and under the new establishment-    or
in any manner conform thereto - but that you will use your
utmost endeavors to prevent the same from taking place.
(Signed,)  Nathaniel Freemanl   A Committee chosen by
John Pitcher,       I   the Body of the PeoStephen Nye,            p pie, to present this
Daniel Crocker,      [  Address to your lIonNoah Fearing,       J   ors in their name.
"Whilst this address was being considered by the
colort, a committee was appointed to wait on Mr. A. B.'
who had threatened to cut down the liberty pole, and
to require of him    a solemn    recantation   and promise
1 The letters A. B., and so on, we employ not as initials, but use
them alphabetically to designate different cases. Both the names and
the initials of those suspected of toryism will be uniformly suppressed
in this connection. - We may here remark, it is no disparagement of
any place to allude to the fact, in a record of events, that any community was at the time of the commencement of our revolutionary trials
divided into opposing political parties. It was so, more or less, in all
parts of our extended country. The whigs were generally in the ascendant; but in some places the tories were numerous and influential~
The operation of laws being suspended, there was, in effect, for the
time being almost no legal government or legal tribunal very soon
after the troubles commenced in right earnest. The committees of
safety soon became the paramount tribunals. The public authorities
-for such these committees became -required a full recantation by
all who were suspected of disaffection at the revolutionary procedures.
The offenders, as those who were supposed to favor the crown were




438             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
never thus to offend.     The committee reported that
they had applied to Mr. B., but that he denied the facts
and refused to make any recantation or promise.
"A committee was then chosen, consisting of Messrs.
N. Freeman, S. Nye, N. Fearing, J. Pitcher, and J. Haskell 3d, to apply to C. D. and E. F., Esqs., and acquaint
them that they had rendered themselves odious by signing an address to the late Gov. Hutchinson upon his departure from the province; and let them      know   that as
the people esteem said Hutchinson our greatest enemy,
the people must trebat them   also as enemies, for signing
said address, unless they make a recantation.    The committee attended accordingly, and, after they had delivered their message, E. F., Esq., signed the following: -
" Whereas I, the subscriber, signed an address to the late
Gov. Hutchinson upon his departure from      this province,
which hath given great offence to the public, I do now freely
declare that I am very sorry I signed it; that I was sorry soon
after I did it; and that if it was to do again I should refuse.
And I do hereby ask forgiveness of the offended public, and
do consent and desire that this paper may be published in the
Boston newspapers.              (Signed,)          E. F.
Barnstable, Sept. 27, 1774.
Wit.: Nathaniel Freeman, John Pitcher.
"The committee reported that the other person called
considered, it cannot be denied, were subjected, in some instances,
to great indignities.' Fear God and honor the king," was, no doubt,
with some a holy axiom from which conscience could not be absolved;
others, probably, were influenced by principle of a lower order, or by
caprice, or sinister motives. It were, indeed, too much to assume that
in all instances those called whigs were wholly under the influence of a
high order of disinterested, patriotic, or Christian impulses. We make
these remarks as general, and not with particular reference to any
individual cases or localities. Much less do we mean them as expressive of our views of the existing state of things in this county at this
early period. The proceedings of the Body of the People were certainly indicative of great determination, but conducted with becoming
moderation.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         439
upon, i. e., C. D., declined a recantation, promise, or
apology.
" It was then Voted, That the confession of E. F., Esq.
is satisfactory.  Another call was them made on C. D.,
Esq., demanding his attendance before the Body of the
People.  The committee reported that C. D., Esq. was
very busy draughting the answer of the court and could
not, therefore, attend; but that he had signed the following confession which he prayed might satisfy the
people, viz.:
" Whereas I, the subscriber, &c. [The same verbatim that
was signed by E. F., Esq.]                    C. D.
Wit.: Joseph Bourne, Isaac Hinckley.
"The Body then proceeded to consider further the
threat of A. B. to pull down the liberty pole; and chose
a committee to bring him before the Body. He came,
and confessed that he had offered to treat a man who
threatened to pull it down-but that he was in jest
only and had no thought of doing mischief and would
never disturb the pole.' At this juncture, information was received from the
court that they were ready to give an answer to the
address, and A. B. withdrew. The committee who presented the address waited upon the court, and received
the following: —
"To' Nathaniel Freeman, John Pitcher, Stephen Nye, and
Noah Fearing, a committee,' as they say,' chosen by the Body
of the People to present an address this 27th day of Sept.,
A. D. 1774, to the Hon. Justices of His Majesty's Inferior
Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace:'
" Said address being presented to the justices of said county, or at least as many as are present, the said justices in
answer thereto say, That they are as much concerned at the
late unconstitutional acts of the British Parliament as the
Body of the People are; but apprehend that the people embodying this day to hinder said court's sitting as usual, will
not help the matter, especially as said court was about to sit
in the same constitutional way as we have always done ever




440            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD
since we have been a county; and had said court been suffered to have been opened they would have proceeded in the
same regular manner as usual. And as to appeals, should
there be any, they will be to the next Superior Court of Judicature, &c.; and they cannot possibly be tried until we have
a constitutional one. And we are sorry that we are interrupted; for unless we can proceed to open said courts and
adjourn, we can be in no capacity to proceed when we hear
the opinion of the General Congress, or of a Provincial Congress. And as to the assurance you request that we would
not assist in carrying said unconstitutional acts into execution,
you may be fully assured that there is not one of the justices
that incline to act or hold any commission in consequence
thereof, and shall do all that is in our power in a constitutional way to prevent said acts from taking place. Therefore,
we the said justices express our utmost concern that the said
courts of justice, in this or any other county, should be
turned out of their ordinary or constitutional course by the
people of this province until the minds of the Continental, or
a Provincial Congress can be fully known; as we can by no
means apprehend that any ill consequence can attend the
sitting of said courts until this month expires.
(Signed,)  Isaac Hinckley,      Thos. Smith,
Nymphas Marston,      Ed. Bacon,
David Thacher,        David Gorham,
Daniel Davis,         Solo. Otis,
Melatiah Bourne,      Kenelm Winslow,
Shearjashub Bourne,   Jos. Otis.
J. Otis,
"'The committee returned and reported the above
answer to the people who unanimously Voted, That
the answer is not satisfactory; and that it be returned
to the justices again.' A committee accordingly being
chosen, returned to the justices with the answer - informing them   that it was not satisfactory; that the
people insisted on a distinct assurance that they would
not sit, and also an assurance that they would not take
any commission under the new acts of Parliament or
act in conformity thereto.   The justices urged that
their declaration in their written answer, together with
what they said verbally, ought to be sufficient satisfaction.  To this it was answered by the committee that




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         441
their saying they did not incline to accept of any commission in conformity to said acts, &c., was by no means
sufficient, nor was a verbal declaration; for, they were
sorry to say it, the   people  apprehend that there
are some of the court who are not well-wishers to
the public —having voted and acted against a Continental Congress, &c. The committee returning to the
Body, reported accordingly; and a committee was immediately appointed to draw up a declaration for the
justices to sign. A  draught was at once reported, accepted, and a committee instructed to present it to the
justices one by one, and desire them to sign it. It was,
on presentation, signed by all present, as follows: -
" Whereas there have been of late several acts of the British
Parliament passed tending to introduce an unjust and partial
administration of justice; to change our free constitution into
a state of slavery and oppression, and to introduce Popery in
some parts of British America, &c.: Therefore, we the subscribers do engage and declare that we will not accept of any
commission in consequence of, or in conformity to, said acts of
Parliament, nor upon any unconstitutional regulations; and
that if either of us is required to do any business in our offices
in conformity to said acts or any way contrary to the charter
of this province, we will refise it although we may thereby
lose our commissions. As witness our hands, at Barnstable,
Sept. 27, 1774.
(Signed,)  James Otis,          Melatiah Bourne,
Thomas Smith,         Edward Bacon,
Joseph Otis,         Isaac Hinckley,
Nymphas Marston,      Solo. Otis,
Shearjashub Bourne,   Kenelm Winslow,
David Thacher,        Richard Bourne.
Daniel Davis,
"The committee also reported to the Body that the
court consented not to sit. The Body then Voted,
That the conduct of the court is satisfactory.
"Further evidence appearing that A. B. had threatened to pull down the liberty pole in Barnstable, a comVOL I.      56




442            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
mittee was sent to him  once more, with instructions to
require him to sign the following recantation and
promise, or in default thereof to bring him  before the
Body.
"c Whereas I the subscriber have threatened to cut down the
liberty pole in Barnstable, I do hereby declare my extreme
sorrow for the threat, and I do promise that I will never cut
down said pole, or be any way aiding, assisting, or consenting
thereto; and I do ask pardon for saying as I did, both of my
fellow-townsmen and of the people in general. As witness
my hand, Sept. 27, 1774.
"The committee returned and reported that they
had made diligent search, but that said A. B. could not
be found.
"It was then Voted, To apply to Thomas Winslow
and David Gorhamn, Esqs., to desire them  to sign the
declaration of the justices, to-morrow  morning; also
that Dr. Davis, Messrs. Job Crocker, Thomas Paine,
Joshua Gray and Benjamin Freeman be a committee to
wait upon the justices and deputy sheriffs in the lower
part of the county and desire them all to sign similar
declarations. It was also Voted, That a committee for
every town be appointed to desire of the military officers that they will no longer hold commissions under
the present captain-general who is appointed to reduce
us to obedience to the late unconstitutional acts, and
who has actually besieged the capital of this province
with a fleet and army, and is making hostile preparations against us; or under any unconstitutional regulations.1 This last committee was constituted as follows:Barnstable, Eben'r Jenkins, Geo. Lewis, Ely Phinney.
Sandwich, Nath'l Freeman, Lot Nye, Seth Freeman.
1 Among those who resigned early, but whose names do not appear
in the record, were Job Howland, deputy sheriff; Col. Sturgis Gorham, his commission in the regiment; Josiah Hamblen, capt.; Daniel




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        443
Falmouthl, Moses Swift, John Grannis, Dan'l Butler, Jr.
Yarmouthl Dai'l Taylor, Isaac Hamblen, Joseph Crowell.
Harwich,  Benj. Freeman, John Freeman, Lot Gray.
Eastham, Job Crocker, Amos Knowles, Jr., Thos. Paine.
Wellfleet, Samuel Smith, David Greenough.
Truro,    Dr. Samuel Adams, Jona. Collins.
Chatham, Dea. Bassett, Richard Sears.
"It was then further Voted, That the last-named committee wait on the deputy sheriffs, &c., in their respective towns. The case of A. B. was then resumed, and
it was Voted, That until A. B. aforesaid signs the declaration now in the hands of the committee, he shall be
deemed by every member of this Body, an enemy
to his country.
It was then Voted, That this Body will address the
Hon. James Otis, as one of the constitutional Council
of the province, to-morrow morning, and desire him to
attend the General Court at Salem on the 5th of October next.... Voted, That the chairman ask the town
clerk of Barnstable, present, whether that town has
discovered its attachment to the cause of the country,
by choosing a representative more disposed to serve the
country than the late one. The chairman called upon
the clerk to reply, and was informed that they had
elected Daniel Davis, Esq.; upon which the Body testified their approbation by giving three cheers. And
then, being informed that the town of Yarmouth had
left out their late member who also voted against the
Congress, the Body testified its joy thereat in the same
manner. -Then adjourned to six o'clock the next
morning, to assemble at beat of drum.
"Wednesday, Sept. 28, 1774, the Body being again
assembled, it was Voted, That Messrs. Nathaniel Freeman, Noah Fearing, and Joseph Haskell 3d, be a conmCrocker, capt.; Ant. Thacher, lieut.; Joseph Blish, Jr., lieut.; Jacob
Lovell, lieut.; Jethro Thacher, ensign, and Micah H-amblen, ensign.




444            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
miittee to wait on Thomas Winslow, David Gorham, and
Chillingsworth Foster, Esqs. to desire them to sign the
declaration of the justices.  The committee attended
accordingly, and reported that these several justices
had signed the declaration agreeably to request.   The
same committee was instructed to wait upon the sheriff
and desire him   to sign the following declaration; to
which the committee attended, and reported that the
sheriff had complied, viz.:
" Whereas there have of late been passed several acts of the
British Parliament tending to introduce an unjust and partial
administration of justice in this province, and alter its free
constitution to a state of slavery and oppression, and to establish or encourage Popery in some parts of British America:
I, the subscriber, do therefore declare that I will not take a
commission as High Sheriff, or any other commission, in consequence of or in conformity to said acts or any unconstitutional plan; that I will not in any way be aiding or assisting
in executing said acts; and, further, that I have never received any new commission since the passing of said acts.
As witness my hand, at Barnstable, Sept. 28, 1774.
(Signed,)        Nathaniel Stone.
"CThe Body then chose Messrs. Nathaniel Freeman,
Stephen Nye, Joseph Haskell, 3d, Noah Fearing, and
John Pitcher to draught an address to Col. Otis, agreeably to the vote of yesterday.  The committee reported
the following: —
T To the Hon. James Otis, Esq.
"' May it please your Honor: The Body of the People assembled from the several counties of Barnstable, Plymouth, and
Bristol, Sept. 28, 1774, at or near the court house in Barnstable, beg leave to address your Honor as one of his majesty's
constitutional Council of this province; and to assure you
that we entertain a very high and grateful sense of that integrity and of those abilities which have long distinguished you,
as in every important trust reposed in you by the public, so
especially in the capacity we now consider you. And whereas
his Excellency, the governor of this province, las issued writs




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              445
for election of a new House of Representatives to ineet at
Salem on the 5th of October next; and, notwithstanding, a
number of councillors have been appointed by mandamus
from his majesty in consequence of a late act of the British
Parliament, presuming the representatives of thllis people yet
determined to be free never will or ought to consent to do any
business with them; and as we look upon tle Coluncil chosen
last May by the Great and General Court, according to the
charter, to be the only constitutional Council of the province:
We do, therefore, pray your Honor that you will attend said
Great and General Court, in said capacity, the next session;
and that you will continue those endeavors to obtain a redress
of the grievances so justly complained of by the people, which
have long distinguished you as an able defender of' our Constitution and Liberties.' And now, wishing your Honor the
1 Col. James Otis to whom reference is here made is sometimes
confounded with his son bearing the same name, James Otis, Jr., born
in Barnstable, Feb. 5, 1725, grad. H. C. 1743,- the great champion
and able advocate for liberty and the rights of man. Of the latter
some more particular notice than we have yet given is here due. It
is not enough simply to say of this distinguished son of Cape Cod that
he was eminent as a patriot, lawyer, and statesman early in life; and
that he warmly engaged in defence of the colonies when as yet
a young man, his eloquence, the keenness of his wit, the force of his
arguments, and the resources of his intellect giving him a most commanding influence. He was the first champion of American freedom against the arbitrary claims of Britain who dared to affix his
name to a production boldly denying the claims and pretensions of the
mother country. He was a member of Congress in 1765, in which
year his " Rights of the Colonies Vindicated" was considered " a
masterpiece of good writing and argument."  It was republished in
London.. He was threatened with arrest, but was not dismayed by
any menaces of those in power. For his severe strictures on the conduct of the commissioner of customs and others of the ministerial
party, he was assaulted, Sept. 5, 1769, by one of the commissioners
assisted by other ruffians, in a public room, and was left covered with
blood. The wounds, though severe, were not mortal: but his usefulness was destroyed - his powerful mind was by the dastardly blows
inflicted shaken from its throne. The great man in ruins lived to relinquish in an interval of reason the ~2000 which Robinson, his cowardly assailant, had been adjudged to pay for the assault; but, IMay




446            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
support of I-eaven in your advanced age, that you may much
longer remain a blessing to this province, and enjoy the happiness of seeing those rights restored which have been injuriously wrested from us, we beg leave to subscribe ourselves,
Your Honor's most ob't humble serv'ts,
Nathaniel Freeman       committee in,t I  \,.A cornlmittee i1
Stephen Nye,          behalf of the
Noah Fearing,le as aov
Je      Hse  bd lpeople as ase-e.
John Pitcher. 
Barnstable, Sept. 20, 1774.
c The Body Voted, That said address be immediately
offered by the said committee; and that the whole
Body will walk in procession to see it presented to our
country's great benefactor and friend. Accordingly
the whole Body marched in procession, with the committee at the head, and attended by music, to the house
of Daniel Davis, Esq., where they drew up in       solid
body, in rank and file, and the committee proceeded to
read and present the address to his Honor, James Otis,
Esq., who received the same very politely anld returned
the following answer: 
"Gentlemen: Your very complaisant address to me as a
constitutional councillor of this province, desiring me to attend my duty at Salem on the 5th of October, - the time
when the General Court is to meet,-   am obliged to you
for; and for putting me in mind of my duty; and I am determined to attend at Salem at that time in case my health
permits.          I am your very humble servant,
Jamies Otis.
Barnstable, Sept. 28, 1774.
G This reply of Col. Otis, the whole body heard with
their heads uncovered; and then gave three cheers in
token of their satisfaction and high approbation of his
23, 1783, just before the independence to which he had greatly contributed was known to be acknowledged, he was struck by lightning
and his noble soul liberated from its shattered tenement. "H e left a
character," says President Adams, " that will never die."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            447
answer, as well as esteem and veneration for his person
and character.   This done, they returned in procession
to the court house.
The concluding proceedings in Barnstable were then
as follows:
" Voted, 1. That it is the resolution of this Body and of every
individual composing it, never to submit to the late oppressive
acts of Parliament; but that we will oppose them, and defend
the town of Boston and the country at the risk of our lives
and fortunes.
2. That it be the resolution of every individual of this
Body to provide himself with arms and ammunition for our
defence.
3. That we will not import, or purchase imported, goods
after this date.
4. That we will encourage donations for the town of Boston.
5. That this Body abhor, and will endeavor to suppress,
mobs and riots.
6. That we will use our endeavors to suppress common
pedlers.
7. That we will use our endeavors to promote committees
of every town for a County Congress.
8. That if any person shall pull down or destroy the liberty
pole in Barnstable, we will use our endeavors to bring such
offender to justice.
The Body thenY, before marching to Sandwich, sent
forward twenty-two men to secure G. I-., I. J., and K.
L., accused of having pulled down the liberty pole in
Sandwich.l
1 " It is due to the inhabitants of Barnstable to say that such was
their urbanity, that few, if any of them, would receive any compensation for Ioard, &c., of the numerous visitors." Such is the testimony
of Hon. Abraham Holmes, who was one of the Body of the People -
testimony given in the closing days of his useful and honored life.
We ought to add that although there appear to have been some dissentients who were not in sympathy with the popular movements of
the day, Barnstable was by no means surcharged with this feeling.
That town has been rather distinguished for its patriotic devotion to
the cause of liberty.




448          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
6 Having now set out on their march to Sandwich, the
Body stopped at IMrs. Chipman's, where they found a
pedler of English, Scotch, and India goods, and who
had lately sold tea. They detained him, and decided
that he should now, in presence of the company, destroy his tea; and that if he faithfully promised, in
writing, that he would not sell any more tea, nor any
more peddle or vend goods in old Plymouth Colony,
the company would pay him the first cost of the tea.
The pedler declared he had no tea; and it appearing
that he had not, and he having signed the declaration
required and promised to go back with his goods, the
people were content.
11"The Body being now assembled at Sandwich, first
made choice of Joseph Otis, Esq., as moderator for the
remaining part of the meeting, at the suggestion of the
former moderator; and then gave audience to the
party of twenty-two men, who had been sent on in advance from Barnstable to secure the persons who had,
during the absence of the patriotic, cut down the liberty
pole. The report was that they had made search for
them, and they could not be found; but that men were
still out in quest of them.
- It was then Voted, That the committee appointed
to treat with the military officers and deputy sheriffs
in Sandwich shall apply to Roland Cotton and Thomas
Bourne, Esqs., and desire them to sign the declaration
of the justices, at some convenient time. Also Voted,
That ]Messrs. John Benson, Joshua Briggs; and John
Burgess, Jr., be a commnittee to wait on Mr. M. N., and
ask his attendance before this Body. Mr. N. attended,
and was Saccused of saying he wished the town of
Boston was burned; that he wished the people of
Rochester in —, [a bad place,] for their treatment




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        449
of Ruggles and Sprague; and of having d-d the
people for coming here.' He confessed that he had
said words to this effect in a passion, expressed sorrow,
and asked forgiveness of all. This gave satisfaction.
"The Body then Voted, That we will at all hazards
bring the aforementioned G. H., I. J., and K. L. to punishment. A committee was appointed to consider their
offence and report what punishment or satisfaction they
shall make or suffer. The committee reported that the
offenders shall satisfy a committee of the people, for
the damage sustained, and also sign the following: —
" Whereas the subscribers did most wickedly, maliciously,
and injuriously, being instigated by the devil and our own evil
hearts, destroy the liberty pole in Sandwich on the evening of
Sept. 26th, current, whereby we have justly offended all the
friends to Liberty, Justice, and Virtue, and have discovered
our enmity to the Rights and Liberties of the People: We do,
tlerefore, hereby confess the fact, and are heartily sorry for
it, and do promise never to do so any more, nor again oppose
the Cause of Liberty. And we do hereby ask forgiveness of
the town of Sandwich and of all men - especially of those
who erected the pole. As witness our hands this 28th day of
Sept., 1774.
It was further Voted, That if said offenders refuse,
they shall whenever they are taken be liable to the
indignation and resentment of every friend of liberty;
and that the committee of Sandwich having informed
this Body of their refusal, this Body will punish him or
them whenever they meet said offenders, until satisfaction be made as provided.
"The remaining part of the company who went in
search of the villains, having now returned with two
of them, viz., I. J. and K. L., these, denying the facts,
were then examined separately. One of them, I. J.,
acknowledged that he, with 0. P., Q. R., and K. L., cut
down the pole. The aforesaid Q. R. being the witness
VOL I.      57




450             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
that informec    and exposed the transaction, was excused; K. L. was required to ask pardon of the whole
company on his bended knees for threatening to stab
the man who arrested him; and both K. L. and I. J.
were fined by the committee appointed by the Body,
the sum   of ~5 lawful money each, which they paid
and then signed the confession.l The Body then appointed Messrs. N. Freeman, John Dillingham, Jr., and
Lot Nye, to inform    the aforesaid G. H. of the vote of
the Body; they, in case of his refusal to comply, to inform the public -   resolving that he should not escape
the just resentment of the people.
" Mr. Paine of Eastham then informed the Body that
the town of Eastham had left out their old representative, S. T., who voted against the Congress; and had
chosen Mr. Holbrook, a friend to the country: upon
which   the whole assemblage testified       their joy  by
giving three cheers.2    Three cheers were also given
1 A writer, in communicating an account of the transaction to a
Boston journal, Nov. 10, says the confession was signed by three, and
was duly witnessed by Joseph Otis, Nathaniel Freeman, and Samuel
Freeman, Sept. 28; and the new pole was erected, the culprits besides paying ~5 each, assisting in replacing the pole. The writer
aforesaid commences,  ov 1o 1774. M10r. Printer: As a warning
to other villains to avoid the like practices, please publish the following," &c.
2 That this town, proverbially patriotic, was not perfectly united in
political views, may be inferred from the following letter characteristic
of the times, written the following year: -
" Eastham, Aug. 15, 1775.
"To Col. Nathaniel Freeman, member of the General Court.
"Sir: I am always desirous of saying or writing something to such
patriots as yourself, that would be worth hearing and reading. I have
sometimes thought that possibly I might have to tell you this'The
tories in Eastham are all dead' - for I heard several of them say,'I don't believe there is a tory in Eastham.' But after listening




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        451
upon the reading of news just received from the Congress, viz., that they had resolved to support Boston
with life and fortune, had approved of the resolves of
the county committees, and had recommended a continuation of donations to Boston. The Body Voted,
We will observe and conform to said resolves of Congress.
" It was then Voted, That the thanks of this Body be
presented to Dr. Nathaniel Freeman for his services.
This was testified by three cheers.
" Voted, That thanks be given to Maj. Otis for his
good services. This also was testified by three cheers.
i" Voted, That thanks be given to the people from the
Counties of Plymouth and Bristol for their patriotic
aid. This was testified by three cheers. Three times
three hearty cheers were then given for the success of
the enterprise and dcay; upon which the meeting was
DISSOLVED."
The following " memo." is affixed —
"Thursday, September 29, 1775, the committee arrested G. H. and acquainted him with the vote of the
Body. He paid the money, and signed the confession.
Monday, October 3, 1774, Col. Cotton and Thomas
Bourne, Esqs., signed the declaration of the justices, at
the instance of the committee. Maj. U. V. refused to
resign his military commission. Capt. Elisha Bourne,
Capt. Silas Bourne, Lieut. John Smith, Lieut. Micah
Blackwell, and Ensign Cornelius Tobey, signed the following declaration, at the instance of the committee,
viz. -
and making the most strict inquiry, I cannot find that more than one
has made his exit; and I am not quite certain but he will rise again.
I have mentioned some things in a letter to Col. Otis, a letter which I
hope he will let you see....
(Signed,)           THOMAS PAINE."




452             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
" Whereas application has this day been made to us, military officers of the companies of militia in Sandwich, by certain gentlemen said to be appointed by the Body of the People,
to apply to us to resign our military commissions: We hereby
promise and engage that we will, by the first opportunity,
transmit our resignation of our respective commissions to the
chief colonel of the regiment, to be by him transmitted to
the captain general; and that we will not by any ways or
means assist in carrying into execution the late acts of Parliament; and that we will not accept of any commission in
consequence of or in conformity to said acts, or under any
unconstitutional regulations.  As witness our hands.
(Signed,)      John Smith,        Cornelius Tobey,
Elisha Bourne,    Micah Blackwell.
Oct. 3, 1774.       Silas Bourne,
"The same      day, Deputy    Sheriff Edward     Bourne
signed a declaration similar to that signed by the high
sheriff and other deputy sheriffs.     October 15, 1774,
Major U. V. was called upon by a large assemblage of
people, and obliged to go to the liberty pole and sign
the declaration. - Also the same day, W. X. was compelled to sign a confession, under the liberty pole, with
his hat off; for selling tea, and to promise that he would
do so no more." 
1 The " Record of Proceedings of the Body of the People " is here
closed. The document is in our possession, and we have endeavored to
use it truthfully and impartially - omitting nothing save in some instances abbreviating, and substituting letters alphabetically for names.May we be permitted to say, the proceedings of the whigs of Barnstable
County, however they may be viewed at the present day by those who
commiserate with the tories of that time, were dictated by humane and
tender consideration in comparison with what has been related of subsequent acts in other counties, and especially with the proceedings of
tories themselves in some of the provinces, and even in this county.
In this county, according to Dr. James Thacher, who was a native of
Barnstable and a surgeon in the revolution, the tories availed themselves of severe discipline. For instance, -a certain person and his
sons having " rendered themselves odious to the people by their active




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             453
The action    of   the Body of the People," being
deeply felt by numbers of the disaffected, was shortly
after resented upon the cc conductor-in-chief" in a way
that came near terminating his life.      Whether the intent was absolutely murderous we do not feel called
upon either to affirm or deny.      We relate the circumstances as gathered from     publications of the day, the
records of court, and a faithful c narrative" drawn up
by Judge Thomas of Plymouth, as also confirmed by
minutes in the handwriting of the person on whom
the alleged assassination was attempted; together with
the confession subsequently made by " the assassins"
themselves, which confession was drawn up, for their
signatures to be affixed, by Gen. Goodwin of Plymouth,
October 10, 1774.   The occurrence was a few days after
the meeting of the Body of the People at Barnstable,
and was commenced to avenge those proceedings.1
zeal in the royal cause and a vindictive temper towards the whig
party; " a certain " widow woman " (in the profusion of her patriotic
zeal -for women were generally patriots; they have always been
distinguished by their steadfastness for the right," Last at the cross,
And earliest at the grave,") -
"frequently indulged herself in applying to them the epithet tory,
and even intimated a liberty pole exhibition. This indiscretion was
not to be passed with impunity: a number of men, (?) in disguise
entered her chamber in the night, took her from her bed, and after
the application of tar and feathers, she was, by a rope fastened around
her body, hoisted almost to the top of the pole which had been erected
by the whigs. Her dreadful shrieks soon collected a throng of people; but the poor woman could obtain no other redress than that bestowed by her friends who kindly shaved her head and cleansed it of
tar and feathers." - History of Plymouth.
1 We may here say, Dr. Thacher, in his " Military Journal of the
Revolutionary War," refers to the proceedings of this Body, in Barnstable, in the following terms: "In 1775" (he mistakes the date; it




454              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Dr. Freeman at a late hour received a message professedly from a distressed friend who earnestly desired
his immediate attendance.       Suspicious, from   the manner of the messenger and from other circumstances, that
the message was an artifice and that evil was intended,
but still unwilling to decline what might be a pressing
call upon his friendly aid or sympathy, he arose from
bed and at once proceeded to the house of his friend
who was represented as being in a dying condition.
Having proceeded but a short distance and just passing
the tavern where, if any where, he suspected mischief
might be conceived, three of the persons who signed
the preceding confessions and recantations, but whose
names we have suppressed in the record, rushed out
and insolently professed that they were; a committee
from  the Body of the People " who, being convened in
the tavern, demanded his attendance to answer for his
was 1774,) "at a regular term of the court at Barnstable in Sept.,
I witnessed the following prompt procedure. A body of men assembled and obstructed the passage of the court-house door. The
leader of this assemblage was Dr. Nathaniel Freeman of Sandwich, a
bold Son of Liberty. Col. James Otis, the venerable chief justice,
preceded by the sheriff, approached and demanded admission. Dr.
Freeman replied that it was the intention of the people to prevent the
court being opened to exercise those unconstitutional p6wers with
which Parliament had invested them. The chief justice, in his
majesty's name, commanded them to disperse and permit the court to
enter and proceed to business. But his majesty's name had lost its
power. It can have no charms with the sons of liberty. The judge
then said he had acquitted himself of duty, and retired. - The proceeding had been discussed and concerted prior to the court term, and
Col. Otis, himself a stanch vwhig, was, it was believed, not only apprised of; but actually acquiesced in their bold measure."  Dr. T.
might have added that Col. Otis was not the only member of the
court, or office-holder, whose sympathies were entirely with the people.
The signatures of the majority were freely and cordially yielded.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                 455
late' conduct as the LEADER of the Body assembled at
Barnstable," and "also for similar proceedings at a like
assemblage at Plymouth." 1         le replied that he greatly
1 The proceedings at Barnstable, it will be remembered, were had
Sept. 27 and 28, arranged at an earlier period, and matured at Sandwich, Sept. 26. The assemblage at Plymouth, in which he bore a
prominent part, was at a subsequent date, Oct. 4. Many anecdotes
might be related connected with the latter assemblage: we must be
content with mentioning one only as showing that Dr. F., who was
conspicuous in those proceedings, was nevertheless a pacificator - disposed to use his influence to secure a lenient and humane course of
action. The incident was related to the writer more than 30 years
ago by a very aged person resident in Plymouth, who was present
and witnessed the whole. Among those glorying in their loyalty and
opposition to revolutionary movements, was an aged, venerable, pious
deacon, whose fortune it was, in the course of the proceedings, to be
arraigned with other tories, before the Body of the People there assembled. Determined that no " recantation " should be obtained from
him, let the event be what it might, there seemed. no alternative but
to be baffled in the attempt or bring this personification of Trumbull's
McFingal to terms by the process which the poet's epic of the revolution so aptly though quaintly describes:" And with loud shouts and joyful soul,
Conduct him prisoner to the pole."
Whether the good deacon would have become pliant as the poet's
"constable," or have proved a veritable " squire," -
" And stood heroic as a mule
To meet the worst - for recompense
To trust King George and Providence," —
we have no means of deciding. The ordinary process" There from the pole's sublimest top
The active crew let down a rope,
At once its other end in haste bind
And make it fast upon his waistband,
Till like the earth, as stretched on tenter,
He hung self-balanced on his centre;
Then upwards, all hands hoisting sail,
They swung him like a keg of ale,
Where looking forth in prospect wide
His tory errors he espied," -
was not permitted. Dr. F., both compassionating and revering the




456             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
respected the "Body of the People;" but that no such
body would assemble in that tavern; moreover, if assembled, no such committee as themselves would be
appointed; and therefore he must not be expected to
pay any further regard to such false and insolent pretences.  Then walking slowly on, the ruffians called
after him that they were "directed to take [him] by
force."  However, the arrogantly self-styled committee
dared at this time no further violence. Returning the
same way within the same hour, he was met again, in
passing the tavern, by Y. Z. and others of the pretended committee and the same demand was repeated.
Treating their arrogance with scorn, he was passing on
without deigning further notice of them; but they,
keeping before, said their orders were to compel attendaczee. Frankly telling them that his only means of defence was the cane which he held in his hand, and
that whilst it was not his intention to assault them, he
should defend himself against their rudeness; the trio
still stood at bay, Y. Z. hesitatingly saying to his fellows, " Shall we seize or strike?"    Dr. F., standing in
the attitude of defence, they, apparently concluding
that " discretion is the better part of valor," began menacingly to retreat towards the tavern; when, he slowly
but cautiously proceeding again, others rushed out to
age of the man and respecting his position in society, at once reascended the inverted hogshead that had been used just before as a
platform from which was delivered a public address, and, whilst the
rope was being adjusted by the excited crowd, called their attention to
a resolution he was about to offer: " Resolved, that Dea. -   is nobody;" - it was seconded by acclamation and voted unanimously. It
was not, however, until the process of binding was resumed, that the
intent of the resolution was generally apprehended; then shouts of
laughter arose, whilst the conscientious loyalist was unbound and permitted to pursue his wonted course secure from further annoyance.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              457
reenforce their associates, and the assault commenced
in earnest.    Being ferociously attacked by the whole' Body of the People " then and there assembled, the assailed defended himself as best he could against such
numerical odds; but "being precipitously surrounded
by the entire banditti," the blade which he had quickly
drawn from his swordcane was seized from behind, and,
in the attempt to wrest it from him, was broken at the
hilt; the sheath part which he had until now held in
his left hand, was then for a moment plied vigorously
about their heads until it was broken and he had fallen
under the weight of the assassins' bludgeons, senseless
and weltering in blood; and doubtless he would have
perished at their hands had not friends come quickly
to the rescue.1    He was raised up, his clothes nearly
torn from   his body, so violent had been the struggle,
his head a gore of blood, speechless, apparently in a
dying condition, and conveyed home.2           Most of the
1 It was a fortunate circumstance that the friend whom he had been
called to visit, being impressed with the idea that violence was intended, had without the knowledge of Dr. F., followed after to watch
his progress, and as soon as the attack was made gave the alarm.
2 The dastardly act certainly reflected no honor upon the tories.
They dared not attack otherwise than in congregated numbers one who
had been equally the object of their fear and their hate. Nor was it
otherwise than honorable to the resistant that HE was singled out to
suffer this indignity. It illustrated his prominence, the consistency of
his course, and the justice of his cause. It showed, exhibited in what
was believed to be the murderous intent, the spirit that had been foreseen to exist in the bosoms of leading loyalists which made it necessary for the patriotic to resist in season or be trodden down into the
vilest vassalage. What though the bitterest taunts were hurled, and,
when brute force was superior, the vilest indignity was offered! The
gallant Warren, subject to the same hate for his patriotic devotion,
was subsequently hissed in the Old South Church when in 1775 he
delivered his oration on the anniversary of the Boston massacre; the
VOL. I.        58




458             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
assassins were promptly secured by the citizens; and
the report of the assault flew in every direction as if
with lightning speed; so that quickly, besides great
numbers of the people of Sandwich rallying around the
dwelling of the injured, were more than a thousand
men who had flown as it were from        Barnstable, Falmouth, and towns below -     from Wareham, Rochester,
Plymouth, Kingston, Duxbury, Middleboro', Halifax,
and other distant places.  With an indignation bordering on rage they demanded the culprits to be delivered
up to them for summary punishment.       But, fortunately
for the offenders, a warrant had already been issued,
and they convened before a special sessions of magistrates at Great Marshes.       Dr. Freeman's    alarming
symptoms which had been chiefly occasioned by the
loss of blood together with the almost superhuman exertions he had made in self-defence, quickly passedaway; and though yet suffering and greatly debilitated,1 he came forth to his door and addressed the immense concourse of the friends of liberty that without
consultation or concert had thus spontaneously and
from  the first impulses of noble hearts, been brought
together.  He told them that as legal steps had already
been taken with great promptitude by the interposition
of judicious friends, he was unwilling that a cause so
noble-spirited Hancock's house was assaulted and his fences mutilated
the same year; and that patriotic "flame of fire," James Otis Jr., had
been five years before stricken down by a bludgeon in the hands of a
dastardly royal commissioner. These were penalties which patriotic
virtue must pay to the spirit of despotism, for daring to assert and
maintain the right; sacrifices laid on the ALTAR OF LIBERTY.
1 The last blow of a ponderous bludgeon upon his head must have
been fatal had not a friend who had arrived broken the force of it by
his own arm. A scar on the head, caused by this blow, was a conspicuous mark after baldness had ensued, as long as Dr. F. lived.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            459
good and glorious as that in which the people were engaged, should be tarnished by any proceedings that
might by any persons be considered as partaking in
the least of precipitancy of rage however just, or by
irregularities that might by any be denominated the
violence of a mob.    He " urged with great power and
eloquence, forbearance and a dutiful respect for the
laws."  The assembled people were so far pacified that
they consented to await the legal decision; but insisted
on accompanying Dr. Freeman, en mnasse to the court to
be held the next day at Great Marshes.        The whole
number of sympathizers present on this occasion is said
to have been upwards of three thousand.1
The culprits, such of them as had not been successful
in flying beyond the province, were anxious to settle
the affair without further proceedings.   Their position
in society had hitherto been generally respectable, their
connections were numerous and generally esteemed,
and their families greatly distressed by the dishonorable course they had taken.    Dr. Freeman himself was
inclined to be lenient, believing it the dictate of true
magnanimity; and, by consent of gentlemen whose
advice he sought, permitted the assassins to be let off
on paying ~100 lawful money as costs, and giving
bonds for their good behavior.     With this requisition
We certainly would consider it cause of gratulation could we say
of our native town that it was exempt from any loyal tendencies repugnant to popular rights and the cause of liberty; but the antagonistical principle seems, in most cases, to have been gauged by the zeal
it had to encounter in opposition. Sandwich furnished a large quota
of loyal sympathizers, some of whom were men of family distinction,
influential and resolute. Its future career, however, is not to be estimated by the demonstrations of the loyal element at this present
period. The discomfiture and mortification of the tories were prompt
and effectual. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.




460              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
only, earnestly advocated by Dr. F., the court assented,
and the culprits gladly complied.'       The people however were not satisfied with the arrangement, and determined that the affair should not so end; and, Dr. F.
having peremptorily declined to proceed further, large
numbers who had returned to Sandwich, being prominent citizens of Sandwich      and other towns, held a
public meeting and resolved to         demand satisfaction
for the afront ofered tikem, since Dr. Freeman had received the indignity as the champion of their rights and
for having heroically signalized himself in the CAUSE of
his COUNTRY."    The   assassins were therefore rearrested and obliged, to appease the people, to subscribe,
1 An account of the assault was communicated to, and published in,
the journals of the day, by Judge Thomas. A paper, also from the
same source, signed "A Plymothean," may be found bearing date
Nov. 3, 1774, communicating the final result. That communication
presents some shades of difference only from the preceding. It commences, "As every transaction is mutilated and changed, the better to
promote the corrupt views of a party, you, Mr. Printer, are desired,
to prevent misrepresentation, to publish this account of a scene acted
at Sandwich and intended to have been more tragical than it happily
terminated. Dr. Freeman's patriotism has exposed him to the rage
and malice of a few satellites of arbitrary power in the town of Sandwich. Six of these creatures met at Newcomb's, the innholder's, and
after having inflamed their passions with liquor, sent... whom they
called a committee to demand Dr. F.'s immediate attendance before
them to answer for some supposed misdemeanors committed against
one of their gang," (the individual who had been compelled by the
Body of the People, Oct. 5, to sign a confession under the liberty pole,
with his hat off, for selling tea.)  " On delivering their message to the
doctor, he replied that he was not amenable to them for any instance
of his conduct; that he had not injured W. X.; and should disregard
any insolent summons they might send. With this answer this ludicrous committee returned apparently satisfied; but were soon succeeded by four others of the company who insisted very peremptorily
on his compliance. The doctor told them, as he had done the others,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               461
uncovered, under the liberty pole, they being elevated
on a scaffold, a declaration 1 as follows: -
Whereas the subscribers, encouraged by our number, did
attack and cruelly beat Dr. Nathaniel Freeman,2 with such
unparalleled cowardice and barbarity as would disgrace the
character of a ruffianl or a Hottentot, for no other reason or
that he disavowed the authority they had assumed to compel his appearance before them, and that if an attempt was made he should
stand on his defence. They, dastard like, attacked him together.
The doctor, though fired with resentment, acting on a well known
maxim in law, retreated as far as he could, and then defended himself
with a spirit truly magnanimous. He received several sanguinary
wounds on the head; and one blow aimed at him it is thought would
have been fatal had it not been intercepted by a friend who came to
his assistance. That this shameful assault was premeditated, the fruit
of design and not of accident, is evident from its being predetermined
who should commence and strike the first blow; and some of the assailants can hardly be looked upon in any other light than as assassins.
Dr. F., to refute and silence the ridiculous vaporings that all law and
government are abolished, entered his complaint to a magistrate, the
Hon. James Otis Esq. of Barnstable, who issued a warrant by which
the culprits were apprehended and carried to Barnstable. They were
very solicitous to accommodate the matter, and, before the time arrived for holding the court, earnestly besought the doctor to make
some proposals of accommodation..... Setting aside the necessity of
chastising such poltroon enterprises with exemplary severity, whoever
considers the circumstances of aggravation with which the affray was
attended, cannot but think that the terms exacted by Dr. F. and by
the people were highly reasonable."
This confession was draughted by Gen. Goodwin of Plymouth.
2 H-on. NATHANIEL FREEMAN was of the 5th gen. in lineal descent
from Mr. Edmund Freeman the original proprietor of Sandwich, (see
pp. 127 and 128,) who, b. 1590, was f. of Edmund, 1622, who m. 1st
Rebecca Prince, 2d Margaret Perry, and was f. of Edmund 1655,
that m. Sarah (prob. Sunderland) and was f. of Edmund 1683, who
m. Kezia Presbury and was f. of Edmund 1711, who m. Mlartha Otis
and was f. of Nathaniel. His father having grad. H. C. 1733, m. a
dr. of Nathaniel Otis, (who m. Abigail Russell,) and for some time
taught a school in that part of Yarmouth then called Nobscussett,
where Nathaniel was born M1arch 28, 1741 0. S. The father soon




462              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
provocation than that he, uninfluenced by hope or fear, has
dared to stem  the tide of tyranny and corruption, and has
been the principal author of those political movements in this
county which have been most universally applauded, - We,
in the first place, sincerely and heartily ask the forgiveness of
Heaven whose sacred laws we have so shamefully violated,
and also of Dr. Freeman - a gentleman to whom we are
indebted for the most important service done his country;
further, we implore the forgiveness of the whole community
for the indignity offered to it; and particularly of this Body
of the People, for the trouble and expense occasioned to them
by this high-handed offence: and we do solemnly engage for
removed to Mansfield, Ct.; and the son, on attaining his majority,
having studied medicine, married and removed to Sandwich -" the
place of his fathers' sepulchres." In his medical profession he was
successful, attaining to distinction both as a physician and surgeon.
See Thacher's MIed. Biog. He had been encouraged both by the advice and patronage of his maternal great uncle, Col. James Otis, to
establish himself in Sandwich, in 1765, and not long after, by advice
and under the direction of the same friend, went through a regular
course of legal reading. This was undertaken, not because his professional practice was irksome or unprofitable - for he was still laboriously employed in that, and to the day of his death was never permitted wholly to relinquish it: but because the exciting topics of the
day seemed to render it expedient that men called to occupy prominent positions should fortify their minds for the exigencies that might
arise. The position he then and subsequently held, and how he espoused with his whole heart the cause of his country, clearly appears
in the records and correspondence of the day from the hour in 1773
when he reported the resolutions in sympathy with the spirited action
of the town of Boston and was chosen chairman of the committee of
correspondence and safety of the town of Sandwich. His influence
was prominent not only at home but in every general and patriotic
movement abroad. The minutes of the Body of the People in 1774
show that it was no ordinary action instigated by demagogues, but the
procedure of high-minded men about to resume abused delegated
power. There was a full and: perfect understanding between leading
patriots in other parts of the state and himself in regard to the importance of that movement; and even a majority of those who from
prudential considerations seemed at the moment to assert the dignity
of their official position under the crown, approved the action of the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              463
the future religiously to regard the laws of God and man, and
conduct ourselves in all respects as becometh friends to society
and good government.              (Signed.)
Sandwich, Oct. 10, 1774.
We have devoted much space to a recital of these
transactions; but not more, we are sure, than we would
were the record one with which we might be supposed
to have less of sympathy. It forms an important feature
in the revolutionary period of our country's history,
and could not on account of consanguineous scruples
have been omitted without rendering the writer obpeople.  The journals of the General Court of which lie was a
member, convened in 1775, which "took up government" on the recommendation of the Continental and Provincial Congresses; the constitution of important committees especially, and other appointments
made, tell his standing then and there. Often brought in immediate
contact with Gen. Waashington from the moment he was delegated to
provide suitable accommodations for the commander-in-chief at the
head of the army at Cambridge, to the time of his delegation with
aaj. Osgood to West Point in 1779 for the performance of a most
important trust at a most eventful period when he publicly addressed
the officers and prophetically assured them that upon the successful
termination of the war a grateful country would appreciate their services and call them to posts of honor in the civil administration of the
government, there is evidence that he enjoyed the friendship, approval, and confidence of that distinguished man. Elected by the
General Court, in 1775, lieutenant colonel, and, the following February, colonel of militia, (in which capacity he marched at the head of
his regiment on the expedition to Rhode Island,) his appointment as
justice of the peace and quorum, as also register of probate, soon followed - in August; and in October he was appointed a judge of the
Court of Common Pleas whose progress he had arrested a year before;
his commissions civil and military being signed by the president and
members of Council acting as governor, and in the name of'The
government and people of the Massachusetts Bay in New England.'
His appointment as superintendent for the county, &c., during the war;
his position as member of the House of Representatives in 1778,'79
and'80; and many honors in quick succession conferred bespeak the
estimate put upon his services. On the adoption of the state consti



464              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
noxious to the charge of being strangely oblivious to
proceedings of great public interest.       It has seemed,
therefore, imperious duty to forego as an historian, all
affectation of self-denying modesty; and to act upon
the principle involved in the sentiment of the immortal
bard, -
" I've forgot my father;
I know no touch of consanguinity."
The ingenuous will recognize the duty as imperative.
tution in 1780, he was recommissioned judge of the Common Pleas,
register of probate, and justice of the peace and quorum; was also of
the first "dedimus potestatem" to qualify civil officers, and commissioned to " take up and restrain persons dangerous to the state."  Appointed, 1781, brigadier general, he offered his services in 1786 to
Gov. Bowdoin to suppress G" the insurrection."  Resigning his military
appointment in 1793, he was honorably discharged Oct. 31. Gov.
Hancock, in consenting, wrote of him -" An officer whose patriotic
services shone so conspicuously during a long and arduous revolution
which tried the souls of men in whatever station they were called to
act by the voice of their country;" and, the governor dying before the
discharge was perfected, Lieut. Gov. Samuel Adams acting as governor wrote, on forwarding the papers, " The spirit of liberty, under
whose benevolent guide your conduct has been so eminently distinguished during our late conflict with despotism, is equally recognized
in you by the present as by our lately departed commander-in-chief;
and he expresses his confraternity with you in friendship and in the
united love of our common country - whose government is established on the solid foundation of equal liberty and the rights of man."
The office of judge of the Common Pleas he held until that court was
superseded by the Circuit Court in 1811, a period of 36 years, within
which time he was appointed by Gov. Sullivan, chief justice, and also
chief justice of the Court of Sessions; the office of register of probate
he held more than 47 years, resigning it voluntarily in 1822 into the
hands of his friend and compatriot, Gov. Brooks. He was early
elected, on the nomination of Gov. Brooks, a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society; in 1797 was elected a member of the
Massachusetts Historical Society; and, in 1812, of the American Antiquarian Society. His conversational powers were of the first order;




: A~i.
i.::l'nz eii r.L ilt~ostun,
H ON. NATHANIEL FREENAN,
B. 17/11; D.1 87.








ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                 465
Moreover, the omission, for personal reasons, of a record which reflects much honor on numerous energetic
patriots in this county and adjacent counties, would be
manifest injustice to all; for the spirit of liberty was
not limited to the few to whom        was delegated a prominence, but pervaded the Body -
" totamque infusa per artus
Mens agitat molem, et magno se corpore miscet."
and he was one of the best extempore public speakers of his day.
Living generously and independently-his hospitality of the old
school - a man always of uncommon industry, application, and perseverance - he survived most of his contemporaries; and died, leaving a       large library in medical and legal science, as also theology, but
a very limited amount of other property, although unembarrassed and
free from debt, at the advanced age of nearly 87, Sept. 20, 1827 -
retaining a good degree of mental vigor and physical activity to within
a few days of his decease.
( Of no distemper, of no blast he died;
But fell like autumn fruit that mellowed long;
Even wonder'd at, because it falls no sooner.
Fate seemed to wind him up for four-score years;
Yet freshly ran he on six winters more,
Till like a clock worn out with eating time,
The wheels of weary life at last stood still."
We present, not without some hesitancy, an engraving of a likeness
of him; but painted when he was 85 years of age and at a time when
suffering from injuries received by the oversetting of a stage coach.
The likeness is not without defects. "In personal presence he was
commanding; his height six feet; his eyes piercing; his countenance
strongly marked" and denoting character.  By two marriages he had
20 children, 18 of whom lived to adult age and were married.
VOL. I.        59




466             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAPTER XXI.
The Cape Towns Awake to the Importance of the impending Crisis. — A
County Congress. - Gov. Gage alarmed. - Countermands his Orders for
a Meeting of the General Court. - The Court meet and denounce him. -
Resolve themselves into a Continental Congress.- Battle of Lexington.
-A Call to Arms. - Bunker Hill. - Congress prepares for Defence.Commander-in-Chief. - Local Items. - Vigilance to counteract the Tories. - Importance of Cape Cod Harbor. - Letter from Hon. James
Otis. - Defence of the Coast.
THE town had now imbibed largely the spirit of revolution.  Public meetings were being held for various
public objects, all tending to the same result and with
one great general object in view. Committees of correspondence and vigilance were appointed, and the
spirit of the masses of the people began to be most determined.   A County Congress was held in Barnstable, Nov. 16, 1774.
The governor of Massachusetts Bay having issued
precepts to the several towns in the province for the
return of representatives to the Great and Genieral
Court to be convened at Salem, Oct. 4, had become
alarmed at the preparations which he saw were being
made to resist the usurpation of chartered rights, and,
countermanding his orders, postponed, by proclamation, the session.  Disregarding his mandate, ninety
representatives elect assembled. They waited a suitable time for the governor to attend and administer the
several oaths; but he not appearing, they proceeded to
organize. John Hancock was chosen president and
Benjamin Lincoln clerk.   After passing sundry resolves
in regard to the conduct of the governor and other
officers of the crown, and in reference to the condition




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               467
of  the   country, it was moved, "That the members
present do now      resolve themselves into a PROVINCIAL
CONGRESS, to be joined by such persons as have been or
may be chosen for that purpose, to take into consideration the dangerous and alarming situation of public
affairs in this province, and to consult and determine
on such measures as they shall judge will tend to promote the true interests of his majesty, and the peace,
welfare and    prosperity of this province."      The   Cape
towns were generally represented.1
1 The first session of this Congress was held, Oct. 7. How judicious, bold and active were the proceedings of this memorable Congress, is told in other publications more in extenso than is compatible
with the space allotted chiefly to local annals. We there learn how
wisely the committees were appointed; with what manly dignity the
governor was addressed; what prudent foresight was exercised in advising the withholding of the public moneys from the receiver-general of the crown, and in the appointment of a new province treasurer;
and how, when the royal governor commanded them to " desist from
such illegal and unconstitutional proceedings," and " warned " them of
their " danger," they were none the less determined-but closing
their doors to prevent intrusion set themselves about their work in
good earnest, appointing committees of safety and correspondence,
providing for a more efficiently organized militia, a corps of minutemen in every town, an increase of military stores -- intending to lay
the foundation of an army.  The loyalists, in the mean while, were
not inactive. Timothy Ruggles, formerly of Sandwich, and occupant
of the lewcomb Tavern, (lawyer, innholder, general, sometime professed patriot, at last undisguised tory,) now of Hardwick, an active
leader in concocting measures throughout the province for the furtherance of the work on which the royal governor was intent, had succeeded in causing papers to be circulated in every town, calling on
"the friends of government to unite in associations to counteract the
designs of the patriotic; the loyalists denounced the whigs as " bullies,"
who, when blows should respond to words, would be "as agile in
retreat as their tongues were now nimble;" and the " red-coat military"
boasted that the disaffected provincials were but a "mob without order
or discipline," who would be " easily crushed in any contest" that
might ensue.




468             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
At this juncture, a meeting of committees from the
several towns in the County of Barnstable was held.
Assembling in the court house in Barnstable; Wednesday, Nov. 16, Hon. James Otis was chosen moderator,
and Col. Joseph   Otis clerk of the meeting.      Col. Nathaniel Freemanl Col. Joseph Otis, Mr. Thomas Paine,
Daniel Davis, Esq.,2 and Mr. Job Crocker, were appointed
a committee of correspondence -to communicate with
different parts of the county and with other counties in
the province as occasion might require; and a committee consisting of Hon. James Otis, Col. Otis, Col. Freeman, Capt. Joseph Doane, Mr. Paine, Daniel Davis, Esq.,
and Capt. Jonathan Howes, were appointed "to consider
further the public grievances and the state of this
counlty, and report at the time to which this meeting
shall be adjourned."    Having thus laid the foundation
for united concert of action, "thanks were voted to the
moderator, clerk, and to Col. Freeman for their good
services," and the meeting separated -       stout hearts
strengthened by the interview, their purpose more
than ever resolved, and their hopes and expectations
brightened.
1 Dr. Freeman's commission first as lieutenant colonel was under
the great seal of the Council assembled at Watertown. His appointment as colonel was by the General Court, Jan. 7, 1776.
2 Hon. DANIEL DAVIS was a gentleman highly esteemed and
always prominent in the business of both town and county. He was
one of the justices of the Common Pleas, from 1770; member of the
Provincial Congress; of the Council from 1776 to the commencement
of the State Constitution; appointed judge of Probate, 1778; and, in
1781, judge of the Common Pleas, and then chief justice - holding the
last two offices to the time of his death. For the portrait of him,
which is here given, we are indebted to his great-grandson, Daniel
Cobb, Esq., merchant, of New York.
3 We have referred in a previous note to a provision for "minutemen," and to discussions lobking to the raising of an army. The
Provincial Congress had resolved that for the defence of the province




C.4~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I5h
la








ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               469
We have no need to look abroad or into ancient history for models of true patriotism: they are found at
home now and henceforward in the promptitude, toils,
daring, and sacrifices of our revolutionary sires.      They
were not, like    many     of the   champions. of invaded
Greece, unchained from the workshops and doors of
their zmasters, nor were they even those whose voctaion
was the bearing of arms; but men of pacific habits,
ready for liberty's sake to contemn the threats of
a number of inhabitants should be enlisted to stand " ready to march
at a minute's warning;" and now, in November, agents were sent to
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, to request their
cooperation in order to provide an army of 20,000 men to act in any
emergency. In the same time, the British Parliament had convened,
and the king in his opening speech informed the members that "a
most daring resistance to the laws" prevailed in Massachusetts which
was encouraged by unlawful combinations in other colonies, and expressed his firm determination to withstand any attempt to weaken or
impair the royal authority. The two Houses expressed their hearty
concurrence. Still, when the British ministry brought the American
papers before Parliament, Lord Camden arose and said, "The way
must be immediately opened for reconciliation. It will soon be too
late. They say we have no right to tax them without their consent.
They say truly representation and taxation must go together; they
are inseparable. This wise people speak out. They do not hold the
language of slaves. They do not ask you to repeal the laws as a
favor; they claim it as a right. They tell you they will not submnit to
them. And I tell you, the acts must be repealed, and you must go
through the work. You must declare you have no right to tax. Then
they may trust you."  But Chatham's views for conciliatory measures
were negatived by a large majority. Petitions from the merchants of
London and other commercial cities were consigned to the committee
of oblivion; and Benjamin Franklin and other commercial agents
were absolutely refused a hearing on the plea that they were appointed by illegal assemblies. Thus the voice of three millions of
people in the attitude of applicants for right was put to silence. Parliament charged the Americans with "wishing to become independent," and determined " to crush the monster in its birth at any price
or hazard."




470           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
tyranny, and, if needs be, leave their own happy firesides and meet the privations of the camp and the
perils of the field. No anxiety, it is true, was felt that
written memorials of their sacrifices and daring should
be preserved -it has always been true of Cape Cod;
and hence much that might have been of thrilling interest has perished unrecorded — irretrievably lost —
buried in the graves of the unassuming citizen patriots
who did much to assure the liberty and prosperity of
posterity, and, strange to say, no one has hitherto cared
to rescue surviving facts from  oblivion.  In all the
histories that have been written, Cape Cod has been
treated (we have before intimated) as if it were a
terra incognita. If, indeed, it is alluded to, its agency in
great political events is singularly overlooked; and its
noble patriots are unmentioned, or if the names of any
must necessarily be spoken, the fact of their origin and
the scene of their labors is negligently concealed. It
was not here, as in the old world, that the nation was
identified with the capital, and the capital with the
court, so that, as in France, if Paris falls, the nation
succumbs with it; but in every town and village, the
great questions at issue were under discussion, and
from seemingly unimportant positions the fiat went
forth, "America must and shall be free."  Cape Cod
was emphatically revolutionary ground.
We turn from   important public events to notice
matters of mere local interest; but have only to say,
that-the General Court appropriated this year ~135
" to enable the inhabitants of Provincetown to support
a Protestant minister;" and that, notwithstanding all
the toils, perplexities, and privations of the years that
ensue, the interests of justice, morality and religion
were not neglected.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               471
In 1775, Thomas Gage still remained in office; but,
fortunately, was the last ever appointed for Massachusetts by the crown.'    The battle of Lexington, in April,
became the signal for war.2      A  letter addressed at this
time to Col. Freeman      of Sandwich by Mr. Watson         of
Plymouth, is illustrative of the excitement occasioned
by this event, and the spirit of the times.3 It shows,
1 Several regiments, we have said, followed Gage soon after his
arrival. He had begun to repair the fortifications upon Boston Neck;
had seized the ammunition in Charlestown arsenal; and had again been
recruited, so that his forces were 10,000 strong. He now sent out a
detachment to take possession of the stores at Salem and Concord.
2 When Gage sent his troops to seize the stores at Concord, the
march, though in the night, was discovered; and early in the morning of the 19th, as the troops under Colonel Smith and lMajor Pitcairn reached Lexington, they found about seventy men of the
"minute company" of that town under arms. Pitcairn riding up to
them, called out, " Disperse, you rebels!" and not being obeyed at
once discharged his pistol and ordered his troops to fire. Eight
Americans were killed and others wounded. It was the intention of
the people so to conduct as to place their adversaries in the wrong;
determined that if hostilities must commence, England should be the
aggressor; but it was equally their determination to repel with firmness the first hostile attack.  This is, to say the least, one of the few
battles comparatively in which human blood has not been shed in vain.
It was truly an occasion on which the blood of patriots proved to
be the seed of liberty; the beginning of that sanguinary contest that
resulted in the establishment of American independence. - On the return of the troops the people of the neighborhood had very generally
gathered in arms, and the retreating troops were attacked in all directions. At Lexington, a British reenforcement came to the rescue and
secured the retreat of the red-coats to Boston, after the damage of 60
killed and 180 wounded. The American loss was 50 killed and 34
wounded.
3 The letter of Mr. Watson may not be without interest:"' Plymouth, April 24, 1775.
"Dear Col. Freeman, —
"I congratulate you and our good friends in Sandwich on the grandest event that ever took place in America: I mean the late battle at
Concord, &c. That 700 poor, despised Yankees (I glory in the name)




472              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
too, that party animosities were not more strong than
was the conviction of right and a confidence in the approval of Heaven in the patriot breast.       The religious
element was, indeed, potential throughout the entire
progress of events, and no doubt contributed powershould have put to flight and totally defeated 1700 of Lord North's
best picked troops, consisting of grenadiers and Earl Percy's regiment of Welsh Fusileers, is a circumstance deeply mortifying to those
who thought themselves invincible. One of our Kingston friends was
in Boston when the vanquished troops returned, and was at the ferry
when they were brought over, who says he cannot express the mortification, disappointment and chagrin that appeared in their countenances. Cartloads of the wounded were hurried to the hospital,
(many of whom are since dead,) their mouths belching out curses and
execrations. We have disarmed our tories, and they are in a melancholy situation - suing and begging for reconciliation on any terms.
We are in high spirits, and don't think it is in the power of all Europe to
subjugate us; for it is evident that the Lord of Hosts has declared in
our favor, and to this God let us ascribe all the glory and all the
praise. The poor, wicked, mandamus party are fled to the ships; and
to what can they fly next? I am sure they have not a good conscience to flee to. I wish them future happiness; but I cannot in
conscience wish them much good in this life. I sincerely wish and
most heartily pray that a proper sense of this very remarkable interposition of Providence in our favor may have a proper effect on the
minds of a much injured and greatly insulted people. Ned Winslow
was in the action, and had his horse shot under him...
" I am, sir, with much esteem, and most sincere affection,
"Your humble servant, in great haste,
"W. WATSON.
Col. Nathaniel Freeman, Sandwich.
" P. S. Please forward this to Col. Otis of Barnstable, after Col.
Freeman has read it."
The foregoing letter was evidently dictated in haste and under the
inspiration naturally induced by the intelligence he had just received.
It is worthy, however, to be preserved as characteristic of a period
when every occurrence was pregnant with interest. - One fact is not
a little remarkable in this connection, as showing the injustice that is
sometimes awarded to those who have borne the heat and burden of




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              473
fully to prevent despondency and to secure the final
result.  The. evidence of this is every where apparent
throughout the     revolutionary    movement.      Whether
presumptuous, superstitious, or well founded, the impression seems to have been strong in the minds of the
patriots, that their cause was the cause of God and that
God would defend the right.'
The Provincial Congress, in May, declared Gage an
the day in a good cause; and as illustrative of the mutations that
await political influence, power, and place: in the time of our career
as an independent government, the writer of the aforesaid letter, who
was by all who knew him ranked among the most zealous and approved whigs, highly respected, was rotated from office in consequence
of representations made, doubtless with sinister intent, to President
Jefferson, the burden of the charge being that he was "an old tory."
A graduate of Harvard College in 1751, he was through a long life,
extending from 1730 to 1815, a zealous advocate for the rights and
liberties of his country, and a man of high integrity. He was, in
1775, the first postmaster appointed for Plymouth by the Provincial
Congress; in 1782, was appointed by the General Court naval officer; and in 1789 received a commission under President Washington as collector of the port of Plymouth.  President Jefferson
removed him in 1803.
1 Among the papers published under the name of the " American
Archives" appears a letter from  Col. Freeman, dated "Sandwich,
May 2, 1775," addressed "to the Chairman of the Committee of
Safety," Dr. Church, in which an expression occurs so singularly coincident with that used eight days after, by Gen. Allen at the taking
of Ticonderoga, that we venture to notice it as at least one of the instances corroborating the pervading influence of the religious element
referred to. Gen. Allen, when asked, May 10, by De La Place, his
authority for demanding the surrender, replied, "I demand it in the
name of the great Jehovah and of the Continental Congress." Col.
Freeman's letter, May 2, after reporting the success of an expedition
intrusted to him by resolves of the general committee of safety, concludes, "Any further orders from the honorable committee in the
cause of God and my country I am ready to execute with the greatest pleasure."
VOL. I.       60




474            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
enemy, disqualified for his office and unworthy of obedience; and his functions were from that time confined
to Boston.l
Thus, as related before, a memorable crisis had come
with the shedding of blood.    No pen can portray the
feelings which the event had excited. Couriers had
been despatched in all directions conveying the news
as they flew, (for we can hardly say rode,) and this was
speedily carried every where, spreading in an increasing circle like electric light throughout the land.
Wherever the news reached, though on Sunday, if in
the time of divine service, the messenger at once
entered the church and proclaimed, "War is begun!"
The cry was every where repeated, " War is begun "
and the almost universal response was, " To arms: liberty or death! "  It was felt that the question was now
to be decided —abject servitude or the enjoyment of
inalienable rights and liberties.  Public meetings were
held; resolutions approbatory of the Provincial Congress were passed; and no people in the whole length
and breadth of our land were more ready and determined for the contest than were the inhabitants of
Cape Cod, notwithstanding the great sacrifices they
must encounter.    The fisheries and their commerce
the main support-it was clearly foreseen would be
cut off and great privations must ensue; but these considerations and the thought of danger or death were as
1 In June, Gage issued a proclamation offering pardon to all "rebels" except Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Their offences were
"too flagitious to admit of any other consideration than that of condign
punishment." They were then members of the Continental Congress,
of which the latter was chosen president, May 24. - The battle of
Breed's Hill, which ensued, doubtless convinced Gage that he had mistaken the character of the Americans.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              475
nothing before the patriotic blaze which was now enkindled and rising     high in   every bosom    where true
patriotism   had a home.     All was activity and preparation.'
A bill had been passed by Parliament, February 10,
by which    the colonies were    to be restricted in their
trade to Great Britain and her West India possessions
and prohibited also from fishing on the Banks of Newfoundland; it was expected        that these    prohibitions
would prove particularly distressing - the idea prevailing in England that as so many of the inhabitants
of the colonies depended on commerce and the fisheries for subsistence, they could be " starved into obedience."2   The fisheries on     the Atlantic   coast were
1 The Provincial Congress of Mass. which was in session when
the affair at Lexington occurred, had sent despatches to England accompanied by depositions to show who were the aggressors-the
Congress still professing the loyalty of the people to the crown, but
at the same time protesting that they would not submit to the tyranny
of the British ministry, and solemnly averring:' Appealing to
Heaven for the justice of our cause, we determine to die, or be free."
Addresses to the throne, protests, and resolutions multiform we may
well suppose could hardly have been expected by the leading men of
the day to have much effect on king, ministry, or Parliament; they
were intended, doubtless, to have, as they did have, more serious effect
upon the feelings of the colonists themselves - showing them their
true situation and danger and awaking them to unity of action and
firm resolve. Still, there is overwhelming evidence that in the contest now begun between the colonies and the parent country, there
were thoughts of consanguinity that urged to the very exhausting of
attempts at reconciliation on honorable terms.
2 When the report of former proceedings had reached England, a
joint address of both Houses was presented to the king declaring that
" rebellion already existed" in Mass., and beseeching his majesty to
suppress it —an army of 10,000 men, it was believed, would be
amply sufficient "to reduce the rebels to submission."  Now the starving process must also be tried. But liberty and patriotism being the




476              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
always regarded both by England and here as of prime
importance, and so in fact they were, and ever have
been.1   Various were the means to which resort was
had for inducing submission.2
The second Continental Congress,3 pursuing the previous policy so pregnant with proofs of a desire only
for right and    for reconciliation   on terms honorable,
recommended the observance of a day of humiliation
and prayer c to implore the blessings of Heaven on
[their] sovereign the King of Great Britain, and the
order of the day, although there were always some whose nerves were
sensibly affected by England's menaces, and who stood aghast, declining all preparations for resistance, the ranks were amply filled by
those of stronger nerve and better fitted to do honor to themselves and
their country.
1 The London merchants, alarmed by the restraints on trade, took
action, testifying the good that resulted to England from the fishing
trade of New England. They showed to Parliament that, in 1764,
New England employed 45,880 tons of shipping and 6002 seamen,
and the amount of her sales in foreign markets for that year was
~322,220 16 sterling; that the fisheries were since greatly increased,
and that a suppression of this trade would actually wound the commerce of Great Britain and involve thousands of its people in ruin.
Still the ministry was determined.
2 A bill termed a conciliatory proposition was introduced by Lord
North, providing that taxation should cease in any colony whenever
certain conditions were fulfilled -the design of which evidently was
to disunite the colonies. The proposition was indignantly rejected by
the Congress and by the colonies; it was moreover decided, in England, by the friends of America in Parliament, to be nugatory, since
it was the right, not the mode, of taxation that the colonies disputed.
3 It may, upon reflection, induce a smile that the 13 little colonies
should imagine themselves' the continent' and call their assembly
the' Continental Congress.' But South America was then scarcely
recognized by the civilized world; and it is not quite certain that
there was not then indulged the remote thought that the continent
itself should be self-governed and the right of all usurpation by
European power be denied on American soil.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              477
interposition of divine aid to remove the grievances of
the  people    and  restore harmony between     the  parent
country   and    the  colonies   on  constitutional   terms.
British reenforcements, however, continued to arrive,
with officers who had acquired distinguished reputation
in the war between England and France, and in Boston martial law was in full force.'      The news of the
Bunker Hill battle which soon followed, excited astonishment in England, and increased confidence at home.2
1 It was determined by the people to annoy and, if possible, dislodge the British forces. To this end a detachment of 1000 men
under the command of Col. Prescott was ordered, June 16, to throw
up a breastwork on Bunker Hill. They had nearly completed their
design before daylight undiscovered; but soon after the day began to
dawn, a heavy cannonade commenced from the British ships in the
harbor. The Americans in the mean while received a reenforcement
of 500 men. At noon, 17th, they found Gen. Howe advancing with
an army of 3000. The fire of the Americans was so dreadful that
the whole British line recoiled and was thrown into disorder. Soon,
however, the Americans were obliged to retreat in consequence of the
failure of ammunition. The loss of the British was 1054 in killed
and wounded; that of the Americans 453. Among the fallen was the
brave and lamented Maj. Gen. Warren, who, without having as yet
assumed his commission, had hastened to the battle as a volunteer.
Whilst the -British troops were advancing to the charge, orders were
given by the enemy to set fire to Charlestown; the entire town was
laid in ashes - a barbarous act, of no advantage to the British cause,
and only serving to exasperate the Americans yet more.
2 The British ministry began to see that they were engaged in a
sanguinary contest, and that the people of whom they had been accustomed to speak in terms of contempt were not to be intimidated
easily, or to be trifled with. Lord Chatham, Burke, and Fox, considering the issue doubtful, as well as disapproving the course taken
by the ministry all along, now earnestly endeavored, though without
success, to produce an immediate change in the measures of government. The ministry, notwithstanding a strenuous opposition to their
rash procedure, carried a decisive majority; and an act was obtained
to employ 16,000 additional mercenaries to reduce the colonies. All




478              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Congress at once resolved on vigorous measures for defence; but at the same time agreed on a second petition to the king, and also issued addresses to the people
of Great Britain and Canada, setting       forth  their reasons for taking     up  arms.    They also    proceeded   to
organize a conlinental armt, and for colmmander-in-chief
made choice, happily for the cause and the country, of
GEORGE WASHINGTON; and his head-quarters were soon,
July 2, established at Cambridge.
It is not our design to enter more fully into the details of the war than is necessary to illustrate the part
which the inhabitants of Cape Cod enacted in the
eventful struggle; and we, therefore, yield again to
relations of more local nature.-       The people of the
Cape were not prepared, whatever obstacles            might
be in their way, to be driven from         their avocations
upon the seas.'   Voyages, with the approbation of the
trade with the colonies was suspended; and all property belonging to
the same taken upon the high seas was declared forfeited to the captors. The force against America was now 50,000 men.
1 We find Prince Gorham petitioning to the General Court, Aug. 5,
for permission, and a resolve authorizing himself and Benj. Cobb, "to
export from Chatham to the Island St. Eustatia, 40 hhds. of old Jamaica and new scale fish, 40 bls. alewives, and 2000 bush. onions," but
required to carry "no more provisions than are absolutely necessary
for the vessel's use, to be under the supervision of the committee of
inspection of said Chatham: alwvays provided that the said fish, &c.
shall not be cleared out for any of his Britannic Majesty's dominions."
Other and similar petitions and grants were made from time to time.
A petition in behalf of Elisha Doane and others of Wellfleet, praying
for liberty to send out a number of vessels on whaling voyages, resulted, Sept. 27, in the following resolve:' That the petitioners and
all others who have vessels fitting out for the whale fishery be, and
they are hereby, permitted to send their vessels out on said fishery,
they taking no more provisions than is necessary for the said voyages,
and giving bond to the receiver-general of this colony in the sum of




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             479
General Court,     continued   to be made, though       at
great risk.
It was found necessary, August 21, "to inquire into
the conduct of certain persons in the county," as appears by the following     procedure   of the   House of
Representatives: -
I "Whereas it is represented to this House that some
of the inhabitants of the town of Eastham, and some
of the inhabitants of the town of Chatham and other
towns in the county, have in divers instances violated
the resolves of the Continental Congress and the Congress of this colony: Therefore resolved that Colonel
Nathaniel Freeman and Colonel James Otis be desired
to make inquiry into this matter; and if, upon examination, they find that any person or persons, in any
of the towns aforesaid, have been guilty of violating
any of the resolves aforesaid, and have acted or are
acting in direct violation of the liberties of the colony: That they cause such person or persons to be
apprehended and secured by those forces that are
appointed to guard the coast thereabout, and that they
be safely guarded and brought up        to  this court to
answer for their conduct."      The Massachusetts Con~2000 for each vessel; and that said vessels with their cargoes return
to some part of this colony, and there land the same, the ports of Boston and Nantucket excepted." - The committee of correspondence at
Chatham were instructed "to detain the schooner belonging to John
Prince of Salem, a tory."
1 The representatives from the Cape in the House of Representatives at this time, at Watertown, were " Daniel Davis and Joseph Otis
Esqs., Barnstable; Col. Nathaniel Freeman and Joseph Nye Jr.,
Sandwich; M1aj. Enoch Hallett, Yarmouth; Amos Knowles Jr., Eastham; Col. Elisha Cobb, Wellfleet; Col. Joseph Doane, Chatham;
Joshua Nye, Harwich; Moses Swift, Falmouth; and Samuel IHarding, Truro;" and Col. James Otis of Barnstable was of the Council.




480          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
gress had, it will be understood, already caused measures to be taken to disarm all disaffected persons or
tories, and to prevent persons removing with their
effects out of the province.
In October resolves of the General Court were,'That the selectmen and others who have billeted
the soldiers raised in the County of Barnstable and
stationed in the Counties of Barnstable and Plymouth
be allowed the money due them;" that c ~100 be paid
to Coi.' Joseph Otis, Col. Nathaniel Freeman, Major
Enoch Hallett, and Maj. Joseph Dinmick, or to either
of them, for the purpose of purchasing four pieces of
cannon, from four to nine pounders, and ammunition
for the same;" also that an appropriation  of ~135 be
made for the support of tie gospel ministry at Provincetown." And, December 1, it was ordered; that the
speaker of the House, James Warren, and Col. Orne,
with such as the honorable board shall join, be a committee to acquaint his excellency, Gen. Washington,
with the importance of Cape Cod harbor, and consider
with him on some method to deprive the enemy of
the advantage they now receive therefrom." - Also,
December 2, Mr. Joseph Nye 3d of Sandwich was requested v to repair forthwith to the East Regiment in
the County of Barnstable, and use his utmost endeavors to raise and form into companies one hundred and
twenty-eight men, to be officered, equipped, paid and
supported as provided for -the said men to be at
head quarters on the 10th instant." - On the 16th,
" James Prescott Esq. brought down from the Council
a letter from Hon. James Otis, relative to the conduct
of certain tories in Barnstable, and in particular a person at the head of them who professes himself a whig,'
- with the following order of Council thereon, viz.:




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      481
"that Walter Spooner and Moses Gill Esqs., with such
as the House shall join, be a committee to take the
foregoing letter and collateral papers into consideration
and report." Whereupon Col. Freeman, Mr. Cooper,
and Col. Cushing were joined; and it was ordered by
the House "that a message go to the Hon. Council
desiring that they will direct the said committee to sit
forthwith."
The situation of the county, at this time, was one of
great perplexity and exposure. The important decision,
whether the friends of liberty were ultimately to prevail, or to suffer as rebels, was yet to be made. There
were causes which led the loyalists still to cherish sanguine hopes of triumph; and these offended, subtle,
vindictive men were unwearied - throwing all possible
obstacles in the way of the active friends of freedom,
and clandestinely employing every means of comfort
and aid to the enemy. The peculiar position of the
county topographically was favorable to their evil
intent. The extended peninsula not only presented
nearly one hundred and fifty miles of sea-coast liable
to hostile incursion; its most capacious harbors absolutely indefensible, and at the will and convenience of
the enemy's shipping; but the numerous islands on the
south side of the upper portion of the county had
already become the resort of base-minded persons,who,
fearing to practise their enormities in a less secure retreat, ventured to hope for impunity on these islands
where British men-of-war constantly in sight might
afford them protection. True, on these same islands
were many firm whigs; but their exposedness forbade
a repression of the invasions to which they were subject, nor were they competent, under the circumstances,
to expel the refugees by whom their every movement
VOL. I.    61




482              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
was watched, and who were among them for the express purpose of instant and constant communication
with the enemy.      Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and
the Elizabeth    Isles were positions uncontrollable by
patriotic zeal. Depredations from these lurking-places
of the disaffected and from the enemy were constantly
occurring.1 So vital had become the importance of applying some remedy, that, December 18, after due consideration by the Council and House, special action was
had, and Major Joseph Dimmick was commissioned to
begin the work of reform. He was directed to embrace
an early opportunity and with sufficient aid "repair to
Nantucket, and arrest such as are guilty of supplying
the enemy with provisions." The disinterested patriotism, the indomitable energy, the unflinching courage
1 As early as May 31 of the present year, a letter from Mr. Stephen Nye of Sandwich to Col. Freeman then in Boston, was laid
before the authorities, communicating the proceedings of the British
Captain Lindsey, at the islands: " He received a reenforcement from
Boston, and went to the west end of the island and took off about 200
sheep, chiefly from Tucker's Island, belonging to John Wing. He
then came down to the Cove, and there ordered all the sheep to be
yarded; insulting, threatening and abusing the people for their backwardness in assisting him. When this was done, he concluded to let
the sheep remain until towards morning. In the course of the night
word was brought to Falmouth by Nye, and a number of men well
equipped went to the island; but before they arrived the sheep had
all been turned out of the yard into the woods. The people from the
ship were enraged; and took all the arms they could find, six calves,
and the hogs. The Falmouth people got there before day and placed
themselves in the bushes, lying undiscovered. The boat came to the
shore again, but soon returned without going to the house, and went
to Holmes' Hole." Besides similar depredations often made, supplies
were being constantly furnished from isolated positions by those in the
interest of the enemy, notwithstanding the providing food for the enemy
subjected the offender to the penalty of death.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             483
of Dimmick of Falmouth have long since passed into a
proverb.
On the 28th, new and increased levies of men were
ordered "for the defence of the sea-coast,' and Col.
Freeman of Sandwich was appointed " to issue the documents necessary for the new' defence establishment."'l
Maj. Hawley, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Gerry, Col. Freeman and
Col. Orne were also appointed " to consider and report
some proper orders and regulations to be observed by
the militia generally when drawn out on any alarm;
and also what further measures are necessary to be
taken for the defence of the colony."
For the defence of Truro some slight provision was
made, January 15, 1776.2 The Cape, however, with all
its exposedness and trials at home, must bear its full
share of distant service.   Gen. Washington calling for
reinforcements, six regiments of 728 men each must
now, January 18, be raised in the several counties of
the province; and of the 4368 privates required, 260
must be furnished by the County of Barnstable.3 Again,
1 The officers selected to command the forces at Martha's Vineyard
and the Elizabeth Islands, were Barachiah Bassett, major; for company 1, Nathan Smith capt., Jeremiah Manter 1st it., Fortunatus Bassett, 2d It.; for comp. 2, Benj. Smith capt., Melatiah Davis 1st It.,
James Shaw 2d It.; for comp. 3, John Grannis capt., James Blossom
1st It., Sam. Hallett 2d It.; and for comp. 4, Elisha Nye capt., Steph.
Nye Jr. 1st It., and John Russell 2d It.
2 The following persons were elected and appointed by the court to
be officers for a military company to be stationed at Truro for defence,
viz.: Joseph Smith capt., Hezekiah Harden 1st It., Seth Smith 2d it.,
and Capt. Sam. Harden commissary.
3 The com. appointed to direct this duty here were Col. Otis and
Col. Cobb. Barnstable and Plymouth Counties were conjointly to form
one regiment of 732 men; and of this regiment under Col. Carey of
Bridgewater, Maj. Barachiah Bassett of Falmouth was appointed It.
col., Thos. Hamilton of Chatham adj't, and Nath. Hall of Harwich
surgeon's mate.




484              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
January 21, it was ordered " that a regiment of 728
men be raised to go to Canada." Many of the soldiers
raised at this time, were as on all other occasions, Mashpee Indians. The employment of Indians in wars between civilized nations has generally been reprobated;
but it must be remembered that the Mashpees were no
longer'savages.'    They were regular and orderly soldiers; and excellent soldiers they were too-      brave and
enduring. They always acquitted themselves well, and
during the entire contest were most valuable auxiliaries. No other people furnished in proportion to their
numbers so many efficient soldiers.
That the restrictions laid upon commerce were be1 The Abbe Raynal says, " Carlton tried, first to arm barbarous
bands in Canada. They said, in answer to his solicitations,'It is the
dispute of a father with his children: we do not think it right for us
to enter into this family squabble.' It was asked by the British,'If
the rebels come to attack Canada, will you not help us to drive them
back?' The Indians replied,' Ever since the peace, the hatchet has
been buried forty fathoms deep; the helve of it is rotted, and we cannot use it.' The United States," continues the Abbe Raynal, " were
not more fortunate: the Oneidas said,'We have heard talk of some
differences between Old and New England, but we shall never take
part in such atrocious divisions - war between brethren is a new and
strange thing; our traditions have left us no examples of this.' The
]Jfashpees alone seemed to interest themselves in the cause of the
Americans: said these good savages,'There's 16 shillings for you-'tis all we have; we thought to have bought some rum with it, but
we'll drink water and hunt- and when beasts fall by our arrows, we'll
sell their skins and bring you the money.' But, in time, the active
agents of Great Britain succeeded in conciliating to it many nations of
these aborigines."  Although the preceding quotation is discrepant in
reference to the progress made by the Mashpees whom the learned
and amiable foreigner supposes to be savages and yet relying on bows
and arrows, still it is of interest as an exhibit of important historical
facts. The auxiliaries of the British were acknowledgedly savages:
the Indians who served in the American ranks were civilized men.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                485
coming    exceedingly irksome to       many, is evident by
frequent applications now made to the Gen. Court for
permission to venture upon the seas, and by repeated
complaints of a disregard by individuals of the resolutions of the Provincial and Continental Congresses.'
The militia of this county was divided, January 31,
into two regiments. An act for carrying into execution a resolve of Congress " for ascertaining the number
1 A petition of Benj. Crocker of Falmouth prayed that he and others
having ~700 due them at Tobago and Grenada might have leave to
sail a vessel there and collect the same, he being master. The prayer
was granted with restrictions under heavy bonds. A letter from Mr.
Benj. Fessenden touching the sailing of a vessel to the W. Indies contrary to congressional orders, and enclosing a vote of the corn. of cor.
in Sandwich, was the subject of legislation; the vessel belonged in
Falmouth. Representations were also made against certain persons
in different parts of the province charged with loading vessels for the
W. Indies and conveying produce of the colonies. Wellfleet and Barnstable were among those whose inhabitants were the subject of legislative inquiry on this charge. A proclamation prepared by a cor. of
both houses of the General Court, Jan. 23, set forth the justice of the
American cause, and enjoined all possible aid from the whole people;
also pronounced all and every who fail in this duty hostile to the country's best interests. This proclamation was ordered to be read by the
clerks of every court of justice at the next opening of the same, and
recommended to be read by all ministers of the gospel in their respective assemblies on the next Lord's day after its reception, immediately
on the close of divine service.
2 The Gen. Court elected the following field-officers for the respective regiments, viz.: for the 1st, including Barnstable, Sandwich, Yarmouth and Falmouth, Nath. Freeman col., Joseph Dimmick lt. col.,
Joshua Gray 1st major, Geo. Lewis 2d major; for the 2d reg't, including Harwich, Eastham, Chatham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown,
Joseph Doane col., Elisha Cobb It. col., Zenas Winslow 1st maj., Gideon Freeman 2d maj. Dimmick declined in favor of Col. Enoch
Hallett, and accepted the office of 1st maj. in the place of Gray who
declined. Freeman Parker and Thos. Knowles were subsequently
appointed adjutants.




486             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
of inhabitants" in each town was passed Feb. 15. Also,
"upon application made by the Council of Safety in
Charleston, S. C., permission was given by the General
Court of Massachusetts to Capt. Robert Cockran to enlist a number of seamen, not exceeding 300, within the
bounds of this colony, for the defence of South Carolina;" -  a courtesy and evidence of fraternal sympathy
that need not be forgotten.
As some faint intimation of the straits to which the
colonies were sometimes driven in their struggle for
liberty, it may here be mentioned that the committee
appointed by the court " to contract for building ten
armed sloops," was directed, February 16, " to suspend
setting up more than half that number, since it (was)
found to be impossible to procure iron, rigging, or other
materials for the whole."1
Silver and gold coin being much needed by the Continental Congress for the supply of that part of the army
gone against Quebec, application was made by Congress
to the General Court of this colony requesting that an
effort might be made in the several towns to exchange
continental bills for specie; a subscription was therefore ordered to be opened, February 14, "to give all
persons willing, in this time of danger and distress, an
opportunity to aid by the patriotic act " of exchanging
1 Perhaps a more striking illustration of the economy called for, is,
that the same day an order was passed that " inasmuch as the colony
cannot be supplied with a sufficient quantity of paper for its own consumption without the particular care of the inhabitants in saving rags
for the paper-mills, the committees of inspection and correspondence
in the several towns are required immediately to appoint suitable
agents to receive rags for the mills," and "furthermore, the court enjoin
upon all people to be very careful in saving even the smallest quantity of rags as a further evidence of their disposition to promote the
general good."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              487
money for bills. Each person so disposed was requested
to affix to his or her name the amount so exchanged.
Cols. Otis and Doane were the committee for Barnstable
County to canvass and receive the subscriptions."
A letter, February 19, "from the Hon. James Otis to
the honorable Council, informed that on Saturday last
a French vessel ran ashore on the south side of the Cape
with upwards of one hundred hogsheads of molasses
and other cargo. The goods were taken into custody,
and the instructions of the Court were asked.l
1 The vessel "had a French master, and also an English master -
a Nantucket man; and on board was one Mons. Le Baron, who had
taken passage with the design of going to Philadelphia; appeared to
be much of a gentleman, and said he had been more than twenty years
in the King of Prussia's service; further, Le Baron alleged that both
the French and English masters talked of going to Boston."  The
letter was communicated to the House, and "committed to Major
Hawley, Col. Freeman, Capt. Batcheldor, and Mr. Davis, with such
as may be joined by the Council."  Subsequently, April 2, a "conmittee appointed to inquire of Mons. Le Baron de Woldlke, chevalier
del ordre St. Jean Jerusalem de Malta, relative to the matter, reported, " That from the account of Le Baron there was reason to suppose
the Frenchman designed to go to Boston with his cargo; but that
upon his being heard in his own justification, and from the evidence
of Capt. Folger, who left the West Indies but a few days before him,
the committee are of opinion that it is best to give him up his papers,
and permit him to sell his cargo.  The committee are further of
opinion that Mr. Otis, before whom Le Baron was examined, and by
whom he was forwarded to the Council, had reason to suppose that the
master had formed a design of going into Boston harbor, and that his
Honor's conduct merits applause."




488             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAPTER         XXII.
Gen. Gage retires, and Howe is in Command. —Gen. Washington takes
Possession of Boston. - The Council the Administration, with Hon. James
Otis of Barnstable President. - The Cape Towns instruct their Representatives to obtain from the Continental Congress a Declaration of Independence. - Independence declared. - The Colonies reduced to great
Straits. -Application from South Carolina. — British Transport-ship ashore.
- Loyalists. - French Ship ashore. - Captures by the British. - Loyalists. - Ship ashore at Provincetown with Refugees. - Salt Manufactures.
- Local Affairs. - New Constitution.
GENERAL GAGE left the province in 1775, and Boston
being a garrison town, subject to martial law, the chief
command devolved on Gen. Howe-           the appearance
only of a lieutenant governor and mandamus Council
being kept up; but Howe, with his troops, men-of-war,
&c., was reduced to the necessity of evacuating, March
17, 1776; and the same day a detachment from          the
army under Gen. Washington took possession.         From
this time until a new constitution or frame of government went into effect, which was not until October 25,
1780, all public concerns were, in the recess of the
General Court, directed by the COUNCIL annually chosen
under the charter granted in the third year of the
reign of William   and Mary.    The eldest of the councillors present, it was determined should be the president of the Council1 for the time being.      Thus there
was an interregnum, as it were, of five years.
The American army investing Boston had amounted
1 Col. James Otis of Barnstable was president.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              489
to 15,000 men; but these were in great measure destitute of suitable arms, ammunition, clothing, and experienced officers.   The number was now        soon increased
to 20,000; and to encourage enlistments in the continental service unusual inducements were offered.l The
crisis was so important that a day, extraordinary, for
general Fasting and Prayer was appointed.2
Gen. Washington sent to the General Court, March
13, a letter enclosing sundry papers relative to a
"transport-ship    called  the   Friendship, Capt. James
Holmes, cast ashore on the back of Cape Cod, February
1 Gen. Washington having represented to the General Court
the necessities of the army, requesting immediate assistance in procuring blankets for the soldiers, committees were appointed to repair to the selectmen of every town, and request their assistance in
providing the same. The sum of ~2600 was placed in the hands of
these committees for the purpose.  Capt. Amos Knowles Jr. of
Eastham received the proportion for the County of Barnstable, viz.,
~190.9; and 203 men were required of the county- from Barnstable 45, Sandwich 40, Yarmouth 40, Harwich 40, Eastham 40,
Wellfleet 18, Chatham 26, Falmouth 26.  Maj. Hallett was, with
Capt. Knowles, on this committee for this county.
2 "It having been the laudable practice of this government to
recommend and appoint days of fasting and prayer upon solemn and
special occasions, beside the annual fasts; and as this Court apprehend that the present time is big with the most important events to
this and other colonies, and that these events are in the hand of the
Supreme Governor of the universe: therefore resolved, that the honorable Board be, and hereby are, desired to set apart Thursday,
March 7, to be observed as a day of solemn humiliation and prayer,
devoutly to implore of Almighty God that the vocal dispensations of
Providence in the peculiar events that have lately taken place may
be duly resented, and the great end for which they were designed
happily accomplished; that He will also command His blessing upon
our Councils and Arms in the present struggle with Great Britain for
those inestimable rights, civil and religious, with which God and
Nature has invested us, and made it our duty to endeavor at any
hazard to hand down to posterity."
VOL. I.       62




490              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
29;" desiring the court "to       supply the camp" with
sundry articles.l   "A sloop loaded with English goods,
household furniture, &c., having sailed from       Boston to
Halifax, with sundry Tories and a large number of
women and children, some of whom were sick with
small-pox, was cast ashore at Provincetown the last of
March; the     court appointed      Colonel Freeman       and
others a committee to repair forthwith to the place and
prevent the escape of the passengers and crew, and secure the vessel and cargo." This was effected, and the
men were ordered to Boston for trial.2
1 The selectmen of Truro were directed to aid the committee of
correspondence, inspection, and safety, "in securing the remains of
said ship, and to take care of the rigging and other appurtenances, as
also of the provisions, powder, cannon, ammunition, and other stores on
board, and to forward to the commissary, for Gen. Washington, the
vinegar, boxes of tin, bolts of canvas, and kegs of paint, first causing
them to be appraised." It was also recommended to the captors " to
restore to Capt. H. his personal effects and private papers, including
all the money found to be his private property."  Holmes, taking advantage of the leniency of the court, demanded the greater part of
the cargo.  This led to a particular direction of the court, that their
recommendation be understood to apply to his "clothing, cabin furniture, sea-books, cash, and private papers only - said Holmes making
it appear that the cash was actually his - and not to any part of the
cargo or stores."
2 An incident is related as occurring about this time so characteristic of the American commander-in-chief that it may well be mentioned. A letter was sent by Gen. Howe, the British commander, to
Gen. Washington, addressed " George Washington Esq."   But the
indignity was repelled; Gen. Washington refused to receive it. Another was sent, "George Washington, &c., &c., &c."  He still declined receiving any communication unless addressed to him in his
proper official character. Subsequently it appeared that Sir William
Howe and Admiral Lord Howe were commissioned to propose terms
of accommodation - offering pardon for the past by way of concession:
but Washington said, " The Americans have taken up arms to defend
their indisputable rights, and conscious of no guilt they desire no
pardon."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              491
The committee of Falmouth petitioned for a guard
of soldiers to be placed on the Neck in that town, April
5. A letter also, April 8, from the committee of correspondence of the town of Eastham, informed the
Court that " a member of the House of Representatives" was in Eastham      endeavoring "to prevent the
currency of the bills of credit of the United Colonies;"
whereupon that member was ordered by the House to
return to Boston and report himself forthwith. A letter also from   Joseph Nye Esq. of Sandwich, to Col.
Freeman of the House, was read, April 9, informing of
"' the arrival of a vessel at Barnstable after a short passage from the West Indies, passengers by which arrival
reported that more than one half the American vessels
that have sailed the present year have been taken by
the armed vessels of the enemy;" also that "a large
quantity of tea was imported in said vessel."       A committee of inquiry was appointed;1 also a committee to
1 Joseph Nye and Seth Freeman Esqs. of Sandwich, and Joseph
Nye Esq. of Harwich, were appointed to make inquisition in reference to the accusation against certain persons of being concerned in
the importation of tea and English goods. At the same time, the committees in the several towns and plantations were directed to report
to the court the names of all persons who may have violated in any
manner the resolves of the Continental or Provincial Congresses, or
resolves of the General Court; all who have acted against or opposed
the rights and liberties of the country, or who signed or voted an
address to Gen. Gage, approving of his errand or administration, since
the dissolution of the General Court at Salem, 1774; or to Gov.
Hutchinson after the arrival of Gen. Gage; or to Gen. Howe; or
who have joined or promoted any association for joining or assisting
the enemies of the continent; and of such as have fled from the
country to the British army, fleet, or elsewhere; together with their
respective crimes, accompanied with depositions; also to take an inventory of the estates of such persons - unless such persons shall
have already given complete satisfaction to the public of their sincere




492              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
consider what restrictions need be imposed upon commerce.1
Beating orders were now issued for enlisting a regiment of 728 men in the several counties " to defend
and secure the town and harbor of Boston."           It was
also decreed that "one third part of the proceeds of
captures made by vessels commissioned to cruise in
quest of British property, be given to the captors."
Letters of marque and reprisal had some time before
been granted.     Cruisers were also now employed "to
guard the coast and restrain the sending of supplies to
the enemy," as also "to intercept the enemy's storeships arriving on the coast." A bill was passed "to
carry into execution the resolve of Congress for disarming of persons who are disaffected to the cause of
America."    The courts of the county were, by special
act, postponed from May to October on account of the
small-pox being prevalent in Barnstable. A petition
from Col. Freeman of Sandwich setting forth that he
contrition, thorough reformation, and firm attachment to the rights
and interests of this and the other United Colonies of America.
1 It was resolved at the same time, April 9, " Whereas it is apprehended that some of the inhabitants of this colony may be induced,
from a regard to their own interest, to employ their vessels the ensuing season in the business of fishing; and, in order to avoid the inconveniences they may be exposed to by an Act of Parliament prohibiting
all manner of trade and commerce with the thirteen United Colonies,
and declaring forfeited all such vessels, cargoes, &c., may think to
make over their property in their vessels to some inhabitants of Nova
Scotia: to the intent therefore that none may unwarily enter upon
such a method of conduct, it is Resolved, That if any inhabitant of
this colony shall upon any pretence whatever transfer his property in
any vessel to any inhabitant of the Province of Nova Scotia, he will
thereby violate a resolve of the Congress prohibiting all intercourse
with the inhabitants of that province, and may expect to be required
to submit to the pains and penalties due to such offence."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      493
and others received funds from the public treasury for
the purchase of cannon for the use of the forces at Tarpaulin Cove, and asking for instruction in regard to a
balance yet remaining on hand, was referred, and the
balance of ~51.2 paid.
It having been recommended by the Continental
Congress to encourage the manufacture of SALT, and documents having been transmitted setting forth the importance of its being attempted in this colony, the
General Court also recommended C to the inhabitants
of the several seaport towns to use their utmost endeavors" to attain the end so desirable.
The Council sent down to the House, May 1, the
following: "Whereas it is represented to this court,
that a navigable CANAL may, without much difficulty, be
cut through the isthmus which separates Buzzard's Bay
and Barnstable Bay, whereby the hazardous navigation
around Cape Cod both by reason of the enemy and the
shoals may be prevented, and a safe communication
between this colony and the Southern colonies be so
far secured: Therefore be it resolved that James Bowdoin and William Sever Esqs. with such as the House
shall join, or a major part of them, be a committee to
repair to the town of Sandwich and view the premises,
and determine whether the cutting of a canal as aforesaid be practicable; and they are hereby authorized to
employ any necessary assistance of surveyors and engineers for the purpose." Col. Freeman, Brig. Godfrey, and Mr. Cushing were joined on the part of the
House.
It was proposed in the House of Representatives,
May 9, " that the several towns in the colony be recommended to give instructions to their representatives
with respect to a Declaration by Congress of the Inde



494              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
pendence of the United Colonies;" and, the following
day, it was "IResolved, as the opinion of this House,
that the inhabitants of each town in this colony, ought,
in full meeting warned for the purpose, to advise the
person or persons who shall be chosen to represent
them   in the next General Court, whether, if the honorable Congress shall, for the safety of the colonies,
declare them    independent of the kingdom         of Great
Britain, they the said inhabitants will solemnly engage
with their lives and fortunes to support Congress in
the measure."     The towns generally instructed their
representatives to use their influence to obtain from
the Continental Congress such declaration, and pledged
themselves accordingly. We say the towns generally,
did this: the one only exception we may have occasion
to notice hereafter.1
1 The right of instructing those chosen to be members of a deliberative body, whose duties involve an interchange of opinions, and
free and full discussion for securing greater circumspection in the final
action that shall determine what is for the greatest good, was evidently
a question which at this early and eventful period occasioned some
diversity of judgment. Hence, it would seem the proposition made
the previous day to instruct, was by the final action on the succeeding
day so modified as to secure for the representative a knowledge of the
fact whether his constituents will, or will not, sustain Congress in the
measure contemplated, should it be adopted. The measure in contemplation was one of amazing moment, and called for unity of feeling
and resolve. The wariness with which the subject was approached
-the assembling of the inhabitants of each town in full meeting
warned for the purpose to advise whether, if the Congress shall,
moved by a regard for the safety of the colonies, declare them independent, the inhabitants will solemnly engage to support the measure
-excites our admiration, and is worthy of all commendation. That
the doctrine of the right of instruction was held to be valid by the
great majority is clear; for in the town meetings the right seems never
to have been disputed, and subsequently, at various times, opposing
parties acted unhesitatingly in the presumption of its validity.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        495
The controversy was henceforward not for constitutional liberly, but for independence; and a motion was
made in Congress to this effect, June 7, by Rd. Henry
Lee of Virginia, whereupon a committee consisting of
Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Sherman and Livingston,
was appointed to prepare a DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.
The draft being made, such declaration was, after full
discussion, adopted, signed, and promulgated.
Whilst these proceedings were being had, a company
of 100 men were enlisted to serve on Martha's Vineyard —" to pass muster before Maj. Joseph Dimmick
and to be under the command of Maj. Barachiah Bassett
- for the defence of the island."  It was also ordered
by the General Court, "that the selectmen of Sandwich be paid ~4 18s. 2d. for barracks, wood, cartridges,
powder, and flints furnished."  Also, "that 600 cwt. of
cannon balls be supplied to Truro." It was further
ordered, June 25, " that 5000 men be raised in this colony to cooperate with the continental troops in Canada
and New York."  And, July 2, it was " recommended to
the inhabitants generally, it being an object of great
importance to the defence of the colony, to give up
their leaden window-weights to be cast into bullets."
" Clothing for the army," was often required; and the
urgent demand was now for "coats, waistcoats, breeches,
felt-hats, shirts, hose, and shoes."1
From the present period, July 4, 1776, the national
existence of THE UNITED STATES, properly so called, commenced. The annals of the world do not furnish another
instance of a nation rising in so short a space of time
from its first settlement, to an equal degree of intelligence, power, and inflexible resolve for liberty or death.
1 For the procuring of these in Barnstable County, Joseph Nye Esq.
of Harwich was appointed by the General Court.




496           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
The progress made is no doubt to be attributed chiefly
to the fact that the first settlers were emigrants from
countries advanced in civilization and under the administration of laws efficient and generally wise and good;
and that a large portion of the leading men who came
were distinguished for intelligence, enterprise and virtue. Hence, they not only brought with them the arts
of civilized life, but paid great attention to the promotion of education; and however much it is to be regretted that at the first many were intolerant in their
religious views, still a predominant respect for religion,
and the practice of morality and piety, preluded right
views of liberty, civil and religious, in the end.
A resolve was passed by the General Court, July 10,
Cto draft every 25th man" to reinforce the northern
army - "a measure of the last consequence to the safety
of the United States." Amos Knowles Jr. of Eastham,
and Joseph Nye Esq. of Sandwich, were appointed agents
for this county,' to see that the resolve is carried into
effect." Truro was excused from furnishing its quota.
A solemn Fast was recommended to be observed the
last day of July.
These were, indeed, times of great exactions and of
amazing solicitude; but of unflinching patriotism. It
was now ordered, Sept. 10, "s that one fifth part of the
entire militia of this state be drafted at once to reinforce the army;" and precepts to that effect were issued
to the brigadiers of the several counties, this included.
It was also required that they be furnished c with each
a good firelock, bullet-pouch, and powder-horn or cartridge-box, bayonet, cutlass or hatchet, 20 bullets fitted
to their gun, knapsacks and blankets." The men drafted from the Barnstable County brigade were, by subsequent act, ordered to Rhode Island instead of New York.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             497
Joseph Nye and others were appointed agents to purchase 60 whale-boats with oars, to be delivered at Falmouth or some convenient point on the Buzzard's Bay
to convey the troops to Rhode Island, and ~360 was
appropriated for these purchases.
The committees for procuring clothing for the army
were again directed, Nov. 2, to procure 20,000 woollen
jackets with sleeves, 20,000 shirts, 10,000 blankets,
10,000 felt hats or leather caps, 20,000 pair of hose,
20,000 pair of shoes, and 10,000 overalls." A general
embargo on vessels was laid, Dec. 7. A convention "to
regulate the public currencies and for various other
purposes, prices included," was proposed; an order was
also passed "for numbering the male inhabitants above
16 years of age." Authentic accounts being received
of the arrival of a large number of the enemy's ships-ofwar and transports, in Newport harbor, a portion of the
militia of this county were ordered thither, Dec. 9, subject to the direction of Gen. Lincoln. The annual public
Thanksgiving was appointed by the Council, at the desire of the House of Representatives, to be observed
Dec. 12.1
From the proclamation, we make an abstract, as additionally suggestive of the feeling of the moment: " With grateful devotion to offer
solemn praises to the all-gracious Author of every good, for the various
invaluable benefits conferred on and continued to this state in particular and to the United States in general; especially that, whilst British
avarice openly claims and British tyranny vigorously endeavors to
wrest from us the free exercise of those rights which Heaven alike
bestowed on all mankind and without which human life is less a favor
than the grave, He has given these states a just sense of their worth and
of the impossibility of assigning those rights to man without the guilt
of rebellion against God, treason to the present and treachery to all
future generations; that He has united these states in a resolved vindication of those rights, even to the last extremity; has given them a
general council of patriots wise to direct; raised up generals faithful
VOL. r.       63




498              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
At the opening of the year 1777, unprecedented were
the privations and sufferings of this whole community.
Unfortunately, in some instances, neighbors and kindred
were yet involved in political animosities. The man of
traffic found his vocation gone. The agriculturist, few
were these, might plant; but might he cultivate? —
might sow; but what assurance had he that the next
levy would not preclude        his reaping?      This entire
county whose lords were chiefly mariners, and whose
chief estates were at the water's edge, was held in a
condition of most anxious suspense.        The whole length
of its sea-coast under the surveillance of British cruisers,
to execute the measures necessary for their defence; and animated so
many of the sons of America to grasp the sword and with manly cheerfulness endure the fatigues of war in support of that fieedom which
is the birthright of all; has led them by the hand from step to step
till we have seen these states, compelled through oppression, to assert
their native right to freedom and independence in a united declaration which the impartial world must justify;... has wafted to our
shores most valuable cargoes of warlike and other stores necessary for
our defence and support at the very time when most needed; returned
our adventurers on the sea generally enriched and victorious; detected
very dangerous conspiracies when at the crisis of their execution;...
and to add fervent prayers... that our public councils and the general congress in particular may be inspired with wisdom, unanimity
and firmness... that our brethren every where may be spirited to
take the field, when called in so great a cause; that all the movements
of our armies may be ordered in divine mercy, and that they may be
victorious in every engagement; that our foes may be defeated in all
their hostile designs, driven from our land, and permitted no more,
either by bribery or corruption to sap our civil and religious rights, or
by fire and sword to waste and destroy; that peace may be restored
on a just and permanent basis, and the rights and liberties of America
secured to the latest generation; that this people may be placed under
the wisest and best form of government; that the union of the American states may be established by a confederation never to be dissolved: that the Spirit of God may be plentifully poured out, and a
universal reformation of heart and life ensue.... "




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              499
the fisheries and all commerce were completely obstructed.   Embargo     enactments were unnecessary to
effect this now.    The bone and muscle of the Cape,
whose yearnings were most naturally towards the seas,
must needs see their craft rotting at the moorings, or
betake themselves to privateering1 - peradventure
must abandon the idea even of this resort, and take
their turn in the continental service ashore wherever
they were called-leaving their families to be provided for by neighbors whose hands, to be sure, they
were well satisfied, were always open when claims upon
their sympathy were known. Doubtless there would,
in some instances, have been less reluctance felt at the
leaving of home for a perilous service had there been
as complete assurance that the ability to afford relief
would never fail, as there was that the kindly sympathy
would remain.     It is creditable to the Cape that there
was a disposition to effect that assurance and that in so
1 The alternative was not always rejected, though sometimes embraced at sorrowful cost. The British prison-ships' inhumanity is a
tale that can never be written in shades dark enough to depict the
reality. The condition of such as became captured, was in too many
instances made revolting beyond description, their sufferings having
scarcely a parallel in the annals of cruelty. Full many of the sufferers were from the Cape; but it is matter of gratulation even at the
present day, that none of these, so far as known, were backward to
spurn the offer of release and promotion on condition that they would
join the royal party; preferring even a noisome dungeon and death
itself, to the dishonor of deserting the cause of liberty. Nor were
those who essayed to do service to their country upon the seas, always
foiled. They were often greatly successful. Swift-sailing American
privateers had at the above date, since the middle of 1776, not only
scoured every sea, even those of the British Islands; but had already
captured no less than 500 British vessels. The English government
itself acknowledged that notwithstanding the magnitude and vigilance
of its navy, these letters of marque had " perpetrated depredations
upon British commerce that were enormous."




500              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
many instances the people were ready in open townmeeting to unite in a public pledge that " the town will
provide" for the families of the valorous absent.         At
best, however, these were trying times.l       The poorthe poor were indeed among us!         Noble the fortitude,
the patience, the never-yielding patriotism, that in the
hour of such depression endured. The conviction of RIGHT
so strong, tyranny itself must own
" who'd force the soul, tilts with a straw
Against a champion cased in adamant."
We are already weary with reciting the requisitions
that were constantly made2 and the privations endured,
1 The expense of the war thus far had been truly onerous. The
country was burdened with debt. The proposition this year to raise
five millions of dollars, as recommended by the General Congress, was
startling. This sum was to be furnished in the following proportions:Mass., $820,000   Md., $520,000     N.H. & N.Y., 200,000 ea.
Va.,   800,000    S. C., 500,000    R. I.,....   100,000
Pa.,   620,000    N.J., 270,000     Ga.,.....    60,000
Ct.,   600,000    N. C., 250,000    Del.,.....   60,000
2 The militia officers in Falmouth were directed, Jan. 1, to detach
from the several companies in that town, 25 able-bodied men, including
1 It., 2 serjeants, and 2 corporals, to be stationed at Naushon for the
defence of the harbor of Tarpaulin Cove. Subsequently, it was ordered that 53 men be enlisted for the same purpose. Again, Jan. 20,
5000 blankets were demanded for the army, of which this county was
to supply 160, viz.: Barnstable 32, Sandwich 25, Yarmouth 23, Eastham 17, Wellfleet 13, Chatham 9, Harwich 20, Falmouth 19, and
Truro 11. And Jan. 26, a resolve passed requiring the drafting of
"every 7th man to furnish the state's quota for the continental army,"
i. e. a number amounting to one seventh part of "all the male inhabitants over 16 years of age whether at home or abroad." This, of
course, bore peculiarly hard upon a community made up so largely
of seamen. The extraordinary number of 88 battalions to serve during the war, or for the term of 3 years, were to be raised by the United
Colonies; of which 15 battalions were the share of Massachusetts




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.           501
and must in some measure stay our pen touching these
matters lest we also weary the reader. And yet some
reference to them   is necessary to any adequate view of
the subject. We have intimated in the preceding pages,
that notwithstanding all that might have been expected
to unite the people as one in the common cause, there
existed some diversity of opinion and contrariety of
action and feeling. In fact, there remained those whose
sympathies were with the cause of the oppressor, whilst
a yet larger number were too little animated with the
spirit of true patriotism. So serious were the difficulties arising from these causes, that the interposition of
the General Court became necessary not alone to check
the traitorous movements of individuals whose rendezvous was on the islands, but to arrest the spirit of insubordination in some of the towns. Action of the General
Court was at this juncture had " relative to animosities
subsisting at Sandwich and Barnstable," viz.: " Whereas
it has been represented to this court by the selectmen,
committee of correspondence, and military officers of
the town of Sandwich, that divers persons in said town"
[thirteen persons are specified, whose names we here
suppress agreeably to an intention before intimatedespecially as the omission compromises nothing essential to history] "who were drafted under a late act
Bay. The country had become convinced of the impolicy of short
enlistments. The whole arrangement was expected to be completed
on or before the 1st of March. In view of this requisition, it was
thought expedient to issue an address to be sent to each minister of
the gospel within the State with a request that he would read it to the
people the first Sunday after its reception; also to. be sent to each
commander of a military company to be read to his company under
arms. It was also required that an equal proportion of shoes, stockings, and shirts be furnished; and Joseph Otis Esq. was appointed
the receiver of the same for this county.




502             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
entitled I An act for providing a reenforcement to the
American army,' and refused to march agreeable to the
orders given, were thereupon in conformity to said act
ordered to jail in said county; and, being countenanced,
aided and abetted by divers like ill-minded persons in
the town of Barnstable, made their escape from         the
custody of the keeper of said jail without paying their
fines or being regularly discharged: therefore, resolved,
that the sheriff of the county, without delay apprehend
the bodies of the said (persons), or so many of them as
have not since paid their fine, and them commit to the
jail and retain in close custody until they fully comply
with the act aforesaid; and in case he shall meet with
any opposition in the execution of his office, make
return to this court of the names of all such as thus
offend that they may be dealt with as the nature and
aggravation of their offences may require. Also resolved that in case any of the said delinquents have
since paid their fines, the same be improved to refund
so much as has been expended in hiring men to go in
their stead, in coming to this court with a memorial of
their conduct, and also the expenses of the jailer's
attendance here- the remainder to be disposed of according to said act." 1
1 Connected xvith, and immediately following the preceding, was this
also: "And whereas Nath. Freeman Esq. hath petitioned that a committee of this court may be sent into the county to inquire into the
true state of the facts relative to a petition from the town of Barnstable against Joseph Otis Esq. and himself; together with said Otis and
Freeman's memorial or answer thereto, and also several petitions from
civil and military officers, &c.: and whereas great contentions, animosities and differences have of late prevailed in the towns of Sandwich
and Barnstable: and whereas the selectmen &c. of the town of Sandwich have in their memorial to this court represented that great difficulties have arisen and many impediments are thrown in the way of




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              503
The preceding gives sufficient intimation of the nature
of the " animosities" to which reference is made in the
title of the act and resolves. On the 7th of February
further action was had; it was "voted that' Whereas
this court is informed that divers persons inimical to
the rights, liberties, and happiness of the United States,
have concerted and are endeavoring to carry into execution plans highly injurious and detrimental; it is
necessary that a sum of money be lodged in the hands
of a committee, to be applied in the most secret manner, according to their discretion, for the discovery
thereof: therefore, resolved, that the sum of ~200 be
granted and paid out of the public treasury to James
Warren, Aaron Wood and Samuel Freeman Esqs. who
are appointed a committee for the above purpose, and
who are authorized to dispose of the same accordingly,
and hereafter account with this court for the expenditure thereof."
raising the men ordered to be drafted from the militia of that town
for the defence of the United States, by some ill-minded persons in
that town and the town of Barnstable: therefore resolved, that Samuel Holten, John Pitts, and Wm. Story Esqs. be a committee to repair
to the towns of Sandwich and Barnstable, whose business it shall be
to inquire particularly into the causes of the difficulties, and ascertain
who are the authors of them; and in general to endeavor to discover
the grounds and reasons of the discontents, animosities and uneasinesses that of late have prevailed in said towns, and which in part
have for some time prevented the due execution of the laws &c. to
the detriment of the righteous cause in which we are engaged; and
the said committee are hereby empowered to send for persons and
papers for this purpose." John Taylor Esq. was substituted on this
committee in place of Samuel Holten, Feb. 5. The expenses attending the commission were ~41 8, and 3 sixths part of this sum was by
order of the court added to the tax of Barnstable, 2 sixths to that of
Sandwich, and 1 sixth to that of Yarmouth. Joseph Otis Esq. was
muster and pay master for the troops furnished by this county.




504              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
A " new constitution of government" being thought
advisable, the towns were recommended, May              5, "to
instruct their representatives to propose such constitution and form    of government to be submitted to the
popular vote."    Orders were issued, June 24, for drafting " 1500 men to march to Rhode Island."           The number apportioned to this county was 88.'        Again, July 4,
1 A requisition was again made, subsequently, for the defence of
Rhode Island, and a considerable portion of the militia of this county
were in actual service in that State during the autumn months under
the command of Col. Freeman. A very imperfect view of the service
performed by the militia of this county is had from the public resolves.
A manuscript " order-book" is before us giving some idea of the detail
of the duties of the service in Rhode Island and of the fatigues and
incessant vigilance required. A recital of the events of one short
month alone from Oct. 3, would make a volume full of interest. As
a few extracts may present a more vivid impression of the toils to
which even the militia were subjected at this eventful crisis, as also an
inkling of the internal difficulties that were encountered, we subjoin:" Head Quarters near Howland's Ferry, Oct. 3, 1777.
"Parole, Spooner; countersign, Lovell.  General Orders:
"As it is certain that the enemy are busily employed in throwing
up works on the island, and as advice is received that they are meditating a descent upon us, it demands our close attention to prevent any
surprise. If the general cause of freedom and the happiness of mankind (in the idea of which every thing personally dear to us is involved)
is a cause favored of Heaven, then we may humbly hope for His favor;
but it must not be expected unless our conduct is spirited and orderly.
The commanders of brigades, regiments, and companies, will therefore
cause a very careful review of arms and accoutrements so as to be able
to march on the notice of any single hour. They will impress upon
the minds of all inferior officers and privates," &c. &c.... "The chief
surgeons of the several regiments will," &c. &c.... " The commanders
of regiments will set guards upon the heights and roads which are exposed to the view of the enemy, to prevent any unnecessary exposure
of such numbers as may lead the enemy to suspect our designs, and
no more than ten men will be permitted to pass together without the
general permit... As the call to action will be sudden, the general




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               505
an effort was made " to encourage the manufacture of
salt;" and the General Court decreed that "a bounty
of 3s. per bushel be paid out of the State treasury for
expects that all will be ready on the shortest notice, and he doubts not
they will act as spirited and brave as our brethren in the action near
Bennington and every way worthy of the great cause of liberty."
"Taunton, Oct. 6, 1777.
"Parole, Sherburne; C. sign, Elliot. Regimental Orders: [for Col.
Freeman's regt.]
" The several captains are to take particular care to size their men
and march them on grand parade at 9 o'clock A. M. and at 5 P. M.,
with drummers and fifers, both officers and men duly equipped....
They will be careful to exercise their men twice a day. The adjutant
will cause a reveille to beat at daybreak, the troop at 9 o'clock, the
retreat at 5, and the tattoo at 8; and will be careful to exercise both
officers and men," &c. &c.
" Brigade Orders: Col. Freeman's regiment to furnish a fatigue
party to-morrow, consisting of one capt., 2 sub., 2 serg., 4 cor., 1 drum,
1 fife, and 70 privates, to be at the fort near Howland's Ferry by 8
o'clock." -" By General Orders of yesterday, the Hon. Major Gen.
Spencer has directed the brigadiers from the State of Massachusetts
Bay to send for all drafted persons who have not joined their respective regiments or are absent without leave, that they may be dealt with
as deserters. In obedience to said General Orders, Brig. Gen. Lovel
directs Col. Freeman to send without delay to the commanding officers
of the several regiments of militia to which such absent persons belong
that they may immediately send them to head quarters.".. "Col.
Freeman's regiment to send 100 boatmen to Dartmouth properly officered, to march immediately with three days' provisions."
"Tiverton, Oct. 7, 1777.
"Parole, Connecticut; C. sign, Trumbull. Brigade Orders:
"Col. Freeman's regiment to furnish a picquet consisting of 1 capt.,
2 sub., 4 serg., 4 cor., and 50 privates to march to Howland's Ferry
this evening to parade at the general's at 8 o'clock."
We regret to find in this connection evidence that all (though our
own county was not singular in this respect) were not so ready and
patriotic as they should have been, in joining their respective companies when drafted: Col. Freeman received orders, Oct. 8, "to repair
VOL. I,       64




506              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
salt manufactured within the State and produced from
sea-water."   And "in view of the serious aspect of war
affairs, especially on the frontiers," where savages were
without delay to the County of Barnstable to have taken up such delinquents as being drafted have not joined the regiment, that they may
be forwarded to the camp as soon as possible:" a necessity involving
of course displeasure on the part of the unpatriotic in whose view a
stern discharge of duty would be regarded as personal offence. It is
gratifying to find the acknowledgment from head quarters in a few
days that "the general is rejoiced to hear that a noble and patriotic
spirit has induced a number of brave men to join as volunteers."
"Oct. 9: Col. F.'s regt. to furnish the picquet to-morrow; 2
cap., 4 sub., 8 serg., 8 cor., and 100 rank and file, at sundown." -
"Oct. 13: directed that a party of oarsmen be formed out of Col.
F.'s regt., to be at Howland's Ferry at 7 P. M., 1 cap., 3 sub., 4 serg.,
4 cor., 100 rank and file; also for the picquet to-night from the same
regiment, 2 cap., 4 sub., 8 serg., 8 cor., and 100 rank and file."
" Head Quarters, Oct. 14, 1777.
"Parole, Freeman; C. sign, Crafts.  General Order:
"Major John Handy is appointed to do the duty of brigade major
for the brigade commanded by Col. Commandant Sherburne.
"Brigade Orders: Col. F.'s regiment to furnish 2 capt., 2 sub., 4
serg., 4 cor., and 81 rank and file to serve as an advance guard to the
brigade; also 2 sub., 2 serg., and 28 rank and file as a flank guard
ditto; the regt. to form platoons consisting of 32 in front properly
officered."
" Head Quarters, Tiverton, Oct. 15, 1777.
"Parole, Crafts; C. sign, Freeman.  Gen. Orders:...
" Brigade Orders: Col. Freeman's and Col. Robertson's regts. will
march undiscovered down to Little Compton this night, where Col.
Hawes' troops are quartered, to be in a body as near as possible.
They will march with as much caution as possible."
"General Orders, 2d.: Determined to make trial to dispossess the
enemy of R. Island;... the time draws near that must determine the
character for bravery - the valor of the eastern militia of these states;
and in all probability the time is hastening that will determine the fate
of the United States of America for ages yet unborn...."
"Oct. 16, Brigade Orders: That the officers in command of the
advance guard fu:nish themselves with 60 oarsmen, one half to be at




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               507
employed by the enemy to ply the horrid work of
indiscriminate butchery, it was thought expedient to
appoint an extra day for fasting, humiliation and prayer
Quaket Pond by sunset. The brigade will furnish 128 boatmen for
the body, which the commanding officer of each regiment will see to;
and the brigade will march down near the mill going over to Fogland
Ferry, by 10 o'clock this evening without fail;... 60 men of the
main body will parade at Quaket Pond with those from the advance
guard about sunset."  "Oct. 18:... the officers... to distribute the
buck-shzot... to the front guard."... "Oct. 19: That the brigade parade by 8 o'clock this evening.. in the way by the lane to Fogland
Ferry... will immediately march to the place of embarkment....
That 100 oarsmen be at Quaket at 4 o'clock P. M. from the main
body; and 10 men at the creek before sunset to take charge of the
scow and one boat at that place."... " Oct. 20: Col. F.'s regt. to relieve guard at Punkateese Creek to-morrow at 9 o'clock; 1 cap., 2
sub., 2 serg., 2 cor., 50 rank and file." " Oct. 21: Regimental Orders:
Lt. Baker to take command of Capt. Lewis' company, he being dismissed unfit for service; and Lt. Howland to act as 1st It., and Allen
Crocker as 2d It. until further orders."  "Oct. 22: Capt. Higgins to
join Capt. Lewis' company and take command." At this juncture a
court martial adjudged certain delinquents liable for desertion, all of
Capt. Allen's company in Col. Cotton's regt. "Oct. 23: Brigade
Orders: That the oarsmen immediately repair to their boats at the
creek, and assist in getting the boats from Punkateese to another creek
about a quarter of a mile above; and that the whole brigade parade at
the Four Corners by 11 o'clock this night, equipped with every necessary for an attack upon the Island."...
" Head Quarters, Tiverton, Oct. 25, 1777.
"Parole, Gates; C. sign, Lincoln. Gen. Orders:
" A general court martial to sit this day at 8 o'clock to try such persons as shall be brought before them. Col. Freeman, president; Capt.
Plympton, judge advocate."
It would occupy too much space here to recount the repetition of
orders; the commendations bestowed by the general in command on
the soldier-like manner of the troops, and the alertness of the boatmen
when called out; his confidence expressed that the brave army will
persevere with patience and resolution until Providence shall give a




508              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
to be observed with all due solemnity on the 28th of
August. The board of war was requested, Aug. 17, " to
furnish field-pieces and ammunition for the defence of
Truro;" and it was ordered " that a company be raised
in Truro and adjoining towns to be constantly in practice to be ready at all times" to prevent all intercourse
with the British men-of-war in Cape Cod harbor or elsewhere, as well as for protection.
Happily a gleam of light at last appeared in the horizon enabling the court, Oct. 22, to unite in a public
acknowledgment of the divine goodness.         The capture
of Burgoyne and his army was a grand event.1
Until the present year the colonies had really been
united in no bond but that of common danger and common love of liberty.     Congress resolved to render the
terms of this union more definite, and to ascertain and
suitable season to prosecute the design, &c. &c. Oct. 25, Capt. Higgins who had command of Capt. Lewis' company, being also sick, Lt.
Baker was directed to take command of the company from Barnstable; and Capt. Higgins' company, consisting of men from Chatham,
Wellfleet and Eastham were joined to Capt. Bangs' company.
1 "Whereas we have received authentic intelligence of the defeat
and surrender of Gen. Burgoyne and his army to our forces under the
command of Gen. Gates; and whereas such an important event and
remarkable appearance of divine Providence in favor of this state
and the United States calls for an immediate acknowledgment of gratitude, praise and thanksgiving: therefore be it resolved, that the Rev.
N. Cooper, chaplain of the General Court now sitting, be, and he hereby is, requested to attend the court to the Old Brick Meeting-House,
to-morrow at 11 o'clock A. M., to acknowledge the divine goodness,
and to offer by prayer a tribute of praise and thanksgiving to Him
who governs the universe and whose is the glory and the victory; and
that the Rev. Dr. Chauncey be also desired to preach a sermon suitable to the occasion. Also that the commanding officers of the fortresses
at Castle Island and Fort Hill, be, and hereby are, directed to fire each
13 cannon, at 1 o'clock P. M."-A resolve was also passed by the House
requesting the hon. Council to appoint a general thanksgiving to be
observed Nov. 20.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      509
define the rights and duties of the several colonies and
their mutual obligations to each other. "Articles of
Confederation and Perpetual Union," providing that the
United Colonies as hitherto generally called should assumne the name of " THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA;" and
defining the sovereignty, freedom and independence of
each- each to retain every powerjurisdiction and right
that was not by the Confederation expressly delegated
to the United States in Congress assembled, - proposed
a firm league for mutual defence. The articles further
determined the powers of Congress, the mode of raising
money, and, generally, all measures for government defence. These articles were adopted, and having been
transmitted to the several State legislatures and approved, were ratified Nov. 15.




510               THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAPTER XXIII.
New Constitution. — Refugees. - Requisitions for the Army.- Home Defences. -Tories. - Ship Somerset. - Depredations by the Enemy. -
Reenlistments for the Army. -General Distress. - Decease of Col.
Otis. - Magee Storm.-Alliance with France.- Vigilance to counteract
the Designs of Tories. - Prices regulated. - Gloomy Aspect. - Grievous
Exactions. - Dissensions. -State Constitution. - Requisitions and Defences. -Importance of the Fisheries. - A dark Hour. - Cessation of
Hostilities. -Peace. -Effect.- Decease of James Otis Jr.
THE   new    Constitution    and   Form    of  Government
went into    operation, March 4, 1778.        Requisitions for
soldiers, supplies, &c.,1 for the army, and also for coast
defences; various domestic difficulties,2 and local legislation,' occupied much of the time of the General
1 The people at large were requested, March 8, " to collect voluntarily," within their respective towns, donations of shirts, shoes, and
stockings, for the army. Money also was raised freely in the several
towns to encourage enlistments in the continental service.
2The small-pox raging in Boston, the General Court adjourned to
Roxbury; and, April 8, smoke-houses were provided at the Roxbury
line, at Winisimet Ferry, and at Charlestown Neck, "to cleanse all
persons passing from the town of Boston by causing them    to be
smoked as also all papers in their possession, money, baggage, &c."
In a few days the directions given were found inefficient -some who
had been exposed to the infection refusing to be smoked; and "it
being necessary to prevent the spreading of the contagion that the
rules be observed," a heavy penalty was annexed for every violation.
3 It was found necessary, March 23, by special act to provide for
suspending the regular holding of the courts in this county, sundry
of the justices and officers of these courts being members of the General Court, and " matters of great importance requiring their attendance." Adjournments by special legislation were frequently necessary,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               511
Court, and continued to engross a large share of the
attention of the people of this county.          Legislation
touching the estates of persons who, sympathizing with
the enemy, had fled the country; or in relation to the
requests of those who, having fled, were either desirous
of returning, or of being joined by their families, were
very common. Some whose persistency hitherto in refusing the oath of allegiance, and whose generally unfriendly course in regard to all patriotic movements,
had marked     them   as "enemies of their country," became at last desirous of giving in their adhesion; but
whether from a conviction of their error, or simply to
escape disabilities and perhaps banishment, was a question  that demanded rigid       scrutiny.1   One    thing  is
the officers, the jurors, and people having business in the same, being,
much of the time, so occupied in public business devising measures
for the salvation of the country, or occupied incessantly and absolutely
in means of defence against a common enemy, that repeated provisions by the legislature for holding the courts out of the usual course
were necessary during the whole period of the revolution.
1 We regret being obliged to say that some portions of this, as a
whole, most patriotic and energetic county, came in for a full share of
such legislation. In determining as carefully as is consistent with
truthfulness to avoid all personalities of an invidious nature, we have
not been unmindful of the question, whether the withholding names
of those who became refugees, or who, remaining in the colony, were
regarded as tories, may not leave curiosity reaching still uninformed
perhaps to the discredit of the invariably patriotic? This apprehension certainly cannot extend to any who were boldly and prominently
sons of liberty: they were too active and well known not to have left
their mark upon the age. We do not fear, indeed, that any persons
will suffer by the omission, nor do we conceive that it is essential to
the cause of history - which should be strictly a narration of facts
and events -that biography should in all instances accompany it.
If any, however, wish our determination were otherwise, we can but
say the advice of the Wise, "Be not curious in unnecessary matters," Ecclus. iii. 23, commends itself to our consideration.




512              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
very evident: the impression began to fasten upon the
minds of all that no retrograde movement on the part
of the friends of freedom could be expected, and that,
however the contest might be prolonged, the determination was liberty or death. It is more than we dare
assert, that there were no instances of suspicion engendered by vague or trivial causes; no cases of peculiar hardship; no instances of accusation the evidences leading to which were not magnified or distorted
by the undue influence of personal pique: but this we
may confidently claim, that after a full examination, as
we think    impartially conducted, there is apparent a
general desire on the part of the dominant party to be
kindly lenient, and so to administer for the safety of
the cause as neither to endanger it by relaxing their
vigilance, nor to be unnecessarily exacting. The proof
1 Indeed, at a later stage of the struggle, there was some momentary dissension among the whigs themselves, as we shall have occasion to notice. "To err is human."  That there was almost perfect
unanimity of feeling and action to the very last among the majority,
is proof of the equity of their cause, and can be referred only to
the goodness of an overruling Providence. The only instance that
has fallen under our observation in all the history of the revolutionary
period of an approximation to magnify supposed delinquencies in
this county, and which may have been caused by misapprehension on
the part of some, growing out of the personal relations towards each
other of two prominent individuals in the same town, was that in case
of a petition numerously supported, and at this time before the General Court, complaining of the political course of an influential and
highly respectable citizen, he being a representative, and praying
"that he be excluded from the public counsels forever." This has
been adverted to page 480. How much of private pique entered into
this proceeding, it is not for us here to say. Suffice it, at present,
to remark that there are considerations entitled to respect that seem
to qualify this particular complaint, and that subsequent events attest
the patriotism of the gentleman whose principles and action had been
impugned.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                513
of this is clear and satisfactory.      It is, to   be   sure,
painful at this remote day to contemplate the mortification to which not a few, by their own act, had subjected themselves.1     To feel constrained at last to turn
back   from   the pursuit of royal favor, and to become
humble suppliants at the doors of neighbors and
fellow-citizens whose patriotism they had reviled,
whose measures for the general good they             had   opposed, and whose toil and sacrifice they had confidently
hoped would end in discomfiture, must have been humiliating.   Better so, than   that a cause so great and
1 Sundry persons, inhabitants of the town of Sandwich, " who were
committed for refusing to take the oath of allegiance and fidelity, having made application to the court, confessing their error," the court
felt constrained, March 13, to refer the matter to the decision of the
committee of correspondence, inspection and safety of said town.
That committee, consisting of Col. Freeman, Stephen Nye, and Seth
Freeman Esqs., Simeon Fish, Joseph Lawrence, and Micah Blackwell, evinced a commendable disposition to treat the application with
lenity; but felt embarrassed by the consideration that certain of these
petitioners had been notoriously " enemies " to the cause of liberty -
one of them especially, " an old offender, son-in-law of the infamous
Ruggles" —all of them  more or less conspicuous by their former
"hostility" to their country's freedom; and even the least exceptionable among them, with whom because of the general esteem in which
he had been held as a neighbor the sympathies of the committee were
peculiarly enlisted, and whose intelligence and position in society gave
him much influence, had, when the Declaration of Independence was
being read, " trooped scornfully and indignantly out of meeting."  At
a later day, these persons still remaining in Barnstable jail, the subject again came up, and after various correspondence and due concessions by the applicants, the order of court "that upon producing a
certificate " from the aforesaid committee " that sd. com. believe they
will now approve themselves faithful subjects of the State, truly and
honestly conducting themselves in accordance with the plain intent
and meaning of sd. oath of allegiance and fidelity, and giving bond
and sureties to this effect, they shall be discharged from confinement
and be permitted to take the oath " was complied with.
VOL. I.       65




514              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
good should fail, and noble patriots stand as rebels at
the gate of royalty,
"And humbly thus, with halters on their necks,
Expect His Highness' doom of life or death."
The State's quota for the Continental army was
found, April 17, to be yet incomplete, some of the
towns having been       derelict in duty.1     "A penalty of
~150 " was determined " for every man found wanting."
It was further ordered, April 20, "to raise        1300   men
additional for North River, and 200 additional for Rhode
Island."   These    were   "to   be  marched     severally   to
Peekskill and Providence forthwith."       The brigadier, or
commanding officer in       this county was instructed to
"detach 70 men with proper officers to           command, to
1 One of these towns was Wellfleet; but this town, June 18, memorialized, setting forth the fact " that great numbers of its inhabitants had removed out of town, and that the circumstances of such as
remained were those of distress."  One half its State tax was therefore abated. Gen. Joseph Otis had already, May 29, in a letter to
the Council, made representations of the condition of the county on
the entire of which exactions most onerous were constantly enforced
without regard to its circumstances, and which was strangely expected to furnish its full quota of men, money, provisions, &c., as if
its condition were in all respects equal to that of the most favored inland counties. Gen. Otis truly said, " We have more men in the land
and sea service than our proportion. We have, from Wareham line,
a sea-coast of 60 miles to Chatham, where there is scarcely a day
that the enemy are not within gun-shot of some part of the coast, and
they very often anchor in our harbors. Under these circumstances to
detach men from their property, wives and children to protect the
town of Providence in the heart of the State of Rhode Island, and
not so much in danger, causes great uneasiness. Not a word is said
against filling up the Continental army, although every man costs
$450, which is owing to our men that are fit for the service being
aboard the navy or in captivity by being taken by the enemy's
sfeet."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.           515
Rhode Island."1    Again, June 12, it was ordered "to
raise 1800 men for the defence of this State and Rhode
Island."  This county was to furnish 78 of the number. " Shoes, stockings, shirts"; &c., were also included
in the requisition; and a strong appeal was made to
the public, that "as justice, humanity and every reasonable principle of the human heart urge the necessity of
rendering the situation of our brethren who are risking
their lives in the fields of battle for the defence of
the country as comfortable as possible," immediate and
cheerful compliance should be made with the proposals
for the supply of their necessities.2 The number of
each article of the above "necessaries" exacted       of
Barnstable County, was 505;3 and ~30 was to be the
forfeit for any delinquency.
Letters from the commanding officer in the county,
Brigadier Otis, reported the defenceless state "of the
islands, &c., in and around the county."      Some additional provisions were made by the court.       It was
also peremptorily ordered " that if difficulties still exist
in procuring the quotas of men, by reason of the efforts
of persons inimical to this State and to the United
States, such persons must be punished and restrained."
It is very evident that although within the bounds of
1 Barnstable to furnish 15, Yarmouth 14, Eastham and Harwich
12 each, Sandwich 8, Falmouth 6, Chatham, Wellfleet and Truro
5 each, including officers.
2 Letters from Brig. Gen. Otis to the Council were read, June 18,
"representing the difficulties in the way of carrying into effect the
court's resolves;" whereupon "it was at once recommended that
effectual measures be taken for restraining and punishing persons
inimical to the government."
3 The number required of Barnstable was 82, Yarmouth 73, Eastham 65, Harwich 64, Sandwich 55, Wellfleet 45, Falmouth 43, Truro
42, Chatham 30, and Provincetown 6.




516             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the county, those of tory proclivities are less bold, their
secret influence has not a whit abated; and that the
islands are more than ever the resort of the enemy and
the scene of constant depredations. Indeed the question quite naturally arises whether the lenient course
which was beginning to be exhibited          towards such
as had been heretofore in the opposition, did not
strengthen and embolden those with whom          they had
hitherto acted in unison.    Certain it is that these were
trying times, and that difficulties thickened.'
Brigadier Otis, in a letter, dated      Falmouth, Sept.
10," says,   I came here in     answer to express, with
part of my brigade.     The fleet from    Dartmouth were
about to land and destroy the place. Fifty sail came
through Quixes' Hole and anchored in Holmes' Hole.
Five ships and a galley stopped at Wood's Hole and
sent a boat ashore; but it soon returned, and they followed the fleet.   Five of our coasters run into a harbor,
seven miles hence, to keep out of their way; but the
enemy sent two row-galleys and a number of boats,
and, the tide being up, carried off four and burned
1 Whether it be a fact that Brigadier Otis, unlike his venerated
father, (" now by reason of age much retired from public action,") is
with all his activity and patriotism become somehow weary with increasing annoyances and somewhat querulous; or whether the whole
political machinery has become so out of joint that his complaints are
just, we cannot undertake to say: but a letter from him to the Council,
August 18, says, "Wellfleet has not yet raised a man. It minds no
orders. A little town, though rich, lays easy and quiet whilst its
neighbors are put to great trouble and prodigious expense. A few
ambitious, disappointed, purse-proud men are on hand to do all they
can to retard the raising of men."  He speaks also of "timid men, if
not tories, who, because the game is most up, crawl forth (despicable
characters) to devour the laurels of those who dared to act when
destruction hung over their heads," &c. &c.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.     517
one before our men could get there. The militia are
under arms and watching the motions of the enemy."
In a despatch, dated "Barnstable, September 17,"
Brigadier Otis says, "I have returned from Falmouth.
The fleet sailing westward the 15th, I sent to the Vineyard and found they had demanded 10,000 sheep, 400
head of horned cattle, all the arms and accoutrements on the island, and confined the head whigs as
hostages for the performance. They eat and carried
off more than 9000 sheep and about 350 head of cattle.
About 400 arms, &c., were delivered up. The enemy
burned a brig, three or four smaller vessels, all the
boats they could find, and even took up and destroyed
some that were sunk in four fathoms of water. They
carried off and destroyed all the corn and roots within
two miles around Holmes' Hole harbor. They dug
up the ground every where to search for goods, even
disturbing graves; rifled houses, broke windows, &c.
They said they wanted to visit Falmouth; termed us
a pack of... rebels; but said we had at Falmouth
5000 strong with plenty of artillery, and were as thick
as bees. They seized the rate bills, and all the public
money in the hands of the collectors. The militia behaved well, and were much disappointed at being called
from home at such a busy time without being able to
come at the enemy. The salt hay cut was carried off
and lost by tides in their absence. A perfect plain
half a mile deep between the town and the sound,
affords fine ground for disciplined troops, but very bad
for raw ones- not a stone or bush for shelter; but
our people behaved well."
In a letter, September 20, acknowledging orders sent
in compliance with a resolve to raise fifty men, in his
brigade, to go to Providence, Gen. Otis says, "As the




518             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
enemy are around and threaten danger here, it is like
dragging men from home when their houses are on
fire; but I will do my best to comply."
Upon receipt of a letter from Gen. Otis, September
29, the   Council were     desired  by   the  House    "to
order the company of militia under the command of
Capt. Job Crocker and now on duty in Barnstable, to
march to Boston to do duty under Gen. Heath."            It
was also resolved " that inasmuch as the militia of the
county have been and continue to be greatly harassed
by the appearance of the enemy's ships and the landing of troops in their vicinity, the county be excused for
the present from raising men agreeably to the order of
Council." 
A letter ftom Gen. Joseph Otis, November 8, announces the wreck of the British ship Somerset stranded on the banks at Truro.       He says, "The 480 men
saved from   the wreck are near me, brought to this
place by Col. Hallett."2   These men were subsequently
marched to Boston as prisoners.
1 In November "the British squadron appeared in such force in
Barnstable Bay and in Cape Cod harbor," the impression was strong
that a general engagement was meditated.  Fearing that Boston
would be the point of attack, nine regiments were ordered thither.
Again, the fleet landing men at Newport, then at Dartmouth, then
again at Martha's Vineyard, the vigilance of the community was exceedingly perplexed.
2 Gen. Otis adds, " Shearjashub Bourne Esq. and a Provincetown
man (one Spencer) have gone to Plymouth to libel the ship. Spencer
put Col. Doane of Wellfleet on board. From all that I can learn
there is wicked work at the wreck - riotous doings.  The Truro
and Provincetown men made a division of the clothing," &c. &c.
"Truro took two-thirds, and Provincetown one third. There is a
very plundering gang that way." There seems to have been much
misapprehension in regard to the right of parties during this whole
affair. The attorney general was directed by special order of the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               519
In the same letter, Gen. Otis apologizes for his not
giving his own personal and undivided attention to this
matter: his venerable father was at the point of death.1
The decease of this distinguished man-          noble compeer with Samuel Adams, Quincy, Hancock and other
illustrious patriots -occurred      the  following day, in
Barnstable.2
General Court, January 9, "to file a bill against the ship;" the
sheriff of the county was directed to take possession, February 11;
and the Board of War was directed, February 19, to sell the effects,
reserving for the State the cannon, &c. Provision was made for
remunerating the salvors.
l The aged patriot's thoughts in his last moments were still upon
the future of the country he had long served with fidelity; and he,
now requested his son to say for him to the Council, "I am soon to
leave this world and desire to be no more concerned in civil matters;
but I shall be greatly gratified if the Hon. Mr. Davis may be appointed to succeed me as judge of Probate. He is an honest man
and of course a friend to his country; and the appointment will be
one in which the whole country on the friendly side will acquiesce."
It may be needless to remark that Mr. Davis was appointed.
2 Col. JAMIES OTIS, of Barnstable, chief justice of the Court of
Common Pleas from 1764, succeeding Chief Justice Ezra Bourne,
and re-appointed, (with Daniel Davis, Nathaniel Freeman, and Richard Baxter, associates,) Oct. 11, 1775, being the first commission by
the governor and people of Massachusetts Bay, died Nov. 9. See
page 274. Col. Otis, although educated to mechanical employment,
soon became distinguished by his intellectual powers, and turning
his attention to the law, attained to eminence in the profession
and secured an extended practice. Trivial circumstances often determine important events; it was thus that Mr. Otis's attention was
directed to the law. Being at court as a spectator, he, being then by
profession a tanner, was requested by a neighbor who had a case in
court but was unprovided with counsel, to assist him in his difficulty.
Consenting, he managed the cause with such ability and discovered
such power of argument that at the close members of the court complimented him and judicious friends earnestly advised him to offer
himself as a practitioner.  Procuring books he devoted himself to
study, ever reading and constantly practising. Great natural talent




520              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In the winter of this year, December 26 and 27,
occurred that awful storm       generally known     as'the
Magee storm,' in which       several valuable   citizens of
and good learning, although not what is ordinarily denominated a'liberal education,' soon secured him a commanding position. Colonel
of militia at a time when both honor and influence attached to the
office; he became a member of the Provincial Legislature in 1775,
and was speaker of the House 1760 and'61. Being now recognized
as a leading politician, his continued election was negatived by the
governor. Still, he was appointed judge of Probate in 1763, and chief
justice of the Common Pleas in 1764. In 1764 elected a member of
the Council, he was again negatived by the royal governor; and
although, during the last years of Bernard's administration, uniformly
elected to the Council, the government continued persistently to reject
him as often as chosen until the year 1770,-for his bold, manly,
uncompromising maintenance of the rights of the colonies.  Upon
Hutchinson's coming into power, he was approbated as a councillor
and was continued at the Council Board to the opening of the revolutionary war, and then, during the first five years of the war, was
president. For a long period a leading man in town, county and
province, he proved himself at all times of inflexible integrity, and
was greatly honored. His reading had been directed especially to
diligent study of the principles of law as connected with political institutions; this prepared him to engage not only with ardor, but with
understanding, in asserting American rights. True at all times to
his expressed opinion that "if the British Parliament be successful,
the prosperity, freedom and honor of this country will be dimmed,"
he remained firm to the last whatever discouragements were in the
way-always self-possessed and unyielding; and, although (like
Moses who prevailed for others) he was not permitted to go over the
limits of the revolutionary era to possess the good land crowned with
the blessings of liberty and peace, he lived long enough to see his
country glorious in her struggles for freedom with the prospect full in
view that her mighty efforts to secure independence would be successful. This venerable man had long stood conspicuous among the
younger, but not more influential or determined, sons of liberty.
His noble son, bearing the same name, has generally been designated
"the patriot;" but the illustrious father is, to say the least, equally
entitled to that distinction. "Inter omnes unus eminet."  Politically




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              521
this county perished on board a government vessel
driven ashore near Plymouth harbor.l
Applications continued to be made by disaffected
persons for permission to take the oath of fidelity, or
by refugees for liberty on parole to visit their families
and settle their affairs; also from the families of refugees for leave to join their self-exiled friends in the
British provinces.2 Petitions were also presented from
persons on the Cape " desirous of removing to the Kennebec, and wishing permission, notwithstanding the
embargo, to carry their cattle and goods by water."
The French nation having acknowledged the independence of the United States, a treaty of alliance was
made February 6.      The question of a new constitution
of civil government for the State, it was provided should
be submitted to the people the last Wednesday in May.
and morally, it may be said of him, " Towering his height, and ample
was his breast."
1 The brig Gen. Arnold, mounting 20 guns, with a crew of 105
men and boys, commanded by Capt. James Magee, had sailed from
Boston, Dec. 24, on a cruise. The vessel became enveloped in snow
and ice; the entire shores were congealed, and no assistance could be
rendered. Among those who perished were Lieut. John Russell of
Barnstable, commander of the marines, and others of the Cape. Seventy dead bodies frozen were found when the vessel was boarded,
strewed on the deck or attached to the shrouds and spars; thirty or
more exhibited signs of life, but were unconscious. Nearly all of
them died. Mr. Downs, belonging to Barnstable, survived; but with
the loss of both his feet.
2 Certain other persons, belonging in Sandwich, having petitioned,
Jan. 29, for the privilege of the oath and for release from confinement,
promising never again to counteract any measures for the defence of
the country, but to demean themselves as good citizens of the same,
were, on making a full confession of their former error, granted the
prayer of their petition on the same conditions proposed to former
applicants.
VOL. I.       66




522              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
The town of Falmouth " and the shores along the Vine..
yard Sound and Buzzard's Bay" continued           to be infested " by the enemy's ships and tenders."     Cattle were
plundered and other depredations committed.'          These
ravages were continued for a long time, and repeated
attempts were made to land, plunder and destroy the
towns.2
An order was issued, June 8, for the raising of 2000
men to recnforce the Continental army, and Col. Freeman was appointed superintendent for this county.3
Again, June 21, the county was called upon to furnish
its quota of shirts, shoes, and stockings for the army,
and   Col. Enoch Hallett was appointed receiver.'          A
State Convention was ordered,' to form      a new Constitution of Government," to meet, Sept. 1, at Cambridge.
Measures were also taken " to look after lands, &c., be1 A company of men was ordered to be raised and stationed at
Falmouth, Feb. 23; and the sheriff was directed " to take with him
a sufficient force and go to the island of Cuttyhunk and arrest persons
engaged in aiding and secreting certain tories, and in sending provisions to the enemy," - also "to break open in the daytime and search
the premises of any persons in the county suspected of having in their
possession any stores from the ship Somerset contrary to law."
2 The brigadier of the county was ordered, April 9, "to detach
from that part of his brigade in the towns west of Harwich, a large
force, officered and equipped, to be stationed at Falmouth, the former
forces being insufficient for the emergency."  The Board of War was
authorized to deliver to Col. Freeman, "2 field pieces, 4 pounders,
with carriages and appurtenances complete, balls and other ammunition, to be deposited at his discretion; also ~300 for supplies, and in
addition a quantity of beef and flour."
3 The quota for this county was 87, viz.: Barnstable 16, Sandwich 12, Yarmouth 14, Eastham 10, Harwich 11, Welifleet 5, Chatham 5, Truro 5, and Falmouth 9.
4 The number of each article required, was of Barnstable 82,
Sandwich 55, Provincetown 6, Harwich 64, Eastham 65, Truro 42,
Wellfleet 45, Falmouth 43, Chatham 30, and Yarmouth 73.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                523
longing to conspirators in every county, who had acted
against the government and liberties of the country.1
A resolve was passed, June 25, "laying an embargo on
all outward bound vessels; excepting wood and oyster
craft within Cape Cod and Cape Ann, such vessels to
obtain   permits. -Falmouth and the shores adjacent
were, Sept. 27, "still exposed to        the ravages of the
enemy's fleet in the Sound."2
1 Their property was liable to confiscation. Agents were appointed
for every county. Joseph Nye Esq. of Sandwich vas designated
for agent in this county. Sept. 23, persons were appointed to make
sale of the confiscated property. The commissioners for the purpose
in Barnstable Co. were Solo. Freeman, Esq., of Harwich, Capt. John
Howes of Yarmouth, and Maj. Joseph Dimmick of Falmouth, to act
"in behalf of the State."
2 " Some of the militia of the adjacent towns " having " refused or
neglected to comply with their duty when ordered out as guards," the
brigadier was directed "to detach from the upper towns 68 men under the direction of field officers of the 1st reg't, to do duty along the
shores of the Vineyard Sound and Buzzard's Bay;" and heavy penalties were attached to any default on the part of officers or privates.
The officer in command being under the necessity, in several cases of
alarm, of impressing horses to expedite the march, was threatened by
the disaffected with prosecution, so that it was found necessary, the
next year, March 24, for the General Court to pass a " resolve for preventing any prosecutions in the County of Barnstable of officers who
impressed horses on the late alarms in said county;" as follows:
"Whereas it appears to this court, that during the late alarms in the
County of Barnstable, whilst they were invested at Falmouth with the
enemy's fleet and threatened with devastation, it was thought necessary by the commanding officer, who accordingly issued orders to his
officers, to impress horses in order to expedite the march of the militia
to that town; in consequence of the execution of which orders, divers
persons who had their horses impressed have threatened the officers
with prosecution for taking their horses as aforesaid; which, unless
prevented, may prove vexatious and chargeable to the officers, and very
discouraging to the militia in future: It is therefore Resolved, that
no person or persons whose horses were impressed or taken as afore



524              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
A  grant of $200,000 was made, Oct. 1, to         Col. Nathaniel Freeman of Sandwich, and Maj. Samuel Osgood
of Andover, as commissioners cc to repair to the camp
of the American army1 for certain purposes;" and the
treasurer of the State was directed " to pay the same
out of the public treasury; also to issue his warrant
for such further sums of money as might be found
necessary to enable said commissioners to carry said
purposes into    execution."    Subsequently, Nov. 18, the
commissioners having       performed    to  acceptance    the
duty assigned them, their accounts were " found rightsaid by any officer or his orders, as aforesaid, in time of the late
alarms in said county, shall be allowed to bring forward any action or
prosecution against any such officer for impressing his horse or horses
as aforesaid, or to recover any damage or costs therefor in any court
of record, provided the horses were taken for the service on the
alarm, and were returned to the owners again in proper season, without any great damage; and in case any such action or prosecution
shall be brought against any such officer, this Resolve may be plead
in perpetual bar to the same, any law to the contrary notwithstanding:
Provided, this Resolve shall not be construed to justify any militia
officers in future for impressing horses in an illegal manner."
1 One of the commissioners above named related to the writer that,
when on this service at West Point, the attention of the commissioners was arrested by certain inexplicable movements among the French
troops encamped at some distance from the American. Perceiving
that they had kindled numerous fires in the adjoining fields, and were
running about in strange disorder, Maj. Osgood and himself, accompanied by Gen. Washington and other officers, mounted horses and
rode to the encampment. It was found that the Frenchmen were enjoying rare sport in a campaign against the grasshoppers which were
unusually numerous at that time. These insects, as soon as captured,
were impaled upon a sharpened stick or fork and held for a moment
over the fire and then eaten with great gusto. The fires were furnished with fuel of deposits from cattle in the fields, made by the excessive heat and drought of the autumn sufficiently dry and combustible.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                525
cast and well-vouched," they having drawn for ~60,000
and expended ~32,307 12, and returned the balance.1
A special Fast was suggested by the House to the
Council, Oct. 9.2    A   letter from   Gen. Joseph Otis to
Daniel Davis Esq. was communicated by the latter, a
representative, to the House, Oct. 2, the substance of
which letter was as follows: "c Yesterday the tories3 in
1 For their services and expenses, ~280 8 2 was voted —the
balance due them. Their mission, as subsequently transpired, was
to " confer with Gen. Washington, as also with the generals and field
officers belonging to this State, and assure both officers and men of
the high sense entertained of their services and merit; arrange for
the settlement of their accounts; provide for their comfort; and use
endeavors to secure the reenlistment if possible of the entire State's
quota."  Col. Freeman, besides private interviews and consultations
held by Maj. Osgood and himself with the Massachusetts officers,
publicly addressed the troops assembled for the purpose. The desired arrangement for the continuance of the service of the State's
quota was effected.
2 The Council were requested to appoint said day of fasting and
prayer, inasmuch as " it is the indispensable duty of a people in times
of great public calamity to implore the blessing of Heaven on all
their concerns, and, as the present day is one of great expectation, and
most important plans are laid to extricate us from the troubles wherein
we are involved, in the execution of which we cannot promise to ourselves success without the kind interposition and blessing of Divine
Providence."
3 As the term tory so often occurs, it may be pertinent to remark
touching the cognomen respectively of parties whig and tory at the
time of the revolution and since in so general use, that the origin is
confessedly involved in some obscurity. The two parties in England
that began to divide the kingdom in the time of Charles I. were denominated Cavaliers and Roundheads. The former were for the king,
as were the latter for parliament. After the restoration, in the time
of Charles II., these parties began to be designated as Tories and
Whigs, each term being applied by the opposing party as a reproach.
The origin of these reproachful epithets, it is generally conceded, was
as follows: In the mountains, and in the isles formed by bogs in




526              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the Sound, about a league off Highano's harbor, took a
vessel bound out of said harbor to Stonington, owned
by one Palmer, loaded with dry fish; and drove another
ashore on the eastward part of Falmouth, loaded with
cheese, cider, &c.   They cut the vessel's deck to pieces,
as the owners had scuttled her.      In short, the refugees
have got a number of Vineyard pilot-boats, (about 20,)
Ireland, were a class of Irish-banditti (some time known by the name
of Rapparees,) then generally known as tories, that being the word in
Irish for savages. As the king's opponents accused him of favoring
the Irish rebellion which broke out about that time, they gave to his
adherents the name of tories. An epithet so odious, because so pregnant with significance most insulting and humiliating, was, of course,
duly resented; and the adherents to the king in order to be even with
their opponents who were closely united with the Scots, called them
whigs -a name used in Scotland originally to designate a certain
class of inhabitants. It is evident, however, that the loyalists had not
the advantage of a term so opprobrious to apply as that already fixed
upon themselves; for the term whig is thus derived: the south-west
counties of Scotland seldom producing corn enough to serve them, and
the northern parts having a superabundance, those in the west were
wont to come with their teams, in summer, to buy at Leith the stores
that came down from the north. From a word used in the west of
Scotland in driving horses,' whig-am,' those that drove the teams came
to be called whigamors, and finally, for shortness, whigs. To illustrate: says Burnet, "In that year, before the news came down of
Duke Hamilton's defeat, the ministers animated their people to rise
and march to Edinburgh; and they came up marching at the head of
their parishes with an unheard-of fury, praying and preaching all the
way as they came. The Marquis of Argyle and his party came and
headed them, they being about 6000. This was called the wiggamore's inroad. And ever after that, all that opposed the court came,
in contempt, to be called whigs; and from Scotland the word was
brought into England, where it is now one of our unhappy terms of
disunion."  But some have it that the term whig is from the Saxon
for whey, a name applied to those in Scotland whose principal food
was sour milk. We think the former derivation the legitimate, or, in
all probability, the true one.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      527
and man them, and run into our shores and take every
thing that floats."  Gen. Otis applies for " eight-pounders, swivels," &c.; and engages " to procure two small
vessels and get them manned to scour the sound." He
says, " Highanos is much exposed; and to draw off the
men to Falmouth causes much uneasiness."
Again, October 12, despatches from Gen. Otis show
that " George Leonard has sent a flag of truce for exchange of prisoners." He represents Leonard as at the
head of s a refugee gang in the sound."  Leonard was
desirous of exchanging " Barnabas Eldridge and Isaac
Matthews of Yarmouth held as prisoners, and Manasses
Swift and James Wing of Falmouth on parole," for certain " men taken by Falmouth people " at the capture
of l the Gen. Leslie in Old Town harbor."  Gen. Otis
says, "The taking of the Gen. Leslie was a bold and
gallant action.  She had twenty-seven men and ten
four-pounders; the Falmouth vessel had twenty-five
men, and two three-pounders, with two zwooden guts.
They went to Old Town harbor where lay the Leslie
and a sloop mounting twelve nine-pounders, with three
prizes anchored between them. They first made for
the twelve-gun sloop, intending to board her and sweep
the harbor; but, the wind and tide setting out, fell
about a biscuit toss astern, and could not fetch again.
This was night work. The sloop being alarmed, began
to fire. They then immediately run the Leslie aboard
amidst the fire from the other sloop - firing a volley
of small arms into the Leslie, wounding one of her men
since dead, and receiving a volley which hurt nobody;
then jumping on board, about twenty men drove the
Leslie's men below, cut the cable, and brought the
Leslie to Highanos."  Capt. Dimmick of Falmouth"
is mentioned as the hero of this transaction. Gen. Otis




528             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
subsequently ascertained that Leonard, " on board the
ship Restoration off Holmes' Hole, Oct. 1," had issued
a proclamation L to all inclined to peace and good
government, to lay down the arms now forced into
their hands;" promising "they shall be protected and
supplied with every comfort," in case of compliance.
Committees had, before the close of the year, been
chosen to regulate the prices of the necessaries of life.
Prices were fixed; and, as far as possible, extortion and
speculation were checked.      The paper currency had
become so depreciated that but little value could be
attached to it at any rate of discount, and the difficulty
of providing means either for the army or expenses at
home was greatly exaggerated.
The year 1780 opened with a gloomy aspect.         The
paper money system     adopted by the Continental Congress was not only producing its legitimate effects of
ruin and distress, the bills being already depreciated to
one thirtieth of their nominal value, so that the pay
of officers and soldiers was totally inadequate to procure even clothing for them; but the funds of Congress
and its credit were alike exhausted.1   The only alterna1 Some patriotic leaders and private capitalists did what they could
in this gloomy state of affairs in granting loans to government; but
their self-sacrificing advances were only as a drop to the retired
waters of ocean in comparison with the need. Adequate loans were
as yet in vain solicited abroad. The destitution of the army was, in
fact, such that desertion and revolt were seriously apprehended should
this state of things be permitted to continue. Still, like martyrs the
troops bore and forbore. A requisition on the State caused a call on
this county, Jan. 13, for a large supply of blankets, and similar calls
came in quick succession. On the 4th of May, shirts, shoes, stockings,
blankets, were the demand: of Barnstable 57, Provincetown 4, Sandwich 39, Harwich 45, Eastham 45, Truro 29, Falmouth 30, Yarmouth




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            529
tive was to extend the requisitions upon the several
States so as to include provisions and forage.
The country burdened with debt; soldiers and their
families subjected to great hardships; the salaries of
all in public employ (the clergy included) reduced to
a mere pittance available;' the lukewarm murmuring;
symptoms of insubordination rife, - the utmost vigilance and prudence were required! The " dark day"
which occurred May 19 -      an event that was the occasion of some alarm, and of much speculation among
the learned, seemed in keeping with the times.2
As if all the gloom that enveloped the circumstances
of the country were not sufficient, questions of etiquette and policy must needs arise to disturb the equanimity and confidence of leading patriots themselves.
The commanding officer in the county, in the exercise
of his discretion, gave offence to nearly all those who,
associated with him, had borne the heat and burden of
the day and had hitherto moved on with him in perfect
harmony. The proximate cause of dissatisfaction was a
51, Chatham 21, Wellfleet 32, of shirts, pairs of shoes, and stockings,
and half the number of blankets.
1 Some idea of the immense depreciation of paper money may be
formed in view of an act of the General Court, June 3, giving " to
Provincetown ~3000 in addition to the annual grant of ~45, for the
support of the Rev. Samuel Parker as minister of the gospel in that
town.
2 We regard it as an important event worthy to be noticed here,
that, in the midst of these trials, the legislature of one of the confederate States, Pennsylvania, in the month of March recognized the
obligation to extend to others a portion of that freedom which every
patriot desired for himself: it was enacted that no child born thereafter in this State should be a slave; and that negro and mulatto
children then in bondage should be servants only until twenty-eight
years of age and then free. The Northern States were not slow to
follow the example, and now reap the benefit.
VOL. I.       67




530              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
certain nomination by him made; the remoter cause was
evidently the neglect for some reason to confer as formerly with judicious and patriotic associates, thus to
assure the public good and to secure unanimity of
thought, feeling and action. The matter created intense  interest at the    moment; we note         the  affair
therefore somewhat minutely. The nomination called
forth  from   the Council, Jan. 7, their marked        disapproval.1 To this act of Council, Gen. Otis replied in
missives, Feb. 8 and 12, expressing his mortification
at the censure imposed, petulantly reflecting upon
a leading patriot, and threatening that he would himself  resign were it not for fear as to his successor." 2
1 "To Brig. Gen. JOSEPH OTIS.     Sir: The Council cannot
approve of the use you have made of the privilege by law allowed
you in the nomination of a brigade major. Reason must dictate that
such privilege was given you to improve to the advantage of your
country in the harmony, and of consequence thereof, in the strength
of its internal force. But to our surprise you have used it in the destruction of both in your recommendation of.., a private of no
distinguished merit, to the rank of brigade major; not to mention the
affront you have thereby given to this Board, while they depended on
your care and prudence in the discharge of the high and important
office committed to you in the rank of a brigadier general. Sir, you
cannot be insensible to the very great uneasiness that subsisted in
your brigade... Yet notwithstanding," &c... "To avoid disagreeable consequences, you will call upon. for his commission,
and return it to this office, and prevent any further proceedings
thereon by this Board, or any dishonor to the young man. In the
name and behalf of the Council, I am, sir, your humble servant,
JEREMIAH POWELL, President."
2 To this personality, generally regarded as undignified, there was
a calm, but, to Gen. Otis, somewhat damaging reply addressed to the
Council, Feb. 16. The persistency of the commanding officer, which
would allow him neither to ask nor hear advice, was most unfortunate




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                531
He expressed also an earnest "hope" that the young
man whose nomination had been the occasion of the
present misunderstanding might at least be permitted
to qualify and be thus placed in a situation to resign
honorably - an opportunity of which he would undoubtedly avail himself.      The Council, in deference to
Gen. Otis' urgent request that the appointee might
have this indulgence extended to him, submitted the
matter to his discretion and withdrew the censure.
Some time having elapsed, and no resignation taking
place, the field officers of the First Regiment felt " constrained" again to present the case to the consideration
of the Council,' enclosing also " a memorial from         the
commissioned officers of the regiment."2          As late as
for his popularity; but, more than all, the splenetic acerbity of his
utterances was injurious to his cause.
" Vain are their hopes who fancy to inherit
By force of pedigree, or fame or merit."
Such reliance may, indeed, beget a supercilious and otherwise exceptious deportment that is not in keeping with a well-considered pride
of noble parentage; and may in some succession more disparagingly
develop. We are sorry to say that the influence of the General
began from this time to wane, though he was still treated with consideration in respect for his past services.
1 The letter enclosing the memorial was presented some time in
March, and expressed regret that the brigadier General had "been
so much off his guard that resentment led to misapprehensions and
expressions that reflect dishonor on his office." This document was
signed by Nathaniel Freeman, Col.; Enoch Hallett, Lt. Col.; Joseph
Dimmick, Major; George Lewis, 2d Major.
2 The memorial represents that the nomination was made in disregard of the wishes of the entire regiment; that it was persisted in
against the earnest advice of some in whose judgment and disinterested
patriotism the public repose the utmost confidence; that it was well
known before made that it would be considered exceedingly impolitic,




532              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
April 3, the promised resignation had not been tendered; and the Council felt obliged to press immediate
compliance.1
and derogatory to the respect due to every officer who was in service;
and that they could not in self-respect acquiesce in an appointment
which they regarded as improper and imprudent for very weighty
reasons aside from the youth and inexperience of the appointee. The
signers claim that the remonstrance bears the signatures of those who
have never dissembled or faltered in the hour of trial- "most of us
accepted office at the very first at the hazard of life and fortune when
traitors were throwing all the obstacles in our way which malice
could suggest, and with malicious grin were waiting for the (to them,
happy) period when we should be offered up a sacrifice to their ambitious and malignant desires; whilst others whose timid nerves ever
prevented their acting with firmness on the enemies' side, kept their
distance and only sneered at our audacity - many of whom of either
sort, disappointed in their expectations and lust of power, now under
the specious pretext of being actuated by more prudence and moderation than others, excuse their timidity or enmity to the country, and
court the smiles of that government they till lately spurned as wicked,
or contemned as weak." The paper, as found in the State archives
of the revolution, is dated "Barnstable, Feb. 29, 1780," and is
signed by
Samuel Fish, Capt.   John Nye,      Lt.   Isaac Matthews,  Lt.
Joseph Palmer, "      Eleazer Hatch, "    Josiah Thacher, "
Ward Swift,    "     John Nickerson, "    Micajah Lewis,    "
Micah Hamlen, "       Shubal Baker,  "    Joseph Annable,   "
Simeon Fish,   "     Jerem'h Howes, "     Edm'd Matthews, "
Elisha Hedge,  "     Eben'r Lothrop, "    Joseph White Jr., "
Lot Crowell,   "     Ansel Howland, "     James Baker Jr.,  "
Micah Chapman, "      Sam'l Tobey Jr.,"   Zach's Howland, 
Nathan Nye Jr., Adj't. Peter Nye,    "    Hezekiah Lombard,"
Jacob Lovell, Capt.   Sylvs. Gibbs,  "   James Coleman,    "
Nath'l Lothrop, "    Eben'r Baker,   "   Lot Dimmick,      "
Daniel Butler, Lt.
1 The brigadier general, on being again thus peremptorily addressed
by the Council, expressed much surprise at the brief time allowed
him and the summary manner in which the performance of his promise was demanded, but yielded to the call. We cannot, in faithfulness,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               533
An unusual procedure appears in the doings of the
General Court, May 6; the providing by special legislation for the licensing of an inn in the shire-town.
The reasons for this are doubtless found in the political
agitations of the day, as exhibited by recent occurrences.
On the issuing of another requisition for the reenforcement of the army,2 June 5, it was found " expedient in order to retain on shore many effective men,
to order an embargo on vessels throughout the State."
Never did distress press more heavily upon the great
commander of the Continental forces than now.           Gen.
Washington's camp was often destitute of meats and,
omit the fact that whilst in other respects the life of the young man
was probably unexceptionable, there were allegations that his sympathies and actions had been on several occasions adverse to the cause
of liberty.
1 " Whereas it appears to be necessary for the better accommodation of the courts of justice in the County of Barnstable at their respective sessions, that some person near the court-house in said county
other than those now licensed, should be authorized to keep a house
of entertainment: therefore Resolved, that Joseph Otis and David
Thacher Esqs., two of the justices of the peace for said county,
quorum unus, be and hereby are impowered to license Otis Loring,"
&c. &c.
2 The call was for 3934 men. From this county 187 were asked,
and Nathaniel Freeman Esq. was appointed superintendent: Barnstable was to furnish 36, Sandwich 24, Yarmouth 31, Eastham 22,
Harwich 24, Wellfleet 8, Chatham 11, Truro 11, and Falmouth 20.
Again, June 22, men were called for, in number 4726; from this
county 223, viz.: Barnstable 29, Sandwich 43, Yarmouth 37, Eastham 26, Harwich 29, Wellfleet 9, Chatham 13, Truro 13, and Falmouth 24; and the officers, every where, were "most solemnly enjoined
to despatch the men immediately, as the smallest delay may be attended
with the most serious consequences." Nathaniel Freeman and Barnabas Freeman Esqs. and Capt. Edmund Howes were appointed for
this county " to receive moneys in aid of the public treasury."




534             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
not unfrequently, of bread.1       Committees were       appointed for the several counties to direct in the sales
of estates confiscated, the public service requiring the
proceeds immediately.2 The call for provisions from
this county was peculiarly severe.3     These were truly
exacting and hard times for a county so impoverished
as this had become by the effects of the war.4    No other
was so peculiarly situated.    Being neither an agricultural nor a manufacturing county, its only source of
revenue, that of the ocean, was shut up from its enterprising people.5
1 The depreciation was such that 4 months' pay of a private was
not sufficient to purchase a single meal. What could be expected
under such circumstances but a feeling of discontent among the troops?
Two of the Connecticut regiments were with difficulty restrained from
forcing their way home at the point of the bayonet.
2 The committee for this county were Nath'l Freeman, Joseph
Otis, and Daniel Davis, Esqs.
3 The call made on this county, Sept. 25, was for its full quota of
beef for the army, 71,280 lbs., viz.: of Barnstable 15,510 lbs.; Sandwich 11,120; Yarmouth 10,090; Chatham 3860; Truro 3680; Eastham 7250; Harwich 8350; Wellfleet 3620; Falmouth 7800.
4 Another reenforcement of men for the army was required, in
number 4240; of this county was exacted, Dec. 1, 156, viz.: Barnstable 31, Sandwich 22, Yarmouth 24, Eastham 17, Wellfleet 8, Chatham 9, Harwich 19, Falmouth 17, and Truro 9. We are thus particular in showing the exactions; for these statistics tell in a forcible
manner the sacrifice and effort made by our revolutionary sires in securing for themselves and posterity the blessings of freedom we inherit.
Again, Dec. 4, the Commonwealth's proportion of specific supplies for
the army was 4,626,178 lbs. of beef, for the ensuing year. Barnstable County was to supply 136,875 lbs. in the following proportion:
Barnstable 29,781 lbs., Sandwich 21,253, Yarmouth 19,374, Harwich
16,034, Eastham 13,920, Chatham 7414, Truro 7068, Wellfleet 6953,
and Falmouth 14,978; or, in lieu of the beef ~3 7 6 per cwt., or forage, as follows, viz.: rye at 7s. per bu., corn 5s., oats 3s., peas 7s.
5 Harwich, Chatham, Eastham and Yarmouth were now under the
necessity of memorializing the General Court, severally " setting forth




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               535
The new Constitution being adopted, took effect Oct.
25; under which occurred the first election of chief
magistrate by the people. JOHN HANcOCK was governor
and THOMAS CUSHING lieutenant governor1 of the State.
Solomon Freeman Esq. of Harwich was elected senator
for this county. The political year was henceforward
to commence on the last Wednesday in May.
With the ushering in of the year 1781, speedy and
effectual measures were again necessary to replenish
the treasury, as also to supply the army with clothing,
&c.2 The defence of Rhode Island bore hard upon this
the many difficulties and distresses the inhabitants of said towns
labor under by reason of the extraordinary diminution of inhabitants,
and many other inconveniences by reason of the present war"praying that they "may be abated the taxes and requisitions for beef
and other articles."  A resolve was passed, Jan. 31 of the next year,
" to stay the executions issued against said towns until further orders."
In May, similar petitions and consequent resolves are recorded in
reference to other towns; also the remission of a fine of ~6000 to the
town of Barnstable assessed for a failure to provide the whole number of soldiers that had been required in June of the previous year.
It should be understood and well considered, that Barnstable County,
notwithstanding its peculiar position, was not distinguished by such
petitions and favors. Although its means had become more reduced
and its sufferings were greater than in other parts of the State, the
Cape stood well, compared with other and more favored counties.
1 The lieut. governor was elected by the two Houses, in conformity with the constitutional provision in case of no election by the people, and, Dec. 1, proclamation of the same was made from the balcony
of the State House.
2 Committees were appointed to solicit loans. Joseph Nye Esq.
of Sandwich, and Elisha Doane Esq. of Wellfleet, were a committee
for this county. The commander-in-chief of the army being urgent
for supplies of provisions, this county was expected again to furnish
its quota of beef, 56,489 lbs.: Be. 12,295, S, 8814, Y. 7998, C.
3059, T. 2915, E. 5742, H. 6616, W. 2868, and F. 1682. For the
clothing exaction, Mr. Shearjashub Bourne was appointed receiver.




536             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
county.'   Some of the lower towns now feeling that
they were utterly unable to comply with the orders of
government for a supply of beef for the army, a meeting of delegates assembled at Barnstable and appointed
Dr. John Davis to appear in behalf of these towns before the General Court and present the facts in the
case.  "The inequality of the burdens laid upon the
people;' seem not to have been well considered by the
government heretofore.      To pay taxes in the same proportion with others more favorably circumstanced, in
addition to the compensation in silver money necessary
to be made up over and above the pittance which Congress allowed to soldiers in the shape of almost worthless bills;2 and to be obliged to provide clothing in
equal proportion with others, besides the sustenance
which must be provided for the families of soldiers
absent from these towns, was alone a sufficient sacrifice
for any and all the towns in this maritime district, crippled and impoverished by the prostration of its almost
only means of support, without being enjoined to stand
side by side with the agricultural towns in supplying
Shirts, stockings, shoes were required,- of each article or pair enumerated, Be. 52, S. 37, Y. 34, E. 24, W. 12, C. 13, H. 28, F. 26, T.
12, in all 238. In similar proportions 119 blankets were also to be
furnished. Besides, 3 months' men were to be raised: 2700 in Mass.,
of which the Cape was to furnish 126; Be. 25, S. 18, Y. 20, E. 14,
W. 6, C. 7, H. 15, F. 14, Truro 7. The latter place, Oct. 19, represented " the reduced condition of the town and their utter inability to
provide its quota of men or supplies," -praying for relief.
1 For the defence of R. I., and " especially of Newport," the brig'r
of the county was ordered, June 16, "to detach from his brigade one
1st lieut. and 56 non-commissioned officers and privates, provided with
good firelock, bayonet, cartridge-box, haversack, and blanket."
2 The paper money of the Province was so depreciated that $60
of paper was equal in value to only $1 of silver; nevertheless, in all
these towns strenuous efforts continued to be made to obtain recruits
for the service.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             537
beef for the army.    The requisition would seem      preposterous even if it were made at the time of the present
writing.   That the maritime towns were not disposed
to be backward in duty in doing all that was possible
to meet the hard requirements of government, is most
evident upon the face of their records.1
On the representation of Brig. Gen. Freeman,.Oct.
20, requesting the governor to issue orders' for detaching a guard for the town of Falmouth," it was directed that the same "be detached from       the 1st regiment in the county, and placed under the direction of
Lt. Col. Dimmick." 2   Instructions were given by some
of the towns to their representatives touching " the importance of a restoration of the fisheries in any arrangement that might be made for peace'" and requesting
them "to ask of the legislature to see that the commissioners be instructed" to that effect; and, accordingly, a resolve was passed, Oct. 27, instructing the
1 It appeared, Nov. 2, that in the bills for taxes for the current
year, assessed to be paid in hard money, the towns in this county had
been overtaxed and were entitled to abatement. Receipts were ordered by the court to be given to the collectors for the amount of
over-tax, viz.:
Barnstable, ~420 4 7  Eastham, ~277 15 11  I-arwich, ~230 19 7
Sandwich,  411 7 1  Wellfleet, 307 19 9  Falmouth,  258 19 3
Yarmouth, 157 0 0  Chatham, 173 12 4    Truro,      95 2 4
On the 6th of March of the succeeding year, it was " resolved that the
several towns and plantations in the Commonwealth be taxed to a
thousand pounds," as follows: in Barnstable County: -
Barnstable, ~5 6 0    Eastham, ~2 5 1     Harwich, ~2 16 10
Sandwich,  4 1 0     Wellfleet, 0 13 2    Falmouth  2 9 10
Yarmouth, 3 15 5      Chatham, 1 2 7      Truro,    1 5 5
2 The re-organization of the militia in 1776 had remained about the
same, promotions only excepted, until 1781, when another re-organization was necessary to meet the requirements of the new State ConVOL. i.       68




538              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
delegates in Congress " to present to that body the importance to the United States in general and to this
State in particular, of the fisheries, that the rights heretofore enjoyed by the citizens of the United States
may, in any settlement of peace, be acknowledged and
secured."
An act was passed this year to prevent damage to
the Nobscusset Meadows in Yarmouth; this act was
made perpetual in 1797, and amended 1802.
The state of the army under Gen. Washington, early
in the year 1782, was deplorable.1 In fact, distress was
stitution. The officers of the Barnstable County brigade were now
as follows:
Brig. Gen., Nath'l Freeman of Sandwich, who held 12 years and
then resigned.
Brigade lMajor and Inspector, Nath'l Freeman Jr. of Sandwich,
who held 16 years, and was elected to Congress.
First Regiment.- Col., Enoch Hallett of Yarmouth, who resigned 1790.
Lt. Col., Joseph Dimmick of Falmouth, who was promoted Colonel
1790, and Brigadier General 1794.
Major, Micah Chapman of Yarmouth, succeeded in 1790 by Eben'r
Lothrop.
Adjutant, Thos. Thacher of Yarmouth, succeeded in 1790 by Joseph Parker.
Second Regiment.- Col., Benj'n Godfrey of Chatham, who resigned 1790.
Lt. Col., Job Crocker of Chatham, succeeded in 1790 by Elijah
Knowles.
Major, Win. Gage of Harwich, succeeded by John Wetherell.
Adjutant, Joseph Paine of Chatham, succeeded in 1790 by Mulford
Howes.
1 The state of the army may be learned from the following, a letter
written at Fishkill, May 28: -" Yesterday was the third day of our
army having been without provisions. Every department is without
money and without credit. The army could not make a march of
one day, as they are without every necessary, as well as provisions.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                539
not confined to the army; the war had produced great
prostration every where, and nowhere were its effects
more felt than on the Cape.l         " The darkest hour of
night," it is said, " is just before the break of day."
A resolve for raising 1500 men to complete the
Officers and soldiers are exceedingly discontented. Wherever I go, I
hear complaints which make me dread the most fatal consequences.
The distresses of our army have arrived at the greatest possible degree. - STEUBEN."  Again, May 28:-"I am under anxiety from
the want of necessary deposits of provisions in the garrison at West
Point. This is an alarming circumstance. Were the enemy to know
our situation and make a sudden attempt, what is there to save these
important posts?- G. WASHINGTON."   A sketch of Gen. Greene's
troubles at a subsequent date, may serve to complete the picture:" Aug. 13, For upwards of 3 months, more than one third of our men"
(of the Southern army) "were entirely naked, with nothing but a
breech-cloth about them, and never came out of their tents; and the
rest were as ragged as wolves. Our condition was little better in the
article of provisions. Our beef was perfect carrion, and even bad as
it was we were frequently without any. -N. GREENE."
1 On the petition of Edward Knowles and others in behalf of several towns in the county, Jan. 30, the General Court appointed a committee consisting of Noah Goodman, John Fessenden and Abner
Holden, Esqs., " to repair to sd. towns of Yarmouth, Harwich, Eastham and Chatham, and, at the expense of sd. towns, view the circumstances thereof, hearing all persons concerned, and report." Subsequently, Feb. 2, the sd. committee was instructed " to go into all the
other towns in said county for the purposes mentioned; and, until
further orders, all executions for any deficiency in procuring beef or
men, were ordered to be stayed."   The committee not attending
promptly to the service, at a later period Hon. Increase Sumner, and
Nath'l Gorham and Seth Washburne Esqs. were appointed with such
as the Senate shall join. This committee of both Houses reported,
Dec. 2, that they had "fully and critically attended the service, and
that they are satisfied that the several towns in sd. county have complied to the utmost of their abilities with the requisitions made upon
them by the General Court for beef and men and that the sd. towns
are incapable of complying therewith any further." And, the said
committee having further reported that, in their opinion, " all deficiencies




540             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
quota of the Massachusetts line, for reenforcing tile
Continental army, was passed March 7, the number apportioned to the several towns and plantations the previous year " not being sufficient on account of mortality
and other casualties."1   The authorities of Sandwich,
Falmouth, Barnstable and Chathain were directed by
the General Court, Oct. 9, "to cause the shores of their
respective towns and the vessels in the harbors to be
examined, that if any cattle or sheep are found which
from  their local situation or other apparent circumstances are likely to fall into the hands of the enemy,
they may be driven to places of safety."
In 1783, the several Cape towns were, as might be
expected, still more and more straitened in their circumstances; 2 but the war of the revolution, after eight
years' continuance, was, by the orderings of a good
Providence, to be this year succeeded by the blessings
of PEACE.   On the 30th of November of the previous
year, preliminary articles had been signed at Versailles
by Adams, Franklin, Jay and Laurens on the part of
the United States, and by Oswald on the part of England, by which the thirteen United Colonies were to
of beef or men due from any of the towns in the County of Barnstable
should be abated to them and that all fines for said deficiencies should
be remitted," a resolve to that effect was passed by the General Court.
1 To Barnstable County was apportioned the number of 36; i. e. to
Barnstable 8, Sandwich 6, Yarmouth 6, Eastham 3, Wellfleet 1,
Chatham 2, Harwich 4, Falmouth 4, and Truro 2.
2 " Upon the petitions of the inhabitants of Eastham, Harwich, and
Yarmouth, setting forth their extreme poverty and utter inability to
pay their public taxes at present," the State treasurer was directed,
March 12, "to recall the executions issued, and to stay in future, until
further ordered, executions for two thirds the taxes." Similar resolves in relation to Barnstable, Sandwich and Falmouth were adopted,
June 23.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               541
be acknowledged "as free, sovereign, and independent
States."1   The cessation of hostilities was, by order of
Gen. Washington, proclaimed in the American camp,
April 19, the day that completed the eighth year of the
war; the definitive treaty was signed Sept. 3; laid before Congress, Dec. 13; and the seal of the United
States affixed, with the signature of his Excellency
Thomas Mifflin, president of Congress, the          14th of
January following.2
1 The intelligence was announced, March 24, in Congress, on the
authority of a letter from the Marquis de La Fayette, bearing date
Feb. 5, that "preliminaries of a general peace had been signed at
Paris;" and, April 4, a confirmation of the same under the hands of
the American commissioners arrived at Salem, brought by the ship
Austria, Capt. Derby- the same captain who carried to Europe the
news of the Lexington battle in 1775; also "that his Most Christian
Majesty and the King of Great Britain had ratified and their ministers
exchanged the same on the 3d of Feb."  It was in due time received
and promulgated. The collateral questions to be settled had been
troublesome, and complicated by the exclusive course which France
seemed disposed to maintain in relation to the fisheries, and hence the
delay of the final issue. By the treaty an unlimited right of fishing
on the Banks of Newfoundland, the River St. Lawrence and all other
places where we had been accustomed to fish, was conceded. But all
that the British plenipotentiaries could by their utmost endeavors obtain in behalf of American loyalists whose welfare they greatly professed to have at heart, was a provision that Congress should earnestly
recommend to the Legislatures of the respective States the most lenient
consideration of their case and a restitution of their confiscated property. There were, of course, some applicants for this leniency, on
the Cape: but, be it always remembered, not here alone. They
were numerous in other counties.
2 A war was thus ended which had cost Great Britain ~100,000,000
sterling and about 50,000 subjects, in addition to her loss of the colonies; a war in which the United States lost many valuable lives and
much treasure: but the issue of which was a full reward for all the
hardships incident to the struggle. The war might have been avoided
by a timely concession on the part of England of freedom from inter



542              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
The acknowledgment of the independence of the
States was every where       hailed with joy as a most
happy exchange for the privations, sufferings and horrors of war. It could not be otherwise regarded in
this county after so long continuance of the contest
had made the war the most grievous scourge ever endured. Every town not only felt the happy change,
but all at once sprang forth with light hearts and
renewed energy.      It is true, the pecuniary embarrassments of the people were not to be retrieved           in a
moment; time must be had to effect this: but they
saw the United States of America now standing proudly
forth among the nations, destined, as was believed, to
preeminence in national importance and glory.1
nal taxation and a proper forbearance of the crown touching a violation of those chartered rights in regard to which the American people
were so sensitive. But England being bent on enforcing submission,
the war was permitted by an overruling Providence for her discomfiture and for our good. There can be no doubt that the lofty ideas
England entertained of the certainty of our ultimate subjection, and
the debasing views she indulged of our power of resistance, were very
much the result of representations made by the loyalists who became
traitors to the best interests of their own country, and who as their
reward were necessitated to live on the bounty of the crown, or to
accept a home through the leniency of their more patriotic fellowcitizens where they well knew that their former subserviency to the
enemy would forever be a stigma. Still we trust there were even
among such, some who in after times did not regret that the cause
they had deserted was maintained and that the country they would
have seen subjected to British tyranny rose to an exalted rank among
the nations.
1 We would not indulge in invidious comparisons. We acknowledge that, whilst no section of the country was more resolute than
Massachusetts, independence was secured by the bravery of all. As
such it should be regarded as a common inheritance derived from our
ancestors, and as such should be transmitted. But it may be of use
to survey the part which each of the original thirteen States enacted




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               543
The voice of joy and gladness, not only heard in the
streets and in every dwelling, but in all places where
the Governor of the whole earth was publicly worshipped, was becoming a people thus signally owned
and blessed of Heaven.1
That the Cape had its full share of the trials of the
long conflict for independence, is to tell but half the
story: its reliance on the occupations of commerce and
in the eventful struggle as seen by the following table "of annual
terms of service furnished to the Continental ranks by each State
during the war:"
Mass.   67,907        Md.    13,912          S. C.  6,417
Ct.     31,939        N. H. 12,497           R. I.  5,908
Va.     26,678        N. J.  10,726          Ga.    2,679
Pa.     25,678        N. C.   7,263          Del.   2,386
N. Y.   17,781
Total 231,791, of which, as will be seen, Massachusetts bore at least
one fourth part of the whole burden - exceeding that of Ga., S. C.,
N. C., Va., Md., and Del., together, by 7,572. We shall present in
one of the succeeding pages a table more minute, showing the amount
of militia as well as Continental service.
1 The House of Representatives in General Court, July 2, took into
consideration the propriety of a suitable commemoration of the Declaration of Independence, and " Resolved that the legislature, preceded
by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Council of State, and other
officers, if his excellency and their honors shall see cause to attend, will
on Friday next, at ten o'clock, A. M., that being the day of the anniversary of the independence of the United States of America, repair
to some suitable place for public worship, and there in a solemn and
public manner render thanks to Almighty God for his great and unmerited mercy to these States in supporting them through a long,
dangerous, and expensive war; in raising them to rank among the
nations of the earth; in establishing them as an independent republic;
in finally bestowing on them the long wished-for blessing of a cessation
of hostilities; and in affording them reason to hope that they will
speedily receive a definitive treaty of peace: and also to implore the
divine benediction on the government and public concerns of these
States."




544              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the fisheries that became nearly annihilated by the
superior marine of the enemy, secured to it a double
share. Its burdens for the support of the war, as we
have seen, were heaped and pressed to the utmost
possible endurance, whilst every means possible was
adopted by the towns to meet the requisitions made;
and when compliance became impossible, authority was
still respected and every nerve strained to accomplish
even impossibilities.1 There was really at no time any
faltering in the cause on the part of the majority of its
inhabitants.2   It has not generally been sufficiently
considered that whilst doing its full share of service on
the land, it was all the while performing an essential
and greatly augmented amount of service upon the
seas.3 As much of the latter was performed in private
armed vessels, no State record of the amount appears;
1 The last order taken for relief on account of executions issued
for taxes, was, Feb. 24 of the following year, when "Barnstable,
Sandwich, and Falmouth were abated on half their taxes the previous
year, and Yarmouth, Eastham, Chatham, Harwich, and Truro three
fourths."
2 A distinguished gentleman of the bar, a descendant from the Cape,
Wm. H. Dillingham Esq., now deceased, once remarked in a public
address in Philadelphia where he was resident, in regard to the land
of his birth, "It is with no want of fealty to home - the home of
adoption, that our hearts yearn towards the land of our fathers, the
natale solum. There is a spot where the fallow deer and young fawn
still have their range, with some poor remnants of the race once monarchs of tie soil: within their immediate vicinity some of our ancestors have dwelt for more than two centuries, and there a great part of
their descendants still find their home. When the clarion sounded its
cry for liberty, in the war of the revolution, - when the thunder of
the artillery of Bunker Hill came to them across the waters of the
Massachusetts Bay, you might have seen men of three generations of
the same name and family rallying in the same ranks to stand by the
men of Boston, Lexington, and Concord."
3 The following statement of the troops (continental and militia)




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                 545
but from    what is known of the Arnold, Tyrannicide,
Active, Independence, and many others, may be inferred an approximation to the sum          total.  The habits
of the people afford, to say the least, a presumption
that wherever the ocean was ploughed by the daring,
there the Cape was represented by its full quota of
skilful, enduring, determined seamen urged by manly
courage and patriot zeal.
The decease of that noble patriot James Otis Jr.
occurred this year, May 23.1
furnished by the respective States, during the revolutionary war, from
1775 to 1783, inclusive, is probably nearly correct:1775  1776    1777   1778 1 1779    1780 1 1781  1'782 1783
STATES.. I.1   E A  m. 
8   0 U     0 u     uo     u   ^   0      0       0   0
N. H......  2324  3019....  1172i11 11  123....  1004  222  1017  760  700....  744  733
Mass...... 16444 13372 4000  716 2755  7010 1927  6287 1451j 4553 3436  37321566  4423  4370
R. I.......  1193  798  1102  548....  6302426  507  756  915....  464.... 481  372
Conn...... 4507  6390 5737  4563....  4010..  3544.... 3133  554  2420 1501  1732  1740
N. Y...... 2075  3629 1715  19031  921 2194.  2256. 2179  668  1728....  1198  1169
N. J..........  3193  5893  1408....  586 1276 1105  162  823....  660  675
Penn......  400  5519 4876  4983  2481  3684.... 3476..  3337....1346.  1265  1598
Del.......... 609  145  22....  349.  317...  325  231  89..  164  235
Md............  6371 2592  2030  1535  3307....  2849  2065....  770  1280  974
Va...........  6181....  5744  1289  5236.... 3973..  2486....  1215 4331  1204  629
N. C.........  1134....  1281....  1287....  1214............  545...  1105  697
S. C.......650.... 1650.....09...... 909139
Ga.....    35     1423....  673...............    145
127443 4690126060 34750 10112 35899 4353 276999' 4(9 21115 5811 13832 7398 14256 13076
Total, continental, 231,971; militia, 56,163.
1 The circumstances of his death, and of the previous prostration of
his mighty mind, we have already referred to, page 445.    Many
anecdotes are related touching the harmless eccentricities which
marked the latter unfortunate portion of his life; but we have no
wish to perpetuate them. They might, perhaps, serve to amuse a
morbid curiosity; but we have no heart to penetrate, for such a purpose, the retirement of any man - especially of one who deserves so
well of his country. The reckless unreserve with which the incidents
of days of misfortune, and the infirmities of men of genius, are spread
before the public by many biographers, is, in our view, in bad taste,
VOL. I.        69




546              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAPTER XXIV.
The Anniversary of Independence a perpetual Institution. - Shays' Rebellion. -Constitution of the United States. - First President of the United
States. -National Bank. - Dennis incorporated. - Revised Constitution. - Whiskey Insurrection. - Ecclesiastical Changes. - Mails. - Orleans incorporated. - Troubles with France. - Washington's Decease.Political Contests. - Brewster incorporated. - Embargo. - Non-Intercourse Act. - Port of Entry. - Local Legislation. - Impressment of
Seamen. - Domestic Manufactures. - Preparations for War.
IN 1784, the legislature, in view       of " the low    and
humiliating    dependence     on  a foreign    power"    from
which the United States were delivered on the 4th of
to say the least. "There is, in every man's life, an inner circle into
which the public have no right to enter;" and there should be limits
to the indulgence of even a natural desire to pry into scenes of private
misfortune.  Not that there was ever a single passage in the whole
life of him who "flamed in the forehead" of the revolution, which
has been, or could be, told to his discredit; but respect is to be paid
to the memory of departed greatness, and the record of that greatness
is not to be blurred by the exposure to public view of unimportant reminiscences which only prove that the opening of his head by the blow of
an assassin's " sabre," and the cruel treatment that followed, had indeed
"shattered a once mighty intellect."  Greatness should not debar any
man of the sacred privilege of forbearance in this respect on the part of
the press; otherwise the unknown may well thank God for their obscurity. Hutchinson relates that there were times that encouraged
the hope of Otis' returning reason. One anecdote, among many mentioned of his previous brilliant career, is worthy of record as illustrating the honorable course of his professional practice.  After
pleading the cause of a client, with distinguished ability and probably
with success, he discovered, whilst the judge was engaged in addressing the jury, a receipt among the papers in the hands of his client




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             547
July, 1776 1 and by the directing hand of Providence
assumed a station among the nations," which day "will
forever be marked as the era when our political existwhich receipt belonged to the opposite party and showed that the
debt for which the prosecution had been instituted had been actually
paid; he instantly stopped the progress of the action and became nonsuited. Such was his sterling honesty. Graduated at Harvard College 1743, he commenced the practice of law after completing his
legal reading under Gridley, first at Plymouth, and after two years
removed to Boston.  At the bar, unrivalled for learning and eloquence, he was soon appointed advocate general at the Court of Admiralty, which position he held until 1761, then resigning rather than
sustain the application for "writs of assistance." In 1761 he became
representative of Boston, and in 1766 was elected speaker of the
House- but having been a member of the Stamp-Act Congress 1765,
his election was now negatived by the governor. Living at an age
distinguished above all others in our history for able and eminent men,
he was himself among the first until attacked in 1770 by the ruffianly
Robinson. It was a fearful wish he expressed to his sister after this
sad event, that he might be taken off by a stroke of lightning, and not
the less remarkable therefore the fulfilment of the aspiration.. Thus
died one of whom President John Adams said,'I have been young
and now am old, and I solemnly say I have never known a man
whose love of country was more ardent or sincere - never one who
suffered so much - never one whose services for any ten years of his
life were so important and essential to the cause.of his country as
those of Mr. Otis from 1760 to 1770."  The cause of liberty seemed
to those abroad to be identified with his name.
JAMES OTIS, Jr., b. in Barnstable, Feb. 5, 1724-5, m. Ruth Cunningham, 1755,.who d. Nov. 15, 1789, ae. 60. Issue: James, 1755,
who volunteered a midshipman in the revolutionary war, and d. e. 21
on board the Jersey prison-ship in 1777; Elizabeth, who m. Capt.
Brown, an officer of the English army, of good family; [he was
wounded in the battle of Bunker Hill, and afterwards placed in command of a fortress on the English coast. She left the country with her
husband during the war, and did not return except on a visit in 1792.
She was living in 1821 a widow in Eng. Her alliance with a British
officer deeply offended her father;] and Mary, who m. Benj. Lincoln,
eldest son of Gen. L. of revolutionary memory, and d. at Cambridge in
1806.




548              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
ence commenced," resolved again to celebrate the day
when it should return, "by religious observances and
demonstrations of joy."
Heavy debts encumbered the general and state
governments, and such was the distress of the country,
that, so soon after the promulgation of the glorious
event of Peace, indications of trouble began to disturb
the public tranquillity.1 Indeed, from the moment of
the cessation of hostilities, during the interval to the
disbanding of the troops, Congress found itself in a trying situation.
In 1785, Gov. Hancock who, by successive elections,
had been continued in the gubernatorial chair, resigned,
and, in Feb., Thomas Cushing, Lieut. Governor, became
commander-in-chief, cx officio, until the election of JAMES
BOwDOIN.
The Continental Congress when the war began had no money
and no power to levy taxes. The only possible recourse was the resort to former methods of issuing bills of credit pledging the faith of
the colonies for their redemption. This species of money passed currently for a time; but as the amount necessary to defray the public
expenses soon greatly exceeded the amount of specie in circulation,
the bills began and continued to depreciate until at last they were
worthless. They remained so from 1780 to 1790. The whole amount
issued had been $200,000,000. It was not until 1790 that Congress
passed an act to redeem this paper at the rate of $1 in specie for $100
in bills!
2 The army, however, proved patriotic to the last. The soldiers
unpaid returned quietly to their homes and resumed the arts of peace
content with their lot however humble in the land they had so nobly
helped to free from foreign enemies and to place among the most
favored upon earth.
3 Lt. Gov. CuSHING had been rep. of Boston and speaker of the
House; also a member of the Council and judge of the Con. Pleas
as well as of Probate. A man of learning and ability, he was a dis



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.          549
It cannot be regarded as unnatural that the severe
struggle of the revolution should be succeeded by a
season of comparative exhaustion; or that the enthusiasm  of a popular contest terminating in triumph
should on subsiding leave the mind to meditate on the
sacrifices made, and the privations yet to be endured to
retrieve the past. Other thoughts, before, occupied the
minds of all; and the heat of the struggle well nigh
forbade the consideration of any present inconvenience
or future toils.  The wealth of the country exhausted,
the proper mode so well understood in later times of
drawing on the country's resources had not been discovered and could not therefore be immediately applied either by the general or state governments. Taxes
could not be collected in any part of the confederacy
without immense trouble, for there was really no money
to represent the value of either the little personal
property that had not been sacrificed, or to represent
the soil.  Commerce was but just beginning again to
burst its thraldom.  Each State was desirous of the
benefit of its own revenue, for each owed a heavy
debt.  There was, of course, some clashing of individual interests and also of State interests: individuals
restive under the most judicious symptoms of taxation
or revenue, and States with each its own regulations -
its tariff, its tonnage duties, &c., pursuing a system
supposed by other States injurious to them.1   It is not
tinguished patriot and prominent member of the 1st and 2d Congress.
From youth a professor of religion, the motives of the gospel governed his life. He d. in office, Feb. 28, 1788, ae. 62.
A foreign nation, it was thought, might be more favored by one
State than by another, and expect similar favors in return. Each
State was in danger of being jealous of every other. Little could be
done under these circumstances to liquidate the public debt of the




550             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
strange, then, that the public mind was soon brought
to see that a change in the Constitution of the General Government was required.      The mercantile interests impeded, and for want of a uniform         system   of
trade the advantages of this great source of national
prosperity flowing into the hands of foreigners, it was
evident that the General Government must be strengthened or a dissolution of the Union and a devastating
anarchy must ensue.
An act was passed this year to protect Pocha Beach
in the town of Eastham.
The next year, 1786, c Shays' rebellion," as the insurrection against the State government of Massachusetts
was called, occurred, occasioning some alarm as well as
trouble. The insurgents, discontented by reason of the
laws for the collection of taxes and debts, were exceedingly audacious, organizing themselves for the subversion  of the   Constitution.    The insurrection    was
quelled.l
General Government, for it could not enjoy the confidence of foreign
countries; and little could be achieved by the State governments, for
a decay of trade, the rise of imports, the fall of exports, and a decrease in the value of all property must inevitably follow-especially
if there be discontent among the people preventing the enforcement
of law.
1 Not, however, until a well-directed fire of artillery had shown the
insurgents that the contest would be unequal. Fourteen of their chief
men were subsequently tried and sentenced to death; but were ultimately pardoned. To put down this insurrection, 4000 militia were
ordered into service, under the'command of the veteran Lincoln. -
The same spirit of disaffection was exhibited in New Hampshire as
in Mass.- That its influence extended in some degree to this county
would seem evident from the fact that the gov'r felt it to be his duty
to issue his proclamation to the sheriff and other officers, and to the
inhabitants, as follows:




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              551
Until this period, from   the year 1775 when by limitation the several acts providing for the preservation of
Cape Cod harbor expired, no special law existed for the
same. On the establishment of the independence of the
colonies, whatever title the Province of Massachusetts
Bay had to the provincial lands, passed to Massachusetts.  From    the year 1737 there were symptoms of
a gradual decline of the place, so that in 1748, although
the harbor had lost none of its importance to the commercial world, the removals from Provincetown had
been so numerous there were but two or three families
remaining.    In 1776 there were about twenty dwelling
houses and thirty-six families; but during the distrac"4 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
"Council Chamber, Boston, Nov. 27, 1786.
Whereas it hath been represented to me that an attempt will be
made by a number of people in the County of Barnstable to obstruct
the sitting of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace and Court
of Common Pleas to be holden by law at Barnstable within and for the
county aforesaid on the 1st Tuesday of Dec. next, and thereby the
course of law and the administration of justice will be interrupted
unless seasonable measures are taken for the prevention of the same;
I therefore hereby call on the sheriff of the Co. of Barnstable to
take such measures as are pointed out by law to suppress all such attempts, and call upon the good people of sd. county for their aid and
assistance for the prevention of all such designs: And he is further
directed, with the advice of the justices of the court aforesaid, to call
upon the commanding officer in the militia in that county to afford
him such military assistance as they the sd. justices may judge necessary for the purpose: And the commanding officer of said county is
hereby directed and required to afford the sheriff aforesaid all such
military assistance as he shall be informed by the sd. sheriff is judged
necessary by the justices of the court aforesaid.- The foregoing is by
the advice of the Council.                JAMES BOWDOIN."
There exists no other evidence that any difficulty was apprehended in
this county; and we are inclined to the opinion that the proclamation
was, with change of names, addressed and issued as a precautionary
measure to each and every county in the State.




552              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
tions of the war it suffered again, and was greatly depressed.   The dawn of peace infused new strength and
hopes among      the few   remaining    residents.   In  the
month of June, this year, the attention of the legislature was attracted to the importance of the harbor, and
an act was passed for its protection.1     An act was this
year passed to regulate the fisheries in the streams of
Harwich.
In 1787, JOHN HANCOCK was again called to office to
succeed Gov. Bowdoin.2       The Federal Constitution3 was,
1 Pasturage of cattle, &c. was prohibited, excepting " 13 cows, 4
oxen, 1 bull, and 3 horses, of which number the minister" was
" allowed to keep 1 cow and 1 horse for his own use."  The cutting
down of trees or brush was also forbidden, except' 20 cords of wood
for the minister, and so much brush from the swamps as shall be absolutely necessary for flakes in the curing of fish."
2 Gov. BOWDOIN was eminent both as a statesman and philosopher. As a rep. to the General Court he was early conspicuous, and
in the Council displayed equal ability and patriotism. In the disputes which laid the foundation of the American revolution, his
writings and exertions were eminently useful. As president of the
Convention which formed the State Constitution in 1780, his enlightened wisdom was acknowledged. As gov'r, his firmness and inflexible integrity at the head of gov't at the most unfortunate period after
the revolution has been subject of universal commendation. As a
generous friend of literature and the arts, his name is enshrined in
the history of his native State; and as a consistent Christian, his example and influence were most happy. He d. Nov. 6, 1790, ae. 63.
3 The government of the States under the Articles of Confederation
had hitherto existed; being found to be weak and inefficient for
the public exigencies, commissioners had met at Annapolis the previous
year to form a general system of commercial regulations, but recommended the appointment of delegates with more ample powers to
meet the next year at Philadelphia. Accordingly delegates from the
several States assembled in May and after four months' deliberation,
arrived at the result. There is one reminiscence connected with the
deliberations of this Convention that, for its moral grandeur and effect,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              553
Sept. 17, "unanimously agreed to in Convention, and
transmitted by Congress to the several States for consideration."
is worthy of a place here:- Whilst but little difference of opinion
existed among the members in regard to great principles, there was
less harmony in reducing those principles to practical detail; and on
one occasion the body came near dissolving. At this painful crisis, Dr.
Franklin arose and addressing himself to the president of Convention, said, " Sir, how has it happened that while groping so long in the
dark - divided in our opinions and ready to separate without accomplishing the great objects of our meeting, we have not hitherto once
thought of humbly applying to the FATHER OP LIGHT to illuminate
our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with Great
Britain, when we were sensible of our danger, we had daily prayer in
this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard, and
they were graciously answered. All of us who engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. To that kind Providence we owe this happy
opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our
future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful
Friend? or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance?
I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proof I see of this truth -that GOD governs the affairs of men.
And, sir, if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is
it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been
assured, sir, in the sacred writings, that' Except the Lord build the
house they labor in vain that build it.' I firmly believe this; and I
also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed no better in this political building than the builders of Babel; we shall be
divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a by-word to
future ages. And, sir, what is worse, mankind may hereafter from
this important instance despair of establishing government by human
wisdom and leave it to chance, war, or conquest. I therefore beg
leave to move that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of
Heaven and its blessings on our deliberations be held in this assembly
every morning before we proceed to business; and that one or more
of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service."
This suggestion, it need hardly be said, was favorably received by the
VOL. I.       70




554              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
By bequest of Dr. Abner Hersey of Barnstable,l the
several Congregational churches in the county became
at this time prospectively invested with the trust of a
large portion of his estate for religious purposes.
Convention, and from that time the guidance of Divine aid was daily
sought. As might also be expected, great harmony prevailed; the
spirit of concession pervaded the Convention; and a motion was made
tbr the appointment of a committee to take into consideration both
branches of the legislature. A committee was chosen consisting of
one member from each State, and the Convention adjourned for three
days. On meeting again, this committee reported to the satisfaction
of all, and the body proceeded to organize the legislature and other
departments of the government.
1 Dr. ABNER HERSEY was son of James of Hingham, who had
three sons that became respectable physicians: Ezekiel, James, and
Abner. The former of these grad. H. C. 1728, and was eminent in
his profession, remaining in Hingham. Dr. James settled in Barnstable, had a high reputation as a physician and extensive practice, but
died early, within a year of the time that his younger brother, Abner,
became his pupil. Dr. Abner had until entering the office of Dr.
James, labored assiduously on his father's farm, and had little opportunity for literary improvement. On the decease of his instructor,
notwithstanding his pupilage had been brief, he availed himself of
the professional field from which his lamented brother had been taken
away; and, enjoying the benefit of his reputation, succeeded to a lucrative practice. Sound judgment and correct observation seem to
have supplied the deficiencies of his medical education. He was indefatigable, faithful, punctual, and possessed of a rigid sense of moral
rectitude. Successful, useful, and honored, he accumulated an ample
estate. He was, however, subject to hypochondriac affections, and was
withal eccentric. He rejected alike animal food and alcoholic stimulants; his meals were fruit, milk, and vegetables. Contemning the
follies of fashion, his garments were peculiar to himself —large, loose,
warm - his overcoat to protect him in travel was made of seven calfskins, lined with flannel. He was a member of the Mass. Med. Soc.
Besides his bequest to the churches of the chief part of his estate, he
left to Harvard College ~500 to establish a Professorship of Anatomy
and Surgery. He d. Jan. 9, 1787, T. 66, leaving a widow, but no
issue.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.           555
In 1788, the Federal Constitution having been accepted and ratified by eleven States, became the CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES;1 the important difference between it and the former articles of confederation
being that the General Government was henceforward
to control the revenue and regulate commerce, thus
enabling Congress to raise money directly from the
people instead of resorting to requisitions on the State
governments, which plan had proved totally inefficient,
and providing for legislative, executive, and judicial departments of government with the specific duties of
each as continued to the present time.
It would have been too much perhaps to expect that
it would at once secure favor from all. The discussions
it elicited gave rise to two great parties - parties, however, supposed by some to be inseparable from   the existence of free institutions, watching and holding each
other in check.2
The prohibition of the slave trade, March 25, was an
important event. Some legislation was had by the
General Court, June 13, touching the Mashpee Indians;
and other acts were passed having reference to different
localities in the county, but of little general interest.
Hon. Enoch Hallett of Yarmouth, some time high
sheriff of the county, died this year, March 2, ae. 52.
1 Rhode Island and North Carolina dissented; the latter, however,
adopted it in 1789, and the former in 1790.
2 It may be seen by reference to the convention of Mass. for ratifying the Constitution of the U. S., that the vote of Barnstable Co.
on the final question, was as follows: Shearjashub Bourne of Barnstable, ay; Thos. Smith and Thos. Nye of Sandwich, no; David
Thacher and Jona. Howes of Yarmouth, ay; Solo. Freeman and
Kimbal Clark of Harwich, ay; Levi Whitman of Wellfleet, ay;
and Joseph Palmer of Falmouth, ay.




556             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1789, under the new constitution, the government
of which was to go into effect March 4, GEORGE WASHINGTON was unanimously elected the first President of
the United States.    He was not inaugurated, however,
until April 30; for so wanting in zeal were numbers of
the States, or their representatives, that three weeks
elapsed before a full attendance of both Houses could
be procured.' JOHN ADAMS was the first Vice-President.   The seat of government was "fixed for ten
years at Philadelphia," and after that time was to
be "permanently     established at Washington, on the
Potomac."
The only legislative proceeding particularly relating
to any part of the Cape this year, was an act of the
General Court, January 30, "for the better regulating
the Indian, mulatto, and negro proprietors and inhabitants of the plantation of Mashpee."
In 1790, Congress passed an act to redeem the paper
money issued for carrying on the struggle with Great
Britain during the war; but this act was of little ben1 We cannot resist the impulse to record the fact so commendable,
and so worthy of consideration by those elevated to places of authority,
that Gen. Washington in his inaugural discovered that same high
tone of religious reverence that was generally the characteristic trait
of distinguished patriots: "It would be peculiarly improper to omit in
this my first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty
Being who rules over the universe and who presides in the councils of
nations." Immediately after the delivery of the address, the President and members of both Houses attended Divine service in St.
Paul's (Episcopal) Chapel on Broadway. We may also mention that
before the adjournment of Congress, that body "deeply impressed
with a sense of the Divine goodness," requested the President "to recommend to the people a day of public thanksgiving, to acknowledge with
grateful hearts the signal favors of Heaven in affording the people an
opportunity peaceably to establish a constitution of government for
their safety and happiness."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               557
efit to those who had suffered.l The establishment of
a national bank in completion of the commercial and
monetary system of Mr. Secretary Hamilton, having
been effected after violent opposition, promised better
results; and a revival of public credit and commercial
prosperity ensued.
In 1791, the first census of the United States being
completed showed a population numbering 3,921,336,
of whom 695,655 were slaves; the United States exports about $19,000,000; imports $20,000,000; revenue
$4,771,000.2   The French revolution having just reached
The Continental money was worth to the holders finally but about
one cent on a dollar; and much of it had changed hands at a trifling
value.
2 The public debt amounted to $54,000,000, exclusive of the State
debts supposed to amount to $25,000,000 more. It became necessary
to make provision for the payment of the interest, at least. The report of Mr. Hamilton to Congress, proposing taxes on certain articles
of luxury, including spirits distilled within the United States, led to
serious and acrimonious debate. The very foundations of government
trembled; and thus was consolidated a violent spirit of party that was
destined to array the community, one part against the other, for at
least thirty years, under the names of Federalist and Republican.
Mr. Hamilton's plan was adopted.  The debt funded was rising
$75,000,000; bearing interest, part three per cent., the residue six.
The funding of the debts of the Union and the assumption of the State
debts contracted in the war; the proposed duty on distilled spirits;
the establishment of a national bank; the increase of the army to protect the western frontier from Indian aggression; and an enlargement
of the duties on impost and tonnage with view to a permanent provision for the discharge of the public debt instead of leaving it to
annual appropriations, were the principal transactions that marked the
first official term of the first President of the Union; and we may well
ponder them as constituting an instructive chapter in the history of
the human mind, since acts like these could before the year 1793
organize a nation into parties that continued their struggle till the
authors of this legislation ceased as a party to exist and the fear of
their prevailing policy expired with their demise.




558              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
its highest point of fanaticism and disorder, this was an
important era.
In 1792, according to statistics given, "but few Indians remained in Barnstable County, except at Mashpee where were about eighty families, not more than
forty or fifty individuals of unmixed blood.        At Herring Pond were a few." 
1 It is painfully interesting to review the subsidence of the original
proprietors of the soil. Gookin says there were, of " praying Indians,"
according to the account he obtained of Mr. Rd. Bourne, in 1674, "at
Meshawn," i. e. Provincetown and Truro, " and at Punonakcanit," i. e.
Wellfleet, 72; "at Potanumaquut," i. e. Eastham, 44; "at Mianomoyick," i. e. Chatham, 71; "at Sawkatucket," i. e. Harwich, "Nobsqzasset,"
i. e. Dennis, " Mattakees," i. e. Barnstable and Yarmouth, "and at WTeequawket," i. e. Barnstable, 122; "at Mlashpee and several places adjacent," 117; "at Pispogutt," i. e. Sandwich, " Wawayontat," i. e.
Wareham, "and Sokones," i. e. Falmouth, 36. To this Mr. Cotton
adds, " Kitteaumut," i. e. another part of Sandwich, 40. Among the
Indians on Mr. Bourne's Mashpee list, were 142 who could read the
Indian language, and 9 who could read English; and 72 who were taught
to write. In 1685, Gov. Hinckley transmitted "to the corporation in
England, an account of praying Indians," as follows: "At Pamet,
Billinysgate, and Nauset, 264. Great Tom, Indian, is their teacher
at Nauset; at Pamet they are destitute since the death of Potanumatack, a prudent and sober man, much lamented.   These are the
Indians that Mr. Treat of Eastham is wont to help on week days; at
Monamoyt, 115, and Indian Nicholas is their teacher; at Saquetucket
and at Nobscussett, where Indian Manassah is their teacher, 121; at
itlattakeese, where Jeremy Robin is teacher, 70; at Skauton, where
Simon Wicket is teacher, 51; at Maslhpee, where Shanks is teacher
and to whom Mr. Bourne did officiate while living, 141; at Suckanessit, old John teacher, 72; at Monamet, where Charles is teacher
and where Mr. Thomas Tupper is helpful to them, 110." He mentions also " Saltwater Pond in Plymouth, where Mr. Cotton helps on
week-days, and Will Skipping on Lord's days, 90. Besides these are
boys and girls under twelve years of age, three times as many."
Gov. H. says, "They have their courts and judges; but a great obstruction to bringing them to more civility and Christianity, is the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              559
In 1793, the East Precinct of Yarmouth, set off as
such in 1721, was incorporated as a town June 19, by
the name of DENNIS. This was the eleventh town by
incorporation, in the county.
Gov. Hancock whose administration was always popular and who had been sure to be elected by a large
majority whenever he consented to be a candidate, died
Oct. 8,1 and SAMUEL ADAMS, lieutenant governor, became,
ex officio, the commander-in-chief of the Commonwealth,
and the next year was elected to that station.
In 1794, a commercial treaty was negotiated with
Great Britain, by Mr. Jay.        A   further test of the
great appetite many of the young generation have for strong liquors,
and the covetous ill-humor of sundry of our English in furnishing them
therewith notwithstanding all the court orders and means used to
prohibit the same."  In 1698, Rev. Messrs. Grindal Rawson and
Samuel Danforth were commissioners to visit the several plantations
and report to the society in England; and they represented as "remaining in that part which was Plymouth Colony, 1290 Indians; on
the islands, 1583; in all other parts of Massachusetts, 205." In 1763,
in the three counties originally existing as Plymouth Colony, were
905, viz.: in Plymouth 225, Bristol 167, Barnstable 515. There were
also on Nantucket 358, and on the Vineyard 313; making a total of
1576. The Indians had begun at this time to intermarry with negroes. At the present period, 1792, the Indians who once formed no
inconsiderable body on the Cape, had dwindled to a small number,
and these were chiefly at Mashpee. In Plymouth Co. were but a
" few, near the Sandwich line; in Bristol Co. were only 32 individuals
of the least Indian blood;" from other parts of Massachusetts they
had generally disappeared.
1 Gov. HANCOCK early evinced his patriotic attachment to his country's cause. A representative in 1766, president of the Provincial
Congress in 1774, of the Continental Congress 1775, a signer of the
Declaration of Independence 1776.  Easy in address, of polished
manners, affable, liberal, quick of perception, impartial, untiring in
duty, his administration was popular. He died as. 56.




560              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
strength of the Union was now applied; the whiskey
insurrection in Pennsylvania making it necessary for
the President to support the United States marshal of
that district in the execution of the duties of his office.1
In 1795, the question touching a revised constitution
was submitted to the people2        The lHon. Shearjashub
That officer and others engaged in enforcing the duties on distilled
spirits, being resisted and maltreated, the President made requisitions
on the Governors of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia, for 1500 militia; which, under the command of Gen. Lee,
marched into the revolted district, quelling all opposition. The result
was important, inasmuch as it demonstrated to anarchists, that, under
the control of the Federal government, was ample power promptly to
frustrate any and all unconstitutional resistance that might arise. The
party distinctions to which we have before referred, not only continued, but the lines were distinctly drawn: the republican or democratic party being charged by the federalists with sympathies with
the Jacobins of France who had beheaded their king; and the federalists accused by the republicans, of monarchical tendencies.
2 The friends of the constitution had to encounter the fears and
honest prejudices of a large portion of the people, to a greater extent
than many at present are aware of. The people, reared at the bosom
of their respective States, with little experience of any but domestic
authority, except that which was really foreign and at the same time
hostile, were not unsusceptible of alarm from preparations for a government which in some of its aspects appeared to be external, though
it was truly and essentially an emanation from themselves. The system was untried; and what it certainly would be was sincerely feared.
The exercise of power under political constitutions of very different
character, being in many instances discriminated in degree rather than
in kind, its application in the mildest form becoming despotic if pressed
to an extreme, it was not strange that, in the obscure light of our justdawning government, imagination should raise phantoms of terrific
threatening from the first acts of power however mildly benign. The
apprehensions of the tendency of a federal union to overthrow the
States and destroy American liberty, were expressed on every hand.
Fortunately, Washington's incomparable wisdom and moderation, more




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               561
Bourne of Barnstable, who had hitherto from the time
of his first election, 17911 been the representative from
this district in the Congress of the United States, concluded his congressional career with distinguished
honor,2 and Nathaniel Freeman Jr. Esq., was elected for
the Fourth Congress.3
notable by his self-abandonment on all occasions to further the public
weal, were a nation's boon; and the statesmen in the ascendency,
without adopting a jealous construction of the powers of the constitution, were determined to give it a fair interpretation, exercising its
powers only in furtherance of its declared design " to form a more
perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide
for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the
blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity." As the sovereign
people had substituted the Constitution for the Confederation, they
wisely considered that it consisted as little with their engagement of
fidelity, as with the general welfare, to make it a confederation in
effect, either by the rules by which it was expounded, or by the spirit
in which it was administered. They regarded the States as strong by
ten thousand bonds of property and local association, and by the great
basis of internal power which had been reserved to them by the
people; and the union as destined to inevitable contempt and speedy
extinction, unless the powers given to it should be used in the spirit
of the gift, to make it in its own sphere what the States were in
theirs.
1 It is worthy of record that he then received every vote given in
the district.
2 Hon. SHEARJASHUB BOURNE was an eminent man, and in direct
descent from Rev. Richard Bourne. Of these noted men, and others
of the same lineage - a family distinguished by the eminence of not
a few in successive generations, we shall have occasion to speak more
particularly by and by.
3 Hon. NATHANIEL FREEMAN Jr. was son of Gen. Freeman of the
same name. In looking over the "Massachusetts Centinel" of July
21, 1787, we find an editorial "critique"- it is so denominatedon the literary performances at the Harvard College Commencementanniversary; which we may here present as neither irrelevant nor uninteresting.  The article suggests, "The two principal performances
were the orations of Mr. John Quincy Adams and Mr. Nathaniel
VOL. I.       71




562              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
We will here bring up to the present the ecclesiastical changes that have occurred in the county for the
last thirty years. The Rev. JOSEPH CROCKER,1 of the
Freeman Jr. The first of these certainly declaimed on a well-chosen
subject in a manly, sensible and nervous style of eloquence. The
public expectations from this gentleman, being the son of an ambassador, the favorite of the officers of the college, and having enjoyed
the highest advantages of European instruction, were greatly inflated.
This performance justified the preconceived partiality. He is warmly
attached to the Republican system of his father, and descanted upon
the subject of' Public Justice' with great energy. Mr. Adams' indisputable superior in style, elegance, and oratory, is the graceful Mr.
Freeman. It was thought almost impossible for him to exceed his
accomplished rival who spoke before him-but to Freeman every
thing was easy. They were both considerably agitated when they
arose, and seemed to recover a decent confidence after the same interval. Freeman was not deficient in elegance of diction; in mellifluousness he was unequalled.  He has happily imitated the plain and
just model of eloquence which has been attended with the most flattering success in this country. In short, these young gentlemen
discovered those qualities that must insure them eminence; and we
hope, for the sake of their country, they may be rivals in the cultivation of those talents through life." - It is proper to add that Mr. Freeman's was the concluding performance. Mr. Russell's commendations
appear the more flattering to both, if it be considered that the graduating class that year was unusually large, numbering fifty-one, and
embracing, besides those already named, William Cranch, Abiel Abbot, James Bridge, Timothy Fuller, Joshua Cushman, James Lloyd,
Thaddeus M. Harris, Samuel Putnam, Hezekiah Packard and others,
who became distinguished in public life. It may be added that at the
Commencement in 1790 when members of this class received their
second degree, Mr. F. was selected to deliver an English oration, the
subject of which was,' The Prospects of the United States of America.' Mr. Freeman, having studied law, gave early promise of eminence in the profession. He was brigade major sixteen years, and
twice elected to Congress; but died early and suddenly of hemorrhage
at the lungs, Aug. 22, 1800, at the age of 34, greatly lamented.
1 The name Crocker, or Croker, is of ancient, English origin, and
it may be fairly inferred that the ancestry was indigenous with' Cro



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               563
precinct of Eastham     since called Orleans, died in 1772,
and was succeeded the same year by the Rev. JONATHAN
ker's Hale' and' Crokern For' in Devonshire prior to the times of
William the Conqueror. The old distich,
" Croker, Crewys, and Copplestone,
When the Conqueror came were all at home,"
naturally suggests that some of the family were at that early period
distinguished in arms. It can hardly have escaped the observation of
the reader, however, that it is very far from the purpose of the present work to set forth doubtful pedigrees and that these pages exhibit
no sympathy with the pitiable vanity sometimes discoverable at the
present day in a disposition to arrogate ancestral descent bringing
with it heraldic memorials. There are, as perhaps in the present
case, instances where we might unhesitatingly claim legitimate heraldic
honors for prominent families of Cape Cod; but then the employment
is repugnant to our taste even were the task of discriminating not ungrateful and possibly odious; and we choose rather to ignore genuine
escutcheons, than assume the authority of deciding such matters, and,
it may be, offend by refusing to become the armor-bearer for that petty
pride that would glory in spurious pretensions. Suffice it, therefore,
to say, in this place, that the name above indicated has, from the very
first on these shores, been one of note and embraced great numbers of
worthy descendants. Among the early settlers at Barnstable were
JOHN and WILLIAM CROCKER, brothers, who came probably from
Lyneham in the County of Devon, about 1630. They were both inhabitants of Scituate in 1636, when, Dec. 25, Mr. William Crocker
connected himself with Mr. Lothrop's church.  The will of John,
1668, pr. 1669, mentions his wife Jane and his brother William's sons
to whom he devised his property. The inference is, of course, that
John died without surviving issue, and that all of the family name
originating from Barnstable are descendants of William.
The issue of Dea. WILLIAM CROCKER, by his wife Alice, were
John b. in Scituate, May 31, 1637; Elizabeth, Scituate, Sept. 22,
1639, who d. May 16,1658, ae. 19; Samuel b. in Barnstable, July 3,
1642, and d. 1681; Job, March 9, 1644; Josiah, Sept. 19, 1647;
Eleazer, July 21, 1650; and Joseph, 1654. For the present we
must be content to trace down one branch only of a numerous family,
leaving others for future notes.
Dea. JOB, the 3d s. of Dea. Wm. above, who d. March 20, 1718-19.,




564             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
BASCOM.    The Rev. SAMUEL PARKER was settled in Provincetown in 1774.     The Rev. SAMUEL PALMER of False. 75, m. 1st Mary dr. of Rev. Thomas Walley, Nov. 1668, and 2d
Hannah dr. of Rd. Taylor, July 19, 1680. The latter d. May 14,
1743, te. 85. The issue by these were: (a son,) Oct. 18, 1669, who
d. inf.; Samuel, May 15, 1671, who m. Sarah Parker; Thomas, Jan.
19, 1674, who m. Elizabeth Lothrop; Mary, June 29, 1681; John,
Feb. 24, 1683; Hannah, Feb. 2, 1685; Elizabeth, May 15, 1688;
Sarah, Jan. 19, 1690; Job, April 4, 1694, who d. May 24, 1731, oa.
38; David, Sept. 5, 1697, who in. Abigail Loring, Nov. 12, 1724;
and Thankful, June 16, 1700. Dea. JOHN, the 4th s. of Dea. Job, m.
1st Hannah —, Nov. 11, 1704, who d. Oct. 10, 1720, and 2d Mary
Hinckley, June 22, 1725-6. Issue: Abigail, Oct. 5, 1705; Zaccheus,
Aug. 1, 1707; John, July 27, 1710, who d. 1711; Ebenezer, Nov. 1,
1713; Elizabeth, April 6, 1718; Jabez, June 16, 1720, who d. inf.;
John, April 1,1722; Job, March 29,1724; Daniel, March 1, 1725-6;
Timothy, Aug. 23, 1728; and Jonathan, Nov. 22, 1731. TIMIOTHY,
who settled in Falmouth, 7th s. of Dea. John, and d. Oct. 17, 1800,
se. 73, m. Susanna Robinson, March 10, 1757, who d. Jan. 22, 1809,
a. 70. Issue: Robinson, Dec. 3, 1757, who m. Eliza Porter of St.
Stephens, N. B., Nov. 19, 1791; Mary, Sept. 9, 1759, who m. Josiah
Sampson of Barnstable, Sept. 17, 1777; Joseph, Sept. 18, 1761, who
m. Martha Dimmick; Rachel, Sept. 16, 1763, who d. 1765; Timothy,
Nov. 8, 1765, who m. Mary Dimmnick; Susanna, Feb. 18, 1768, who
m. Rev. Henry Lincoln; Rowland Robinson, April 2, 1770; John,
Sept. 26, 1772, who m. Susan B. Wicks; Lucy, Feb. 20, 1775, who
m. Dr. Jonathan 0. Freeman of Sandwich; Sylvanus, July 20, 1777,
who m. 1st Eliza Coffin; and David, June 4, 1780, who d. at sea,
April 8, 1801.
Capt. ROWLAND R., of Falmouth and afterwards of New Bedford,
(whom we shall have occasion to mention more particularly a few pages
onward,) the 4th s. of Timothy above, and who d. Jan. 12, 1852, ae.
about 82, m. 1st Rhoda Hayden, of New Bedford, June 4, 1796, and
2d widow Sarah Slocumb Hammond, April 9,1811. Issue: William,
Charles, Rowland, and James, all of whom died before their father.
The first three were seamen; the last was cashier of the Commercial
Bank, N. B., afterwards treasurer of the N. B. Railroad, then went to
California and d. re. about 30. The widow of Capt. Rowland R. survives, 1859, very aged. See further notice of Rev. Joseph Crocker,
hereafter - descended undoubtedly from Josiah the son of Dea.William.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             565
mouth, dying in 1775, was succeeded the same year1
by  the   Rev. ZEBULON    BUTLER, who retired     in  1778
and was succeeded by the Rev. ISAIAH MANN in 1780,
who   died in   1789 and was succeeded by the Rev.
HENRY LINCOLN in 1790.       The Rev. STEPHEN EMERY of
Chatham    died in 1782 and was succeeded by Rev.
THOMAS ROBY in 1783, who retiring in 1795 was succeeded by Rev. EPHRAIM      BRIGGS in 1796.     The Rev.
ABRAHAM WILLIAMS of Sandwich dying in 1784,2 was
1 Rev. SAMUEL PALMER, s. of Rev. Thos. of Middleboro', grad. H.
C. 1727, and became the minister of Falmouth Nov. 24, 1731, uniting
with his sacred profession the practice of medicine. He d. April 13,
1775, a. 68. His 1st m. was with Mercy Parker, then of Boston, Jan.
25, 1737, who d. March 1, 1750; and 2d, with Mrs. Sarah Allen of
Chilmark, 1751. Issue: Thomas, Feb. 12, 1738; Joseph, June 12,
1739; Mercy, July 19, 1743; Eliz'h, July 12, 1745; Job, Aug. 15,
1747; Molly, Feb. 11, 1749; Sarah, Nov. 7, 1752; Lucy, who d.
March 5, 1754; Martha, July 31, 1756; Susan, Nov. 27, 1757, who
m. Hatch; Anna, Dec. 27, 1759; and Samuel, April 28, 1763, who
d. inf. —The eldest of these, THOMIAs, who d. April 25, 1775, Oe. 37,
had, by his wife Elizabeth, Matty, Oct. 20, 1766; Thomas, Aug. 20,
1767; and Job, Aug. 11, 1772. The second, JOSEPH Esq., m. Thankful Davis, Dec. 6, 1765, and had Samuel, Sept. 8, 1766; Elizabeth,
July 11, 1769; Joseph and Hannah, gemini, Nov. 5, 1770, the latter
dying inf.; Hannah, 1774; and Sarah, 1778. JOB was, about 1845,
living in Charleston, S. C. a. 97.
2 Rev. ABRAHAMI WILLIAMS, son of Abraham of Marlboro' who
m. a Breck, was b. in Marlboro' March 8, 1727-8, grad. H. C. 1744,
and was invited to preach in S. at a time when the parish was much
divided and harassed by internal strifes, and by his energy and good
sense united to great kindliness of spirit, succeeded in reconciling the
variant parties so that early in 1749 a call to him to accept the pastorate was extended with much unanimity and he was ord. June 14.Mr. W. m. Sept. 21, 1751, Anne, 2d dr. of Col. Joseph Buckminster
of Framingham, and sister of Dr. B. of Portsmouth whose son Rev.
Joseph Stevens B. "left a glorious memory in Boston by his eloquence, learning, and Christian virtue." Mrs. W. was " a remarkable
woman - of great originality and strength of mind." Their children




566              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
succeeded by Rev. JONATHAN BURR in 1787.          The Rev.
ISAIAH LEWIS of Wellfleet died in       1786, who had, by
reason of age, been succeeded in the pastoral office
by the Rev. LEVI WHITMAN the year previous.              The
Rev. JOSEPH GREEN of East Barnstable died in           1770,1
were 1. Sarah, Sept. 5, 1752, who m. Rev. Timo. Fuller of Princeton, Oct. 31, 1771, and d. 1822, whose eldest son was Hon. Timothy
Fuller, and among her grandchildren are Sarah Margaret Fuller the
late Countess Ossoli, and Rev. A. B. Fuller now of Watertown; 2.
Abraham, Feb. 10, 1754; 3. Elizabeth, 1755, who m. Dr. Thomas
Smith of S., his 2d w.; 4. Robert Breck, March 9, 1757; 5. Anne,
1759, who m. Rev. Jona. Smith of Chilmark, afterwards of Hadley,
Oct. 25, 1789; 6. Joseph, March 18, 1761, who m. a Wells of Newburyport and was a distiller; 7. Martha, 1762, who m. Capt. Samuel
Tobey of S. and removed to Me.; 8. William, Jan. 20, 1765, who m.
1st Elizabeth Blake and 2d Marg't Atwood, and was a hat manufacturer in Boston; 9. Thomas, Sept. 29, 1768, who m. Susan Atwood,
and was a distiller in Boston; and 10. Caroline, 1770, who in. J.
Dwight of Stockbridge, May 21, 1789, and had Frs. who d. in
1812, connected with the navy, and Wm. H. who was wrecked in the
Albion. The inscription on the Rev. Mr. W.'s monument, in the old
graveyard in S., says that two of his sons d. in Br. prison ships. Rev.
Mr. W. was a man of fine business talent, and, yielding to the solicitations of his parishioners was frequently engaged in surveying lands,
writing deeds, drawing wills, &c. He was an accomplished gentleman, a faithful pastor, and a bold friend of the American cause which,
before his death, was, to his great joy, triumphant. His death occurred Aug. 12, 1784, at the age of 57, greatly lamented by an attached
people who recognized in his life the fragrant example of a patriotic,
devoted, Christian guide. Mrs. W. survived her husband, residing
chiefly during her protracted widowhood, in the family of her son-inlaw Rev. Mr. Fuller in Merrimack. She d. Aug. 22, 1810.
1 The monumental stone at the grave of the Rev. JOSEPH GREEN,
bears the following inscription: " Here lyeth the body of Mr. Joseph
Green, the worthy pastor of this church. As a gentleman, a friend, a
Christian, and minister, his character was greatly distinguished. His
natural abilities were conspicuous, and much improved by study and
application. In human and sacred literature, he greatly excelled.
His principles were evangelical and candid. In prayer and preach



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              567
was succeeded by the Rev. TIMOTHY HILLIARD in 1771,
who resigning in 1783 was succeeded by the Rev. JOHN
MELLEN the same year.1       The Rev. JOSEPH GREEN Jr. of
Yarmouth installed 1762, died 1768, and Rev. TIMOTHY
ALDEN was his successor 1769.        Rev. JOHN DENNIS of
Harwich settled in 1756, removed 1760, succeeded by
Rev. JONATHAN MILLS 1766 who died 1773, was followed
by Rev. NATHAN UNDERWOOD 1792. The Rev. JOSIAH
DENNIS of Dennis, then a Yarmouth precinct, died 1763,
and Rev. NATHAN STONE became his successor 1764. The
Rev. ISAIAH DUNSTER of Harwich died 1783, and Rev.
JOHN SIMPKINS was his successor.   The Rev. CALEB UPHIAM
ing, his gifts were generally and justly admired. Temperance, purity,
prudence, benevolence, resignation, devotion, and exemplary diligence
in his Master's service, adorned his character. His mind was sedate,
his temper placid, his affections and passions regulated by reason and
religion; his manner courteous, generous, and hospitable; his conversation entertaining, instructive, and serious; a dutiful son, an affectionate husband, and a tender parent; a sincere friend and faithful
minister; greatly, and to the last, beloved and honored by his people.
Born at Boston, June 21, 0. S., 1704; grad. H. C. 1720; ordained
May 12, 0. S., 1725; departed this life, in assured hope of a better,
Oct. 4, N. S., 1770, in the 70th year of his age, and the 46th of his
ministry.' Think what the Christian minister should be,
You've then his character- for such was he.' "
1 Rev. Mr. HILLIARD was b. in Kensington, 1746; grad. H. C.
1764. In 1768, he was appointed chaplain of Castle William and
after officiating in that capacity a few months was elected a tutor in
the college in which he was educated, in which office he continued
until ordained at Barnstable. After his removal from Barnstable, he
was soon called to be colleague with Rev. Dr. Appleton at Cambridge.
He d. May 9, 1790, s. 43. He was possessed of " an easy and pleasing elocution and a devotional manner, and his discourses were pure
in language and replete with judicious sentiments, well-arranged, instructive, and truly evangelical. Several of his discourses, including
a Dudleian lecture, were published."




568              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
of Truro   died 1786, and his successor was Rev. JUDE
DAMON.    The Rev. BENJ. WEBB of Easthain         who died
1746, was succeeded 1751 by the Rev. EDWARD CHEEVER
who died 1794 and was succeeded by Rev. PHILANDER
SHAW the next year. The Rev. ELISHA TUPPER, minister
of the Pocasset precinct in Sandwich, died 1787.1       The
changes by death are many; but it may be remarked
that the clergy generally lived to a good old age. All,
to the present time, filled a much larger space in society
1 Rev. ELISHA TUPPER, b. 1707, was the great g. s. of the first
missionary of the name of Tupper. It has before been intimated that
when Rev. Mr. Smith was early called to the church in S., " Mr. Rd.
Bourne and Mr. Thos. Tupper who had for some time conducted public services on the Lord's day, directed their attention to the business
of gospelizing the Indians,"- Mr. B. giving himself to the work among
the South Sea or Maslpee Indians; and Mr. T., who went " generally
by the name of Capt. T., being a military man as well as evangelist,
turning his attention to the Indians to the northward and westward"
of the central settlement of S. The latter "founded a church at," or
near, " Herring river, and a meeting-house was built there - supplied
with a succession of ministers by the name of Tupper."  "The family," says one of the last century, "furnished Sandwich and other
places with some worthy characters, some of whom were men of abilities." The Rev. Elisha T. d. se. 80, in 1787. At the time of his
decease he was officiating at Pocasset, -his place at Herring river
having been for several years supplied by Mr. Ephraim Ellis of whom
mention is frequently made as a missionary to the Indians, - and,
says the writer before quoted, Rev. Mr. Hawley, "Mr. Tupper's
corpse was brought in severe winter weather and buried in Sandwich
central-village among the graves of his ancestors in the old buryingground," as it is called -not the oldest, however; that being on the
hill where are "the saddle and pillion" placed over the graves of the
original proprietor of S., Mr. Edmund Freeman and his wife. Capt.
Prince Tupper who lived near the spot, and died many years ago an
aged man, said that "within his remembrance numerous graves were
visible there," though now, 1859, the ploughshare long since passing
over them has obliterated all traces of graves save the saddle and
pillion which remain untouched.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      569
and wielded a greater influence than has usually been
characteristic of the clergy in later times. The reasons
are obvious. It may further be noted that hitherto,
with two exceptions, the Congregationalists and the
Friends were the only religious denominations in the
county. The two Baptist churches, the one first gathered in Harwich in 1756 by the labors of the Rev.
ELISHA PAINE, some time resident in Connecticut, succeeded by the Rev. RICHARD CHASE; and the other, that
organized in Barnstable 1771 of which the Rev. ENOCH
ELDRIDGE was the first minister, constitute the only exceptions. As after this period religious denominations
began very soon to multiply by secessions, divisions,
and subdivisions multiform, we may not note these
events very minutely in our county history, for they will
necessarily appear in the annals of the towns. The
once almost paramount influence of the ministry in
civil affairs, began visibly to abate so soon as its former
constituency began to divide, and lessened in proportion to the increase of conflicting views.
In 1796, Gen. Washington signified his intention of
retiring from public life. His Farewell Address, calling
on his countrymen to cherish ever an immovable
attachment to the Union; recommending implicit
obedience to the laws, and reprobating all attempts
to obstruct them and all combinations or associations
formed with a design of overawing the constituted
authorities; enjoining the observance of good faith
towards all people, and honesty in all public trusts, regarding religion and morality as pillars of human happiness; -was an act suited to his exalted character,
and a legacy to his country of the greatest value.
It may, at the present day, seem strange that hithVOL. I.     72




570              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
erto no post-road had been extended to Provincetown.
The bounty on cod-fishing vessels, it was feared would
expire, and strenuous efforts were made to prevent the
one and secure the other.1
1 The following letter will corroborate the above, and will serve
to show how nominations were made - not in caucus, but by concert
of action among leading and influential men, at that day; the intelligence of the community taking the lead, and addressing itself to the
civil authorities of each town:-," Barnstable, Nov. 3, 1796.
"To the Selectmen of Dennis.
"Gentlemen: On Monday next we are to assemble for the purpose
of choosing a Federal representative for the Southern District. It is
of importance to this county to elect one from amongst ourselves. A
post-road is proposed to be established to the end of the Cape. A
bill for that purpose was reported last session and passed the House
of Representatives. It rested in the Senate from the pressure of more
urgent business. The subject will be resumed the next session, and
will require the particular attention of a man interested in the encouragement of every thing tending to promote the convenience, prosperity and happiness of his native county. The important subject of
the bounty on cod-fishing vessels will probably demand the most vigilant exertion to prevent its expiring.
" In this part of the county we are united in favor of our present
representative, Nathaniel Freeman Jr. Esq. We think he has deserved well of his constituents and merits the continuance of their
confidence. Let us, then, by our united exertions in favor of this candidate, and by urging the importance of a full attendance at the election, secure to ourselves a representative acquainted with the situation
and interest of this county and who has patriotism and zeal to pursue
the best interest of his county and the community at large.
"We are, gentlemen, with respect for you and our fellow-citizens
of your town,
"Your friends and humble servants,
"DANIEL DAVIS,
" SOLOMON FREEMAN,
"DAVID THACHER,
[I' Obtained from the archives        JON DAVIS,
of Capt. T. P. Howes of Dennis, and
from among the papers of Jeremiah     " EBENEZER BACON,
Howes Esq.]                            "JOSEPH DIMiICK."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               571
Col. Abraham    Williams, who had held a prominent
position as a public man, died this year.1
In 1797, on the 4th of March, WASHINGTON witnessed
the ceremony of the induction to office, of his successor,
JOHN ADAMS.
INCREASE SUMNER was elected Governor of Massachusetts.2  The town of ORLEANS, set off from Eastham, was
1 Col. WILLIAMS, b. 1754, was son of the minister of S. of the same
name. He m. Abigail, dr. of Hon. Nathaniel Freeman of S., Jan. 4,
1786, and d. Feb. 22, 1796, leaving issue: Anne Buckminster, Dec.
10, 1788, who m. Wm. Cottle of the Vineyard, and settled in Delhi,
O.; Caroline, April 11, 1788, who m. John Cottle; Martha, Nov. 24,
1789, who m. Ellis Nye of Fairfield, Me. and Abraham, Dec. 27,
1791. The widow m. 2d George Ellis of Fairfield, Me., March 15,
1801, and d. April, 1832.
2 SAMUEL ADAMS, the previous governor, yet survived - himself
among the most distinguished of patriots. Gov. Adams was early conspicuous by his talents as a political writer. From the vocation of a
tax-gatherer, he rose to eminence. In 1765 he was a member of the
General Assembly of Massachusetts; was, when the charter was dissolved, chosen member of the Provincial Convention; in 1774 elected
to the General Congress; and in every station rendered invaluable
service to his country's cause. His large heart glowing with patriotism; his eloquence simple, majestic, persuasive; his firmness corresponded with the vigor of his mind. In 1776 he united with his
compatriots in signing the Declaration of Independence. When the
constitution of Massachusetts was adopted he was chosen a senator,
and was president of the Senate. In 1789 he was lieutenant governor, remaining in office till his elevation to the supreme magistracy.
His integrity was proverbial, as his love of liberty was unconquerable;
and though poor and sometimes struggling against adversity, his whole
life was devoted to the cause of freedom. Revered and beloved as
a neighbor and friend, even his political opponents respected him.
Whilst his talents and many virtues commended him to the admiration of all, it was conceded that he was a true Christian the purity of
whose life ever witnessed the sincerity of his profession. He died
Oct. 2, 1803, a. 82.




572              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
incorporated March 3, being the twelfth, by incorporation, on the Cape. An act was passed protecting the
eel fisheries in the coves and salt-ponds in the newly
incorporated town.
In 1798, the difficulties with France, which had for
some time existed, still continued. During this state
of hostility, the sons of Cape Cod were not inactive.
Letters of marque were in the command of some of
them, doing good service; and among these commanders, Capt. Rowland R. Crocker was not the least prominentl   France had long been insolent and taunting.
Capt. ROWLAND ROBINSON CROCKER, whose name and pedigree
appear on page 564, is an apt representative of that numerous class
of Cape Cod men who with intelligent enterprise and marked ability
have followed their vocation upon the seas, and then retired, respected
and beloved, to pass the balance of their days in active employment
still, holding fast to their integrity through an honored old age. We
are happy to be able, through the highly valued aid of Mr. R.
Crocker Bodfish of New York and the honorable munificence of quondam friends and associates of Capt. C. in New Bedford, to adorn our
pages with an excellently engraved portrait and admirable likeness
of him. It was executed by Buttre, of New York, and, we are persuaded, will not only be most acceptable to many of our readers, but
stands in our history as a memorial of the friendship and high esteem
of the gentlemen to whom we have referred, for the venerable man
whose memory deserves, and must here receive, some further passing
notice. We cannot, however, indite a better tribute to his worth than
that contained in an article published in the New Bedford Mercury,
Jan., 1852, immediately after his decease; and, though occupying
more space than we can well afford, we adopt it almost entire: -
"It is not our purpose, nor is it in our power, to enter into any
biographical details of the long life of this excellent and venerable
man who has just been gathered to his fathers. Such inquiries as we
have made, touching his prolonged and checkered career, have indeed disclosed to us the fact, that many men, more distinguished, and
of larger importance in the world's affairs, have hardly furnished more




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ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               573
Her cruisers had committed constant depredations on
our commerce, capturing       and condemning whenever
they pleased to find the least pretext therefor.      It had
become necessary to adopt most vigorous measures to
materials for a romantic and fascinating narration. During the eighty
years of his pilgrimage, he saw many lands, he traversed many seas,
he suffered many changes, he underwent many vicissitudes, and he
experienced various fortunes. Around his life gathered the poetry of
the ocean; and among those who went down to the sea in ships, there
were none upon whose character the ennobling influences of that vocation were more genial or more decided. The men of such experiences
always leave behind them a story of dangers overcome, of moving incidents by flood and field, of hair-breadth scapes,-'Of being taken by the insolent foe,' -
of distressful strokes suffered in youth - things indeed which old and
young "seriously incline" to'hear; but it is almost always a tale, too,
of noble self-sacrifice, and generous self-denial, and prodigal self-forgetfulness, of existence perilled to preserve the existence of others, of
unquestioned fidelity to delegated interests, and deep conscientiousness
in the discharge of duty. Such has been the life of the ripe old man
which has just terminated; and if it were written, there are many of
more pretensed morality which would teach less, as there are renowned romances the wonders of which would fall behind its undoubted verities.
" He came early in life to New Bedford, where he was apprenticed
to some mechanical trade, which however he soon abandoned for the
sea. He made one short whaling voyage, and afterwards sailed out
of Boston, soon rising to the rank of commander. During the brief
hostilities which arose between this country and the French government he commanded a letter of marque, and was captured by one of
the enemy's privateers of superior force. During the engagement he
received a musket ball which passed completely through his body,
happily avoiding however the vital regions. Upon this mischance, his
first officer surrendered the ship greatly to the chagrin of Capt. Crocker
who was bent upon a more obstinate resistance. He was taken a
prisoner to France, where he remained until the cessation of hostilities.
" His reminiscences of his residence in that country, during the
most extraordinary period of its history, were of a highly interesting




574              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
repel this insolence; and Gen. Washington had again
been sought in his retirement and appointed lieutenant
general and commander-in-chief of the army.              But
after much annoyance, whilst ample preparations were
character. He had taken the great Napoleon by the hand; he had
familiarly known Paine at a time when his society was sought for and
was valuable. Of this noted individual, we may in passing say, with
his uniform  and characteristic kindness he always spoke in terms
which sounded strange to the ears of a generation which has been
taught with or without justice to regard the author of "The Age of
Reason" with loathing and abhorrence. He remembered Paine as a
well-dressed and most gentlemanly man, of sound and orthodox republican principles, of a good heart, a strong intellect, and a fascinating
address.
" After his liberation he once more engaged in marine pursuits. In
1807, while in command of the ship Otis, then lying in the Downs
ready for sea, and with a cargo on board valued at ~100,000, he exhibited a courage, skill, and presence of mind which then were thought to
be very remarkable. His ship driven from her anchorage drifted on
board a heavy frigate, carrying away his quarter, and crippling the
vessel. His pilot, we believe his mate, with a considerable portion of
his crew, abandoned the ship and urged him to do the same. Without a pilot, and short-handed as he was, he got under weigh, and ran
for Dover harbor, in the midst of a tremendous storm, where he arrived in safety, although he had been quite given up for lost, preserving an immense amount of property, estimated, as we have said,
at ~100,000, together with a valuable ship.
"To show their sense of the courage and perseverance thus displayed, the underwriters at Lloyd's Coffee House presented to him a
gratuity of ~500, with an elegant silver cup, upon which was an appropriate inscription, together with the motto,' Forti et fideli nil difficile.' We have seen many letters of congratulation addressed to him
upon this occasion, all breathing a spirit of the warmest friendship,
and admiration of his character.
"Capt. Crocker afterwards for many years commanded various
packet ships between New York and London and Liverpool, at a time
when these floating palaces were just arriving at the perfection and
elegance which they have since attained. We need not say that in
this difficult service he achieved reputation and celebrity in the mer



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               575
being made for war, intimations were given by France
of a disposition to pacific negotiation, and a commission
to this end was appointed. On arrival of our envoys
at Paris, they found the government in the hands of
cantile world, and the esteem and friendship of thousands who crossed
the sea under his protection. His urbane and gentlemanly manners,
his interesting and varied conversation, his care for the comfort of
those under his charge, and his humanity to all in suffering and want
were as proverbial as was his skill as a mariner. In this service, it
is not too much to say that he was constantly receiving the most varied
testimonials, from the most various sources, of esteem and of gratitude;
and to this day there are numbers who remember him as the pilot
who weathered the storm which sent terror to their hearts, and as the
bluff, old-fashioned gentleman who charmed by his good-natured conversation the monotony of sea-travel.
"There is one class of incidents in the life of the subject of this
notice worthy of special, although it must be a brief, mention.  One
hundred and sixty-four times did he cross the broad Atlantic, and
often did he encounter wrecked and shattered ships, upon whose fastsinking hulls the starved and exhausted seamen had lain down to die,
or from which came the faint cries of despairing and half-crazed
women. At such times we may say that it was his invariable rule to
run every risk and to rescue the sufferers at every hazard.
" There was not a particle of selfishness in his character on shore,
but at sea, in such emergencies, he was almost unmindful of the dictates of prudence. In a record of such rescues now before us, written
in his own hand, grown tremulous by age, he says, in entering an
instance of more than ordinary danger,'How little a man knows
himself when he sees a fellow-being in danger of his life!' — meaning
unquestionably that then the sense of personal danger is quite lost in
the overpowering instincts of humanity. There is something else too
in this record which we ought to notice. If mere profession and arrogant pretension alone make a man religious, then Capt. Crocker had
but small claim to that character. But if a warm and generous
humanity, strong only in its aspirations, but meek and lowly in, the
presence of his God, makes a man a Christian, he was as true a one
as any church in the universe can produce.
" It has been said that in spite of outward appearances, no class of
men is more truly reverential than that which studies the Creator and




576              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Bonaparte.     He   having    never participated     in  the
transactions that had disturbed the peace of the two
countries, negotiations were readily commenced, which
eventuated in a treaty of peace, Sept. 30, 1800.
the Preserver in the wonders and fortunes of the great deep. This
modest journal before us is entitled,'A statement of cases of distress
wherein R. R. Crocker was the instrument of a kind Providence in
saving thirty-two fellow-beings from a watery grave.'  Through it
runs the spirit with which it commences. Thanks for success are
uniformly given where they are due. Not a favorable wind springs
up, nor is an angry billow calmed, at the instant of a threatened catastophe, but through the goodness of God.
" The kind, generous, large-hearted old sailor, who'loved his
fellow-men'- will he not find, like the Arab in the story, that
his'name leads all the rest' in the record of those'who love the
Lord'?
" In April, 1833, the post of secretary of the Bedford Commercial
Insurance Company in this city becoming vacant, he was invited to
assume its duties, which invitation he accepted. In 1834 he was
elected a member of the House of Representatives of this State; but
continued to fulfil the duties of secretary, for which he was particularly well fitted, until 1845 when an assistant secretary was elected.
This relieved him from cares and responsibilities which his increasing
years rendered onerous. He was afterwards, upon a change in the
management of the company, elected vice president, almost a nominal
office, but to which, by the consideration of the stockholders, a handsome salary was attached. He continued to frequent the office of the
company, and was there as usual upon the Saturday preceding his
death. His general constitution remained unimpaired to the last.
His'age' was'as a lusty winter, frosty but kindly.' He had no
disease except the organic one of which he died. All will remember
him, not in the advanced stages of senility, with impaired intellect, and
a bowed and broken frame, but erect, hale, and hearty, with a firm
step, and almost juvenile activity.
"' When a man passes through a prolonged life not only without
making an enemy, but constantly creating about himself warm and
devoted friends, the conclusion that he was a good man is necessary
and inevitable. This was the lot of Capt. Crocker. We never knew
a man more universally beloved.  He attached every body with




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                577
Acts were passed in General Court to prevent " damage to meadows and beaches lying in and adjoining on
the north-east part of Dennis, between Quivet harbor
on the east, and Sessuit harbor on the west;" also for
"regulating    the fishing   for alewives in     Falmouth;"
and "to incorporate the Baptist Religious Society in
Harwich."
In 1799, Gov. Sumner died,l and Lt. Gov. MosES GILL
whom he came in contact- his contemporaries in age, young men
and women, and little children. He had always a kind word and a
smile ready for all. But his goodness was not limited to words or
smiles. He was generous to a fault. He never could seriously think
a dollar he had his own, for it was the property, if you might judge
by his actions, of the first man who asked him for it. He was not
rich in this world's goods, but he might have been wealthy with a tithe
of that prudence with which most men guard their pockets. As it
was, his overflowing generosity often led him into difficulties which
pained his sensitive nature, for he had the pride as well as the heart
of a gentleman.
" All that is passed now.'Weary, and old of service,' he has gone
to his rest and to his reward. His ship is safely moored in eternal
harbors; the vicissitudes of his voyage of life are over now. Providence was good to him to the last, and he died as he wished to die,
suddenly, and without prolonged pain. His venerable form will no
more appear in its accustomed and familiar place; his cordial voice
will no more offer the civilities of the hour; he has told his last story;
he has done his last kind act. Yet he leaves behind him a memory
green and fresh as were his declining years - a memory that will be
cherished in as many hearts as knew his own, and in every clime that
he ever visited."
1 Gov. INCREASE SUMNER, having been both representative and
senator in the General Court, was placed on the bench of the Supreme Court in 1782, which position he occupied until elected to thQ
gubernatorial office. He possessed a strong and well-balanced mind,
great self-command, candor, and moderation. He early made a profession of his faith in Christianity, and his whole life was correspondent with that profession. He died June 7, 1799, oe. 52.
VOL. I.       73




578             THE IISTORY OF CAPE COD.
administered the government of the State.    The decease
also of the venerable Daniel Davis occurred April 22.2
And before the close of the year the country was called
to mourn the demise of the great, venerated, and beloved - the FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY, who expired, Dec.
14, calmly and peaceably at his residence at Mt. Vernon. The spontaneous tribute of respectful and affectionate regard for the illustrious deceased, was as much
to be expected as it was heart-felt and sincere. The
fruits of WASHINGTON'S labors happily survive, as also
his great and good example.3
1 Lt. Gov. GILL was " an ardent patriot and friend of liberty," and
his talents very respectable.
2 Of Hon. DANIEL DAVIS we have spoken, p. 468. Descended
from ROBERT DAVIS who at the age of 30, with Margaret ae. 26, embarked at S. Hampton, in the ship Confidence, John Johnson, master,
April 24, 1638, for N. Eng., and was a freeman in Barnstable before 1640,-b. probably in 1608,- who by his wife Anne, had Deborah, Jan. 1645, in Barnstable; Mary, April 28, 1648, who probably m. Benj. Goodspeed, about 1667; a son who d. 1649; Andrew,
May, 1650; John, March 1, 1652; Rob't, Aug. 1654; Josiah, Sept.
1656; Hannah, Sept. 1658; Sarah, Oct. 1660; and, we conclude, Joseph and Mary - (for the will of Rob't, June 29, 1693, mentions his
wife Anne, sons Joseph, Josiah, Andrew, and Rob't, and drs. Deborah
Greene, Sarah, Mercy, Mary, and Hannah Dexter,) - perhaps, also,
"Tristam, (s. of Rob't of Yarmouth, as says Deane, in Scit. 1695"
-though uncertain;) his father was JOSEPI, who m. Hannah, dr. of
James and g. dr. of elder Henry Cobb, March, 1695, the issue being
Rob't, March 7, 1696 7; Joseph, March 23, 1698-9; James, July
30, 1700; Gershom, Sept. 5, 1702; Hannah, March 5, 1705, who m.
Dimoc; Mary, June 4, 1707, who m. Davis; Lydia, Feb. 12, 1709;
and DANIEL, Sept. 28, 1713, who d. April 22, 1799, e. 86:6:13.
3 In a charge to the grand jury, at the Court of General Sessions
of the Peace, March term, 1803, (an extract from which at the request of distinguished men was published by the grand jury, in connection with the entire charge given in 1802 -"solicited" by the
jurors, and at the request of the "justices of the court, gentlemen of the
bar, and others,") Hon. Nathaniel Freeman, "presiding justice in the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               579
CALEB STRONG was governor of the Commonwealth
for the year 1800.     The 22d of February was generally
observed as recommended by the public authorities, in
remembrance of the illustrious WASHINGTON,          the anniversary of his birth.
said court, and first justice of the Common Pleas," noticed the event
of the death of Gen. Washington, and other contemporaneous afflictive dispensations, in the following terms:-" Since the last term
in which the yearly grand jury were impanelled, we have lost our
much esteemed and venerable first magistrate of this court, the Hon.
JUDGE DAVIS. This mournful event associates with it the recollection of others. The death of our excellent first magistrate of this
Commonwealth inflicted a wound in the bosom of its citizens too
grievous to be yet forgotten. But that of our beloved and illustrious
WASHINGTON, has excited such universal sympathy in grief as perhaps no nation ever experienced; and it is impossible to proceed in
the business of courts founded on the basis of that freedom and independence which his life affected, without bewailing his death! I
therefore solicit the indulgence of this honorable court, of you, gentlemen of the jury, of the gentlemen of the bar, and of the inhabitants
of this county, present, whilst I most heartily condole with you all on
the loss our nation has sustained in the death of this illustrious man.
I shall not attempt to eulogize his character; for the history of his
life, so fraught with virtuous action and heroic deeds, - his letters,
speeches, and addresses, so replete with sound policy, philanthropy
and piety, -his administration as President of these United States,
so strongly marked with the love of justice, peace, and good government,-related in the plain language of truth, would be his best
eulogium. We all know, gentlemen, that the highest honors have
been justly paid him by his fellow-citizens; and that he has more than
repaid our confidence by the lustre which his unrivalled glory and resplendent virtues have reflected back on his country. It may not be
amiss, however, that we realize what strong obligations are by this
great example imposed on us and on all public servants, to imitate his
virtues, his patriotism, and his piety. In arms, his brilliant successes,
- in counsel, his consummate wisdom and policy, - in the government of his country, its happiness, peace, and increasing prosperity,
he piously ascribed to Divine Providence- to the beneficence of his
and our God; and in the close of his administration most ardently




580              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
A  treaty of peace with France having been concluded, the provisional army was soon disbanded. The
war, though short, had given rise to some encounters
at sea, encouraging hopes of the future achievements of
our navy.
This year, in Nov., Congress, for the first time, opened
its session at Washington City. Party asperities were
now at their greatest height. The republicans prevailed, after a severe contest, and THOMAS JEFFERSON was
elected to succeed Mr. Adams at the close of his present term.     Notwithstanding     some of the prominent
measures of Mr. Adams' administration were much conrecommended us, with persevering faith and confidence, to the same
Almighty Guardianship for future protection. Whilst we therefore
celebrate the virtues of the hero and the sage, and lament his departure, we should copy his piety, by gratefully acknowledging the higher
praises due to the BEING who raised up, qualified, and so long preserved for us so shining, and, as I hope, efficacious an example; and
that notwithstanding He has recalled to Himself our WASHINGTON,
He has left us an ADAMS."
The request for the publication was signed, among others, by the
following prominent men present, "being desirous that the charge of
His Honor, Justice Freeman, should appear in print, esteeming it an
excellent depository of sound moral, religious, and political principles, - viz.: by " Allen Holmes Esq., Eben'r Bacon Esq., Hon. John
Davis, Hon. John Dillingham, Joseph Dimmick, Sheriff, Wendell Davis Esq., Capt. Benj. Bangs, Eben'r Broadbrooks Esq., Capt. Isaac
Clark, Eben'r Crocker Esq., Capt. Joseph Crocker, Joseph Doane,
Esq., Timo. Doane, Elisha Mayo Esq., David Nye Esq., David Scudder Esq., James Sproat Esq., Richard Sears Esq., Capt. Anthony
Gray, Shubael Hatch, Thos. Jones Esq., Sylvanus Nye Esq., Major
Joseph Parker, Capt. Samuel Parker, Josiah Sparrow, Lt. Samuel
Shiverick, Col. Thos. Thacher, Hon. Joshua Thomas, Kilborn Whitman Esq., Benj. Whitman Esq., Sylvanus Gorham, Foreman of the
Grand Jury, Rev. Gideon Hawley, and Rev. Oakes Shaw." - The
charge itself we omit as not pertinent to our brief history of proceedings, giving the extract only from the charge of 1800.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       581
demned, and the conflicting interests and passions of
party strife caused not a little commotion in the country and were the occasion of some perplexity to the
government, commerce, agriculture, and the arts, flourished, beyond all former example, throughout his administration.
The present national election was the first in which
political parties were fairly pitted against each other;
and, as such, is full of interest, illustrating more instructively than could the most able political treatise,
the democratic condition of society; and showing the
agencies by which a political revolution, (for such, in
any part of continental Europe it would have been
regarded,) may be effected.
It was the first time that the election of President
had come before Congress since the adoption of the
Constitution. The fact that the contest brought matters to a crisis, testing the strength of the Constitution
by putting the greatest possible strain on our whole
political machinery, clothes this election with a species
of interest that attaches to no other in our political
history. There was ample time for intrigue, if there
were such a disposition indulged; for it was only on the
17th of Feb., after thirty-six ballots, that the question
was settled. This election, it may also be remarked,
had still other sources of interest: from that time and
event, as from a fountain, flowed for a long period the
great political streams known by their distinctive appellations.
The census completed, showed 5,319,762 inhabitants in the United States; exports, $94,000,000; revenue, $12,945,000. The census of this county, was
19,293.
Rev. John Mellen retired from the charge of the




582             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
church at Barnstable this year; and was succeeded by
Rev. Jotham Waterman the year following.
In 1801, Mr. Jefferson, on coming into power, having
removed from office many who had held responsible
and lucrative places, on the ground that they were too
exclusively of the party that had opposed his election,
and that occasional changes were salutary, great opposition to his policy was exhibited. It must be acknowledged that those dismissed from office were generally
among the most violent of his opponents; and it may
be remarked that it was chiefly in the treasury department that this instrument of reform was applied. That
the influence of the treasury is pregnant most with
danger to the purity and integrity of free institutions,
all will now concede. Mr. Jefferson aimed also to reduce
the number of offices under executive patronage, and
to introduce the strictest economy.2
1 Rev. Mr. MELLEN was son of the Rev. John Mellen, minister at
Sterling, where he was b. July 8, 1752; grad. H. C. 1770, and was
some time a tutor in college. In his ministry he was respected, beloved, and successful. After leaving Barnstable he resided in Cambridge, where he d. Sept. 19, 1828, m. 76. Several of his discourses
were published, and, among them, a Dudleian lecture, 1799, and an
Election Sermon, 1797. He was brother of Chief Justice Mellen of
Me., and one of his drs. m. Professor Frisbie of H. C.
2 We deem it pertinent to the task we have in hand, to record here
an extract from the charge of Justice Freeman, in 1801, March
term, (published in connection with the charge of 1802, to which we
have heretofore alluded,) adverting to the present posture of political
affairs: "In an enlightened age of the world, with the most perfect
freedom and cool deliberation, we chose and framed our [State] Constitution: (not to be revolutionized again and again at the caprice of
every aspiring demagogue; but, favored by the wisdom and experience of all ages and countries, invoking the wisdom of Him who is its
fountain, with the true love of government and social order, we estab



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              583
An act passed the General Court to regulate the fishing for alewives in the brook running out of Wakepee
Pond, through the Indian plantation of Mashpee, into
the sea; also to prevent damage to the harbor of Wellfleet. -The    Hon. David Thacher of Yarmouth           died
Nov. 9, aged 72.
In 1802, negotiations were set on foot which finally
eventuated in the purchase of Louisiana territory. The
lished it:) the basis of our laws, as on a rock which we hope will
never be removed. And such also is no less true of the Constitution of the United States. Twelve years' experience of its government, attended with unexampled success and prosperity notwithstanding the depredations on our commerce, the troubles and jealousies excited, and artful attempts to divide and corrupt us made
by European belligerent powers, fully evince both the excellency of
that Constitution, and the wisdom, integrity, fortitude, and prudence
of the two illustrious characters who hitherto have administered it.
Great applause, now at the close of their labors, is certainly a tribute
of gratitude and justice due to them from every court in the United
States and every citizen in the Union, for their virtues so conspicuously displayed that it must be acknowledged the Giver of all wisdom
afforded his aid. From the great abilities and literature of the present; his excellent conciliatory inaugural address exhibiting a beautiful epitome of his political, which in fact is the true federal creed; together with a recognition of the Great Ruler over all; I hope we shall
never cease to be blessed in the first magistrate of United Columbia. Although, by the will of the majority, to which we must ever
submit, we have with reluctance, for the present, released from that
high station his compatriot, the pride and glory of New England,the long-tried, successful friend of America, whose excellence it was
not possible to think could be outvied; yet we may console ourselves
with the thought that in all well-regulated republics, - founded on the
basis of equal liberty, controlling nothing but licentious passions, encouraging every virtuous and laudable pursuit of genius and improvement,-the GREAT SUPREME delighting to protect, -great and excellent characters are congenial, and not confined to one person, family,
or State only."




584           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
sum paid was $15,000,000. The territory purchased
embraced all that vast territory west of the Mississippi,
nearly doubling the extent of the Republic.
An act in addition to " An act to prevent damage being done to the meadows lying in the township of Yarmouth," since the first act incorporated by the name of
Dennis, called the Nobscusset meadows with a small
commonage of lands thereto adjoining;" also an act
regulating the hunting of deer —prohibiting the killing of them between Jan. 1 and Aug. 1, under a penalty of $10; and making it illegal to hunt them at any
time with dogs or hounds, were passed.
In 1803, Feb. 19, the North Parish of Harwich which
had, since 1747, remained a precinct distinct from the
South Precinct, became incorporated as a town by the
name of BREWSTER.1
The Indian plantation at Herring Pond, bordering
upon Sandwich, was reported as consisting of 2683
acres, valued at $14,140. The number of Indians was
64, viz.: adults, 14 males, and 35 females; children
under age, 15.- An act was again passed, to regulate
the fishery in the brook running out of Wakepee
Pond into the sea, in the Indian plantation of Mashpee.
In 1804, Mr. Jefferson's first official term, during which
the state of the country had continued, as at his first
election he found it, highly prosperous, being about to
expire, he was reilected by an almost unanimous vote.2
1 The act for the division of the town of Harwich and the incorporation of Brewster was accompanied by very singular provisions, as
will appear in future pages.
2 At the previous election, Mr. Adams had received 65 of the electoral votes.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      585
The war between Great Britain and France, which
had involved nearly all the nations of Europe, had
hitherto secured to the United States, maintaining a
strict neutrality, the peaceable enjoyment of commerce
with the belligerents, from which the people of the
Cape, in common with other parts of the country, derived great advantage: but this state of things was
now threatened with interruption. The distressed and
wretched condition of Europe was not only embarrassing to the government of the United States, involving
a labyrinth of difficulties, but began greatly to distract
commerce.
Sandwich Academy was incorporated, Feb. 21, and a
grant was made of a half-township of six miles square
of unappropriated Province lands.l
In 1805, the animosities of parties were inflamed to
a sad degree. The depredations by France and England on American commerce occasioned great irritation. Against England especially, complaints were loud
and clamorous. The coasts were infested by foreign
privateers and public vessels that pried into every
harbor and creek. The belligerents seemed to have
adopted entirely new and extraordinary principles of
commerce, taking to themselves the right of trading
where neutrals were denied. The British Admiralty
had, in effect, imposed prohibitory laws on American
commerce, declaring vessels engaged in conveying
West India produce from the United States to Europe,
legal prizes. In addition to this, a controversy existed
between the United States and Great Britain in regard
to the right of searching neutral ships and impressing
seamen.
1 See Annals of Sandwich.
VOL. I.    74




586          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In May, 1806, the British government having declared all the ports and rivers from the Elbe in Germany to Brest in France in a state of blockade; and,
by this order, American vessels trading with the interdicted ports, being liable to seizure and condemnation;
and, in Nov. following, the Emperor of France having
issued his Berlin decree declaring the British Islands
blockaded, and prohibiting all intercourse with them,
- which decree violated the treaty between the United
States and France, as well as the law of nations; great
dissatisfaction was felt throughout the country, but
especially in maritime places.
An act was this year passed incorporating Jason
Ayres and others as " the Truro-Pond Harbor Association, for the purpose of opening a passage from the sea
into a certain pond or quagmire lying on the west side
of said town, near the sea, and for clearing out said
pond so as to form a convenient harbor." It is almost
painful to contemplate the numerous and so often unsuccessful attempts of the enterprise of the people
to secure improvements tending to the furtherance
of their industrious pursuits. - The right was also
conceded to the United States, of land for lights near
the entrance of Chatham harbor,- twelve acres with
jurisdiction. - Col. Thomas Thacher of Yarmouth died
this year, Feb. 24.
Gov. Strong, who had presided over the Commonwealth several years, was, in June, 1807, superseded by
JAMES SULLIVAN.
The commerce of the country was still embarrassed
by European difficulties. The decree of Bonaparte, at
Berlin, was retaliated by an order issued Jan. 7, by
which all coasting trade with France was prohibited.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         587
Difficulties between this country and England increased,
and wore a threatening aspect.
In November, the British orders in council were
issued by which all neutral vessels trading with France
were compelled to stop at a British port and pay duty;
and, in consequence of this measure, the Milan decree
followed in December, by which every vessel which
should submit to British search, or should consent to
pay any pecuniary exactions whatever, was declared to
be denationalized, and subject to confiscation. The
same month, Congress laid an embargo on all the shipping in the United States.
This last measure, although suggested by the fact
that otherwise American ships would be constantly
exposed to capture, operated to the very great detriment of American commerce, and caused much distress
and great dissatisfaction every where; but the effect of
the embargo was especially disastrous to the CAPE.
The fisheries were abandoned, vessels thrown out of
employ were dismantled, and gloomy forebodings prevailed.
Again, legal enactments were solicited to regulate
more strictly the hunting of deer in the county - so
watchful for the preservation of this beautiful tenant
of our forests were the people.
The Rev. Mr. Shaw, long identified with the pastorate
of the West Church in Barnstable, was this year removed by death, greatly honored and lamented; and
was succeeded by Rev. Enoch Pratt.' The Rev. Jon1Rev. OAKES SHAW was son of Rev. John, who grad. H. C.
1729, ord. in S. Bridgewater 1731, who was son of Mr. Joseph,
settled in E. Bridgewater 1698, who was son of Mr. Abraham, of
Dedham, 1637. The tomb-stone of Rev. Mr. S. bears the following
inscription: "Rev. Oakes Shaw, b. at Bridgewater 1736, grad. H. C.
1758, ordained in this place 1760, died Feb. 11, 1807. Benevolence,




588             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
athan Bascom of Orleans also died this year, and the
Rev. Gideon Hawley of Mashpee.
In 1808, the Cape towns presented a saddening
aspect. Navigation was virtually suspended; in our
harbors were dismantled vessels; on every hand were
seamen deprived of employment, their means of supporting their families in a great measure cut off. In
this state of things, it would have been strange were
there not much discontent.    Petitions from all parts of
the county, deprecating the embargo, setting forth its
disastrous effects, and asking relief wholly or in part,
were forwarded to the President of the United States.
Mr. Jefferson, however, continued to justify the embargo. To submit our commerce to prohibitions and
exactions from a foreign power, he conceived, would be
to surrender our independence; to resist by arms, was
war without due regard to our circumstances or the
voice of the people; and the only alternative presented had been that preferred by Congress, of suspending a commerce surrounded by such unexampled
difficulties. The course, he thought, secured to our
citizens their property; to our country, its mariners;
and gave time to the belligerent nations to revise their
course - which, he considered, was as much opposed
to their own true interests as to our rights.  Although
he had the power, in certain contingencies, to suspend
affection and sincerity characterized and endeared him in all the relations of social life. With unaffected piety and zeal, with unshaken
constancy and fidelity, he discharged the various duties of the pastoral office. To perpetuate the remembrance of his virtues and talents, to prolong the influence of his character, and to testify their
respect for his memory, this monument is gratefully erected by a
bereaved and affectionate people." Mr. Shaw was father of the present Chf. Just. of the S. J. C. of Massachusetts.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             589
the embargo, he felt that no changes had occurred to
warrant the act, or change the policy of government.
The whole question, therefore, he felt constrained to
leave to the decision of Congress.
In some of the towns, petitions were sent to the
State Legislature, imploring that body to devise and
pursue some measures -such as their best judgment
might dictate - for the relief of the maritime interests'of the country.-An act in addition, for the better regulating of the Mashpee plantation, provided, this year,
for the establishment of a Board of Overseers.
JAMES MADISON was now       elected  President of the
United States from     the 4th of March next, Mr. Jefferson having   declined   a reelection.   Gov. Sullivan,
whose health became enfeebled soon after his second
election to the gubernatorial office, died Dec. 10,1 and
Lt. Gov. LEVI LINCOLN became Governor ex officio for the
time being.
In 1809, CHRISTOPHER GORE was elected Governor of
1 Gov. JAMES SULLIVAN, who was eminent as a lawyer, and was
King's Att'y on the approach of the Am. revolution, took an early
and active part on the side of his country. He was a member of the
Prov. Cong. in 1775; and subsequently a judge of the Sup. Court.
IHe was also a member of the convention of 1779 and 1780 for framing the State Constitution; and in 1783 was a delegate to Congress.
Besides filling various other important offices, he was from 1790 to
1807, attorney general. Without the advantages of collegiate education, he was both the friend of literature, and a literary man; and the
many high positions he occupied are proof of his talents, his industry,
his learning, and the confidence that was reposed in his integrity. In
all his relations he was exemplary and honored. As chief magistrate,
he regarded himself as not the delegated officer of a party, but of the
whole people, and his effort was ever to mitigate the violence of
parties. Early a professor of the Christian religion, he adorned that
profession to the last, and d. Dec. 10, 1808, m. 64.




590            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Massachusetts, the course of Mr. Lincoln in reprehending resistance to the embargo laws, having rendered
him unpopular in the State, and working his defeat as
a candidate for the office.l
Delegates assembled from the several towns in the
county, to concert measures to secure for the county a
port of entry. Petitions to this end were forwarded to
Congress.2  An act was passed, Feb. 23, to incorporate
Gorham Lovell and others, under the name of " The
First Baptist Society in Barnstable and Yarmouth;"
also, March 1, to incorporate Anthony Baker and others as "The First Methodist Society in Harwich."A deed of four hundred acres given by the Mashpees
for a parsonage, was confirmed by legislative action,
June 19. —At the same General Court, the act of
1791, entitled, An act to prevent damage being done
on the meadows and beaches lying in and adjoining on
the north side of the town of Harwich, between Skaketharbor on the east and Quivet-harbor on the west;"
also, "An act in addition," of the same year, made
perpetual by the act of 1797, were repealed. Renewed again in 1811. Richard Collins and others were
incorporated by the name of " The Massachusetts Salt
Work Company."
The enforcement of the embargo gave way, a few
days before Mr. Jefferson's retirement, to an act of
Congress, called the Non-intercourse Act, interdicting
Gov. LINCOLN, who was Att'y Gen. of the U. S. in 1801 to
1805; Lt. Gov. of Mass. for 1807 to 9, and became acting Gov. on
the decease of Gov. Sullivan, was a zealous and able advocate of
republican or democratic principles. He d. Ap. 14, 1820, as. 71, and
was followed to the grave by two sons, since governors: Levi, Gov. of
Mass., and Enoch, Gov. of Maine.
2 See Appendix A.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.           591
all trade and intercourse with Great Britain and France.
It has been supposed by some that the non-intercourse
restrictions were a greater injury than could have come
from actual war. Sufficient provocation for war, it was
thought by many, had already been given.       One species of indignity that was keenly felt, and of which
loud complaint had been made, had already been too
long endured — the impressment of seamen from on
board American vessels, by British men-of-war. The
similarity of language and origin made it difficult to
distinguish, nor had British officers cared much to distinguish, between British and American seamen, when
desirous of procuring    recruits.  The instances were
many in which Americans had been compelled to serve
in the British navy. The right of search should have
been peremptorily denied long before it was, and decisive measures adopted at any hazard. This is a
point now generally, perhaps universally, conceded.
In 1810, ELBRIDGE GERRY, afterwards Vice-President
of the United States, was elected Governor of the
State, to succeed Gov. Gore.l   In consequence of the
non-intercourse with Great Britain, domestic manufactures began to be attempted on a larger scale. It is a
reproach to our country that the success of these inGov. GORE was Dist. Attorney for Massachusetts in 1789, and
a commissioner under Jay's treaty in 1796 to 1804, in which service
his ability and efforts were applauded. His popularity as Governor
was not aided at all by the knowledge of the fact that he was
descended from one who at the beginning of the revolution adhered
to the royal cause. In 1814, Gov. G. was a senator in Congress.
He is represented as having been a fine scholar, of acute and discriminating mind, of pure morals, and of dignified manners. He d.
Mar. 1, 1827, e. 68.




592              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
stitutions is so contingent on a state of war. Before
the close of the year, Nov. 5, Congress was assembled
by special proclamation, and the country began to
realize that we stood on the verge of war.
Gen, JOSEPH OTIS, who had long held a prominent
position in the county, as a revolutionary patriot, a
military officer, and a merchant, died Sept. 23, ae. 82.1
1 Gen. OTIS, 2d son of Col. James, was ap. Collector of Customs
by Gen. Washington. He was also many years Clerk of the C. C. P.
and member of the legislature. His first m. was with Rebecca Sturgis, the 2d with Martha (or Maria?) Walter of Roxbury, who survived her husband till 1826. The issue by the 1st m. was Rebecca,
Aug. 25, 1754, who m. Sam. Williams Esq. of Fairhaven; James,
Sept. 20, 1755, who grad. H. C. 1775, and was lost at sea 1790;
Elizabeth, Jan'y 12, 1760, who m. Dr. Geo. Osgood of Andover;
Joseph, 1762, who d. inf.; a daughter who d. early; by the 2d m.,
Joseph, Sept. 1771, who removed to Kentucky; Nath'l Walter, Jan'y,
1773, who m. 1st, Nancy Bourne, of Be., and removed to Matanzas,
then to N. Orleans, a planter; John, Ap. 1774; Thomas, Nov. 1775,
who d. Aug. 14, 1803, at Albany; Charles, July, 1777, who d. Aug.
14, 1794, in Charleston, S. C.; a son, Feb. 1779, who d. early; William, Feb. 1783, who d. at Washington, Ap. 7, 1837; Arthur, Dec.
1784, who d. July 24, 1801, in Havana; Maria, 1787, who m. Rev.
Philip Colby of N. Middleboro', and d. May 20, 1821; and Mary
Ann, who m. Hon. Ebenezer Gay of Hingham.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            593
CHAPTER XXV.
The Alternative.-Religious Freedom. -The Courts. - Embargo.- Political Asperities. -Declaration of War.-Prostrating Effect on the
Cape. -Position of the Country. -Politics of the Cape.-Exposure.
-Demands of the Enemy.- Local Legislation.- Internal Dissensions.
- Peace. - Returning Prosperity. - Algerine War. - Bank of the
United States.- Awful Storm.- Manufactures.- Hersey Bequest.Lighthouses.
IN 1811, fresh outrages were perpetrated by Great
Britain on the American coasts, and the sad alternative
was presented to the American people, either to suffer
present evils, or to take up arms. The repeal of the
embargo and the substitution of non-intercourse, had
produced no favorable change in the aspect of affairs.
Some preparation in anticipation of war began now to
be made. The regular army was increased to 35,000
men; the navy was also increased; volunteers were
called for, and a governmental loan of $11,000,000 was
negotiated.
By the third census, it appeared that the population
of the United States was 7,239,903; that of the county,
21,372.
The act of the General Court, June 18, respecting
public worship and religious freedom, was a move in
the right direction; and one loudly called for by the
exigencies of the present state of religious opinions.1
1 The act was prefaced by the following Preamble: "Whereas
it is provided by the Constitutiqn of this Commonwealth that every
denomination of Christians demeaning themselves peaceably and as
VOL. I.       75




594             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
— Solo. Cook and others were incorporated as "The
Methodist Episcopal Society in Provincetown;" and
Barna. Merchant and others as C The Methodist Society
of Falmouth and Sandwich." -       The town of Barnstable was authorized to sell ministerial lands and
invest. The act establishing Circuit Courts of Common Pleas was passed, June 21; and the counties of
Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol and Barnstable were constituted the Southern Circuit.   Thus ended the former
long-continued arrangement, introducing a new order
of things, which has been destined to frequent modifications and changes.    An act was also passed establishing the Court of Sessions; repealing the Act of
1809, whereby the powers and duties of Courts of Sessions had been transferred to the Courts of Common
Pleas.  The Rev. Samuel Parker of Provincetown died
Ap. 11, and the Hon. Ebenezer Bacon of Barnstable
Nov. 28.
In 1812, CALEB STRONG was again Governor of Massachusetts, and so continued, by successive elections,
through the exciting period of the war. That the contest between political parties, resulting in this change,
was spirited and attended by unusual exhibition of
party asperities, may well be supposed.l
good subjects of the Commonwealth, shall be equally under the protection of the law; and no subordination of any one sect or denomination to another, shall be established by law," &c. Citizens were
henceforth exempted from taxation for the support of any other than
the religious instruction which they conscientiously approved and
maintained.
1 Gov. GERRY, whose early life was devoted to commercial pursuits, became a member of the legislature at the memorable crisis of
1773, and was on the important committee of inquiry and correspondence. The Provincial Congress of 1775 appointed him on the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            595
Again, April 3, Congress passed an act laying an
embargo, for ninety days, on all vessels within the jurisdiction of the United States; which measure it was
well understood was preparatory to a declaration of
hostilities against Great Britain. How extensively the
edict was operative, or to what extent a systematic
course of smuggling was pursued in some parts of the
country, it is not for us to say; but all past experience
has shown how temptations to violations of prohibitory
laws which subject the citizens to grievous privations
and suffering, the policy of which laws are questionable in the view of any considerable numbers, are multiplied.  Such is the nature of man that the temptation becomes almost irresistible; and it needs no spirit
of prophecy to foretell the influence of this state of
things in gradually undermining the morals of society,
introducing a laxity of principle in political action, and
leading to contempt of law.
A formal declaration of WAR was made June 18, the
prominent reasons for which, as set forth, were the
impressment of American seamen,l and the claims of
committee of public safety and supplies. He was an object of vindictiveness on the part of the British. Elected to the Continental
Congress in 1776, he continued a member to 1785, and was distinguished by his patriotic course. His skill in finance also gave him
much prominence. As a member of the convention for framing a
constitution for the United States, he was, in respect to some important measures, in the minority, especially touching the executive and
judicial powers. He was four years in Congress, and in 1796, minister as colleague with Marshall and Pinckney to the French Republic. He was inaugurated VICE-PRESIDENT of the United States
in 1813, and d. at Washington, Nov. 23, 1814, Pe. 70.
1 The practice of searching for British seamen had, until 1807,
been confined to private vessels. Then, a 50 gun ship demanded the
right of a U. S. frigate of 36 guns, killing and wounding about 20
men. This outrage enkindled a feeling of deep indignation in every




596            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
England in derogation of our rights as a neutral
nation.'
The interests of navigation suffered severely; but,
although many in different parts of the country, and
especially in New England, denounced the war as both
impolitic and unjust, the popular voice of the nation
was in its favor.   Abundant provocation had long
existed: yet, after all, such was the influence of the
opponents of the measure, and such was the distress
occasioned by the suspension of commerce and the difficulty of obtaining supplies of provisions in the nonagricultural districts, that a large portion of the commercial interests were by no means so enthusiastic in
its support as in the times of the revolutionary struggle. That war was not commenced too soon for the
national honor, time, we think, has proved.
The warmth of party feeling was at no time abated
during the struggle; still, the general government was
sustained, and was not without able and determined
support in Barnstable County, notwithstanding all the
privations and inconveniences that the war occasioned.
The country, with its eight million of inhabitants, increased resources, and all the elements of an efficient
army and navy, was far better prepared to vindicate its
rights than at the opening of the war of independence;
but both experience and enthusiasm were measurably
wanting every where until the contest was somewhat
advanced. Our antagonist was powerful; internal
American bosom. The President at once issued his proclamation,
ordering all British armed vessels to leave the waters of the United
States, and forbidding them to enter until satisfaction should be made
by the British government.
1 The bill declaring war passed the House of Representatives by a
majority of 79 to 49; and the Senate by a majority of 19 to 13, only.
The representative from this county was in the majority.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               597
divisions were    embarrassing;     and   many    difficulties
were to be overcome.
The position    of this county in regard to the war
was by no means the result of unanimity of sentiment.
That there were parties here holding quite opposite
views might naturally be inferred from what was the
position of the State, without recourse to facts as exhibited by political strifes. Although the party which
advocated war measures was politically ascendant in
this county, those whose views conflicted with the
policy of the national government were far from           inconsiderable in numbers; nor was the opposition destitute of men of high attainments, moral worth and
respectability.1 No portion of our common country,
1 We have no disposition to enter with minuteness into the perplexities and discordant views of this period; but the fact that this
county was on the side of the national administration constitutes an
important item in its history which may not be overlooked. The
state of affairs and the feelings of the moment are clearly seen in all
the publications of the day. We know not a better illustration of
the diverse feelings that prevailed, than this, which certainly will not
be discredited by the surviving actors:- Gov. Strong, issuing a
proclamation for a fast in consequence of the war, commences,
" Whereas it has pleased the Almighty Ruler of the World to permit us to be engaged in war with the nation from which we are
descended, and which has been for many generations the bulwark of
the religion which we profess;" and, soon after, delegates from the
several towns in the county assembled for political purposes, preface a
series of resolutions with the counterpoise, "Whereas it has pleased
the Almighty Ruler of the World, in his righteous providence, to
permit us to be engaged in a war against the Nation from which
our ancestors were driven by persecution, and which, for every succeeding generation, did not cease to oppress and injure us, until we
were compelled to rise, in the majesty of our strength, and shake off
the yoke of bondage. And whereas that nation has ever since borne
towards us an implacable enmity, which has manifested itself in
wrongs, insults, and indignities, to which no independent People,




598              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
as during the revolutionary period, could be subjected
to greater deprivations by the war, than this; and yet
the majority resolved, " It becomes us, in imitation of
the patriots of the revolution, to unite in the common
cause of our country, patiently bearing every evil, and
cheerfully submitting to those privations which are
necessarily incident to a state of war.... We consider the war in which we are engaged as just, necessary, and unavoidable, and we will support the same
with our lives and our fortunes."'     That such was the
attitude of the County of Barnstable, is a fact that it
were folly in any individual to disown, and worse than
folly in an historian to ignore.    Whatever of honor or
otherwise the county may claim for its decision in this
matter, we leave to the reader and to posterity to decide. Our aim is simply at impartiality in a record
of facts.
By the general suspension of commerce, large nummindful of their dignity, could submit; and war, or the surrender of
our sovereignty, was the only alternative."
1 The posture of the majority in the county, in regard to both the
State and National governments was this: "Resolved, That the
Honorable Isaiah L. Green, our congressional representative, has
done nobly, and deserves well of his country; and that he enjoys the
confidence of his constituents. That although, as will appear by the
votes of April last, the present chief magistrate of this Commonwealth is not the man of our choice, yet,'his counsels we will follow,
and his orders cheerfully obey,' so far as they are compatible with the
spirit and meaning of the Federal Constitution. But our allegiance
to the United States, and our attachment to its Constitution, we hold
paramount to every other duty: Therefore, that we will support the
Constitution and government of the United States against the invasion
of a foreign enemy, the intrigues of a domestic faction, or the usurpations of individual States: and that we have the fullest confidence in
the wisdom, firmness, and patriotism of the President and Congress,
of whose doings we cordially approve."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        599
bers of the best seamen were thrown out of their
legitimate employ; but thus the most important requisite for a vigorous navy was at hand, and the exertions of the government were soon directed to this
important and efficient branch of national defence.
Much was effected by letters of marque; and successes
on the ocean greatly contributed to counterbalance
reverses on the land. Not less than five hundred
English merchantmen were captured during the first
seven months of the war, besides the victories achieved
by the capture of public vessels.
The local legislation of this year was unimportant.'
Seth Freeman, Esq., a patriot of the revolution, died
at Sandwich, July 19, se. 81.
A deed of certain Mashpee lands was authorized to be made to
Rev. Mr. Fish; and an act was passed to prevent the destruction of
the lobster fisheries in Provincetown, and to regulate the same, the
constant intrusion of smacks and other vessels from abroad rendering
the measure one of necessity.
The " Valuation," established Jan. 30, 1812, ($1000 "being apportioned as the ratio by which the towns shall in future be assessed,")
was as follows:
Barnstable,  Polls, 802. Aggregate, $19,070 96. Pay on $1000, $2 98.
Sandwich,   " 573.     "    18,955 29.   "      2 74.
Yarmouth,   " 488.     "    12,105 85.    "      1 87.
Eastham,    " 178.     "     3,071 66.    "       53.
Harwich,    " 399.     "     7,993 30.    "     1 30.
Wellfleet,  " 324.     "     4,182 17.    "       80.
Falmouth,   " 599.     "    15,800 33.    "      2 39.
Truro,      " 272.     "     4,617 04.    "       80.
Chatham,    " 349.     "     6,503 31.    "      1 08.
Provincetown, " 220.   "     5,112 84.    "       82.
Dennis,     " 359.     "     5,988 19.    "      1 03.
Orleans,    " 303.     "     4,498 46.    "       81.
Brewster,   " 276.     "     6,921 74.    "      1 06.
5142.         114,821 14.        18 21.
The polls in the commonwealth, 167,639. Aggregate prop. $7,314,600 72.




600             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1813, the Emperor of Russia having intimated a
desire to mediate between the United States and Great
Britain, with a view to the termination of hostilities,
commissioners were appointed to meet others from the
British Court, at St. Petersburg, to negotiate a treaty
of peace and commerce. The arrangement was finally
modified at the suggestion of the Prince Regent, and
Gottenburg was fixed upon as the place of meeting;
subsequently it was changed to Ghent in Flanders.
Local legislation was again unimportant, the only
items of legislative enactment of the least interest
being the annexation of certain estates from Truro to
Provincetown, the appropriation of lands in Mashpee
for a parsonage, and the regulation for the preservation
thereof of certain fisheries in Chatham    and Harwich.
Mr. Watson Freeman, an honored citizen and successful merchant, died at Sandwich, April 10,1 and the
Rev. Caleb Holmes, the minister of Dennis, died Nov. 2.
1 The life of this gentleman was somewhat eventful; especially
were his early years pregnant with incidents that illustrate the enterprise, the indomitable energy, and the patriotic daring of the young
men of his day. We have, in looking over the returns of services
rendered in former times, especially in the expedition to Canada in
1754, been painfully struck by the fact that so many of those enlisted
on the Cape were youths of about sixteen years; but here is an
instance of one scarcely fourteen, bereft of his father, and yet,
prompted by no pecuniary inducement, partaking of the popular enthusiasm of the revolutionary period; entering the 4th Continental
regiment under Col. Shepherd, in the company of Capt. Geo. Webb,
Ap. 7, 1777, and, because he was the best writer in the company,
acting as clerk, serving 3 yrs. to Ap. 7, 1780; present at the taking
of Burgoyne in 1777; with Gen. Sullivan in the memorable events
of L. Island in 1778, and there wounded in the arm; then, his term
of service expired, yielding to the natural yearnings for kindred and
home, retracing his steps as far as Boston, and there meeting with an
uncle in command of a privateer and about to sail, shipping for the




., Zi
Ai    A
BLrjDeceri-hr +t b  y 1711 Die  M l April T10  l'813








ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               601
In 1814, various legislation was had affecting the interests of the county: the time allowed the trustees of
Sandwich Academy to locate the half-township of land
granted them, was extended five years; the town of
cruise still intent on serving his country in bloody strife. The privateer was unfortunately taken by the Montague 74, and the insolence
of British tyranny was exhibited in whipping and otherwise punishing American seamen to compel their service in his majesty's navy.
On board the Montague in the action between the Count de Grasse
and Lord Rodney, Mr. F. was again wounded in the leg, and then
sent to the hospital at Portsmouth, Eng., Jan. 15, 1782. The skill
there displayed may be inferred from the fact that, June 21, he was
" discharged as incurable," but in his wanderings found an old woman
who sold herbs, whose superior prescriptions healed his wound. The
certificate he received on leaving the hospital has indorsed on the
back of it, "Watson Freeman, 5 ft. 61 in. high, m. 19, born in America, light brown hair, fair complexion, and a cut in the forehead."
That cut, we may here remark, was received from the sabre of one of
the enemy's dragoons, a company of whom surprised his party when
out "foraging" previous to the battle on Long Island; and it may
serve to show the disposition indulged by our troops in the midst of
their toils and privations, to avail themselves of pleasant recreation,
that this " foraging party " were at the time of the surprise in a ball -
dancing. The wound he subsequently received in the arm was so
severe that he. never in after life could raise the limb over his head.
After the peace, Mr. F. was permitted to return home. He then soon
engaged in mercantile life in Boston under the title of'Freeman and
Baty;' in 1800, Thomas Cushing being received into the firm it was'F., B. and Cushing;' in 1807, Mr. Baty, brother-in-law of Mr. F.,
retiring, it was'Freeman and Cushing' to 1812, when Mr. F. retired
from business with a handsome competency. They were importers
of English goods, and concerned also in navigation. - Mr. FREEMAN
was born Dec. 28,1762, in that part of Harwich now known as Brewster; and was in direct lineal descent from Mr. Edmund Freeman Sr.
the proprietor of Sandwich, (see page 461,) through Maj. JOHN the
younger son who m. Mercy dr. of Gov. Prince Feb. 13, 1649-50, and
removed to Eastham where he d. 1719 se. 92, having been distinguished in military life, prominent in public affairs, some time assistant,
justice of the first Court of C. P. established after the Union, and a
VOL. I.       76




602             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Falmouth, on application, was granted military assistance in defence of the town; an act in addition was
passed to preserve and regulate the taking of shell-fish
in Wellfleet; an act to prevent the destruction and to
deacon of the Eastham church.  He had issue: John Feb. 2, 1650
who d. inf.; John Dec. 1651; Thomas Sept. 1653; Patience who m.
Samuel Paine Jan. 31, 1682; Hannah who m. John Mayo April 14,
1681; Edmund June 1657; Mercy who m. Samuel Knowles; Bennet who m. John Paine March 14, 1689; William, 1663; Prince
1665; and Nathaniel March 20, 1669. - Dea. THOMAS, the 3d s. of
Maj. John, m. Rebecca dr. of Jona. Sparrow Esq. Dec. 31, 1673, and
d. Feb. 9,1715-16 se. 62, his widow surviving till 1740, a. 86. Issue:
Mercy Oct. 30, 1674 who m. Paul Sears; Thomas Oct. 11, 1676;
Jonathan Nov. 11, 1678; Edmund Oct. 11, 1680; Joseph Feb. 11,
1682-3; Joshua March 7, 1684-5; Hannah Sept. 28, 1687; Prince
Jan. 3, 1689-90; Hatsuld March 27, 1691; and Rebecca April 26,
1694. - Col. EDMUND, the 3d s. of Dea. Thomas, m. Phebe dr. of
Elkanah and Mercy Watson of Plym. 1703, and d. March 10, 1745-6
s. 66. She d. 1747-8. Issue: Watson Sept. 24, 1704; Joshua May
1706; Hannah Feb. 28, 1708-9; and Edmund Nov. 28, 1710.Capt. WATSON, eldest s. of Col. Edmund, m. Sarah Gray Jan. 30,
1723-4 and d. Feb. 17, 1757. Issue: Phebe June 1, 1725; Elkanah
March 31, 1727; Sarah, March 29, 1729; Isaac Oct. 25, 1733;
Hannah April 8, 1736; and Watson, bap. Feb. 25, 1739.- WATSON,
the last named, m. Thankful Freeman March 18, 1762.  Issue:
Watson Dec. 28, 1762; Joshua, bap. July 12, 1764; and Edward,
bap. July 31, 1768. The widow m. 2d Gideon Baty Sr. Sept. 23,
1777, and 3d Joseph Blake of Boston, and d. Jan. 11, 1809. - WATSON, the eldest son of the last family, and the subject of the preceding
notice, m. 1st Sarah Hinckley 1793 who d. soon after, and 2d Experience dr. of Seth Freeman Esq. of Sandwich Nov. 10, 1794, who d.
Dec. 17, 1806. He d. April 10, 1813, ae. 50. Issue: Watson, the
present Marshal of U. S. for the Dist. Mass.; Mary Ann who d. Oct.
29, 1832; Charlotte Thankful who d. Feb. 1, 1837, on the island of
Cuba; Benjamin who d. at Hillsboro', Ill. July 13, 1841; and Excy
Sarah Hinckley who d. Feb. 25, 1833. - Our grateful acknowledgments are due to Hon. Watson Freeman for consenting to furnish
the accompanying engraving, and generously sustaining the expense
of it.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      603
regulate the catching of alewives in Harwich, additional
to the act of 1787, and also of 1813; an act establishing the Nobscusset Point Pier Company; an act establishing the place of keeping the records of the Probate
Court; and an act incorporating' The Calvinistic Congregational Society in Sandwich.'
The town of Brewster, as will be more fully noted
hereafter, was menaced with conflagration. The British commodore, "Rd. Raggett Esq., of His Britannic
Majesty's ship Spencer, commanding a British squadron
in Cape Cod Bay," accepted a "contribution" of $1250,
and gave to the town an assurance that it should no
more be molested. This led to an act, Oct. 13, authorizing $4000 to be assessed on salt-works and buildings
of every description in the town, as also on vessels
owned there and frequenting its waters. Money was
demanded by the enemy, of Orleans and other places,
with a similar promise of guarantee in case of compliance; but the insulting demand was peremptorily
declined.
In the month of August, the British nation was disgraced by an act of Vandalism without parallel in the
annals of modern warfare: not content with taking the
capitol at Washington, burning it, as also the President's house, the offices of the several departments, and
many private dwellings, the British troops destroyed
the public archives and libraries, together with all the
works of art contained in the buildings. All that related to peace and civilization, as well as war, was
wantonly and barbarously conflagrated.
The opposition to the war at no time abated; and,
in this opposition, a large portion of the New England
representatives in Congress were active, a majority of
their constituents coinciding. The representative from




604          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the County of Barnstable and a majority of his constituents, still formed an exception to the prevalent
feeling. Apprehensions were indulged that a crisis
was forming that might involve the country in ruin;
and, Dec. 15, a convention assembled at Hartford, composed of discontents delegated by parties opposed to
the General Government. The impression of the members of that convention, and of their supporters, was
that the General Government were pursuing a system
of measures inimical to the interests of New England;
and they now asked that the revenue of the New England States might be applied to its defence. The business of this convention being transacted with closed
doors, gave rise to impressions and rumors in regard to
their designs, that tended greatly to the public disquiet.
But, Dec. 24, the treaty of Ghent was signed, and, of
course, further agitation ceased. That treaty was ratified by the Prince Regent of Great Britain, Dec. 27, and
by the United States government, Feb. 17, the following
year. The Hartford Convention did not cease to be
very extensively condemned for a long time, as having
intended measures that threatened a separation of the
New England States from the Union. Whether the
odium that attached to the proceeding, was merited, we
may not pronounce. With the history of that convention, and the revelations that have since been made of
its doings, the public are familiar, and each one is competent to form an opinion for himself.
Difficulties of a merely personal nature leading to
complaints against public officers, or disaffections engendered by merely political considerations, it is not
for us to chronicle; but when discontent becomes universal, and the most staid and venerable find cause
month after month and year after year to rebuke'the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.           605
insolence of office' a state of things most unusual is
presented. Suffice it to say, the office of public revenue in this county was never before, nor has ever
since been, subject of such complaint.
Early in 1815, news was received of the memorable
battle of New Orleans; Gen. Jackson, with a force of
6000 men, mostly undisciplined, opposed to 14,000 veteran and select troops under Sir Edward Packenham,
having, on the 8th of January, gained a complete and
most decisive victory. The loss of the English, under
the well-directed fire of American marksmen, was 2600,
including the officer in command; that of the Americans was only 6; and whilst the news of this battle
was just ringing through the land, a special messenger
arrived from Europe with the tidings of PEACE.
No people, certainly, had greater reason to rejoice in
the glad announcement that hostilities had ceased, than
the inhabitants of Cape Cod.
The difficulties between the two countries being thus
settled, a treaty also to regulate commerce between
the United States and Great Britain, was executed at
London, July 3.
The country now rapidly returned to its former
prosperity; commerce revived at once, and every interest gave signs of renewed vigor.1
1 The incorporation of the'Wellfleet Manufacturing Company,'
capital $60,000,- Josiah Whitman and others, for the purpose of
manufacturing cotton and woollen cloth and yarn - came rather late
for the previous exigencies of the times; but not too late to save the
company from the ruin which, on the return of peace, swept over the
large-investments that had been made in other places. An act, to
regulate the fisheries in the town of Yarmouth, was one of those
instances of legislation often called for on the Cape, and always
opportune.




606             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In March, war was declared by the United States
against the Algerines, on account of depredations on
American commerce.       The Dey of Algiers was compelled to a treaty relinquishing all future claims for
tribute. Arrangements were also made with the regencies of Tunis and Tripoli, that gave security to commerce from all depredations of Barbary cruisers.
An act passed in Congress, and received the signature of the President, April 10, incorporating a national
bank, under the title of the BANK OF THE UNITED STATES,
with a capital of $35,000,000.       Much    diversity  of
opinion existed, and was exhibited in the preliminary
discussion of the question, as to the constitutional power
of Congress to establish such an institution. It was
thought, however, by the majority, that as the charter
of the old Bank of North America, instituted during
Washington's administration, expired, the commercial
interests of the country required a substitute of this
kind. The bank established with a charter for twenty
years, was soon in operation.
A tremendous gale, or hurricane, swept over that
part of the county contiguous to Buzzard's Bay, Sept. 23.
It will be long memorable for its devastating effects.l
1 The wind began to rise the latter part of the night preceding.
At sunrise the gale was violent, and increased until 10 o'clock A. M.,
continuing extremely high until 2 o'clock P. M., but probably most
severe at 11 o'clock A. M. It came in violent gusts - not in a uniform current; sky cloudy, but no rain; east, first, - then changing
to west and south; moderating at night. Trees were uprooted in
great numbers, or broken, or twisted as if mere withes; buildings
prostrated; salt-works destroyed; vessels scattered from their moorings, and driven ashore; and vegetation was in great measure destroyed.  Lower down on the Cape, the gale was comparatively
moderate; at Provincetown it was'only a hard blow.' Its violence
reached north and west from the Cape, and was seriously felt in the




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               607
In 1816, the political feuds of the country having
begun gradually to subside, and the animosities of the
past giving way to the spirit of enterprise, public improvements began to be pushed forward in the States
adjoining counties in that direction. The tide rose eight feet higher
than usual in the highest course of tides; and in the bay was several
feet higher still. Had the tide risen but fifteen inches higher, it would
have passed completely over the isthmus of the Cape. It may here
be remarked that the tide in Buzzard's Bay is always three hours
earlier than in Barnstable Bay; it was high tide that day in the
former bay, at 11.40. Both wind and tide operated together. Houses
that were not shattered by the wind, were abandoned on account of
the tide; and from the latter cause the greatest amount of injury was
inflicted on the salt-works - nearly all, on Buzzard's Bay, and they
were then numerous, were swept away. Great loss was sustained
on the island Mashena: the ruins of works there, were subsequently
found in the woods of Wareham; and, in one instance, a large lot of
salt-works floated several miles without being broken, until settling
on a ledge of rocks. One salt-house, after sailing some miles, settled
across a road, there standing on corner-stones so well adapted that its
shape was maintained. It was afterwards taken by its owners, from
its position nine feet above high-water mark, and conveyed back to
its original place - first being launched. The shores were literally
swept with the besom of destruction. Coasters were not only driven
high ashore, but some were afterwards found in forests. One was
lodged among large trees sustaining it in an upright position; and
was re-launched with little damage. Another was lifted over a bluff,
and laid in front of a dwelling-house, blocking the front door. Some
damage was done at Falmouth; but in the Vineyard Sound the
waters were not heaped up as in Buzzard's Bay. In Hyannis, a brig
was driven ashore. On Buzzard's Bay, grass and all vegetation were
killed; trees, including oaks and pines, perished; cedar-swamps were
filled with sea-water destroying both shrubs and trees; Indian corn
was completely torn up or twisted to shreds; potatoes rotted; the rye
was killed; fences were promiscuously scattered abroad; wells and
springs were ruined. Fresh water was long a rarity; for besides the
overflow of wells, and springs, and watering places for cattle, even
wells not reached directly by the flood, were made salt. The spray
from the sea was like a driving snow storm. Many springs did not




608             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
generally, and private adventures met with rich rewards. To this last remark, however, there is to be
noted one important exception. Extensive manufacturing establishments had, during the period of nonintercourse with Great Britain and other countries,
sprung into existence.     The destitution of those articles that had been almost wholly supplied by English
manufactories, seemed, at the time, to promise ample
remuneration for these investments; and their first
success had been so encouraging, that an immense capital was soon employed in American manufacture, the
country beginning to be supplied from its own establishments with almost every species of merchandise.
The return of peace inundated the country with British goods; and the consequence was that our own
manufacturing establishments suffered severe embarrassment, many of them being entirely broken down,
and their enterprising owners were in many instances
involved in pecuniary ruin.
JOHN BROOKS was, this year, called to preside over the
commonwealth to succeed Gov. Strong; and for seven
successive years was reelected.1
recover for many years. Some fields were so washed, or covered
with sand, that they looked like a beach. It is remarkable too, that
where the English grasses were killed, wild grasses appeared the next
year; and in some places where the natural grasses were killed, clover
appeared the next year; and even where only mosses had grown,
grasses succeeded. The land actually was made better for tillage.
1 Gov. CALEB STRONG, whose last term of office was during the
difficult period of the war of 1812-15, was, because of his political
course, viewed with great disapprobation by the friends of the national
administration; and was as warmly commended by his supporters.
But as a member of the legislature from 1776 to 1780, and subsequently as a councillor, his ability was confessed by all. In forming
the constitution of Massachusetts in 1779, and that of the United




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               609
The   Congregational churches in the county were
authorized by special act to sell their several and collective shares in the Hersey estate; the management
of said estate being attended with great inconvenience
and expense, and as hitherto managed, the property
being unproductive.1 Credit is due to Dr. Hersey for
States in 1787, he took an active part. He was also senator in Congress from 1789 to 1797. With a reputation to the very close of life,
of fervent piety, he died Nov. 7, 1819, ae. 74.
1 Dr. Hersey's will directed that his estate, after the payment of a
legacy of ~500 to Harvard College, should vest in the thirteen Congregational churches, at that time, 1786, existing in the county; the
proportion to each was specified with minuteness; the deacons of the
several churches were constituted trustees and were to have the whole
care and management of the estate; and the manner of executing
their trust was specified with great particularity. The fences upon
the farm were to be kept entire - certain lots of land to be ploughed
in rotation, but not oftener than once in seven years; a limited quantity of wood cut, &c. The deacons were to pay over the net income
to the pastors who were to invest in books and distribute.  The books
were specified: one third part of' the net profits of the estate was
to be applied in purchasing Dr. Doddridge's Rise and Progress of
Religion in the Soul; one third part, Dr. Evans' Sermons on the
Christian Temper; twelve sixty-third parts, Grove's Discourse on the
Lord's Supper; eighteen sixty-third parts, Dr. Doddridge's Discourses
on Regeneration and his two Sermons on Salvation by Faith; nine
sixty-third parts, Doddridge's Discourses to Young People; twelve
sixty-third parts, Discourses, of the same, on the Education of Children; twelve sixty-third parts, Discourses, of the same, on the Grace
of Christ and the Evidences of Christianity. After the lapse of 100
years, ministers of the thirteen parishes (viz.: East Precinct, Barnstable, one eighth part; West Precinct, Barnstable, five sixty-fifth;
Sandwich, one fourteenth; Falmouth, one fourteenth; West Precinct,
Yarmouth, three twenty-eighths; East Precinct, Yarmouth, one fourteenth; North Precinct, Harwich, one fourteenth; South Precinct,
Harwich, three fifty-sixths; Chatham, one fourteenth; South Church
in Eastham, five fifty-sixths; North Precinct, Eastham, three fiftysixths; Wellfleet, three fifty-sixths; Truro, one fourteenth;) were to
be allowed to "select" other books "of like character - except that
VOL. I.       77




610              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
his good design; but the execution being impracticable, his dreams of the future must needs be, so far
as relates to the provisions of a most remarkable testamentary   document, pronounced by legislative enactment, illusory. It has been the fate of many: it need
not, therefore, be imputed to the worthy doctor's idiosyncrasy, that his carefully arranged programme was
set aside. That he occupied a conspicuous place among
skilful practitioners of the healing art, there can be no
question;l and that his bequest furnishes the          most
prominent, and until recently almost solitary, instance
of posthumous provisions among all the wills of prosperous denizens of the Cape departed this life, for
public benefit, is a fact that is distinguishing.2     It is,
indeed, a circumstance creditable to the medical profession that, whilst this particular bequest emanated
from one of the fraternity, so many of its distinguished
members have been conspicuous in walks of honor and
usefulness aside from their professional practice.    Some
were not only active in political life at eventful periods,
every fourth year the books purchased must forever be the books
afore specified." The whole will was peculiar. It was finally discovered that the annual meeting of so great a number of trustees (for
every church had three deacons) coming from many different towns,
together with other contingent expenses, exhausted the income. The
deacons doubtless had a social time of it once a year; but the ministers had little to invest in books for distribution.
1 See note, page 554.
2 It has been subject of remark and surprise among prominent men
in other parts of the State, that so little has been done by the favored
sons of Cape Cod, in the way of public endowments in their native
county. Their wealth has flowed into other channels. "There is,"
says one, "and ever will be an interest in places which have been
consecrated by the presence and labors of our relatives and friends
during their lives; and, to a generous mind, especial interest attaches
to the spot where their ashes repose."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                611
but filled offices of high     trust.l  The positions they
held, the influence they exerted in affairs of both church
and state,2 and not least their zeal in the advancement
of education and the diffusion of knowledge, speak well
for the brotherhood.
1 Gen. Freeman, Hon. John Davis, Dr. Thomas Smith, Dr. Savage,
&c. &c. &c.
2 Numbers of the clergy were practising physicians regularly educated as such.
3 The portrait of a medical gentleman, honored in his profession
and not less as a friend of science generally, is seen on the opposite
page. Although his career commenced about the time of Dr. Hersey's demise, we present the likeness in this connection as a worthy
embellishment of our present work - more especially as so few portraits are extant of those who adorning the medical profession devoted
also the full measure of their influence to give character to the age in
which they lived.
Dr. JONATHAN LEONARD was born in Bridgewater, Feb. 17, 1763;
grad. H. C. 1786; and settled in Sandwich in the practice of medicine about 1788-9.  By his marriage with Temperance, daughter of
Mr. Joshua Hall of the latter place May 10, 1796, the issue was
Francis Dana now of Yellow Springs, O.; Theodore of Greenfield,
Mass.; Jonathan of Sandwich; George Kingman who d. se. about 40,
leaving issue; and Charles Cushing. Dr. L. was of the 6th gen. from
Solomon who went early from Duxbury as one of the original proprietors of Bridgewater: - viz., was son of Jonathan of Bridgewater b.
1731, who m. Martha Washburn 1758 who d. 1804, a=. 73; who was
son of Joseph who m. Mary Packard; who was son of Joseph
who m. Hannah dr. of Rd. Jennings; who was son of John who d.
1699; who was son of Solomon the proprietor who d. 1686. Dr.
L. was eminent in his profession.  Early a member of the Mass.
Med. Soc., his alma mater conferred on him the honorary M. D. in
1824. About 60 years he was diligently and successfully engaged in
the duties of his profession in the town of his adoption, his name intimately associated with the healing art and his influence decided in
elevating the standard of professional character - his practice ever
marked with conscientious prudence - sympathizingly patient and
forbearing in his treatment of chronic complaints, and skilfully prompt
in epidemic or occasional diseases - characteristics always of a good




612              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
The Hon. James Freeman, high sheriff of the county,
died this year, Jan. 10, aC. 51.
For the repairs of the meeting-house in Mashpee,
$500 was granted by the legislature; -         incorporation
was granted to'the proprietors of Bass River Bridge,'
with authority to erect a bridge over said river at the
Narrows in the towns of Yarmouth and Dennis.1            Dennis was divided into North and South Precincts, the
public ministerial property to be divided in due proportion.2 Jurisdiction was ceded to the United States
of sites for lights on Race Point, Nashaun, and Point
Gammon.
physician. Unostentatious and humble, simple in his habits, gentlemanly in all his intercourse, a dignified sense of honor pervading his
whole life, the traits of kindness and liberality emphatically the law
of his heart, practically a believer in the precepts of Jesus, a good
citizen, a safe and judicious friend, he had the confidence and respect
of his associates and was held in esteem as far as his name was known.
An active promoter of the cause of education; ever zealous in the
progress of science; even a fondness for the culture of fruits and
flowers indicating that Nature's works were in his esteem among the
truest pleasures of life; -
"Observant, studious, thoughtful, and refreshed
By knowledge gathered up from day to day;"
he retained to the last a cheerful mind, and died Jan. 25, 1849, e. 86,
his memory cherished by many - his unsullied purity of example
the grateful inheritance of his posterity. His third son succeeds the
revered parent, in the profession, in Sandwich; and to the courtesy of
the three eldest we are indebted for the faithful engraving of the excellent likeness before us.
1 Other minor acts were passed: regulating the fisheries of herring,
alewives, perch, and eels, in Yarmouth and Dennis; incorporating the
Proprietors of Bass River Bridge, &c.; and a resolve for ascertaining
the validity of rights, privileges, &c. in the plantation of Mashpee,
claimed by Nathan Bourne in right of his ancestors.
2 These parishes were to be "divided by the following described
lines: Beginning at the division line between the towns of Yarmouth




-------------------------  ---------- ------------ ---                                                 ----                                                                       ----------
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ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             613
CHAPTER XXVI.
Commercial Reverses. - The Mails and Post Offices. -Florida. - Separation of Maine. - Missouri Compromise. - Falmouth Bank. - Pirates. -
Political Exasperations. - The Tariff. - Cape Cod Harbor. - Glass Manufacture.- Disasters at Sea. -Barnstable Bank. - Public Offices destroyed. - Political Changes. - Treaties.
IN 1817, Mr. Madison's term of office having expired,
and JAMES MONROE having been elected to the Presidency, he took the oath prescribed by the Constitution,
March 4.
Foreign merchandise      continued   to  inundate   the
country; and the specie borrowed in Europe at an
excessive premium, as well as that previously in the
country, was rapidly leaving it to pay the balance
against us. Commerce was, therefore, less flourishing
than had been anticipated. Much of the legitimate
trade was in the hands of foreigners; many ships were
lying at the wharves, unemployed, and the multiplication of vessels nearly ceased.
We find the towns this year, strange as to us it now
appears, petitioning the Postmaster General or Congress, for a mail twice a week to Brewster, and, if practicable, to Provincetown.1 We can scarcely realize that
and Dennis, in the road to Chatham, near the Welden's; thence easterly in sd. road opposite the house of Seth Bangs; thence easterly on
such a course as to strike the easterly line of the said town of Dennis
at a point therein which is the N. W. corner of the town of Harwich,
and the S. W. corner of the town of Brewster, near the White Pond
so called."
1 See Appendix B.




614             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
so short a time back, such a measure was necessary;
when we consider the present advantage of daily, and
in many of the towns, twice daily mails. We also
find that a company was incorporated by the name
of " The Eastham   and Orleans Canal Proprietors," for
opening a canal from the head of Nauset Cove to Boat
Meadow Creek.
We pass over the year 1818, as one of not much public interest comparatively. Nothing of special local interest occurred save the incorporation of "The South
Congregational Society in Barnstable."
In 1819, a treaty was negotiated at Washington,
bearing date Feb. 23, between John Q. Adams, Secretary of State, and Don Onis, the Spanish Minister, by
which Spain ceded to the United States the Floridas
and adjacent islands.      One of the prominent men
which the Cape contributed in great numbers to Maine
in its early settlement, Maj. George Lewis, died this
year at an advanced age.l -   Alpheus Childs and others
were incorporated as the Falmouth Wharf Company.
1 Maj. LEWIS emigrated from Barnstable after the revolutionary
war, 1784, to Gorham. Rev. Dr. Prentiss, editor of the memoirs of
his brother the distinguished and talented S. S. Prentiss of Mississippi, whose maternal grandfather was Maj. Lewis, says of him: " He
was a man of great weight of character, excellent understanding, and
was noted for the earnestness of his religious and political convictions." He was an officer of the church; and Dr. P. says, "One
might have gone far before finding a truer specimen of the Puritan deacon or of the old-fashioned Washingtonian federalist. Before emigrating to Maine, he had been out in the revolutionary war, served as
an officer in the battle of Bunker Hill, and was deeply imbued with
the spirit of the times. Among Maj. L.'s intimate friends, were his
cousin Hon. Geo. Thacher of Biddeford, Gen. Peleg Wadsworth,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               615
In   1820, the    Constitution   of Massachusetts was
amended.     MAINE was also made a distinct and independent State. Its separation had for some years been
the subject of discussion; but hitherto it had remained
a Province. A large proportion of its inhabitants originated from Cape Cod,1 and from an early period nearly
Judge Longfellow, and Hon. Prentiss Mellen, Chief Justice of Me.;
when visited by these friends, the state of the country was an invariable subject of discourse, and they would often sit up till midnight,
absorbed in political discussions. Maj. L., like many others of the
same political school,'hated Mr. Jefferson with perfect hatred.'"He m. 1st Mary Davis of Be. Oct. 12, 1760, who d. 1782, and 2d
Desire Parker Jan. 27, 1783, who d. 1815. Issue: Mehitable, July
21, 1762, who m. Crocker; Lothrop, Feb. 13, 1764; Sarah, Jan. 13,
1766, who m. Peabody; Annah, March 21, 1768, who m. Darling;
James, Aug. 21, 1770; Ansel, Feb. 2, 1773; George, March 28,
1775; Daniel, July 22, 1777; Mary, Sept. 29, 1779; and Robert and
Abigail, gem., Nov. 12, 1782; the latter m. Prentiss. The whole of
this numerous family were b. in Barnstable, and most of them lived to
a great age. The eldest son, Hon. LOTHROP LEWIS, b. 1764, and d.
Oct. 9, 1822, removed with his father to Gorham, was " a man of eminent worth, mildness and dignity of character - a model of public
virtue."  The second son, Rev. JAMES LEWIS, b. in Be. 1770, and d.
Aug. 19, 1855, in Me., was a venerated elder and local preacher of
the Meth. Ep. church; of whom his biographer says, " There are few
men in Me. who have been in the ministry so long or whose Christian
labors have been fraught with such abundant and lasting good." It
has been estimated that during the 55 yrs. of his ministry, he officiated
at 1500 funerals- sometimes travelling 40 miles for the purpose.
His labors were chiefly divided among the towns within a circuit of
90 miles from his farm; and yet he never received a dollar for his
ministerial services. Another son, GEORGE, d. Sept. 19, 1857; and
yet another, Rev. DANIEL, Sept. 20, 1849.
1 It were a task indeed to undertake to trace all the removals from
the Cape to the Province of Maine. Besides the settlement of Gorham almost exclusively by Cape people, the early history of nearly
all the old towns in Maine shows that the Cape was largely represented in their beginning and progress. Phinney, Lombard, Gorham,
Lewis, Freeman, Bodfish, Cobb, Smith, Snow, Ellis, Treat, Thacher,




616             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
all the Patres conscripti of the Cape towns have been represented in their descendants scattered thickly over the
Pine State. The population of Maine at this time numbered 298,335. The number of the inhabitants of the
United States, as appeared by the census this year, was
found to be 9,718,135, of whom 1,543,688 were slaves.
The census of Massachusetts showed 523,287; that of
Barnstable Co., 24,431.
The great question which was now destined to agitate the country and apparently to threaten the stability of the Union, came up before Congress, from
Missouri.   The celebrated     compromise" was passed;
the end of altercation between the two great sections
of our country, however, we regret being obliged to
say, was not yet to be.
A vacancy was occasioned in the senatorial representation from   this county, by the decease of Hon.
Solomon Freeman of Brewster.'
Doane, Paine, Davis, Fuller, Hamblin, Foster, Eldridge, Dillingham,
Weeks, Wing, Hoxie, Tupper, Young, Burgess, Sears, Toby, Hatch,
Howes, Hall, Jenkins, Jennings, Jones, Johnson, Knowles, Nickerson,
Percival, Bowman, Thornton, Hallett, Lovell, Hinckley, and a host of
others, are names that having been transferred to the Kennebec, Penobscot, or elsewhere, are largely represented in "the eastern country."  See Appendix C.
1 Hon. SOLOMON FREEMAN d. Nov. 9, 1820, greatly esteemed and
much lamented. He had been a leading man and had filled many
responsible stations. He was son of Hon. Solomon, b. 1732-3, who
also was for many years senator, judge of the Ct. Com. Pleas, delegate for the adoption of the Federal Constitution, &c., and a lineal
descendant from Mr. Edmund Freeman Sr., the earliest of the assistants and magistrates from the Cape, who d. 1682. We have referred
(p. 568) to the place of interment of the aged progenitor of so many
bearing the name now widely scattered over every part of the Union;
and our allusion to " the saddle and pillion" may justly demand a
word of explanation. When the original proprietor of Sandwich was




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               617
In 1821, the Independence of the South American
Republics was recognized by the United States.           The
Falmouth     Bank   was incorporated, Feb. 14; capital
$100,000; also the Salt Manufacturing Co. of Billingsgate Island, capital $50,000.
called, in old age, to bury his wife, it is well understood that monuments wrought and lettered were not to be easily obtained. The venerable man calling his sons to his aid, suggested that some memorial
should mark the spot where the mortal remains of their mother had
been committed to the earth; and, directing them to follow with a
team, led the way to a large stone, or rock, which in shape resembled
a pillion. This being conveyed from a distant field, was placed over
the recent grave. Admonished by bereavement and age that his own
time might be short, he caused yet another stone to be brought from
an adjoining field, the form of which stone he fancied to resemble a
saddle. These emblems of the conveniences on which the aged
couple had long rode to the house of God in company, he thought
proper should rest on their respective graves. Designating the precise spot in which he would be buried, and placing the' saddle " beside
it, the three together proceeded to enclose the area by a massive circular wall, containing within the enclosure two venerable oaks.
"Hither, after death has taken your father," said he, " bring me and
lay my remains by the side of your mother; then place upon my
grave the intended stone, and here let us remain undisturbed until
the resurrection day." Within the recollection of persons yet living,
the remains of those ancient trees were standing and the last vestiges
of the wall were removed - the title having passed into the hands of
those of another name; but neither the two graves nor the rude monuments placed over them have ever been disturbed. The land, again,
some half-century since, came into possession of the blood; and it has
been the design of successive owners that the spot be considered as
sacred. And, inasmuch as a considerable area around the two graves
was clearly the ancient burial-place of others, the present owner,
Watson Freeman Esq., U. S. Marshal for the District of Mass., has,
with filial devotion and commendable liberality, caused a survey of
the land that he may invest the title in perpetual trust —to be used
for no future burials, but -to be held forever protected from secular
use as the resting-place of the mortal remains of venerated progenitors. It is also in contemplation, of himself and others, if circumVOL. I.       78




618              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1822, Gen. Joseph Dimmick, of revolutionary
fame, and sometime high sheriff, died Sept. 21, at advanced age. - Great annoyance to commerce was sufstances favor, to erect there a suitable monument with inscription; but
so placed as not to infringe on " the saddle and pillion."  The location
is about 1~ miles west of the Town Hall in Sandwich. The two sons
of Edmund Sr.- Edmund Jr. b. 1622 and John b. 1629, (see pages
461 and 601) -have descendants numerous on the Cape, and far
more numerous elsewhere. Edmund Jr. remained in Sandwich; John
removed to Eastham. Both m. drs. of Gov. Prince; and both sons
were much in public life, holding prominent positions in their respective towns, or as deputies to the General Court, &c. John was also a
military man, an assistant in the government of the colony, and the
first magistrate commissioned in the county after the union of the
Plymouth Colony with Mass. - Genealogy to be resumed hereafter.
It is proper to say in this place that in the order of our genealogical
notices we are governed by no rule or suggestion of precedence.
Genealogical notes are made when and where most convenient. Numerous important ones are delayed simply to gain a more accurate
knowledge of facts and data. Thus much to guard against a supposition that invidious preferences are intended.
1 Gen. JOSEPH DIIMICK, a lineal descendant of elder Thomas of
Barnstable, d. Sept. 21, 1822, m. 88. He m. Mary Meiggs, April 17,
1759.  Issue: Braddock, Feb. 26, 1761; Prince, Feb. 11, 1763;
Martha, Nov. 16, 1764, who m. Joseph Crocker, Nov. 23, 1785, and
d. Dec. 20, 1836; Temperance, Aug. 9, 1766, who m. 1st Palmer, 2d
Davis, and d. 1847; Mary, March 16, 1768, who m. Timo. Crocker,
Oct. 1, 1792, and d. 1834; Joseph, April 27, 1770; Anselm, March
16, 1772; William, March 16, 1774 and d. early; Tabitha, June 26,
1776, who m. 1st Elisha Sherman of Roch. Jan. 20, 1799, and 2d
Elijah Bourne, Jan. 16, 1814; and John, Dec. 16, 1779. Early enlisted in his country's cause, he served as lt. of the militia under Gen.
Abercrombie at Ticonderoga; and at the opening of the revolution
took a decided stand on the side of liberty- always firm, efficient,
brave. The utmost confidence was reposed in his fidelity, good judgment, and indomitable energy. He shrunk from no danger in his
country's service; his presence was always inspiring to his associates,
and his name was respected though feared by the enemy. He was
early a professor of religion, and maintained a consistent Christian life.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               619
fered by the West Indian seas being infested by pirates;
and measures were taken by government to abate the
evil.  The United States schooner Alligator captured a
piratical schooner, and recaptured sundry vessels belonging to Americans, that had fallen into piratical
hands. -Acts were passed ceding to the United States,
jurisdiction of part of Billingsgate Island for the erection of a lighthouse; to regulate the firing of coal
pits, &c.1
The year 1823 was one of much political excitement. WILLIAM EUSTIS was elected to the chief magistracy of the State,2 and the change of administration
1 It would occupy too much space to detail all the minor acts of
legislation designed to meet the exigencies of the Cape; although we
are aware that these indicate in some degree the progress being made.
The last-named act, with subsequent similar legislation, had become
highly necessary to prevent damage to the public as well as the proprietors of extensive wood-lands in the several adjoining towns. The
negligence of some engaged in making charcoal or clearing up brushwood, and the disasters occasioned by the injudicious selection of times
for burning, became a source of frequent alarm. In addition to the
above acts, were those for the preservation of the lobster fishery in
Provincetown; and for the incorporation of Bass River Lower Bridge
Co. between Dennis and Yarmouth, authorized to build' with draw'
and receive toll.
2 Gov. BRooKS who now retired, whose early years were spent on
his father's farm with no other advantages of education than those of
a common school, had early become conspicuous both as an eminent
physician and a military man. His services in the high offices he
held in the army during the revolutionary period, are recorded to his
honor. He filled with credit, subsequent to his retirement from the
army, several important offices previous to his being called to the
gubernatorial chair. No one questioned his integrity and devoted
patriotism; and he was as much beloved in private life as he was distinguished in his official career by judicious and unwearied labors for
the public — good. He died March 1, 1825, 8. 72 - "a humble and
devoted Christian."




620              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
called forth a renewal of former exasperations.l         Articles were this year entered into by the United States
and Great Britain, authorizing the commissioned officers of each nation to capture and detain ships of the
1 The temper of the public mind may be inferred from the answer
of the House of Representatives, in June, to Gov. Eustis' inaugural
address: "The change of political sentiment, evinced in the late elections, forms, indeed, a new era in the history of our Commonwealth.
It is the triumph of reason over passion, of patriotism over party
spirit. Massachusetts has returned to her first love and is no longer
a stranger in the Union. And it is with peculiar pleasure we recognize in her chief magistrate, one who contended first for the freedom
and independence of these States, and, afterwards, for the continuance
of their sovereignty and existence as a nation; and whose whole life
has been devoted to his country. We rejoice that, though, during the
last war, such measures were adopted in this State, as occasioned
double sacrifice of treasure and of life; covered the friends of the
nation with humiliation and mourning, and fixed a stain on the page
of our history; a redeeming spirit has at length arisen to take away
our reproach, and restore to us our good name, our rank among our
sister States, and our just influence in the Union. And while we rejoice that the rising generations, who could have had no agency in
these measures, appear to have taken so earnest and so honorable an
interest to redeem our character; we rejoice, also, that our redemption
has come, while most of those whose heads were bowed down with
affliction are yet in existence and can once more look up and behold
the cheering light which shines on their native State.
"Though we would not renew contentions, or irritate wantonly, we
believe that there are cases, when it is necessary, we should'wound
to heal.' And we consider it among the first duties of the friends of
our national government, on this return of power, to disavow the unwarrantable course pursued by this State during the late war; and to
hold up the measures of that period as beacons, that the present and
succeeding generations may shun that career which must inevitably
terminate in the destruction of the individual or the party who pursues it; and may learn the, important lesson that, in all times, the
path of duty is the path of safety; and that it is never dangerous to
rally around the standard of our country....
"The House of Representatives appreciate the wisdom and moder



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         621
other when found engaged in the slave trade.-A site
for a lighthouse on Monomoy Point, Chatham, was
ceded to the United States.-Hon. Ezra Sampson, a
native of Barnstable, well known by several valuable
publications, died Dec. 12, ae. 74, at Hudson, N. Y.
In 1824, Aug. 13, Gen. LA FAYETTE visited the United
States, and became a nation's guest. Before his return
to France, Congress voted him  $200,000 and a township of land as a testimony of gratitude for revolutionary services. During his visit he had the mournful
satisfaction of taking by the hand a few, and comparatively few only, of the gray-headed veterans of the
revolution. Though nearly half a century had passed
away, his faithful memory had retained both the countenances and the names of those who had been his
companions in arms. His progress through the States,
was, as right it should be, one continued triumph, —
the most illustrious of any on the page of history; for
his, was, every where, the tribute of a free, enlightened,
grateful people.
The tariff-question now agitated the country. A bill
for a new tariff was passed. But the great and absorbing topic was the presidential election.    There
were, in one sense, no parties, strictly so called, in existence during the canvass. The existing state of things
was quite an anomaly, which we know not how better to express than to say, there were several factions,
consisting of partisans of most distinguished, able, and
ation of your excellency's predecessor who is followed to his retirement with the gratitude of this whole people. They will never forget
his personal sacrifices and services in the war of the revolution; and
the sacrifice of a son who bore up his name in' the late war that terminated with so much glory to our nation.'"




622             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
patriotic men, Adams, Jackson, Clay, Crawford, and
Calhoun.1
The Hon. GEORGE THACHER, judge of the Supreme
Judicial Court of Massachusetts, died April 6, se. 70.2
1 The incorporation of the proprietors and owners of Eastern Harbor meadows and beaches in Truro, is the only local event we may
record.
2 See notice of Judge Thacher's ancestry, pages 142-5. We here
resume the family genealogy: Col. and Hon. JOHN THACHER, s. of
Mr. Anthony, who d. in Yarmouth May 8, 1713, se. 75, m. 1st Rebecca Winslow of Marshfield Nov. 6, 1664, and 2d Lydia Gorham,
dr. of John Esq. of Be. Jan. 1, 1684, who d. Aug. 2, 1744, se. 84.
Issue: Peter May 26, 1665, at Y.; Josiah April 26, 1667; Rebecca
June 1, 1669, who m. 1st James Sturgis, 2d Ebenezer Lewis; Bethia
July 10, 1671, who m. James Payne; John Jan. 28, 1674; Elizabeth
June 19, 1677, who m. Moses Hatch of F.; Hannah Aug. 19, 1679,
who d. 1689; Mary Aug. 3, 1682, who d. early; Lydia Feb. 11,
1684, who m. Joseph Freeman of H.; Mary Feb. 5, 1686, who m.
Shubael Gorham of Be.; Desire Dec. 24, 1688, who m. Josiah
Crocker of Be.; Hannah Oct. 9, 1690, who m. Nathaniel Otis and
settled in Colchester, Ct.; Mercy July 22, 1692, who d. early; Judah
Aug. 20, 1693; Mercy Dec. 8, 1695, who d. early; Anna May 7,
1697, who m. John Lothrop of F. and went to Tolland, Ct.; Joseph
July 11, 1699; Benjamin June 25, 1701; Mercy Feb. 7, 1703, who
m. 1st Joshua Sears and went to Norwalk, Ct., 1724, and 2d James
Harris of Saybrook; and Thomas April 2, 1705. Col. T. was early
lt., sel. man. 20 years, rep. 1668-83 excepting one or two years, of the
council of war 1681 several years, assistant 5 years, of the council
soon after the Union most of the time to 1812 about 20 years. Greatly
honored and esteemed, he was buried under arms, and his grave-stone
was the first with an inscription put up in Yarmouth, being brought
from England.- Hon. PETER THACHER, eldest s. of Col. John, who
d. se. 71, m. Thankful Sturgis, and had Thankful Jan. 13, 1693-4,
who m. John Hallett of Y.; Peter- Dec. 11, 1695, who d. early; Sarah
Feb. 2, 1708-9, who m. Geo. Lewis of Be.; Temperance Sept. 16,
1711; Peter Aug. 24, 1712; and Hannah Aug. 10, 1715. Mr. T.
was just. C. C. P. 1720, chf. just. 1728, and several years of the council. He was a humble Christian, and much esteemed. - Lt. PETER
TIIACHER, s. of Hon. Peter, m. Anner dr. of Geo. Lewis of Be., and




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aD~








ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             623
In 1825 the quiet and prosperous administration of
Mr. Monroe being about to expire, and the electors
having failed to make choice of a successor, the duty
devolved on the House of Representatives by whom
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS was chosen, Feb. 9; and he was
inaugurated March 4.
Gov. Eustis' death occurring Feb. 6,' Lieut. Gov.
MARCUS MORTON presided to the close of the political
year, when LEVI LINCOLN, being elected, assumed the
had Josiah July 22, 1735; Peter Nov. 25, 1737; Temperance Feb.
25, 1739; Lewis March 15, 1741, who d. inf.; Lewis, who d. early;
Thankful Feb. 28, 1744, who d. Xe. about 18; Anna who died early;
Sarah June 5, 1749, who m. Isaac Gorham; Lewis Nov. 23, 1751,
who d. 1778; George April 12, 1754; and Thomas Jan. 20, 1757.Hon. GEORGE THACHER, s. of Peter 2d, who grad. H. C. 1776, and
d. April 6, 1824, ae. 70, m. Sarah, dr. of Samuel P. Savage Esq. of
Weston, July 20, 1784, having located at Biddeford, Me. Issue:
Samuel P. April 1785, who practised law at Saco, m. Jane C. D.
Savage, had 2 drs. who with himself d. at Mobile, Ala., 1842; Sally
1787, who m. Joseph Adams Esq. of E. Sudbury; George Sept. 1790,
who grad. H. C. 1812, m. Lucy Bigelow, practised law in Saco, was
collector at Belfast, and d. at Westford 1857, leaving 3 drs.; Lucy S.
1792, who m. Abner Sawycr Jr. of Saco; Henry S. Jan. 25, 1794,
who m. Eliz. Haven Wardrobe of Portsmouth Sept. 26, 1822, and
was cashier of the Saco Bank, then of the York Bank of S., 25 years,
and has sons and drs.; Lewis Jan. 16, 1796, who m. Mary Goodrich
of N. Y., and d. 1830; Anna L. 1797, who m. Charles T. Savage of
Newburyport Sept. 20, 1821; Josiah 1800, who m. Jane Scammon of
Saco, and d. 1836; Nancy B.; and Eliza J., who m. John T. Balch
of N. Y. A biographical sketch of Judge T. will be found in Chap.
xxix. - For the engraved portrait of Hon. Mr. Thacher, herewith
presented, we are indebted to the courtesy of his son, Mr. Henry S.
Thacher, and the liberality of other relatives.
1 Gov. WILLIAM EUSTIS was by profession a physician, and was a
surgeon in the army of the revolutionary war. He was elected to
Congress in 1800, and appointed secretary of war in 1809. He was
ambassador to Holland in 1815; and again, in 1821 and for four successive sessions, was in Congress. He died Feb. 6, 1825, a. 71.




624              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
chair of state, continuing     long in    office.  The provisions of the act of 1786 in regard to the preservation
of the Cape harbor were found to have been " sadly
neglected; the trees had been cut down for fuel and
other purposes, and the lands of the Commonwealth
treated as if free to the inroads of any one; the strip
and waste depriving the sands of their natural protector, they were at the mercy of the winds; and, as
was anticipated, the sands had been and continued to
be forced over the meadows to their great detriment,
and also into the north-east part of the harbor.       These
injurious consequences were more immediately appreciated by the inhabitants of Truro, and the selectmen
of that town petitioned the General Court to take
measures to protect East and Cape Cod harbors." 1 -       The
1 So says the report of the legislative committee of 1854; and the
result of the application at this present time, was the appointment of
commissioners to examine the harbor and ascertain and estimate the
danger to be apprehended of damage to the same; the necessity of measures to obviate the evil; the measures that may be necessary for the
purpose; and the probable expense. Messrs. Zabdiel Sampson and
Nymphas Marston, in their report, stated that the trees having been
cut down and the beach grass destroyed on the seaward side of the
Cape, the sand was constantly being driven in great quantities towards
the harbor. They made reference to the utter disregard of the existing laws for the preservation of the beaches and harbor, on this wise:
"The space where a few years since were some of the highest lands
on the Cape, covered with trees and bushes, now presents an extensive
waste of undulating sand." They recommended prohibiting " by severe penalties neat cattle, horses, and sheep from going at large on
the Province Lands - the cutting of beach grass and woods - and
the pulling up of any roots, shrubs, trees, or grasses;" and also
proposed "the cultivation of beach grass, the setting out of such grass
on the Cape and on Long Beach, and the construction of a brush fence
on said beach."  The estimated cost of this work was $3600.  The
result of this report was a resolve " that the senators of this Commonwealth in Congress be instructed and the representatives requested,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             625
Hion. JOHN DAVIs, judge of probate, died May 27, e. 80 —
years - universally respected- an upright judge, a
faithful physician, a most estimable citizen.
A flint-glass manufactory was established in Sandwich, the present year, by individual enterprise.
Ground was broken in April, dwellings for the artisans
and other workmen were built, and the first design of
the establishment was so far executed that the glass
blowing commenced on the 4th July. The following
year the establishment was purchased of the proprietor, and, as will appear, the company purchasing was
incorporated.
This year also occurred one of those often recurring
disasters that involve Cape families in deep affliction.
A vessel, M. Graton master, returning from Charleston,
S. C., in the month of May, was lost, in which as passengers were some thirty or more of the most estimable
young men of the upper towns.1 Nor was this the only
disaster: the year was peculiarly afflictive to Truro.
Many of its most active and enterprising citizens found
to use their endeavors to procure an appropriation by Congress for
the purpose of preventing the destruction of Provincetown harbor."
The application to Congress was so far effectual that, May 20, 1826,
$3500 was appropriated. The amounts appropriated by Congress,
at various times, "for the preservation of Cape Cod Harbor," were as
late as 1838, as follows:May 20, 1826,   $3500            March 3, 1835,  $4400
March 2, 1831,   2050            July 2, 1836,    4400
July 3, 1832,    4600            July 7, 1838,    4500
June 28, 1834,   4400
Total,  $27,850
1 These were generally mechanics returning from their annual sojourn during the healthy seasons in prosecution of their business in South
Carolina. Of the number were Charles Bassett, William Tobey, Isaac
Bates, Ezra Bourne, Howland Fish, William Crowell, and Henry
Crowell, all of Sandwich. The others were of neighboring towns.
VOL. I.       79




626             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
a watery grave whilst engaged in their avocations upon
the great deep.   A monument erected in the burying
ground of that town, to commemorate the lost, tells of
an event that carried the cry of sad distress into a
large portion of the families of the place.'
The Barnstable Bank, located in Yarmouth, was incorporated Feb. 26.2   Other legislation of a less public
nature was had.3
In 1826, a treaty of commerce, navigation, &c., between Denmark and the United States was concluded;
and a similar treaty with the federation of Central
America.
Whilst the people of these States were engaged in
celebrating their national anniversary, July 4, John
Adams and Thomas Jefferson died; the day being the
completion of the first half century of our Independence.   The coincidence is more remarkable from       the
fact that these distinguished statesmen and ex-presidents were the first on the committee for preparing the
1 It was stated in the journals of the day that nearly 600 seamen
belonging to various fishing towns in Mass. were lost by the succession of severe storms that occurred this year. Among those belonging to Truro, were Capt. Reuben Snow and Thomas Hopkins who
were lost at sea near Provincetown in the month of Jan.; Leonard
Snow, Moses Collins, John Snow, Henry Snow, Jonathan Collins,
Jonathan C. Lee and John S. Molany, who shared the same fate June
1; and Ephraim Atkins, James Lewis, David Dobbs, Parker Lambert, Joseph Smith, and Francis Churchil, lost by the foundering of
their vessel on the Grand Bank in March or April.
2 The capital of this bank, when first established in 1825, was
$100,000; increased in 1835, to $150,000; in 1848, to $200,000; in
1851, to $300,000; and in 1854, to $350,000.
3 Additional legislation for the preservation of forests and woodlands; regulating the eel fishery in Harwich, the lobster and clam
fishery in Truro, and the taking of alewives in Harwich.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        627
Declaration of Independence, one the writer, the other
the foremost advocate of that memorable document;
they were also respectively at the head of the two
opposite parties that early divided the country in its
political views. Differences of opinion, however, did not
sunder their mutual esteem and friendship, nor did
death separate them.
The first printed newspaper attempted in the county
was commenced this year at Falmouth.l   The Boston
and Sandwich Glass Manufacturing Co. was incorporated Feb. 22, capital $300,000. The capital was subsequently increased. - Sites for lights were ceded to the
United States, the one on Long Point, Provincetown,
the other on Sandy Neck, in Barnstable. Additional
legislation was had for the preservation of Cape Cod
harbor; as also the protection of the lobster, tautog,
bass, and other fisheries in Falmouth.
In 1827, the revision of the tariff, with a view to
afford adequate protection to American manufactures,
again occupied the deliberations of Congress. The result was the passing a bill to that end, May 13, which
was not only the cause of dissatisfaction to the country,
but entirely unconformable to the wishes of the advocates of a protecting system.
The burning of the County House in Barnstable, a
brick building and intended to be fire-proof, at night,
Oct. 22, with ninety-three folios of Records of Deeds,
also numerous deeds left for record and remaining in
the office, vols. 29, 44 and 46 of the Probate Records,
and other records and papers, was a serious calamity.3
1 See Appendix D.                2 See Appendix E.
3 The first record of a deed, made in this county, was Oct. 6, 1666 
previous to that time the recording was done at Plymouth.




628           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
— The Chatham and Harwich Manufacturing Co., for
cotton and woollens, in Harwich, was incorporated.
That there should be cherished a disposition to vary
the industrial pursuits of the Cape, is natural; but observation has hitherto shown that such attempts in the
lower towns are rather spasmodic than enduring, and
that the seas claim a transcending influence.1
The 4th of July, this year, witnessed the demise of
ex-president Monroe.
In 1828, Jan. 16, an extra term of the Court of Sessions was authorized, " to take measures for the erection
of county buildings in consequence of the late destruction by fire;" and, March 10, an act was passed by the
General Court to remedy as far as possible the loss of
records. It was made the duty of the selectmen of
each town to cause to be fairly recorded all deeds for
conveyance of any real estate or any interest therein,
lying in their respective towns, which shall be brought
to them for the purpose, and which bear date not more
than forty years back and have been recorded in the
registry of deeds of the county before the 23d of Oct.
last; the said books of records then to be deposited in
the office of the register of deeds for the county, and
to be as effectual in law as the first records destroyed
by fire. -Sites for lights were ceded to the United
States, the one Dumpling Rock in Buzzard's Bay, the
other Nobsque Point in Falmouth. - The Rev. TIMOTHY
ALDEN, the venerable pastor at Yarmouth, died this
year, at the age of 92; also Col. John Freeman of Sandwich, June 8, aged 65.
During the year, the approaching Presidential elecSee Appendix F.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      629
tion was the engrossing topic of political discussion, as
again in 1832. The result of the election is memorable from the fact that the great man himself whose
name was preferred by the American people, made no
use of those demagogical arts that are supposed to be
the resort of popular leaders where democratic institutions prevail. The zeal, however, with which the contest was waged by the respective partisans of both the
candidates was highly acrimonious.
In 1829, ANDREW JACKSON became President of the
United States, and remained the head of the Government two terms. Addressing himself to "the task of
reform," great changes were made by the removal of
officers of every department. The condition of the
country was one of unexampled prosperity; at peace
with all nations; the national debt in a course of rapid
diminution; the treasury plethoric; the revenue annually exceeding by a large surplus the demands of government; and agriculture, commerce, and manufactures
in a flourishing state. The first message of the President excited intense interest throughout the Union.
The tariff, internal improvements, our Indian affairs,
and the United States Bank, as well as executive appointments, became prominent and universal subjects
of discussion.
Chatham Academy was incorporated March 2; the
Provincetown Fire and Marine Insurance Co. was incorporated June 12; certain estates were annexed from
Truro to Provincetown; and David Dimmick and others
were authorized to erect and maintain a wharf at Red
Brook in Sandwich.
In 1830, a new treaty of commerce was concluded




630              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
with Great Britain, by which the ports of that power
were, in the West Indies, South America, the Bahamas,
Bemudas, &c., thrown open to the vessels of the United
States; and the ports of the United States to British
vessels coming from those places. The result of this
arrangement, it has been      said, was the giving of the
carrying trade between this country and the West Indies, to Great Britain chiefly.
A treaty with Turkey also, gave to the United States
the free navigation of the Black Sea, and the trade of
the Turkish Empire.
The decease of the Hon. Wendell Davis of Sandwich
who had filled positions of much prominence in the
county occurred this year.l
1 Hon. WENDELL DAVIS was the son of Thomas of Plymouth, b.
in Albany, 1722, and g. s. of Thomas of Albany, who m. Catharine
Wendell and emigrated to N. Carolina and settled on the N. side of
Albemarle Sound near Little River in Hertford Co., not far from
Edenton. The father came to Plymouth from N. C. abt. 1742. He
was a successful merchant, and d. March 7, 1785. By m. with Mercy
dr. of the first Barnabas Hedge, he had Sarah, June 29, 1754, who m.
Le Baron Bradford and d. Nov. 10, 1818; Thomas, June 26, 1756,
who was several years treas'r of the Commonwealth, and d. Jan. 21,
1805; William, July 13, 1758, a prosperous merchant and influential
citizen; John, June 25, 1761, who was 40 yrs. judge of U. S. Dist.
Court, and d. Jan. 14,1847; Samuel, March 5, 1765, the distinguished
antiquarian, who d. July 10, 1829; Isaac P., Oct. 7, 1771, to whom
Mr. Webster in token of long and close friendship dedicated the 2d
vol. of his works, and who d. Dec. 30, 1830; and Wendell, Feb. 13,
1776. The latter grad. H. C. 1796, was ad. to the bar 1799 and settled in Sandwich, where, 1802, he m. Caroline Williams, dr. of Dr.
Thos. Smith by his 2d wife the dr. of Rev. Abraham Williams. Issue:
Wendell Bayard, July 17, 1803, grad. H. C. 1823, d. whilst a theol.
student at C., March 8, 1827; Sam'l H., April 1, 1808, who d. in
Boston, Nov. 14, 1831; George Thomas, Jan. 12, 1810, grad. H. C.
1829, ad. to the bar 1832, settled at Greenfield, Mass., Senate 184041, Cong. 1851-3; and Wendell Thornton, April 12, 1818, grad. H.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               631
CHAPTER XXVII.
Bank Veto.-French Spoliations. -New Tariff. - Nullification threatened.- The Cholera. -Mashpee, enlarged Privileges to.- The Deposits. - Panic. - Surplus Revenue. - Commercial Crisis. - Celebration at Barnstable. -Agricultural Society. -Disasters at Sea. -The
Cambria. - Cape Cod Railroad. - Severe Winter. - Successive Events.
- Mashpee Indians.  Cape Cod Association organized. -Province
Lands. - Celebration. - Provincetown Bank. - Bank of Cape Cod.Telegraphs. - Propagation of Fish. - Representation. - Canal.
IN 1831, the Bank of the United States, whose charter was to expire in 1836, was destined, by the Presidential veto, and the impossibility of obtaining the
constitutional majority for passing the bill for its recharter without the signature of the President, to cease
to be a national institution.
A treaty with France was negotiated, and Louis
Philippe agreed to pay the United States 25,000,000
francs, to indemnify for spoliations on American commerce made under the decrees of Napoleon. The sum
stipulated did not amount to more than one third of
the just claims of the citizens of the United States, but
the  liquidation, even    on   terms so    unfavorable, was
C. 1838, ad. to the bar 1841, mem. legislature from Greenfield 1852,'53,'57. - Mr. Davis was clerk Mass. Senate; afterwards senator,
as also rep. from the town of S., and several years high sheriff of
Barnstable County. He d. Dec. 30, 1830, and was buried in Plymouth. Of his maternal ancestry were Gov. Bradford, Elder Brewster, Richard Warren, &c. Mlrs. Davis, who was a woman of fine
education, unusual elegance of person, and highly accomplished, survived her husband many years.




632           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
hailed with the pleasing hope of realizing something
from their just dues so long deferred. It is to be regretted that nearly all of the original claimants that
then survived, were fated by the remissness of their
own country to fulfil its obligations to them, to go
down to their graves with disappointed expectations.
The Institution for Savings, in Barnstable, was incorporated Jan. 1829; the Duck Harbor and Beach Co.
in the town of Wellfleet; the Union Wharf Co. in
Truro; the Skinnaquits Fishing Co. in Harwich; and
an act was passed for the preservation of the harbor,
&c., in the west side of Griffin's Island.
The year 1832 was the period of threatened nullification on the part of South Carolina. A new tariff
bill was passed in Congress, in consequence of which
the " State's rights party," as they were at first called,
prepared themselves by high excitement, for rash
measures and consequent humiliation. - That terrible
scourge, the Asiatic cholera, also made its first appearance in this country.
Incorporation was granted to the Fishing Insurance Co. of Provincetown, for taking marine risks
on vessels employed in the fishing and coasting business, &c., which object was afterwards extended; to the
Salt-water Pond Co. in Harwich, for the purpose of
constructing a harbor in Salt-water Pond, opening and
maintaining a channel from the same into the bay, &c.,
&c.; to the Proprietors of Bass River lower bridge; and
an act was passed authorizing the towns of Chatham
and Orleans to open a passage through Nauset Beach
in Chatham for the improvement of Chatham harbor.
In 1833, March 3, another compromise, this time




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            633
touching the tariff, was effected, " designed to promote
the  stability  of the Union "!     The national bank's
application for a renewal of charter was again before
Congress, in connection with the question of the validity of the removal by the Executive of the public
deposits from the United States Bank. Great excitement prevailed throughout the country, and some temporary derangement of the currency occurred, occasioning a partial suspension of commercial transactions.
The " panic," however, soon passed away.
The Barnstable County Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
at Yarmouth was incorporated March 2; incorporation
was also granted to the Central Wharf Co. in Yarmouth; the proprietors of Bass River upper bridge;
the Union Wharf Co. in Provincetown; the Herring
River Co. in Harwich, formed for the purpose of deepening the channel, and improving the navigation, &c.;
a bridge with draw was authorized to be built over the
N. W. arm of Duck Creek in Wellfleet; the capital of
the Barnstable Bank was increased; and additional
legislation1 was had for the protection of Cape Cod
1 "That no neat cattle, horses, or sheep shall be permitted to go at
large in the town of Provincetown, nor on that tract of land situate in
the town of Truro, between the line which divides the towns of Provincetown and Truro, and a line drawn parallel with the aforesaid line
from the foot of Eastern Harbor Meadow in Truro, to the Northern
side of Cape Cod, in Barnstable County. And if any person shall
voluntarily suffer any of the creatures aforesaid to go at large on the
aforementioned lands, he shall forfeit and pay to the use of the person
prosecuting therefor, for every one of said creatures, excepting sheep,
not less than five, nor more than ten dollars, and for every sheep one
dollar; and if any person shall wilfully pull up or destroy any beach
grass planted, or which hereafter may be planted within the limits
aforesaid, to prevent the destruction of Provincetown harbor, he shall
forfeit and pay the sum of ten dollars for the first, and twenty-five
VOL..        80




634             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
harbor.-   The Rev. Mr. Goodwin, minister of the first
parish in Sandwich, died Feb. 5.1
In 1834, the Indian Plantation of Mashpee was, by
act of the legislature, again constituted a district, under restrictions judged expedient, but restoring to the
Indians some rights and privileges of which they had
been despoiled by various and long-continued acts of
legislation. —The President of the United States advised reprisals to satisfy the amount fixed by treaty as
the just claims on the French nation, for spoliations
committed under the Berlin and Milan decrees; but
these claims were soon, in consequence of the energetic course of the President, paid to the American
Government.
JOHN DAVIS was Governor of the State, as also the
succeeding year. Incorporation was granted to the
Pocasset Iron Co. in Sandwich; the Institution for
Savings in Wellfleet; the First Baptist Society in Orleans; and the First Universalist Society in Orleans.
Authority was given to build a bridge over Sesuit
Creek in Dennis, also over Herring River in Harwich;
and an act was passed to protect the oyster and other
shell fisheries in Sandwich. A Prussian brig, wrecked
at Truro, furnished another instance of the dangers
dollars for every subsequent offence, to the use of the person prosecuting therefor." Other acts to render the laws more effectual, were
passed in 1835, 1837, and 1838, to which we may not again refer.
1 The Rev. EZRA SHAW GOODWIN, youngest son of Gen. Nath'l
Goodwin of Plymouth by his marriage with the daughter of Rev.
John Shaw of Bridgewater, was b. Sept. 11, 1787; grad. H. C. 1807;
supplied the parish from Sept. 1811, through the greater part of 1812,
and was ord. pastor Mar. 17, 1813. He m. Ellen Watson, d. of Hon.
John Davis of Boston, 1811, and d. ae. 46, in the 20th of his ministry.
2 For a view of these several enactments, see chapter on Mashpee.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              635
that beset this part of the coast, and illustration of the
noble-heartedness of Truro men in imperilling         their
own lives in endeavors to rescue strangers from death.1
In 1835, Falmouth Academy was incorporated
March 7; and legislation authorized the building of
a bridge over Swan-pond River in Dennis, and the
M1 r. Elisha Paine of North Truro perished in the attempt. The
family of Paine, or Payne as often written, has been numerous and
respectable on the Cape, and, although the descendants are still numerous in this county, has become also widely scattered abroad. Mr.
THOMAS PAYNE, tradition tells, came over early and brought with
him a son 10 or 12 years old bearing the same name. A THOMAS
Sr. was early in Sandwich and Yarmouth several years, and in Eastham in 1655. Thomas Sr. of E., whose wife was Mary Snow, it is
generally understood had Eleazer JMar. 10, 1658; Thomas; Joseph;
Nicholas; Samuel; Elisha; John Mar. 4, 1661 who was inhab't 1675;
Mary; James; and Dorcas. We do not presume to determine the
order. THOMAS Jr. it is supposed, was Thomas Esq. the "proprietor's clerk, who settled at Pamet and m. Shaw, some say Hannah,
others Abigail, Aug. 5, 1678. Issue: Hannah 1679, who d. early;
Hugh July 5, 1680, and d. 1681; Thomas Feb. 28, 1681-2; Hannah 1684, who m. John Binney Jr. of Hull 1704; Jona. Feb. 1,
1685-6; Abigail 1688, who d. 1689; Abigail 1689; Phebe 1691;
Elkanah Feb. 1, 1692-3; Moses Sept. 28, 1695; Joshua Aug. 28,
1697, who m. Rebecca Sparrow, Oct. 20, 1720, and removed tP Ct.;.
Phebe 1699; Lydia 1700; and Barnabas Nov. 13, 1705. Ensign
JOSEPH, "s. of Thomas," m. Patience Sparrow May 27, 1691, and d.
in Harwich, Oct. 6, 1712. Issue: Eben'r Ap. 8, 1692; Hannah
1694; Joseph Mar. 29, 1697; Richard Mar. 25,1699; Dorcas 1701,
who m. Joseph Jenkins Jr. of Be. 1723; Phebe 1703; Reliance
1705; Thomas and Mary, (gem.) Dec. 1, 1708; Jona. Dec. 10, 1710;
and Experience 1713. NICHOLAS of E., by his wife Hannah who d.
Jan. 24, 1731-2, had Thankful Mar. 14, 1699-1700; Priscilla 1701;
Philip Nov. 18, 1704, who d. Ap. 10, 1725; Lois Sept. 29, 1705, who
it is sup. m. Edmund Freeman of E. 1725; Abigail 1707; and Hannah 1709. SAMUEL of E. m. Patience Freeman, dr. of John, Jan'y
31, 1682, and d. Oct. 13, 1712. Issue: Samuel Oct. 30, 1683, who d.




636              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
construction of a wharf by Darius Weeks and others
on   the  south shore of Harwich. -      The   Rev. James
Freeman, D. D., a lineal descendant from         Samuel of
Watertown, and son of Constant of Truro, died this
year, Nov. 14, se. 77. Dr. Freeman was highly distinOct. 5, 1706; Mercy Aug. 5, 1686; Nath'l July 9, 1689, who d.
Mar. 14, 1706-7; Eben'r June 17, 1692; Eliz. June 11, 1694;
Joshua May 20, 1696; Isaac Jan'y 3, 4-698-9; Mary Feb. 24,
1703-4; Seth Oct. 5, 1706, who d. Mar. 23, 1723; and some say
John, last. ELISHAi m. Rebecca Doane, Jan'y 20, 1685, removed to
Canterbury, Ct., about 1700, and d. Feb. 7, 1735; she d. Dec. 19,
1758. Issue: Abigail 1686, who m. Josiah Cleaveland; Abraham
bap. 1691-Be. ch. rec.-who m. Ruth Adams Dec. 19, 1717;
Elisha Dec. 29, 1693, who m. Mary Johnson Sept. 25, 1720; Mary
1696, who m. 1st Rob't Freeman, 2d Wm. Fitch; Solomon May 16,
1698, who m. 1st Sarah Carver Nov. 2, 1720, 2d Priscilla Fitch;
Dorcas 1700; Constance who m. 1st Win. Baker, 2d Joshua Paine;
Rebecca who m. Edward Cleaveland Ap. 17, 1717; Hannah who m.
Watts; and John who m. Sarah Church. James and Elisha were
admitted inhab. Be. bet. 1660 and 1700.; JOHIN, son of Thos. Sr. of
E. m. Bennet Freeman Mar. 14, 1689, who d. May 30, 1716, anrd 2d
Alice Mayo Mar. 3, 1719-20, who d. 1748. He d. Oct. 18, 1731.
Issue: John, Sept. 18, 1690; Mary Jan'y 28, 1693, who m. Sam'l
Freeman 1712; William June 6, 169; Benj. Feb. 22, 1697, who d.
1719; Sarah Ap. 14, 1699, who m. Joshua Knowles; Elizabeth June
2, 1702, who m. Jabez Snow; Theophilus Feb. 7, 1703-4.J'osiah
Mar. 8, 1705-6, who d. May 7, 1728; Nath'l'Nov. 18, 1707, who d.
Nov. 4, 1728; Rebecca Oct. 31, 1709, who m. Elisha' Linnell;
Mercy Ap. 3, 1712, who m. Eben Cook, and d. in Ct. 1774; Benj.
Mar. 18, 1714, who d. Jan'y 14, 1716-17;. Hannah Jan'y ii, 1720-1,
who d. 1724; James Dec. 17, 1723, who d. 1724; Thomas Ap. 6,
1725; and Alice who m. Jason Knowles, and Hannah, (gem.) Dec. 4,
1728. JAMES son of Thomas of E. and g. s. of Thos. of Plyrm.
resided in Be. and m. Bethiah, d. of Hon. John Thacher of Yarm.
and g. dr. of Anthony, Ap. 9, 1691. Issue: James Mar. 24, 1691-2,
who d. July 13,1711; Thomas Ap. 9, 1694; Bethia 1696; Mary
1700, who m. Nath'l Freeman of Be. son of Capt. Sam'l of E.
Oct. 11, 1723; Experience 1703, "who m. Hunt of Norton;" Rebecca 1705, who d. 1726; and Thomas who m. Eunice Treat.Genealogy resumed hereafter.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            637
guished, and was minister of the Stone Chapel, Boston.
He ever retained a deep interest in his ancestral connections with the Cape.l
An important act of the session of Congress commencing Dec. 7, was that regulating the deposits; and,
the public debt being extinguished, the distribution of
the Surplus Revenue among the several States. The
United States Bank, established in 1816, was now
winding up its affairs.2
In 1836, MARTIN VAN BUREN was duly elected to succeed Gen. Jackson, whose presidential term was to expire March 4 of the coming year.     The election, in its
results, forcibly illustrated, so far as the opposing party
was concerned, the effects of disunion. One thought,
however, may, in future, cheer the desponding: in all
the political battles that have been fought, it has been
predicted that ruin to the country was inevitable if
something should not happen. Although that something
has not happened, the country has moved onward in
strength.  The ruin, quadrennially predicted, does not
come to pass.
EDWARD EVERETT was Governor of Massachusetts, and
continued to 1840. Incorporation was granted to the
1 "Honesty and truth pure and transparent, associated with gentleness and urbanity, unaffected modesty and real kindness and good
will; were qualifications so distinctly marked in every word and
action, and every look, that no one could know him without reading
them there. His candor was proverbial, never rude, harsh, or uncharitable. He was always generous, affectionate, just." - Rev. F. W. P.
Greenwood.
2 The Bank of North America, national, established under the
auspices of Hamilton 1784, continued but 4 yrs., when its charter was
repealed. The old Bank of the U. S. inc. 1791, expired by limitation
1811. The first bank in Mass. under the State Constitution was inc.
Feb. 7, 1784, cap. ~500,000.




638           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Rock Harbor River Co. in Orleans and Eastham; to
the Andrews Fishing Co. in Harwich; to the Brewster
Harbor Co. for widening, deepening and rendering navigable Mill River Creek in Brewster, and the Orleans
Fishing Co. to open the brook running from Hester's
Pond to Pleasant Bay. Another part of Truro was
annexed to Provincetown; and an act was passed for
regulating the alewive fishery in Wellfleet.
A commercial crisis reached its maturity in 1837.
Facilities having been freely granted for credit, and
the good old ways of frugal, honest industry having
given place in sad degree to a mania for amassing fortunes in haste by speculation, the revulsion attendant
on this state of things was felt by the whole community in a greater or less degree; specie payments were
suspended, and a commercial gloom overspread the
country. By this condition of affairs, the interests of
the Cape were necessarily somewhat affected. Prosperity, however, after a while beginning again in the
great marts of trade to follow business conducted with
moral legitimacy, the industrial interests of the Cape
also revived. The effect, notwithstanding, of the disastrous crisis of 1836-7, there has been reason to apprehend, if we may speak of our country as a whole,
has never been entirely obliterated. The Cape, we
think, has maintained its integrity; but whether the
needed reformation in individual extravagance, a general resort in the whole country to modes of wholesome and productive industry, and stern conscientiousness universally in business transactions, have characterized the age in which we live, is a grave question.
Incorporation was this year granted to the Fish
Wear Co. of Orleans; the North Falmouth Fishing Co.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             639
-  authorized to regulate the brook running from Nye's
Pond to Cautomet Harbor, &c.; the Boat-meadow River
Co. of Eastham; and the Rock-harbor Fishing Co. of
Orleans. An act was also passed, Feb. 22, establishing
the dividing line between Wellfleet and Truro.
In 1838, incorporation was granted to the North
Wharf Co. in Truro; the Benevolent Society in
Truro; and the Camp-Meeting Grove Corporation of
Eastham - to hold a tract of land for the use of annual
religious meetings.    The'North Parish in Harwich'
was authorized to take the name of The First Parish in
Brewster. Acts were passed in favor of wharves at
Little Harbor at Wood's Hole, Red Brook Landing in
Sandwich, and Wood's Hole Harbor. —Hon. Edward
D. Bangs, long time secretary of the Commonwealth,
and in direct lineage from     Mr. Edward, the pilgrim,
died April 2.1
1 Mr. EDWARD BANGS of E. who came over in the Anne 1623, it
is said was from Chichester. He superintended the building of the
first vessel launched at Plymouth, a bark of 40 or 50 tons.  He
was deputy several years. He came to Eastham in 1644, and died in
the winter of 1677-8, s. 86. He m. Rebecca dr. of Rt. Hicks and
had ten ch. in Ply. and E., all of whom lived to mature age; viz.,
Rebecca who m. Jona. Sparrow Esq. Oct. 28, 1654; John; Sarah
who m. Capt. Thomas Howes Jr. of Y. 1656; Jona. 1640; Hannah
who m. John Doane, son of Dea. John; Lydia who m. Benj. Higgins
Dec. 24, 1661; Joshua; Bethia May 28, 1650 who m. Gershom
Hall; and Mercy and Apphia Oct. 15, 1651 gem., the first of
whom m. Stephen Merrick, the second m. 1st John Knowles and
2d Joseph Atwood. - Capt. JONATHAN b. 1640, who was deputy
several years, and representative many years, and d. Nov. 9, 1728, ae.
88, m. 1st Mary Mayo July 16, 1664 who d. June 1711 e. 66, had
Edward Sept. 30, 1665 at E.; Rebecca 1667; Jona. April 30, 1670
who d. inf.; Mary 1671; Jona. May 4, 1673; Hannah 1676; Thomas in May 1678; Samuel July 12, 1680; Mercy Jan. 7,1682; Elizl.
1685; Sarah, 1687; and Lydia 1689 who m. Shubael Hinckley




640             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1839, was celebrated, Sept. 3, at Barnstable, "the
two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of that
town."' As it was designed to be also a celebration of
4"the settlement of Cape Cod,"2 invested with more
than local interest, we shall give hereafter a somewhat
full, though condensed, notice of the doings at that
festival.3 - Incorporation was granted to the Union Insurance Company of Provincetown; the Truro Bireakwater Company - for the purpose of forming an artificial harbor; and     the  Eastham    Fishing  Company.
Acts were also passed annexing part of Eastham to Or1712. - Capt. EDWARD, S. of Jona., b. 1665, and d. May 22, 1746,
in. 1st Ruth, and had Joshua 1685 in H.; Eben'r; Rebecca;
Jona.; Mercy who m. Benj. Hatch Aug. 11, 1715; Edward, 1694;
and Ruth 1699 who d. as. 3 yrs. - Mr. EDWARD Jr., b. 1694, and d.
June 3, 1756 at H., m. 1st Sarah Clark Feb. 11, 1720, who d. Aug.
8, 1727 ea. 26, and 2d Rebecca Higgins 1730 who d. 1768 as. abt. 75,
had Benj. June 24, 1721; Eliza. March 6, 1723; Sarah July 29,
1727; and Elkanah March 31, 1732. - BENJAMIN Esq. of H., b.
1721 and d. Oct. 31, 1769, m. Desire Dillingham Jan. 4, 1750 who d.
Oct. 1807, and had Joshua 1751; Isaac Dec. 11, 1752 who grad. H.
C. 1771; Lydia, 1754 who m. Capt. Shubael Downes; Edward Sept.
5, 1756, grad. H. C. 1777; Benj. July 21, 1758; Desire 1760 who
n. Thomas Leach Esq. of Boston; Mehitable 1762 who m. Hon.
Matthew Cobb of Portland; and Elisha 1764. - EDWARD Esq. b.
1756 in H., and d. 1818 at Worcester, m. Hannah Lynde 1788, and
had Edward Dillingham Aug. 24, 1790 who was sec. of Corn. of
Mass. many yrs. and d. at Worcester April 2, 1838; Joshua who d.
young; and Anna L. who d. young.- Genealogy to be resumed in
other branches in future pages.
1 The oration of Dr. Palfrey was, as might be expected, an interesting production; and the celebration in all its arrangements was most
felicitous.
2 The title of the oration delivered on the occasion, is " A Discourse
pronounced at Barnstable on the 3d of Sept. 1839, at the Celebration
of the Second Anniversary of the Settlement of Cape Cod." The
latter clause of the title is, inadvertently no doubt, a misnomer. We
note this not captiously, but from regard to strict historical accuracy.' See Appendix G.




C)-:ist9~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.... 
6d~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~a
C-t                                  F~i":: j-rHsAM








ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              641
leans; also for protecting the fisheries in Oyster Island
and Poppenessit Harbor. - Abner Davis Esq., for many
years register of probate and holding other important
offices with honor, died this year, Sept. 4.1
In 1840, MARCUS MORTON succeeded Mr. Everett as
Governor of Massachusetts. - The census, this year,
Mr. DAVIS was highly and deservedly esteemed. Admitted to the
practice of law 1811, he established himself in Barnstable, his native
place. In 1816, he was appointed deputy marshal for the district of
Barnstable; in 1819 received the appointment of clerk of the courts
for the county; and in 1823 was appointed register of probate. The
two last-named offices he held until 1836, then resigning on account
of the state of his health. I-e was also just. pac. et quo. from 1818,
as also of the number appointed to qualify civil officers. Mr. Davis
was b. July 17, 1784, and was the youngest son of JOSEPH who m.
1st Lucretia Thacher and 2d Mary Bacon, and had by the 1st mi.
Elisha T., Joseph, Rebecca, Polly, Lucretia,- by the 2d, John, Barnabas, and Abner. Of this family, ELISHA T. m. Ruth eldest dr. of
Hon. John Davis, and had Barzillai who settled in Haverhill, Timothy of New York, Louisa who d. young, Phebe T. who m. Eben.
Bacon, Lucretia who m. Mr. Sweet of Boston, Elisha who d. without
issue, and Lothrop who d. early; JOHN m. 1st Lydia dr. of Joseph
Allen and 2d Lydia S. dr. of Daniel Crocker, and had by the 1st
m. Joseph A. nonv of Boston, - by the 2d, Barnabas now of Boston
who m. Abigail S. Bacon, Lydia S. who m. Horace Scudder, and John
William who d. a. 12; and ABNER Esq., whose death is mentioned
above, m. Nancy dr. of Daniel Cobb, by whom he had Adolphus
now of Boston who m. Mary Draper, Abigail who m. John Gray,
Frank, James who m. Abigail Farris, Elizabeth, Mary, Frederick
who m. Eveline Smith, John, and Joseph who m. Henrietta Kendall.
- These were all descended from ROBERT, through his son JOSEPH
who m. a g. dr. of Elder Henry Cobb, and through Joseph's son
JAMES who m. Reliance Cobb and was the father of Joseph the father
of Abner Esq. See page 578. For the engraved portrait that accompanies this brief notice, we acknowledge with gratitude, obligations
to Barnabas Davis Esq. of Boston, merchant, whose disinterested and
generous impulses we have also witnessed on other occasions.
VOL. I.      81




642           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
showed the number of the inhabitants of the United
States to be 17,068,666; in Barnstable County, 31,662.
-The Wellfleet Marine Benevolent Society was incorporated; also Truro Academy.   Acts were passed
authorizing the laying out of a road and constructing
a bridge across Oyster River in Barnstable; a road
and bridge across Snow's Creek in Barnstable; and
investing Mashpee with the duties and liabilities of
a parish.
In 1841, JOIN DAVIS was elected Governor of the
Commonwealth, and was continued in office, to 1843.
-WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, having been elected as
President of the United States, by a majority of electoral votes, 174, was inaugurated March 4. He expired, at Washington, April 4, just one short month
from the day of his assuming the office; and in accordance with the provision in the Constitution, JOHN TYLER,
Vice President, discharged the duties of the office the remainder of the term.-A part of Mashpee was annexed
to Falmouth; the Wharf and Harbor Company of Dennis was incorparated-to construct and maintain a
breakwater and improve the harbor at Suet Creek;
and authority was given to construct a highway and
bridges across Pamet, Hopkins, and East Harbor Creeks
in Truro. — The Rev. Nathan Underwood, who for a
long time was pastor of the South Precinct church in
Harwich, died this year, May 1, ae. 88;1 also the Rev.
The Rev. NATHAN UNDERWOOD was born in Lexington, Aug. 3,
1753. When the oppressive measures of the British government
were being pushed, he was an apprentice to a carpenter, but had
begun to cherish a strong desire to achieve a liberal education. The
spirit which actuated some of his friends and neighbors present at
the Lexington battle, from participating in which he had been kept




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               643
Philander Shaw, the pastor at Eastham, Oct. 10, m. 73.
- Another dreadful calamity befell the town of Truro.
In October fifty-seven men of that town perished in
one gale.
only by a severe cut of the foot, began, however, at once to influence
his youthful mind, and he soon relinquished all thoughts of trade or
learning, and joined the provincial army at Cambridge to follow
the fortunes of the approaching stormy contest. He was present at
the battle of Bunker Hill, and was among the last to leave when the
enemy took possession of the ground. At Cambridge, when Gen.
Washington arrived, he participated in the rejoicings which that event
occasioned; and was subsequently stationed at Roxbury Heights in
the right wing under command of Gen. Ward. Of the detachment
sent to New York, he was in 1776 with the forces of the American
army on Long Island and in West Chester County; was in the regiment of Col. Williams posted on the road from Flatbush to Bedford,
and the slaughter made by the attack of Sir Henry Clinton and the
ferocity of the Hessians when the Americans cut their way through
British hordes, he never spoke of without deep emotion. The carnage
was tremendous, and the courage displayed by Mr. U.'s fellow-soldiers
has scarcely its equal in the war. When Gen. Washington had determined to cross over to New York, Mr. U. was appointed a noncommissioned officer to command sixteen men in removing the ship
stores and ordnance. Great secrecy was necessary, for if the movement should be known to the British, the whole American force would
inevitably be cut in pieces. When intrusted with the secret and the
duty, the orders he received were,'Let not a loud word be spoken;
if any man speaks loud, run him through.' He was one of the number who, under command of Col. Glover, resisted the enemy at Fell's
Point; and participated in the sufferings of the army afterwards when,
destitute of the common necessaries of life, hunger and nakedness accompanied their fatigues and their tracks in the snows were colored
with blood from their bare feet as they marched along. He frequently, in after life, referred to'the times that tried men's souls,'
and said that, on one occasion in his marches in New Jersey and
Pennsylvania, a piece of pork so discolored and rusty that it appeared
like old leather, was the sweetest morsel he ever ate. On another
occasion where encamped, it was reported that a bullock had been
butchered and supplied to some of the soldiers, and Mr. U. set off with




644              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1842, the corporate name of' Falmouth Academy'
was changed to Lawrence Academy; the Marine Insurance Company of Chatham          was incorporated, and
the Long-Pond     Fishing Company of Yarmouth -            to
open an outlet from Long Pond to Swan Pond and
improve Parker's River. A division to proprietors of
others to obtain a share; but on arriving they found only the head remaining: this, having kindled a fire, they thrust into the flames, for a
few minutes, and then, without salt or bread, seventeen men made their
breakfast from it - their only meal that day, on the west bank of the
Delaware. He was withi Washington at the crossing of the Delaware;
and in the engagements at Trenton and Princeton. The march to
Morristown, Mr. U. used to say was the severest he ever experienced;
"the ground frozen, the soldiers barefoot, hungry, thirsty, cold, needing sleep, many sunk under their fatigue." When Mr. U. left the service, he received an honorable discharge with the promise of a commission; but his anxiety to see his fiiends brought him again under
his mother's roof; and, although his purpose had been to accept a commission and rejoin the army, her entreaties led him to reconsider the
matter; when the idea indulged in former years of devoting himself
to study, returned, leading him to prepare for admission to Harvard College which he soon entered, graduated 1788, then studied
for the ministry, and was settled in Harwich Nov. 21, 1792. Under
the law of Congress for the benefit of surviving soldiers of the revolution, he received a pension. Mr. U. was repeatedly in the legislature.
His position as a clergyman was highly respectable. With a small
salary, practising the same industry and economy that on leaving the
Continental army had secured to him a good education, he became
possessed of considerable estate and is reported to have been one of
the most successful and scientifically practical farmers in the county.
He reared a large family of sons and gave them a good education.By his m. with Susannah Lawrence of Waltham Sept. 26, 1793, who
d. 1843, he had Nathan Jr. July 18, 1794; Phineas L., Sept. 6,
1796; Joseph, Sept. 29, 1798; Leonard, May 22,1801; Sidney, June
15, 1804; Horatio, Sept. 22, 1808; and Marshal S., June 29, 1812.
"( To his laborious youth consumed in war,
And lasting age adorned and crowned with peace,"
succeeded a Christian death, and a memory revered.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              645
Mashpee of the plantation lands, under certain restrictions, was authorized; and acts were passed for the
protection of the shell-fisheries in Falmouth, and the
shad-fishery in Monomoy Bay. —The Rev. Mr. Burr,
for a long period ministering in Sandwich, died this
year, e. 85;   also Hon. Russell Freeman, Jan. 9.
In 1843, MARCUS MORTON was Governor of the Commonwealth. The Barnstable County Agricultural Association was organized May 25; its incorporation was
not effected until the next year. An act of General
Court was designed to regulate the herring fishery at
the Herring River at Marston's Mills. The Hon. David
1Rev. JONATHAN BURR was b. in W      Bridgew'r 1757; grad.
H. C. 1784; and ord. at Sandwich Ap. 18, 1787. He m. 1st Sally,
dr. of Rev. Sam'l Cooke of Cambridge, July 1787, who d. Mar. 9,
1788; and 2d Sarah, dr. of Dr. Thos. Smith of Sandwich Oct.
1788, who survived him, and d. Sept. 28, 1847, ae. 82. Mr. Burr d.
in Sandwich Aug. 2. He was a fine scholar, a faithful minister, an
estimable man. In the cause of education his influence was widely
felt, and many afterwards distinguished in life have acknowledged him
as their accomplished preceptor. Numbers of highly respectable
clergymen pursued their early theological studies under his direction.
He d. without issue. He was descended from Rev. JONATHAN, minister of Dorchester ord. 1640, d. 1641, who was b. at Redgrave, Suffolk, Eng., 1604, and came with his wife Frances and 3 ch. Jona.,
John, and Simon, to N. Eng. in 1639. Of these JOHN settled in
Fairfield, Ct., and was father of Judge Peter, who was f. of Rev.
Isaac, who was f. of Rev. Aaron the Pres't of Nassau Hall College,
N. J., who was f. of Aaron Vice Pres't of the U. S.; SIMON settled
in Hingham 1646, and d. 1691, of whose issue was JOHN, 1659, who
m. Mary Lazell, and d. 1716, leaving a son JOHN, b. 1695, who settled in Bridgew'r 1720, m. Silence Howard 1722, was a deacon in
W. Bridgew'r, and had JONA. 1731, who m. Martha Cudworth 1754,
and had a large family, of whom was Rev. Jona. above. We may
not omit to mention that he was a fifer in the Rev. army, and in his
old age received a pension.




646             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Crocker, High Sheriff of the County, died July 29;1
also the Rev. John Simpkins, Feb. 28, who is respectfully remembered as the estimable and able minister
of Brewster.
In 1844, GEORGE N. BRIGGS was duly elected Governor of Massachusetts, and JOHN REED of Yarmouth
Lieutenant Governor, by the legislature. They continued in office a series of years. The Marine Insurance Co. of Provincetown was incorporated, and the
charter of the Truro Fire and Marine Insurance Co.
was repealed. Acts were passed to authorize wharves
1 Mr. CROCKER was of the 5 gen. in lineal descent from Dea. William Crocker, who was in Barnstable at its first settlement. His
g. g. gd. f. was Dea. William; his g. gd. f. was Dea. Job, b. 1644;
his gr. f. Dea. John, b. 1683; the issue of each of whom is noticed,
p. 563. The father was DANIEL, the 7th s. of Dea. John, b. in Barnstable Mar, 1, 1725-6, and m. 1st Eliza. Childs, May 19, 1748, 2d
Phebe Winslow of Harwich, May 19, 1748, and 3d Bathsheba Jenkins. The issue of Daniel was Job, Mar. 6, 1749; Winslow, Dec.
31, 1755; Eliza. Mar. 14, 1760; Daniel, Mar. 8, 1762; Mary July
11, 1767; Abigail Nov. 6, 1769, who m. Hon. Eb. Bacon, and d.
1859; Joseph Jan. 1771; Prince Sept. 6, 1772; Temperance July 28,
1776; David Feb. 21, 1779; and Josiah Aug. 24, 1781. Hon. DAVID CROCKER, the 6th s. of Daniel above, m. Rachel, dr. of Hon.
Eben'r Bacon; she d. June 17, 1848. Issue: Frederick W. Ap. 16,
1809, who m. Louisa G. dr. of Joseph Sawyer of Bolton; Jane
1810, d. inf.; Eben B. Nov. 1, 1811, who m. Alicia D. dr. of Matthew
Cobb, Esq. of Be.; Eliza. d. ae. 7; Caroline who m. Dr. Henry
Tuck of Be. who was from Kensington, N. H.; Henry H. who m.
Mary A. dr. of Gideon Eldridge of Be.; and Eliza Jane who d. inf.
Mr. Crocker was not only prominent in public life, but was greatly
esteemed. For the engraved portrait of him, we are indebted to the
kind consent of his son, Eben. Crocker, Esq., of New York, first
Pres. of the C. C. Ass'n of N. York, sen'r of the firm of Crocker &
Warren, merchants. It is but a proper expression of gratitude to
record that Mr. C. voluntarily assumed the whole expense of the
engraving.




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ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.          647
in  Barnstable  and   Provincetown harbors, the constructing of bridges in Truro, and regulating the alewive fishery in Harwich. The Barnstable County Agricultural Society was incorporated Mar. 15. A fishing
schooner, the Commerce, with ten men on board,
anchored within a mile of the shore of Truro harbor,
and the next morning, Sept. 15, all were missingsupposed to have been lost by the swamping of the
boat in going on shore the previous night. Five of
them  had famiis.,Dr. James Thacher, of Plymouth,
a native of Barnstable, d. in the month of May, ae. 90.
His Revolutionary Journal, Medical Biography, History
of Plymouth, American Orchardist, Medical Dispensatory, &c., are works that have been before the public.'
In 1845, JAMES K. POLK was inaugurated as President of the United States. The Equitable Marine Insurance Co. of Provincetown was incorporated; also
the Herring River Co. in Harwich.     The A 1st Reform
Methodist Society in Brewster " was authorized to take
the name of the Wesleyan Methodist Society; Truro
to construct a bridge across Hopkins Creek; Barnstable a bridge in Centreville; and Godfrey Rider a
wharf in Provincetown.    Hon. Braddock Dimmick of
Falmouth d. Ap. 30, a. 84.2 The entire crew of a
1 Dr. Thacher studied medicine with Dr. Abner Hersey of Be.,
and was a surgeon in the Rev. army from 1775 about 7~ years. He
then settled in Plym. and m. Susanna Hayward of Bridgw'r. He
has left behind him this significant testimony recorded a few yrs. before his death: "I have seen public offices courting competent men
to fill them; and I have seen them filled by men who with a religious
conscientiousness acquitted themselves of the duty: but this now
seems an antiquated morality."
2 Hon. BRADDOCK DIMMICK, the eldest of the issue of the brave
Gen. Joseph Dimmick of Falmo. was b. Feb. 26, 1761. He m. 1st




648             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
fishing vessel belonging to Truro perished on the Grand
Banks; and within about a year afterwards, nearly a
whole crew perished within hailing distance of Pond
Village.l It is painful indeed to record so frequent
disasters, and yet we have hardly begun to recount the
fatalities to which especially Truro men have been exposed.   It were not a fair estimate of the deaths by
casualties in other maritime towns, to take these as an
average. The reader must consider the almost entire
devotion of Truro men to maritime pursuits; and,
more than this, the peculiar situation of the town -
near the extremity of the Cape, the sea being but a
very short distance on either hand, and the coast bordered with    dangerous shoals.     Shipwrecks are here
almost constantly occurring; and the humane energies
of the people on shore are as often taxed in endeavors
to rescue the crews of stranger-vessels, in which
attempts, heroically made, but sometimes in vain, the
inhabitants jeopard their own lives.2 We will not furCelia Crowell, Dec. 23, 1784, 2d Sarah B. Lewis, June 2, 1835, and
3d Susan D. Robinson, Oct. 27, 1836. HIe was at the time of his
decease one of the few left who had witnessed the revolutionary
struggle. He was many years a member of the State legislature, and
served in both branches. He also held other positions of public trust
in the town, county and state. He was a deacon of the 1st Cong. Ch.
in F. 35 years. Faithful in all public trusts, a lover of good men,
given to hospitality, and deeply interested in the general welfare, he
was highly esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.
The first vessel was in command of Capt. Wm. Hutchings; the
last, in command of Capt. Samuel Coan.
2 In 1851, "twenty or more lives were lost at sea." Mr. Bartlett
of Eng., in his interesting work pub. in London, entitled "The Pilgrim Fathers," gives a glowing account of his visit to the Cape about
this time, and says, "At the very moment of my arrival -(at Truro,)
an English vessel was on shore, and two noble-hearted inhabitants of




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               649
ther pursue the record of these painful details, than to
state that, subsequently, other lives have been sacrificed; and that, in looking over the record of deaths
generation after generation, nothing surprises one more
Truro had lost their lives in the vain endeavor to rescue the crew."
He quotes " from a Cape Cod newspaper containing the particulars of
this disaster," as follows: " Thick weather, easterly gales, and storms,
never seemed to prevail with such results to vessels at this end of the
Cape, as we have witnessed this month. The Danish brig struck on
the bar, and came to pieces; all hands were lost. The marble with
which she was laded lies there in seven feet of water. One of the
bodies of the crew, supposed to be the captain, was picked up to-day.
The ship Inez' and bark' Queen,' and two English schooners, one
of which came to pieces almost immediately on the landing of the
crew, came ashore last week; crew saved. The bark'Josepha'
came ashore off the head of the meadow this week on Thursday; the
screeches of her crew were heard on shore. Out of a crew of
18 men, only 2 reached the shore alive. Two men, Jonathan Collins
and Daniel Cassity, belonging to Truro, sacrificed their lives in
attempting to board her with a line. The body of Mr. Cassity, with
six others, was picked up to-day, and brought in and identified. The
papers of the bark' Solway' were picked up on Monday. Articles
not mentioned in the list of the cargo of the Josepha, are said to be
floating in the surf, and it is supposed that another vessel must have
gone to pieces and all on board perished. There are striking and
sad coincidences in these events: the first is, that the Josepha came
ashore probably not five rods from where the Prussian brig was
wrecked in 1834; in attempting to save the crew of the latter, Mr.
Elisha Paine perished, and in attempting to save the crew of the former, two men from the same part of Truro are now drowned: another is, that Mr. Cassity was the last of three brothers, all of whom
met a similar death. Andrew Cassity was drowned by the upsetting
of a boat passing from Provincetown harbor to Truro in the spring
of 1846; with him perished Capt. Sam'l Coan, Daniel Pendergrass,
Nath'l Paine and two lads. Timothy Cassity was lost last fall in the
schooner' E. W. Shaw,' in the Bay; with him perished Thomas
Shaw, Aaron W. Snow, Cornelius Shaw, John Brensich, Cornelius
Shaw, Jr., Joseph P. Wells, Michael Rich, Jr., and others, in the
same vessel. Daniel Cassity, in attempting to save others from meetVOL. I.       82




650             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
than the vast number that have occurred at sea by
drowning.    The public are hardly aware of the perils
of the service, and can form but a faint conception of
the noble daring of men who, knowing these perils,
have hearts full of feeling for their fellow-men in the
hour of danger. We sincerely believe, and aver without the fear of contradiction, that there is no class of
men in the wide world, of more kindly sympathies,
more truly great and generous and self-sacrificing when
the necessities of their fellow-men call for action, than
the mariners of Cape Cod.
In 1846, the British Steam-ship Cambria, which left
Liverpool April 19, grounded on the beach at Truro,
about five miles from the light. Two passengers went
by express to Boston, via Plymouth and the Old Colony Railroad, conveying the mail; and steamers were
sent which succeeded in hauling the Cambria off without serious damage. -   The Government of Mexico declared war against the United States April 23. —The
ing the fate of his brothers, meets the same himself. He had been
married but a few weeks. Mrs. Cassity has often drank the cup of
sorrow in this form. Her father and only brother were drowned in
the gale of 1841; her brother-in-law was drowned in the gale of
Oct. 1851; and now, her husband follows them. Thus, of the four
- the mother and three daughters- three are now widows, and all
made so in the same way. Mr. Collins, no doubt, confided in his
skill to manage a dory. He had a brave heart. D. D. Smith took
his valuables from his pockets to go with Collins, but Cassity pushed
him aside and took his place. They were told by many that the boat
could not live; but the piercing cries from the wreck moved them to
do their best to save those who must perish unless there were speedy
communication from on shore. Noble men! they will live in the
hearts of sailors forever. Mr. Collins arose from the tea table on the
cry of'A ship ashore, and all hands perishing!' and in less than an
hour had perished himself."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             651
Cape Cod Branch       Railroad was incorporated;' also
the Pine Grove Seminary in Harwich. Authority was
given to Darius Weeks and Valentine Doane, severally,
to build wharves in Harwich; to Stephen Hilliard and
Samuel Cook, severally, in Provincetown; to J. W.
Nye, at Rocky-Point Landing        in Cotaumut Harbor,
Falnouth; to E. Rich, at Newcomb's Point in Truro;
and to the Union Wharf Co., in Wellfleet. William
Fessenden Esq., a prominent citizen of Sandwich, died
this year, se. 77.
1 Name subsequently changed to that of "The C. C. Railroad."
2 The first of this name on these shores, were John who came from
the County of Kent to Cambridge, 1636, with his wife Jane and his
nephew Nicholas and niece Hannah. John was made a freeman
1641, and was subsequently selectman. John dying Dec. 21, 1666,
and his widow Jan. 13, 1682, ae. 80, without issue, Nicholas and his
sister, who were constituted by their uncle his heirs, were the first
whose descendants remain. Hannah m. John Sewall of Newbury
Oct. 28, 1674, who was s. of Henry. See Chf. Just. Sewall's diary.
NICHOLAS, of Cam. then including Lexington, m. Marg't Cheney -
possibly Mary, and had Jane 1674, who d. 1676; Hannah 1676, d.
inf.; John 1677; Nicholas 1680; Thos. 1682, d. inf.; Thos. 1684;
Marg't 1687, did not m.; Jane 1688, who m. Sam'l Winship, High
Sh'f of Middlesex, 1712; Mary 1689, who m. Joshua Parker, 1712;
William 1694; Joseph 1697, who m. Mindwell Oldham 1733; Benj.
Jan. 30, 1701; Hannah, who m. John Chipman of Sandwich, and
d. 1758; and Eben, youngest, who, as per one account, m. Eliza.
Barrett June 13, 1733, and, as says another, m. Alice Babcock, and
had 2 drs. -- The eldest of the above sons, JOHN, resided in Cam.,
and by his wife Sarah had John 1704, Sarah 1706, and others. The
next, NICHOLAS, grad. H. C. 1701, and d. 1719, se. 38, having been
m. Aug. 8, 1706, to Sarah, wid. of Stephen Coolidge, by whom he
had Stephen, who grad. H. C. 1737 (and was a prominent lawyer at
Worcester,) and others. THOS. b. 1684, m. 1st Abigail Poulter abt.
1709, and set. at Lexington, 2d m. Ab'l Locke 1720, 3d Anna
Phillebrown 1737, and d. 1738, leaving issue: Thos. 1709, who m.
Hannah Prentice 1735; Sam'l 1711, who m. Eliza. Allen 1740;




652             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In  1847, the Manomet Iron Co. of Sandwich was
incorporated, Jan. 29.    The act of 1763, incorporating
"the North Precinct of Eastham      into a District by the
name of Wellfleet," was repealed.     Leave was granted
Abig'l 1713, who m. Wellington; Mary 1716, who m. Brown; Eliza.
1721, who m. John Pierce; Hannah d. inf.; Jona. 1723, who m.
Martha Crosby June 4, 1747; Hannah 1725; John 1729, who m.
Eliza. Wyman Nov. 23, 1749; Timothy 1731, who m. Eliza. Pierce;
Benj. 1734, who m. 1st Lash, 2d Colder; and Submit 1736. WILLIAM, bro. of the preceding, m. 1st Martha Wyell 1716, 2d Martha
Brown 1728, and d. 1756, ae. 62. He had William 1717, who grad.
H. C. 1737, and had William 1747, who grad. H. C. 1768, and was
ord. minister of Fryburg 1775, from which branch are Gen. Sam'l
and Hon. Wm. Pitt of Portland; and Thos. who grad. H. C. 1758, the
minister of Walpole, N. H. BENJA. b. at Camb. Jan. 30, 1701, and
grad. H. C. 1718, was the minister and physician at Sandwich, ord.
Sept. 12, 1722, and d. Aug. 7, 1746. He m. Rebecca Smith Oct. 18,
1724, and had Abig'l Aug. 4,1725; Lucy 1727, who m. Rev. Gideon
Hawley June 14, 1759; Benj. July 9, 1729; William Sept. 5, 1732,
who set. in Harwich; and Thos. July 8, 1739, who removed to Lexington and then to Framingham. The Locke genealogy says (we
know not on what authority) that Rev. Benj. had also Ruth, who was
adopted by her uncle Winship, and m. Frs. Locke Sept. 13, 1743;
and also Joseph, who resided at Camb. But these last are not found
in the Sandwich records. -   Of the above sons of Rev. Benj. of S.,
BENJA. grad. H. C. 1746, resided in S., and though educated for the
ministry, became an " innholder."  He m. 1st Deborah Perry,
July 22, 1750, and 2d Sarah Newcomb, Oct. 19, 1760, and d.
Oct. 24, 1783, e. 55. Issue: Stephen, Oct. 27, 1750; Sam'l Sept. 2,
1752; Deborah 1754, who m. Nath'l Haskell of Roch'r, May 4,
1775; Sarah 1761, who m. 1st Moses Allen- his 2d wife, and 2d
Nathan Nye- his 2d wife; Rebecca 1762, who m. Nathan Dillingham then of Pittsfield; Abigail 1767, who m. Wm. Bodfish - his 2d
wife Ap. 14, 1794; Bathsheba, who m. Dea. Lemuel Freeman
May 26, 1793; William Jan. 4, 1769; Lucy 1770, who m. Rev.
Alvin Hyde, D. D., of Lee; Thomas July 22, 1772, who m. Ruth
Wilcox 1802; Hannah 1774, who m. Thos. Eldred of Falmo. 1795;
and Benja. Aug. 7, 1776. --   Of this last family, SAM'L, b. 1752,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             653
to J. H. Baker to build a wharf in Dennis, near Shad
Hole; and similar acts were passed to authorize the
erection of wharves, as follows: to Stephen Dillingham,
at West Falmouth harbor; to Seth Nickerson, Isaiah
Gifford, H. W. Freeman, and Jonathan Hill, severally,
at Provincetown; and to Owen Bearse, at Barnstable,
in Hyannis.    Leave also to the Commissioners of Barnstable County to construct a highway and bridge across
Scorton Creek in Sandwich, and across Frost Fish
Creek in Chatham      and Wading-Place Creek in Chatham and Harwich. Acts were also passed authorizing
a mill dam across Mill Creek in Truro, and regulating
the herring fisheries of Falmouth.
The severity of the winter of 1846-7 was such that
travel was, for a longer time than before known, within
the memory of any living, obstructed. There was, in
fact, a general blockade. Even Provincetown harbor
m. Patience Tobey Ap. 22, 1774, and had Stephen Feb. 1, 1775, who
d. when a young man, of lockjaw; Sam'l Jr. Feb. 22, 1777, who
m. Hannah Davis of Falmo. Nov. 11, 1801, and d. without issue;
Cornelius Oct. 27, 1778, who removed to Lee; Deborah 1780, who
m. Wm. Eldred of F. 1802; Sarah 1783, who m. John Hatch of F.
1804; Lucy who m. John Bassett; Lois; and William Jr., who m.
Lucy Pope. WILLIAM, Esq., b. 1769, m. Martha, dr. of Hon. Nath'l
Freeman, Aug. 7, 1794, and had Stephen Sept. 1, 1795, who m. Caroline Larkin of Boston; Benja. June 13, 1797, who grad. H. C. 1817,
was ord. at E. Bridgew'r Sept. 19,1821, m. Mary Wilkinson of Pawtucket, and resigned the pastoral office Nov. 6, 1825 - now a manufacturer in R. I.; Nancy F., July 22, 1799, who m. Capt. Ezra Nye
Jan. 5, 1826; Martha Aug. 23, 1801, who m. Joshua Tobey Nov. 8,
1824; Wm. H. Aug. 7, 1803, who m. 1st Lydia Russell of N. Bedford, and 2d Cath. —; Joshua Allen Oct. 3, 1805, who d. Dec. 15,
1830, a merch't in Boston; Nath'l F. Mar. 31, 1808, who m. Betsey
Clark of Ply. 1835; Tryphosa C. Dec. 2, 1810, who m. Wm. T. Mayo
of Ply. Aug. 14, 1832; Charles B. H. July 17, 1813, who m. Sarah
A. H. Clark of Lima, N. Y.; and Henry, Ap. 29, 1816, who d. Aug.
27, 1847, at Victoria, Hong Kong, China.




654             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
was partially frozen, and for ten days there was no
egress.   The mails were delayed a still longer time.
In 1848, commissioners were appointed to visit the
Indians within the Commonwealth, and examine and
report their condition, &c. - The Cape Cod Branch
Railroad was opened for travel.2- Incorporation was
granted to the Hyannis Packet Insurance Co.; to the
Sandwich Savings Bank, April 21; to the Truro Wharf
and Breakwater Co. - to construct near Pond Landing; and to the Provincetown Marine Railway, April
24-for examining and repairing vessels.- The County
Commissioners were authorized to lay out a highway
and build bridges across Herring River and Swan Pond
Creek in Harwich      and  Dennis; also across Garden
River and Bass Hole Creek in Yarmouth and Dennis.
The capital of the Barnstable Bank was permitted to
1 At this time, the schooner Bonita, of and from Eastport, was
wrecked, about half a mile east of Race Point, in a thick snow storm.
She had parted cables and drifted from Cape Ann. After striking on
the shore near Race Point, the sea made a complete breach over the
vessel; one man was washed off and lost before relief was at hand;
another perished on board, buried under the floating rubbish of the
cabin. Through the noble efforts of citizens of Provincetown, four
were saved from impending death. The water was already above
their waists in the steerage, and the house broken up; the captain had
lashed himself to the bit-heads, and others clung about the gaff and
mainmast. The mate succeeded, after great exposure and suffering,
in floating some spun-yarn through the surf to the beach, by which he
received a small hawser, to which he fastened the benumbed captain
and threw him overboard; as he also threw two others in succession;
then bent himself on; and all were hauled through the surf a distance
of forty or fifty yards. The captain was badly frozen and nearly exhausted, before being thrown over; but by the kindly attentions of the
rescuers, all were finally restored.
2 See Appendix HJ




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             655
be increased; the dividing line between Harwich and
Brewster was changed; laws were enacted, to enable
Benj. Freeman and others to straighten and widen Mill
Creek in Brewster, Jeremiah Mayo and others to build
a breakwater and wharves at the Point of Rocks in
Brewster, and for the improvement of the harbor of
Dennis; also to legalize the erection of wharves, by J.
A. Paine and Allen Hinckley,' severally, in Truro;
1 The mention of the name of Hinckley puts us in mind to continue in this place because convenient to do so, the genealogy in part
of a numerous and widely-scattered family of high respectability.The ancestor, Mr. SAMUEL, (see p. 343,) had children: Thomas, b. in
Eng. 1618; Susanna, who m. Mr. John Smith, 1643; Sarah, who m.
elder Henry Cobb, his 2d wife, Dec. 12, 1649; Mary; Samuel, bap.
at Scituate, Feb. 4, 1637; Samuel, bap. Feb. 10, 1638; Samuel, bap.
July 24, 1642; John, bap. May 24, 1644; and Elizabeth. These are
all, with the exception of the two Samuels who d. early, mentioned in
his will, pr. 1663. There have been conflicting statements in regard
to the time of the nativity of the eldest son, Gov. Thomas; but his
age is affixed to a poem which he wrote in 1703 on occasion of the
"sad event" of the decease of his second wife, and this is decisive.
He was then "Setatis 85."
The issue of Gov. THOMAS we have named p. 343, with one exception, which omission we will here supply, as also a minuter statement of dates and events. His children were Mary, Aug. 3, 1644,
who, according to the Gen. Reg., is supposed to have m. a Weyborne;
Sarah, Nov. 4, 1646, who m. Nath'l Bacon Jr. March 27, 1673; Melatiah, Dec. 25, 1648, who m. Josiah Crocker, Oct. 22, 1668; Hannah,
Apr. 15, 1650, who m. Nath'l Glover; Sam'l, Feb. 14, 1652; Thomas,
Dec. 5, 1654; Bathshua, May 15, 1657, who m. Shearj. Bourne; Mehitable, March 24, 1658-9, who m. 1st Sam'l Worden, 2d Wm. Avery
Oct. 13, 1698; Admire, Jan. 28, 1661, by 2d m., who d. a. 2 w.;
Ebenezer, Feb. 22, 1662, who d. young; Mercy, Jan. 1663, who m.
Sam'l Prince Esq. of Sandwich; Experience, Feb. 1664, who m.
James Whipple; John, June 9, 1667; Abigail, Apr. 8, 1669, who m.
Rev. Joseph Lord of Chatham, 1698; Thankful, Aug. 20, 1671, who
m. Rev. Experience Mayhew, Nov. 12, 1695; Eben'r, Sept. 23,1673;
and Reliance, Dec. 15, 1675, who m. Rev. Nath'l Stone of Harwich.




656             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Amasa Nickerson, at Deep Hole in Harwich; Job Chase,
Harwich; Levi Barlow, Sandwich; John Atwood Jr., at
Long Point in Provincetown; Joshua Dyer and Seth
Nickerson, severally, at Provincetown; J. W. Magoun,
- The Hist. Reg. says the 2d wife of Gov. H. was " widow of Nath'l
Glover;" others say, " widow of John."
SAMUEL, 4th s. of Mr. Samuel, b. 1642, m. 1st Mary Goodspeed,
Dec. 14, 1664, who d. Dec. 20, 1666, and 2d Mary Fitzrandle, Jan.
15, 1668. They had Benj., Dec. 6, 1666; Samuel, Feb. 6, 1669, by
2d m., who d.-Jan. 3, 1676; Joseph, May 15, 1672; Isaac, Aug. 20,
1674; Mary, May 1677, who d. 1679; Mercy, April 9, 1679; Eben'r,
Aug. 2, 1685; and Thomas, Jan. 1, 1688-9.
JOHN, 5th s. of Mr. Samuel, b. 1644, and d. Dec. 7, 1709, m. Bethia
Lothrop, July 1668, who d. July 10, 1694, and probably m. 2d Mary
Goodspeed, Nov. 24, 1697. He had by Bethia, Sarah, May 1669;
Samuel, Feb. 2, 1670; Bethia, March 1673, who d. April 2, 1715;
Hannah, May 1675; Jonathan, Feb. 15, 1677; Ichabod, Aug. 28,
1680; and Gershom, April 2, 1682.
SAMUEL, eldest s. of Gov. H., b. 1652, was in the Narraganset
war. He m. Sarah Pope, Nov. 13, 1676, and had Mary, July 22,
1678, who d. young; Mehitable, Dec. 28, 1679; Thomas, March 19,
1680-1; Seth, Apr. 16, 1683; Sam'l, Sept. 24, 1684; Elnathan, Sept.
8, 1686, who d. early; Job, Feb. 16, 1687-8; Shubael, May 1, 1690;
Mercy, Jan. 11, 1692-3; Josiah, Jan. 24, 1694-5; Elnathan, Dec.
29, 1698.
SAMUEL, the 2d son of Sam'l above, b. 1684, m. lMary, dr. of Edmund Freeman of Eastham, and g. dr. of Maj. John. Issue: Seth,
Dec. 25, 1707; Shubael, March 25, 1708-9; Sam'l and Mary, gem.,
Feb. 12, 1710-11, the latter of whom d. early; Edmund, Nov. 20,
1712; Reliance, Nov. 21, 1714; and probably Aaron, in Me., 1716,
whither the parents had removed. The father was one of the " associated persons" for the purpose of forming the 1st church in Biddeford 1729-30, and at the 1st town meeting held in Brunswick, March
28, 1739, he was mod'r. He was also chosen town clerk, selectman,
and representative in 1747.
SHUBAEL, of the last named family, " whose father was from Barnstable," was of " Old York, Me., and moved to the neighborhood of
the Kennebec."  He m. 4 times, had 20 ch., and d. at Hallowell, Feb.
2, 1798, se. 91. The families thus descended are numerous and widely




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              657
Truro; N. Fiske, Dennis; and S. J. Eldred, at West Falmouth harbor.-     We have thus far noted the improvements sanctioned by special laws, as indicating the
progress of the business of the county; but as we approach the close of our general history of the Cape
these events are so multiplied that we economize the
space allotted to us, and omit much of the minor
details.
In 1849, ZACHARY TAYLOR became President of the
United States. -   Capt. Benjamin IHallett of Barnstable
died, Dec. 31, aged 90.1
Within a few years past, much attention has been
scattered in Maine. From JAMES, son of Shubael, b. Jan. 4, 1739-40,
was Dea. JAMES, Aug. 14, 1769, of Hallowell, who was the father of
Owen of Eastport, Rev. Smith of Dresden, Nicholas of Monmouth,
and Henry K. now of Portland.
1 Capt. BENJAMIN HALLETT, b. Jan. 18, 1760, at Hyannis, was in
many respects an extraordinary man. His tomb-stone records that
"his lineal descendants living at his decease were 79, viz.: 8 children,
32 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.  In the war of Independence he served three years -on board the Dean frigate and in
the land forces. The pioneer in the coasting-trade, he raised the first
Bethel flag for seamen's worship in New York and Boston." It is
stated that "he was the first who opened the coasting-trade between
Boston and Albany, 1788, a trade then in danger of being overdone
by two sloops, but which now loads fleets and railroad trains. In
1808 he built the sloop Ten Sisters, the most noted packet for many
years between Boston and New York. On board this vessel the sailors' meetings were first held in New York in Coenties' Slip, just after
the war of 1812." Capt. H. was from his 20th year a professor of
the Christian faith, and a prominent member of the Baptist church.
"Singularly gifted in prayer and exhortation," he took an active part
in religious meetings, and was distinguished among his denomination
in his later years as "a Christian patriarch."  He desired that the
text for his funeral sermon should be, " By grace are ye saved, through
faith, and that not of yourselves - it is the gift of God."
VOL. I.       83




658             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
given to the improvement of public roads in the county;
and the subject has awakened an interest that is destined ultimately to secure for the Cape fine roads in all
its towns.  The county commissioners were authorized
to lay out a highway and build a bridge across navigable waters in Dennis; and a highway across East Harbor in Truro, " from the end of Beach Point to Provincetown." Individuals were authorized to construct bridges
over Red River in Chatham, and Swan Pond River in
Dennis. -  A  site was ceded to the United States for
a light at Hyannis; and Loring Crocker et al were authorized to build a dike across Rendezvous Creek in
Barnstable.
In 1850, July 9, Gen. Taylor, President of the United
States, died at Washington, and MILLARD FILLMORE, VicePresident, became, ex officio, the supreme executive. —
The population of the United States appeared by the
census returns to be 23,171,680;       of Massachusetts
994,514; of this county, 33,997.-    The preservation of
Cape Cod harbor was yet again the subject of legislative enactment, and an appropriation by Congress was
urged.2 -The activity of the Cape has at no time since
1 The Abbe Raynal, in his " Revolution of America," said, in
1780, "We cannot determine, without rashness, what may one day be
the population of the United States; if ten millions of people ever
find a certain subsistence in those provinces, it will be much."
2 The State Legislature directed that the attention of Congress
should be called to the " immense importance of the harbor to our national and commercial marine." The danger threatened is thus set
forth: "The harbor is being greatly injured by the drifting of loose
sand from the beach into said harbor, by which or by other causes, the
current of the tide is undermining and wearing away said beach, which
is the only barrier between the harbor and ocean, and which, if
once removed, will effectually destroy said harbor."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         659
its first settlement been on the wane; but the channels
of its industrial enterprise have from time to time
varied according to circumstances. In the extent of its
fishing operations, it now finds worthy rivals elsewhere.'
Whatever may be the final result of any attempts to
reclaim for more useful purposes the vast amount of
salt marshes that indent the bounds of the Cape, the
incorporation this year of " The Great Marsh Diking,
Water Power, and Fishing Co. of Barnstable," discovers
a reaching for improvement.  The object was " to construct a dike in the northerly part of the town, from
Calves-pasture, so called, to Sandy Neck, to prevent the
flow of the salt waters above the line of the contemplated dike, for the purpose of draining the marshes
there situate, and converting the same into meadow or
tillage land," &c. —Other indications of progress are
found in the grant of authority to construct a marine
railway near Lewis' Bay; and bridges over Oyster Pond
River in Chatham, and Duck Creek in Wellfleet; as
also in the call for additional banking establishments,
and the increase of capital.
1 We wish it were convenient to exhibit the statistics of the fisheries of the Cape in full; but it would require more labor than we
are willing to assume at this stage of our History. We may state,
however, that the mackerel and other fisheries of the Cape, upon the
ocean, have been estimated for this and the preceding year, in barrels,
as follows:
Barnstable, in 1849, at 6,212 bls.; in 1850, at 6,065.
Yarmouth,    "      5,832 "      "     5,821.
Dennis,      "     11,085 "      "    20,395.
Harwich,     "     14,605 "      "    14,839.
Chatham,     "      3,845 "      "     5,764.
Wellfleet,   "     18,549 "      "    17,615.
Truro,       "     11,862 "      "     8,570.
Provincetown, "    23,347 "      "    27,865.




660             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1851, GEORGE S. BOUTWELL was elected Governor
of Massachusetts. -" The Cape Cod Association in Boston," was organized May 12.      " A general desire had
been for some time expressed among the sons and descendants of Cape Cod, residents of Boston and vicinity, that there should be some more direct and agreeable method than had before existed, for bringing into
acquaintance and familiar social communion          those
claiming a common Cape Cod origin."         This was followed by " general consultation and interchange of sentiment upon the subject," and a " determination to organize a society for the purposes above indicated." 1
The renewed increase of bank capital; the incorporation of the Seamen's Savings Bank at Provincetown,
and the Marine Railway Co. at Chatham; together with
the application made by the C. C. Branch Railroad Co.
for permission to    extend   the road   from   Sandwich,
through the towns of Sandwich, Barnstable, and Yarmouth, on the north side of the range of hills dividing
the north and south sides of the Cape, to some point in
or near the village of Yarmouth Port, and thence to
and into tide-water at Hyannis harbor-       with the in1 The object of the Association, as set forth in the constitution, is
" To encourage and promote among all the native born and descended
of Cape Cod, temperance, industry, sincerity, good humor, charity,
the social affections and generous sentiments; and all natives of Cape
Cod, and their descendants, who are residents of Boston and its vicinity, may become members on signing the constitution and conforming
to its by-laws." At the first election, the following officers were
chosen: President, David Sears; Vice-Presidents, William Sturgis,
Lemuel Shaw, Daniel C. Bacon, Benj'n Bangs, Prince Hawes, Benj'n
Burgess, Benj. F. Hallett, Joshua Sears, Francis Bassett, Robert Bacon, Thomas Thacher, S. K. Lothrop, and John G. Palfrey; Treasurer, Isaac Thacher; Cor. Sec., H. A. Scudder; Rec. Sec., Wm. S.
Thacher. - See Appendix I.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.          661
crease of capital, are items, to say nothing of various
other indications, that betoken prosperity.
In 1852, action was again had in the legislature for
the preservation of Cape Cod harbor, and in response
of the call Congress appropriated $5000 for the purpose - a miserable pittance so totally inadequate that
the subject must needs be before the legislature the
next year, when a commission was appointed at the
head of which was -Ion. Francis Brinley, to examine
Cape Cod harbor and report.      An act was passed,
now as at various times, authorizing the construction
of wharves by enterprising inhabitants of Provincetown;' also an act incorporating the "Union Marinerailway Company" of the same place.     Acts were also
passed incorporating the Flax-pond Fishing Company
of Dennis, for the purpose of opening an outlet from
Sursuit Creek for the alewive fishery; for the protection of the fisheries in Barnstable and Mashpee, that is
Osterville Harbor and Popponeeset Bay; and for incorporating the 2d Methodist church in Harwich.
In 1853, FRANKLIN PIERCE became President of the
United States; and JOHN H. CLIFFORD Governor of Massachusetts. -  Among the events of local interest that
may or might be noted, are the increase of the capital of the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company by
$200,000; the increase again of the stock of the Barn1 The acts authorizing the construction and maintaining of wharves
in most of the towns have, for some years, been so numerous that we
have ceased to be careful to note them. For a time such acts, with
those establishing various enterprises, helped to show the symptoms
of progress. To continue to refer to them, would needlessly consume
the space we must reserve for other purposes.




662          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
stable Bank; the incorporation of Insurance, Ice, and
Machine Companies; the cession to the United States
of certain rights in Provincetown and Truro for the
preservation of the harbor of Cape Cod, and in Falmouth for a sea-wall to improve the harbor of Wood's
Hole; &c. &c. &c.
In 1854, EMORY WASHBURN being governor, the legislative committee appointed for the purpose, made a
full and able report touching the right of the Commonwealth to the Province lands, and the best means of
providing for the preservation of Cape Cod harbor;
suggesting the great value of the locality in a commercial point of view, and the joint duty and action of the
town, the State, and the General Government respecting it; recommending that a bridge be erected by the
town from the extreme end of Beach Point to the opposite shore near Deep Hole; that amendments to
existing laws be made by the State and the laws rigidly
enforced; and that " the General Government dispense
its means with a liberal hand for the preservation
of one of the most important harbors in the United
States."
The "Cape Cod Association in Boston" celebrated
their third anniversary, at Yarmouth Port, Wednesday,
Aug. 2. The occasion was one of much enjoyment
both to the members of the association and the inhabitants of the Cape whose guests they became.' - Shadrach Freeman Esq., a prominent citizen of Sandwich,
died this year, June 13, ae. 84.
The Provincetown Bank was incorporated, March 28,
capital $100,000; also the East Sandwich Diking Company - to construct a dike across Scorton Creek, &c.;
1 See Appendix J.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                663
the Cape Cod Branch Railroad was permitted to assume
the title of " The Cape Cod Railroad Company," with an
increase of stock by $60,000; the Provincetown Gaslight Company was incorporated; the county commissioners were authorized to construct a bridge over East
Harbor in Truro and Provincetown; and an act was
passed for the protection of cranberry vines on the
Province lands.1
1 The culture of cranberries has become an object of much interest
on the Cape in every town. Every possible patch of land - or rather
swamp, most fit for the culture is being held at greatly advanced
prices, and much of it is already in requisition for cranberry plats. It
is alleged that according to the yield of the last year, (1859,) each
acre under this culture is worth $10,000. This may be an exaggerated estimate; but according to statistics carefully prepared, the
harvest has become very considerable. The Provincetown Banner
reports the product of that town the last year, 331 barrels, producing
$4320. Mr. Obed Brooks of Harwich, has furnished a statistical table
showing that 831 barrels were raised in Dennis, valued at $9637; in
Harwich, 856-, at $10,145; in Brewster, 3221, at $3848; making in
the aggregate, including Provincetown, 2321 barrels, worth $27,950.
But this includes only four out of thirteen towns. In Barnstable, Falmouth, and indeed every other place the culture is being undertaken
in right earnest, and in some places on a large scale. From the Atlantic Messenger we gather suggestions that "the culture of the fruit
to any very large extent is a new thing in the county, but that there
is no danger of the business being overdone. The demand is great
and constantly increasing.  The Cape Cod cranberries are pronounced, by general consent, of superior quality, commanding a premium in the markets wherever known. For the cultivation of this
delicious fruit, the Cape possesses facilities nowhere else found to
the same extent. The expense of preparing the land for culture is
very inconsiderable; and the tracts easily susceptible of being brought
into cranberries and best adapted to the culture, have been hitherto
comparatively valueless for other purposes."  A valuable work written a few years since on the Culture of the Cranberry, by the Rev.
Mr. Eastwood of North Dennis, has doubtless done much to awaken
and increase an interest on this subject.




664          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1855, HENRY J. GARDNER was elected Governor of
Massachusetts, and remained in office three years.The Bank of Cape Cod, at Harwich, was incorporated,
May 21, capital $100,000; the Equitable Marine Insurance Company of Provincetown; the Cape Cod Savings
Bank at Harwich; the Great Pond Canal Company of
Eastham; the Nantucket and Cape Cod Steamboat
Company — for the purpose of running steamers and
sailing-vessels, for the convenience of the public travel
and the transportation of merchandise between IHyannis and Nantucket, &c.; and the Cape Cod Telegraph
Company - for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a line of telegraph from Boston to Provincetown with branch lines to Holmes' Hole, Nantucket,
Fall River, and New Bedford.  In competition with
this was incorporated the following year the Boston
and Cape Cod Marine Telegraph Company- for maintaining a line of magnetic telegraph from Boston along
the line of the Old Colony, Fall River, and Cape Cod
Railroads, and thence to Chatham and Provincetown,
&c. - Land was also ceded to the United States for a
custom house at Barnstable.
In 1856, commissioners were appointed under the act
of legislature May 16, " to ascertain and report on the
artificial propagation of fish'" -with a view to the
ascertaining of facts to guide future legislation on
the subject. Capt. N. E. Atwood of Provincetown, who
through life had been a practical fisherman, and had
also become learned as an ichthyologist, was, by his
association on the commission, intrusted by his associates especially with the duty of making observations
and experiments. The result was the conclusion that
the artificial propagation of fish is not only practicable,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              665
but that pisciculture may be very profitable, and freshwater streams and ponds innumerable may be made to
produce a vastly increased amount of food -especially
by individual enterprise encouraged by suitable legislative protection.    Important suggestions were        also
made touching the prohibition of the taking and bringing to market certain fish-particularly the salmon
and trout -  during their spawning season. The learned
report of the commissioners suggests that the fisheries
have been inappropriately called " the agriculture of
the waters," whereas the "harvesting" should be the
term.l   The report, we trust, may be but the inauguration of a new era in political economy; and we will
venture to add, for the honor of the Cape, that it may
at least be doubted whether as a practical ichthyologist
Mr. Atwood has his superior in America.2
1 When it is considered that a single pike has been found to produce in a single season 272,160 eggs; the mackerel 546,680; the
flounder 1,357,000; the sturgeon 7,635,200; the codfish 9,344,000;
the turbot 9,000,000; the mullet 13,000,000, and other fishes in large
proportion, it would seem that the supply must be inexhaustible.
There are, however, numerous causes in operation always tending to
the depopulation of our fresh waters especially. The expediency of
taking repressive measures against the destruction of spawn, has been
forcibly demonstrated; as also the losses in the piscatory department
by the encroachments of manufacturing industry, steamboats, &c.
Questions hence arise of great importance in political economy. But
more than this, -"regular sowing or planting" (we use the significant terms of the commission above referred to) may make waters
hitherto unproductive, not only prolific but to yield choice varieties
of fish, whilst the waters shall become purer and healthier by their
employment.
2 We venture saying thus much, though it becomes history to be
chary in speaking of the living.  We are sure that Mr. Atwood's
attainments deserve higher appreciation by the public.
VOL..        84




660             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Obed Brooks Esq. of Harwich, died this year, Aug.
4.1 — An act was passed for the preservation of fish in
1 OBED BROOKS Esq. was a prominent citizen of Harwich, and of
the 4th generation from Beriah Broadbrooks who was early in Harwich, and who m. Abigail dr. of Joseph and Martha Severance of
Yarmouth, Sept. 11, 1676. [Mrs. Severance was dr. of Peter Warden
Jr. the son of Peter who came with his family from Clayton, Lancaster Co. Eng.]  Mr. BERIAHi BROADBROOKS had Beriah Jr.; Joseph who removed to Danbury, Ct. before 1650; John; William who
removed to Ct.; Ebenr. 1717; Martha; and Maria.- EBENEZER
who d. April 20, 1802, m. Lydia, dr. of Jona. and Damaris Small.
She was b. Aug. 6, 1725, and d. March 3, 1802. Issue: Lydia who
m. Nathl. Robbins; Ebenezer Dec. 19,1750; Hannah who m. Daniel
Chase; Eleanor who m. Benj. Hall; Nathan who m. Mercy Myrick;
and Sylvia who m. Nehemiah Nickerson. - EBENEZER Esq., a man
of more than ordinary business capacity and much consulted in business affairs, a large landholder, just. pac. from 1784 to 1828, some time
rep., postmaster 1803 to 1821, and d. Feb. 4, 1828, m. Tamazin dr. of
Seth Hall Feb. 2, 1775. She was b. March 9, 1757, and d. Jan. 1,
1828. Issue: Naomi Jan. 19, 1777, who m. Calvin Gifford; Ruth
March 5, 1779, who m. John Hall; Obed Jan. 27, 1781; Roxana
Nov. 28, 1782, who m. Eben. Weeks; Asenath Oct. 27, 1785, who
m. Levi Snow; Tamazin June 1, 1789, who d. Ae. 18; Lucy July 1,
1791, who m. Enoch E. Harding; Ebenezer May 26, 1793; Seth
Sept. 21, 1796, who d. va. 27; and Sabra Feb. 1, 1799. The name,
for brevity's sake, was changed by legislative enactment, by discontinuance of the first syllable, and has since been written BROOKS.OBED Esq., b. 1781, d. Aug. 4, 1856, was, like his father, a man of
much business talent, holding various public offices; selectman 14 yrs.,
town clerk and treas. 26 yrs., postmaster 35 yrs., just. pac. 36 yrs.,
county commissioner 3 terms, besides being some time capt. of militia,
inspector of the port of H., &c.  He m. Sally G., dr. of Ebenr.
Weekes May 10, 1807. She was b. March 20, 1784, and d. Dec. 21,
1836. Issue: Sidney who d. 1809; Obed the present cashier of the
Bk. of C. Cod; Roxana who m. Stephen G. Davis; Sidney; a dr.
who d. inf.; Harriet N.; Tamazin and a son, gem., the latter of whom
d. inf.; Henry C., of Boston; and Sarah G. -For the lithograph
that appears herewith, we owe grateful acknowledgments to Major
Henry C. Brooks, the younger son.




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ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         667
Buzzard's Bay; prohibiting the setting, stretching, or
drawing of any seine or net for the purpose of taking
any fish except the blue-fish, in the bays, harbors,
ponds, rivers, or creeks of its waters within one mile of
the slore between the towns of Sandwich and Wareham; also limiting the quantity of lobsters, scuppaug,
tautog, bass, &c. taken by any one person between the
commencement of the month of April and the close of
the month of July each year. Acts were also passed
to protect the fisheries on the south shore and bays of
Barnstable and Mashpee between Succanesset Point and
Point Gammon, between the first of April and the first
of November each year; and to protect the fishery in
Pleasant Bay in Orleans. 
Further acts provided for the construction by Truro
and Provincetown of a bridge over East Harbor; the
building by selectmen of Wellfleet of a bridge across
the north-east arm of Duck Creek; the erection of a
bridge across Boat Meadow River in Eastham; also defined the qualifications for voters in Mashpee; appropriated $350, in addition to $500 granted the previous
year, for repairing the meeting house of the Mashpees;
granted $200 additional for school houses; and, from
the school fund, $60 annually to aid in support of the
school among the Herring Pond Indians.l
"The New York Cape Cod Association" was organized April 21.2
1 The apportionment and assessment of the tax on the State this
year was $599,982; the proportion for Barnstable County, $10,266,
stood as follows: -
Barnstable, $1692  Dennis, $924  Truro, $474 Eastham, $228
Sandwich,  1476  Yarmo., 828  Wellfleet, 426
Provinceto'n, 1116  Harwich, 678  Orleans, 408  $10,266
Falnouth, 1026  Chatham, 594  Brewster, 396
2 The object of the association is similar to that of the Boston asso



668             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1857, JAMES BUCHANAN was inaugurated President
of the United States. -Since the foundation of the
government, political parties have always been in a
transition state more or less -  often changing, assuming
new phases, proposing new      issues, exhibiting new  divisions and subdivisions.'
An appropriation of $900 having been made by the
legislature to aid in the erection of a meeting house for
the Herring Pond Indians, the building was completed
and dedicated with appropriate services in September.
-Propositions having been made in both branches of
Congress to repeal the existing law granting bounties
to crews and vessels engaged in the cod fisheries, an
earnest protest was made by the State legislature
against disturbing the present system       proved by so
many years of trial to be fraught" with good           results. - Differences of opinion which have come to be
denominated by politicians " the irrepressible conflict,"
elation, and is concisely expressed in its constitution as " for social and
charitable purposes." At the first election the officers chosen were:
President, Eben B. Crocker; Vice-Presidents, J. Foster Jenkins,
James W. Nye, H. S. Crocker, Jacob G. Hallett, Elisha Crowell,
Horatio Underwood, Seth Crosby, S. W. Lewis, Amos Howes, E. K.
Collins, Joshua Atkins, James A. Smith, and James M. Holmes; Secretary, R. Crocker Bodfish; Treasurer, Zenas D. Bassett Jr. - See
Appendix K.
1 The proportion of State tax this year to be assessed, was as follows:
Barnstable, $2538  Dennis, $1386  Truro, $711  Eastham, $342
Sandwich,  2214 Yarmo., 1242   Wellfleet, 639
Provinceto'n, 1674 Harwich, 1017  Orleans, 612     $15,399
Falmouth,  1539  Chatham, 891 Brewster, 594
2 The opinion of the legislature, as expressed, was " that the repeal
would injuriously affect the best interests of commerce, and greatly
impair the national strength in a point most vital to its honor and
influence among the maritime nations."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              669
having given rise to a question in which citizens of this
county were interested, an appropriation was made by
the legislature, Feb. 5, to enable a complainant belonging to Yarmouth to test before the Supreme Court of
the United States, the constitutionality of an act of the
legislature of one of the Southern States. - An act
provided for ceding jurisdiction over certain lands
on Billingsgate Island for lighthouse purposes.-        The
Rev. Henry Lincoln, for a long time minister of Falmouth, died this year, se. 91.1 — By the bequest of
Joshua Sears in February, the town of Yarmouth became invested with $15,000 for the establishment of a
nautical school.-   Capt. John Collins,2 whose name must
1 The Rev. HENRY LINCOLN was born Nov. 3, 1765; grad. H. C.
1786; ord. Feb. 3, 1790. He was son of William and Mary (Otis)
Lincoln of Hingham, and m. Susanna dr. of Timothy Crocker of Falmouth, April 26, 1790. She died July 29, 1817, Ae. 51. They had
4 sons and 3 drs. The sons were Henry, John, William, and
who d. as. 5 yrs. 7 mo.; the drs., Susan who m. Mitchell, Mary Ann
who m. Fearing, and —. Mr. L. died at Nantucket, at the residence of his son-in-law, Dr. Elisha P. Fearing, May 28; and was at
the time of his decease the eldest clergyman in Massachusetts with
one exception, viz. Rev. Jacob Norton of Billerica. He was a popular
preacher in his active days, a gentleman of the old school, of fine person, remarkably neat in his attire, affable, social, a sincere Christian.
2 Capt. JOHN COLLINS was born in Truro 1794. In early life he
enjoyed only the advantages of a common-school education in his
native town; and at the age of fifteen entered on that life peculiar to
Cape Cod men so generally, and pregnant with so much of both usefulness and danger; baffling the sea first before the mast where, it is
said, "the finished seaman always begins."  During the war of 1812
he was engaged with others some time in running open boats from
Truro, Wellfleet and Provincetown to Boston and vicinity for the
conveyance of merchandise - a kind of navigation by which only
the British cruisers so numerous in the Bay could be evaded. These
cruisers used untiring efforts to break up these communications successfully made by the enterprising spirits of these localities. Seeking




670              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
ever be intimately associated with the establishment of
regular lines of steamers between this country and
Europe, and in whom were concentrated those striking
characteristics so often distinguishing the genuine sons
of Cape Cod, died at New York, Nov. 21, ae. 63.
a more extended and elevated field of action, although not so arduous,
Mr. Collins and other young men soon determined to try the fortunes
of war on board of privateers. Putting forth with ardor and a
resolve to signalize their new vocation by captures, after good success
and in high spirits Mr. Collins and his associates gave chase to what
they supposed to be a British merchant vessel, when, ranging alongside, they too late discovered her to be an English sloop-of-war, and
were captured after a running fight of an hour, and carried to England. Returning at the close of the war, Mr. C. entered the merchant service, and soon became commander of a vessel sailing between
New York and the republic of Mexico, In this capacity he continued many years. Succeeding this, he engaged in the trade between New York and New Orleans, commanding the Shakspeare.
When the enterprise of establishing the " Dramatic Line" in the Liverpool trade was undertaken, he was an associate, and took command
of the Roscius. Memorials exist in the shape of silver plate and gold
medals, of his gallantry and skill in rescuing from danger and death
wrecked mariners, presented by the Liverpool and London humane
societies, by the British government, and by his own countrymen.
The schooner Garnet of Truro, the bark Scotia of England, and the
Erin go Bragh, are instances of his humane and noble daring in rescuing from a watery grave his fellow-men in the hour of peril. His
coolness, perseverance, and intrepidity were always noted. Nor was
it in his toils upon the sea alone that he was distinguished; some of
the finest packet ships sailing from New York were constructed under
his supervision; and, having won his way from the humblest to the
highest rank in the mercantile marine, and finally relinquished command -as do many to become merchant princes alike honorable and
honored, during his commercial pursuits in New York, his experience,
energy, and influence were felt in the establishment of the Collins
line of steamers. To his near kinsman, also of Truro origin, Edward
K. Collins Esq., great credit is due; but not to him alone. Capt.
John Collins' zeal and efficiency in the work are acknowledged by
all conversant with the affairs of an enterprise that excited the admi



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Miw~.....lW....~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~$a ~-~??  ll








ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               671
The Monnamoiet Insurance Co. of Chatham           was incorporated, and the capital of the Cape Cod Bank at
Harwich was increased by fifty thousand dollars.l
In 1858, NATHANIEL P. BANKS was Governor of Massachusetts.- The act of the previous year apportioning
representatives to the several counties, and dividing
the state into forty districts for the choice of senators,
has introduced a new era in the exercise of the elective franchise. A town nmay no longer be represented
by one of its own citizens; the county must share in
part the privilege of representation with a portion of
some other county or counties.
In 1859, a revision of the Laws of the Commonwealth was effected.     The result remains to be seen.
Abundant, if not superabundant legislation, is characteristic of the day; and legislation is, to say the least,
sufficiently changeful.- Another large establishment at
Sandwich for the manufacture of glass was completed
ration of the world. He was a gentleman of fine presence, noble
heart, unbending integrity, and in every relation in life secured esteem.
Mr. C. was a member of the C. C. Assoc. of N. Y., and from the
doings of that body on occasion of his death, we collate this biographical notice. To his son, N. B. Collins Esq. of N. Y., merchant, and
president of the N. Y. C. C. A., we are indebted for the fine engraving on the opposite page.
1 By the " Bank Report," as condensed and submitted to the legislature Feb. 27, of this year, the following exhibit of the state of the
banks in the county at the time appeared:Loans & Specie  em De  Depos- CirculaCapital. discount. in B'nk. B r  ts  t ion.
Banks. Banks.
Barnstable Bk., at Yarmouth, $350,000 $543,898 $14,666 $52,127.... $24,950 $178,290
Falmouth Bk., at Falmoutl,  100,000  127,876  3,541  26,232......  10,529  35,520
Cape Cod Bk., at Harwich,  150,000 269,155 8,545 26,425..  7,684 139,406
Provincetown Bk., at Provin'n, 100,000 150,717,006 76,943...... 38,859 9,75




672             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
this year, and went into successful operation; to be
known by the name of "The Cape Cod Glass Factory."1
That, at the opening of the legislature in 1860, the
project of a ship canal uniting the waters of Barnstable
Bay with Buzzard's Bay should be revived by the suggestion of the Governor, encourages the hope that a
plan so feasible and important may yet receive more
of public attention.   It is surprising that the subject
has been permitted so long to rest, whilst enterprises
less useful, more expensive, and less remunerative than
a properly constructed canal through the isthmus of
Cape Cod would be, have engrossed much of the public mind, and called for expenditures of the public
funds and investments of capitalists.     In time of war,
the advantage of such communication would be incalculable; at all times the facilities afforded for domestic
trade by avoiding the perilous navigation around the
Cape, would surpass in value any advantages to be
derived from tunnelling mountains.2
1 This establishment was reared by Deming Jarves Esq., the intelligent and enterprising projector of the B. & S. Glass Co., and its
superintendent until the last year. The C. C. G. Factory, a first
class ten-pot furnace, with modern improvements; the cutting works
operated by a caloric engine; with ample accommodations in separate
buildings for the machine work, the pot and clay department, storage,
&c., stands forth a worthy, but not unfriendly, rival of the older
establishment, and strengthens the claim of Cape Cod for distinction
in this branch of manufacture.
2 Gov. Banks shows in his message that the distance alone to be
saved is great: "The distance from Saughkonnet Point, outside of
Nantucket Shoals and Cape Cod to Boston Light, is 198 nautical
miles; the distance across the Cape at Sandwich to the river mouth
is six nautical miles."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      673
We have thus finished our view of Cape Cod in its
primitive condition, its early settlement and connection
with the Old Colony towns, its existence as a county,
and its association with the Province of Massachusetts
Bay and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; following the order of events generally, with some not unimportant exceptions, which must be noticed in succeeding pages. The Indian plantation of Mashpee can
hardly with propriety be numbered among the towns;
but it is an interesting feature in the geography of the
Cape, and, standing as it does, in connection with the
plantation at Herring Pond, the only home for the
Indian in all his once wide domain within the borders
of the two colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts
Bay, furnishes an important part of Cape Cod history.
We shall, therefore, before proceeding further, make
the District of Mashpee the subject of a distinct
chapter.
VOL. L     85




674              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Mashpee, its Situation and Extent. — Natural Divisions. - Missionary
Ground.- Lands secured. - Church constituted.  Succession of Ministers. - Adaptation for Plantation. - Character of the People. - Laws
extended over them. -Good Soldiers. -An amusing Letter. - Discontents. -Efforts to secure Freedom. - Rights of Self-Government.
- Improvement. - Review.
MASHPEE1 lies on the ocean, twelve miles south-west
from  the court-house in     Barnstable;2 and is bounded
north by Sandwich, east and south-east by Barnstable,
1 The above name sometime in use, is at the present day written
Marshpee; but with what propriety we are unable to discover. In
olden times it was more generally written IMiassapee, in some instances
Mashpoag, and once at least Maktepos. That Indian names should
be variously spelled in the early records, was the natural consequence
of their being imperfectly apprehended by the ear, such was their
nasal pronunciation as they fell from the lips of the natives. That
Mashpee should supersede the euphony of Massapee, which Mr. Alden
pronounces "an intelligible etymology," or even Mashpoag, were
undesirable, and Marshpee is inexcusable. We have hitherto preferred the term more nearly expressive of that which we think should
have been continued the true appellation; and. we have done so not
simply because we have no sympathy with the corruptions of names,
but because Jcfarshpee conveys historically and topographically a false
impression - as if the Indian Plantation were a moor or fen - low
and watery; whereas it is not even a champaign tract of country.
We shall, however, in our next volume, succumb to the dictum of a
progressive age, and use the term as the ordinances and literature of
the day will have it.
2 It is distant from the town hall in Sandwich 11 m.; and is 65 m.
S. E. of Boston.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.     675
south by the Vineyard Sound, and west by Sandwich
and Falmouth. Its length, north and south, is about
eight and a half miles, and its breadth, east and west,
about four miles. It contained originally 13,500 acres;
but, having been at different times shorn of its former
dimensions, it now embraces about 10,500 acres, or
sixteen square miles.
Mashpee is south of a chain of hills extending from
east to west, along the north of the county, and is in
general good land for the Cape. Much of it is covered
with valuable wood. This woodland uniting with similar tracts in Sandwich and Falmouth, forms an extensive forest, in which deer and other game abound.
The amount of cleared land in 1802, was about twelve
hundred acres. Changes, however, as we have suggested, have lessened the original territory: a large
tract on Waquoit Bay was alienated from the Indians,
about the year 1700, and now belongs to Falmouth.
Another tract west of Wakepee, was alienated to
Sandwich; and yet another tract, at Coatuit, to Barnstable. The original plantation was about twenty-two
square miles.
In Mashpee, are two harbors: Popponesset Bay,
which is the eastern boundary of the plantation; and
Waquoit Bay, the western boundary. These have bars
at their entrance which are variable, often shifting their
locality. Upon these bars, the tide rises from four to
six feet.
Coatuit River, or Brook, divides the plantation from
Barnstable, and empties into Popponesset Bay; and
rises in Sanctuit Lake, or Pond, which is one and three
quarters miles long.
Mashpee River is two miles west of the preceding,
and runs into the same bay, a distance of four miles.




676             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
It has its rise in Mashpee Pond, a beautiful lake two
and a half miles long, and divided into two parts by
Canaumet Neck.     The northern part of this lake is
called Wakepee.
Quashnet River runs into Waquoit Bay, from John's
Pond.l
In Popponesset Bay, is an island called by the same
name, containing forty acres of excellent land. In
Waquoit Bay are two islands. Between the two bays,
is Great Neck, a favorite resort of the Indians.2
Besides the ponds above named, is Ashimuet, on the
Falmouth line;3 and there are two or three others
that are of inconsiderable size.  Peter's Pond, on the
Sandwich line, is north of Wakepee, the greater part
of it being in Sandwich.
The rivers in Mashpee are among the largest in the
county, as are also the lakes.
The best lands in Mashpee are near John's, Mashpee,
and Sanctuit Lakes. Some extent of salt marsh is
found near the bays.
The road leading from Sandwich to Falmouth is, for
about four miles, the boundary west of Mashpee; that
from Barnstable to Falmouth passes through Mashpee;
and that from Coatuit to Sandwich, between Mashpee
and Sanctuit Lakes.
1 This river is at certain seasons too inconsiderable to render any
outlet visible.
2 Weesquobs is supposed by some to have been the Indian name for
Great Neck and parts contiguous. It was a place famous for eels;
and the Indians were in the habit of fishing for these in the adjoining
waters, in canoes, by torchlight. This they called wees-qzuashing.
But the conjecture is doubtful. Again, it has been supposed that
Weesquobs was the original name corrupted to Wakepee.
3 The tract around this lake is now called Shumet.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              677
At an early period, Mr. RICHARD BOURNE' of Sandwich,who was among the English emigrants that settled in that town, turned his attention, with untiring
effort, to the work    of evangelizing the Mashpee Indians.   The first account we have       of his labors    in
Mashpee bears date 1658, when he was present and
assisting in the settlement of a boundary between the
Indians and proprietors of Barnstable. It is said to
have been through his efforts, and at considerable expense to himself, that the patent for the South Sea
Indians, as they are styled in the deeds of that day,
was obtained.2
Mr. Bourne obtained a deed of the territory, from
QUACHATISSET and others of these South Sea Indians,
after the year 1660; considering it vain to undertake
the propagation of Christianity among any people
1 Mr. BOURNE, who was in Scit. 1630, and in Sandwich 1637, was
twice m.; his 1st was a Hallett, 2d Ruth Winslow, who d. July 2,
1677. His sons were Job, Shearjashub, Elisha, and Ezra. From
the first three descended a numerous posterity; the youngest, Ezra, b.
May 12, 1648, of whom we can give no further account, prob. d.
young without issue, but the name has been perpetuated in successive
generations.
2 Mr. Bourne was not only a man of much note as one of the most
useful and active of the citizens of Sandwich; but also, subsequently,
as an indefatigable and devoted missionary. Being possessed of large
property, brought by him in cash from England at his first coming
over, he was enabled to make valuable investments in lands that
secured to his children a rich inheritance. In all his transactions, he
proved himself a man of excellent judgment, and was so regarded by
all persons. He was also esteemed a sincere Christian, possessed of
a more than ordinary share of " a most excellent spirit." It is said
that the example and influence of Mr. Eliot were suggestive of the
work in which he finally engaged with so much zeal. Determined
on this line of duty, he devoted himself to the task of acquiring a
thorough knowledge of the Indian language.




678            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
without a home where they might remain upon their
own soil; a view of the case which time and experience have abundantly justified. Nor was he content
to have only Indian deeds duly authenticated; he
aimed at greater security, which, however, was not
effected until after his decease. The laws, from 1650,
had provided that no Indian should sell, or white man
buy of an Indian, any land without license first obtained from the General Court, or Court of Assistants.
In 1665, this provision was also extended to grants for
a term   of years.   And yet the General Court had
ordered, in 1650, " that if upon good experience there
shall be a competent number of Indians brought on to
civility, so as to be capable of a township, upon their
request to the General Court, they shall have grants
of lands for a plantation as the English have."
Mr. Bourne having obtained the Indian deeds as
above, was intent on his benevolent work; and, Aug.
17, 1670, was ordained pastor of an Indian church,
gathered from among his own disciples and converts.
The ordination services were performed by the famous
Mr. Eliot and other ministers assisting, one of whom
was Mr. Cotton.1 The organization of the church was
confirmed at the same time.
Mr. ELIOT says he "went down to the Indians at Maktepos,
where Mr. Richard Bourne, a godly man, was, Aug. 17, 1670, ordained pastor of an Indian church gathered upon that same day; and
the Indians and such of their children as were present, were baptized."
2 Mr. COTTON, the Plymouth pastor, who was present as above,
says, " The church at Mashpaug," (so undetermined in those days was
the orthography of names,) " was gathered, and Mr. Bourne ordained.
Hands were imposed by Mr. Eliot, myself, also by a messenger from
the Natick church, and one of the Vineyard. Maj. Winslow, now
our Gov'r, Mr. Southworth, Mr. Hinckley, and Mr. Bacon, magis



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               679
Mr. Shearjashub Bourne, son of Mr. Richard Bourne,
procured, after his father's decease,l a ratification by
the court at Plymouth, of the deeds obtained by this
noble missionary from     the Indians, and an entailment
trates, were present; also Mr. Walley, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Shove, Mr.
Thornton, Mr. Homes, and Mr. Newman, with brethren from all our
churches." That a church was not constituted at an earlier period,
was doubtless owing to the extreme caution necessary in those days
to propitiate the powers that were. We are informed that in 1666
Mr. Bourne's labors among the Indians had attracted the notice of
the public very generally, and, in July, Gov. Prince, Mr. Thomas
Southworth, one of the magistrates, Mr. John Eliott Sen'r, Mr. John
Eliott Jr., Mr. Samuel Arnold, Mr. John Holmes, Mr. William
Brimsmead, and Mr. Thomas Cushman, went to Sandwich for the
especial purpose of an interview with Mr. Bourne, " who had been
instructing the Indians in that vicinity in the Christian faith; and to
make inquiry into the progress they had made in knowledge and
virtue." " At their motion, a large assembly was convened at Mashippaug, (Mashpee,) and at this meeting a good number of the Indians
whom Mr. Bourne had been instructing, were examined. They gave
such an account of their knowledge and belief, and of the impression
the gospel had made on their hearts; and gave their relations with
such affection, as was extremely grateful to the pious auditory. The
magistrates and ministers convened on the occasion, received much
satisfaction in what they observed and heard: yet such was the
strictness of those who conducted the business of the meeting, that
before they would countenance the advancement of these Indians to
church-fellowship, they concluded that their confessions should be
written, and a copy sent to each church in the colony for their inspection, and approbation if they saw fit; so that if no objections should
be offered, they might at a suitable time be permitted and encouraged
to enter into church-fellowship. The confessions and relations were
very agreeable to the churches to which they were communicated.
Afterwards, the messengers of all the churches being present and
giving their consent, these Indians were formed into a church, and
chose Mr. Bourne to be their Pastor."
1 Rev. RICHARD BOURNE "died at Sandwich about 1685, and was
buried on his own land, near to his own house, on the left hand of
Dock Lane, in Sandwich, which leads to the harbor, near to where




680              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
of the lands to these South Sea Indians and their children forever,    so that no part or parcel of these lands
might be bought by, or sold to, any white person or
persons, without the consent of ALL the said AdiC2as, not
even with the consent of the General Court."1
The successor to Mr. Richard Bourne was SIMON POPMONET, an   Indian.   He   died after a ministry of forty
years, about the time that his successor was ordained;
stood the house of John Smith," in the vicinity of the present glass
manufacturing establishment. In breaking the ground for erecting
buildings for the accommodation of the operatives of the Glass Factory at its commencement, the cellar of Mr. Bourne's house was discovered in good preservation, being made of stone and English brick
firmly cemented, and was used as the cellar for a new building
erected over it. It is also said that bones were exhumed near this
spot; but these reminiscences in regard to Mr. Bourne's residence
and place of burial were then unknown to any of the inhabitants. The probability is that others were buried here besides Mr.
Bourne.
1 The Indians of Mashpee and parts contiguous have been presented by some writers under the name of "the Saukatucketts;" and
these, with " the Nausites of Eastham, the lattachees of Barnstable
and Yarmouth, the Monomoys of Chatham, and the Nobsquussetts of
Yarmouth," or North Dennis, are said to have been "all subordinate
to MASSASOIT," and as such owing fealty to King Philip, alias Metacomet, at the time of his war of 1675-6. But there was no disposition evinced by them to respond to the great Sachem's call by any
overt acts of hostility towards the English settlers. Indeed, great
numbers of those Indians in other parts of the Old Colony, who had
submitted to the English, were sent by the Commissioners, much to
the annoyance of the settlers in the towns joining upon Mashpee, to
this plantation for safe keeping. Thus brought in contact with these
exiled ones, and compelled to listen to their complaints, it was much
apprehended that difficulties would arise on the part of the Cape Cod
Indians, whose sympathies with their suffering race could not be otherwise than deeply moved. Nothing, however, of a disastrous nature
occurred. Much vigilance was deemed necessary lest there should
be an outbreak, and not a little anxiety was felt.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              681
and left several children, all of whom lived to a great
age, and were respectable.1
Next succeeded the Rev. JOSEPH BOURNE, who was
ordained Nov. 26, 1729. He "was a good man," and
well educated; the son of the Chief Justice of the
Court of Common Pleas for the county; the grandson
of Shearjashub Bourne Esq., who had been so disposed
to promote the designs of his father, watching over the
interests of the Indians;2 and the great grandson of
1 The last of Simon's children died in 1770.
2 SHEARJASHUB BOURNE Esq. carried on a lucrative trade with
the Indians; but in all transactions was noted for integrity. He had
great influence with the Mashpees, and was highly respected in every
community. He d. in Sandwich, Mar. 7,1719, ae. 75. Mr. B. was a
Rep. in Gen. Ct. from the town of S., as will be seen by reference to
another portion of our History. He was b. in S. 1644, s. of Mr.
Richard; m. Bathsheba, [dr. of Gov. Hinckley-so we understand
it, although some have it dr. of Mr. James Skiff. Perhaps both traditions are correct, as in the issue names favor the supposition,] and
had Melatiah Jan. 12, 1673; Ezra Aug. 6, 1676; Mary Oct. 21,
1678, who m. Alien; Sarah Feb. 6, 1680, not mentioned in her
father's will; Remember, Feb. 6, 1680, who was 2d w. of Rev. Experience Mayhew Dec. 4, 1711, whose 1st w. was a dr. of Gov. H.;
and Patience Ap. 20, 1686, who m. Allen. —  The eldest son of the
above, Col. MELATIAH of S. b. 1673, m. 1st Desire Chipman,
Feb. 23, 1693, who d. Mar. 28, 1705, and 2d wid. Abigail Smith,
who d. Nov. 24, 1742. He had by 1st m., Sylvanus, Ap. 10, 1694;
Richard, Aug. 13, 1695, who served as capt. in the army in Canada,
and d. 1738, without issue; Samuel and Sarah, gemini, Feb. 7,
1697, both of whom d. early; John, Mar. 10, 1698; Shearjashub,
Dec. 21, 1699; Silas, Dec. 10, 1701; and Bathsheba, Nov. 4, 1703,
who m. 1st Newcomb, 2d Ruggles. Col. B. d. Nov. 24, 1742, m. 69.
The other s. of Shearj. Esq., Hon. EZRA, b. 1676, m. Martha, dr. of
Mr. Samuel Prince, Dec. 27, 1698, who d. Dec. 27, 1752. "He
succeeded his father in the superintendence of the Mashpee Indians,"
was ap. Judge of the C. P. and subsequently Chf. Just. and d. Sept.
1764, e. 88, in M. where his w. d. Dec. 27, 1752. They had Sarah.
Jan. 7, 1700, who d. July 11; Joseph, May 10, 1701, who grad. H. C.
VOL. I.       86




682              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the  first pastor.   Although    Mr. Bourne was led       to
resign his mission in 1742, 1 complaining much of the
ill-treatment which the Indians received, and of the
neglect of the commissioners with regard to his support," he still took an interest in the Indian's cause, and
much encouraged and assisted the next white missionary, Rev. Mr. Hawley.1
On the resignation of Mr. Bourne, SOLOMON BRIANT,
an Indian, was ordained pastor of the Mashpee church;
and, although much opposition was made to his settlement, by gentlemen in the county, he continued his
ministry among his red brethren until the year 1758.2
1722, the missionary, who d. 1767, leaving a wid. Hannah, but no
issue; Mary, who m. Rev. John Angier Nov. 23, 1732; Samuel;
Ezra; Shearjashub; and Martha, who m. Benj. Le Homedian June 4,
1731. This family furnished many of note and influence. - Passing
by, for the present, other branches of the descendants of Mr. Richard
Bourne, we may note that Hon. SILAS, b. 1701, s. of Col. Melatiah
of S. m. Mary Allen, Feb. 8, 1730, and had James, Feb. 21, 1731;
Melatiah Nov. 11, 1734; Silas, Feb. 20, 1737; and Mary, 1739.JAMEs, b. 1731, m. Mary Nye, Feb. 18, 1753, and had Benj. Mar. 2,
1753; Hannah, 1755, who m. Thacher; Allen, Aug. 24,1759; Mary,
1762; James Jr. Aug. 15, 1765; Temperance, 1769; and Sarah,
1771.- MELATIAH, Esq. b. 1734, m. Mary Howes, and had Hannah,
Aug. 1, 1767, who m. Zenas Crocker Esq. of Be. Sept. 23, 1790;
Eunice, 1770; Mary, 1772; and Melatiah Jr. Jan. 14, 1778, the
highly respectable representative of his distinguished line of ancestry,
surviving in Sandwich. - SILAS Esq. b. 1737, was a prominent citizen
of S. and m. 1st Abigail Bourne June 23, 1762, 2d Fear dr. of Capt.
Joseph Parker, and had Abigail, Feb. 22, 1763; Silas, Nov. 9, 1773,
who d. early; Silas, May 31, 1777, who d. in Boston Ap. 28, 1803,
ae. 26; and Ezra Allen, Aug. 31, 1779, now occupying a position of
high respectability as a citizen of Boston.
1 Rev. JOSEPH BOURNE, d. 1767, ae. 66, greatly lamented. His
will mentions his wife Hannah and nephew Joseph of Falmouth.
2 His settlement is said, by Rev. Mr. Hawley, to have been " effected by a factional influence" from abroad, designed to defeat the settle



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.          683
He is represented as a sensible man, a good preacher,
preaching always in the Indian dialect; but it has also
been said of him, that he was " not sufficiently prudent
in the admission of members" to the church, and that
he was " rather deficient in economy." His dismission
was finally occasioned by some dissatisfaction on the
part of the Indians. It seems that his labors were not
entirely interrupted, for his successor wrote concerning
him in 1760, " He grows better as he grows older; he
is nearly 66 years of age, has been a preacher more
than 40 years, and continues in his usefulness to this
day."'
The Rev. GIDEON HAWLEY succeeded Mr. Bryant, April
10, 1758, and was installed as missionary and pastor.
Mr. Hawley was a native of Connecticut, and graduated at Yale, in 1749.   He had commenced his missionary labors, in 1752, at Stockbridge. The September
following he had made an excursion to Schoharie in
the country of the Mohawks. In Stockbridge, he was
an instructor under the patronage of Rev. Jonathan
Edwards, having charge of a large number of children
of the Mohawk, Oneida, and Tuscarora Indians, and
preaching to them on Sundays. It being determined
to establish a mission among the Iroquois, or Indians of
the Six Nations, Mr. Hawley was selected for that important mission, and at once commenced his journey
ment of a worthy and educated gentleman from Barnstable, whose
family connections were not acceptable to certain other persons of influence. The Rev. Mr. Smith of Yarmouth was also nominated by
the ministers of the county; but " he also was a native of Barnstable,
and therefore unacceptable."
1 Mr. BRIANT died, May 8, 1775, se. 80. There was also a Joseph
Briant, or Bryant, minister at Mashpee, or in the neighborhood, who
died April 25, 1759; and, in 1698, a John Bryant had been an Indian
teacher at Acushnet several years.




684            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
towards the wilderness. In company with Mr. Timothy
Woodbridge, he visited, on his way, Sir William Johnson, and, having secured his patronage, proceeded towards the head of the Susquehanna. Reaching the
place of destination, June 4, which was Ononlaghiwage,
he, with Mr. Woodbridge, held a conference with the
Indians and met with a good reception. In 1754, July
31, he received ordination, at Boston; and then returning to the missionary station, continued his labors until
May, 1756, when the French War compelled him         to
retire. Returning to Boston, he became a chaplain in
the regiment of Col. Gridley, and joined the army at
Albany, destined against Crown Point. After the campaign, being still prevented from returning to his mission, by dangers threatened, he was persuaded, in 1757,
by commissioners of the Society for Propagating the
Gospel among the Indians in North America, to visit
Mashpee.1
Mr. Hawley, in giving his early impressions respecting his new location at Mashpee, has said, " The country
did not strike me agreeably at first; the Indians appeared abject, and widely different from  the Iroquois.
The Mashpee Indians were clad according to the English mode: but a half-naked savage was less disagreeable than Indians who had lost their independence."
Still, Mr. Hawley was constrained to confess, "There is
1 Mr. Hawley was invited back to his mission among the Iroquois,
by a letter from Sir Wm. Johnson, written at the request of the Iroquois Indians; but being urgently advised by Abraham Depuyster
Esq., a wealthy merchant in New York, and Rev. Mr. Frelinghuysen,
minister of the Dutch church at Albany, to relinquish all thought of
resuming the mission, as the small-pox was every where in the way,
and as he would therefore be in constant danger both from the enemy
and infection, he concluded to accept of the charge at Mashpee.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                685
no place I ever saw, so adapted to an Indian town as
this. It is situated on the Sound, in sight of Martha's
Vineyard; is cut into necks of land, and has two inlets
by the sea; being well watered by three fresh rivers,
and three large fresh ponds lying in the centre of the
plantation. In the two salt water bays are a great
plenty of fish of every description; and in the rivers are
trout, herring, &c. In the woods, until lately, has been
a great variety of wild game, consisting of deer, &c.;
and adjacent to the rivers and ponds, otters, minks, and
other amphibious animals whose skins have been sought
for, and made a valuable remittance to         Europe ever
since my knowledge of these Indians." 
1 This view of the adaptation of the plantation to its purposes, is
confirmed by a report made to the State Senate in 1834 by Hon.
Josiah J. Fiske, appointed by the governor to visit the tribe and make
inquisition into the state of' affairs. The commissioner says, "It is
hardly possible to find a place more favorable for gaining a subsistence without labor than the territory of Mashpee. It is situated on a
sound, cut into necks of land with inlets from the sea, being well
watered with beautiful ponds and fresh water streams running from
the central parts of the plantation. On the sea shores are sea-fowl,
shell fish, and lobsters in abundance. The salt water bays abound in
fish of a larger kind, and the fresh water streams and ponds in trout
and herring and small fish of every variety. Great Neck, which has
sometimes been called the metropolis of Mashpee, is famous for eels
which have been easily taken in large quantities by torch light. In
the woods, till lately, wild game has been plenty; and in places adjacent to the streams and ponds, amphibious animals have been easily
taken when furs were valuable. The natives are dexterous whalemen. In latter years, the business of pursuing whales has been open
to all the able-bodied Indians who have been disposed to embark in
the numerous whale ships which sail from the various seaports in the
vicinity of Mashpee. This delightful territory, thus situated, has been
preserved to the Indians through the guardian care of the government, until the standing wood thereon, with a ready market upon its
borders, has become so valuable as to be worth from 50 to $100,000,




686              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In 1674, Mr. Richard Bourne, in a letter to Capt.
Daniel Gookin, had estimated " the number of praying
Indians that do frequently meet together to worship
God, in   Satuitl, Pawpoesit,2 Coatuit,3 Mashpee,4 and
Wakoquett,"5 (all within     or near the limits of Mashpee,6) as being "95, of whom 24 (could) read and 10
(could) write. Two only of the whole number (could)
read English."    He lamented " the irreligion of many;"
saying, they "are very loose in their course, to my
heart-breaking sorrow."     He stated further,    The tract
of land reserved for the Indians and theirs forever,
where I am laboring, is nearly 10 miles in length and
5 in breadth.    The like is done at Comassakumkanit,
near Sandwich."7
in addition to all the grants which have been made from time to time
to the inhabitants for purposes of education and religious improvement.... All were comfortably and decently clad, many of them
occupying frame houses, and a few of them dwelling in wigwams."
The commissioner represented them as, in many instances, being in
possession of cows and swine; tilling the land for the raising of corn,
rye, &c.; some owning oxen, and some horses; the fodder for cattle
derived from the marshes and pastures. "The plantation consists of
about 10,500 acres, three fourths of which are covered with wood."
1 Sanctuit, now generally written.
2 Supposed to be Papponesit.
3 S. W. part of Barnstable.
4 We suppose he means, Mashpee proper: the metropolis.
5 That is, Waquoit.
6 By reference to other parts of the present volume, it will be
seen that Mr. Bourne gives a larger view, embracing all the Indians
on the Cape. Probably some of these, especially in Mattakees,
Weequaket, Codtaumut, Ashimuit, Weesquobs, Pispogutt, Sokones,
&c., became ultimately identified with the Mashpees, and interested
in the benefits of the plantation.
7 There can be very little doubt that the Indian settlement embracing the Herring Pond tribe, whose Indian name is so often stated
as lost, was Comassakumkanet. The reservation indicates it.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY           687
In 1685, Mr. Hinckley, Governor of the Plymouth Colony, reported to the corporation in England, " 141 praying Indians at Mashpee; at Monamet, 110, besides boys
and girls under 12 years of age; at Scauton, 51; at
Suckanesset, 72; at Mattakiest, 70." In the whole
Plymouth Colony, were 1439 praying Indians, besides
youths under 12 years of age supposed to be three
times that number.
In 1693, the Indians were, by the State, subjected to
guardianship; the guardians being subordinate to overseers appointed by the Colonial Government;1 and this
state of things continued to 1763,2 when Mashpee was
constituted a district with power to elect its own officers.3  At this time there were " in Mashpee and places
adjacent, 214 adult Indians, besides stragglers, all then
under the care of Mr. Rowland Cotton of Sandwich,
besides 180 Indians to whom Mr. Thomas Tupper
preached, and 500 under the care of Mr. John Cotton
of Plymouth. In Eastham, were 505 adult Indians to
whom Mr. Treat preached.
In 1718, the civil capacity to make contracts, was
taken from the Indians; but, in 1725, the right of the
Indians to employ persons to build houses on the reservation, was recognized by law. The Indians' land was
yet in commons.
When, in 1763, Mashpee was incorporated as a dis1 These guardians were styled " commissioners."
2 In 1760, the year of the coronation of George III., Reuben
Cognehew, a Mashpee, undertook a mission to England, and in person
presented to the king complaints against the measures of the colonial
government towards the Indians. He returned with orders from the
king to give the Indians a better government.
3 This was not done without much opposition from the overseers
and others, and, as the preamble says, upon "' the repeated and importunate desire of the Indians and mulattoes, proprietors in Mashpee."




688             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
trict, the proprietors were empowered to assemble " in
the public meeting house, to elect a moderator; five
overseers, two of whom must be Englishmen; a district
clerk, and treasurer, which two last named officers must
be English; two wardens; and one or more constables." The act by which this power was granted, giving
them the management generally of their own affairs in
town meeting, was to continue in force three years. It
does not appear that it was renewed.1      The governor
and council, pursuant to an act empowering them        to
appoint certain persons to have inspection of the Indian plantation in Mashpee," commissioned for this
trust Thomas Smith, Isaac Hinckley, and Gideon Hawley.  At this time, there remained in the Old Colony
only 905 of every age; viz.: 223 in the County of
Plymouth; 167 in the County of Bristol; and 515 in
the County of Barnstable. "In 1767, there were, in
Mashpee, 21 shingled houses, and 52 wigwams; 112
married persons, 36 widows, 123 minors and unmarried,
and in all 291 souls." Besides these, at Scauton, were
9 wigwams.
In 1777, Jan. 25, an act was passed by the legislature, in answer to " a petition of the Indian proprietors
1 From a very early period, magistrates for the Indians in the
county, some with more limited jurisdiction, were appointed by the
government.- Commissions were issued in 1715, to John Gorham,
Wm. Bassett, Joseph Doane, and Peter Thacher, as "Jus. Pac. for
the Indians in the county at large;" in 1716, to John Otis; the same
year to Shearjashub Bourne for the Indians in and around Sandwich; in 1719, to John Thomas and Joshua Ralph, Indians of Eastham, to be justices for the Indians in the county; in 1721, to Joseph
Crocker; 1722, Melatiah Bourne; 1723, Ezra Bourne; 1724, Nath'l
Freeman; 1729, Shubael Baxter; 1734, Stephen Skiff; 1744, Samuel Tupper; 1753, Benj. Crocker, all for the Indians of the county;
and 1765, Thomas Freeman "for the Potanumacut Indians."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             689
of Mashpee," granting leave to sell certain lands, the
moneys arising from the sales     to be paid to the Overseers of the District, and by them put at interest for
the purpose of relieving the poor of said district."
Nathaniel Shiverick Esq. of Falmouth, and Mr. Micah
Blackwell of Sandwich, were appointed under said act,
to sell the land described, and execute good and lawful
conveyances of the same.      This is said to have consisted of a large and valuable tract formerly designed
as a parsonage; and was covered with a large growth
of wood and timber. It sold for about eight thousand
dollars.
In  1778, the    missionary, Rev. Mr. Hawley, had
donated to him by the Indians two hundred acres of
land, which must have been with the approbation of
Government, as the land was ever after held by the
family in valid title.l
After the revolutionary war, June 13, 1788, all former laws were repealed, and a Board of Overseers was
provided;2 "the Indian, mulatto and negro proprietors
1 By reference to the record of the General Court, June 26, 1779,
we find that by special act of the same, certain proprietors were, upon
the petition of Mr. Hawley and others, authorized to unite with the
overseers in giving a deed of this land to Mr. Hawley "for his future
encouragement to continue his labors in the ministry" in Mashpee.
The proprietors named were Joseph Richards, Timothy Wright, and
John Pognet; and the conveyance was to "be considered good and
lawful." It may here be remarked that it is evident that generally
all the early grants made by the Government of Indian lands, wherever situated, were considered as preimptive merely, and as little
more than authority to purchase of the natives.
2 Walter Spooner of New Bedford, Matthias Mayhew of Dukes
Co., and Rev. Gideon Hawley of Be. were app. Feb. 2,1789. David
Thacher of Y., and John Davis of Plym. were app. Jan. 30, 1795, and
Eph. Spooner of Plym. June 22, 1795. Joshua Thomas of Plym.,
Kilborn Whitman of Pembroke, Gideon Hawley, Nymphas Marston,
VOL. I.       87




690            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
and inhabitants of Mashpee" were deprived of their
civil rights, and left entirely under the control of men
in whose selection they had no choice;. and Jan. 30,
1789, other provisions of a very stringent character
were enacted by the legislature. The overseers were
authorized to appoint guardians for the Indians, and
these officers were invested with large powers.    The
complaints of the Indians, often heard, were now more
frequent, and louder than ever,1 until, in 1795, in consequence of these reiterated complaints, a committee
was appointed by the legislature to proceed to Mashpee, and investigate the causes of disaffection. The
result was, that, February, 1796, still other laws were
passed that were regarded by the Mashpees as additionally oppressive, although ostensibly designed to
secure to the natives their woodland and other possessions against the possibility of alienation. Thus
they were doomed to a continuance for at least half a
century of their civil disabilities before they should
find any relief.
The plantation had from the beginning been an expensive establishment as managed by law. Touching
the question, what of benefit inured to the Indians by
the outlay, there will probably be, as there ever have
been, two directly adverse opinions. It is not our
purpose to enter at all upon this question. Still, we
are forcibly reminded by the hitherto existing state of
things, as also by the remark of Rev. Mr. Hawley, (in
Chs. Marston, John Percival, Reuben Fisk, and perhaps others were
subsequently either overseers or guardians.
1 They uniformly remonstrated. In 1788, they said in petition,
"Your honors for want of information have put us under a disagreeable constitution;" and urged " the mortification " to which they were
subjected, "of being put under guardianship and considered as minors."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.     691
the comparison he instituted between the Mashpees
and the Iroquois,) of the anecdote related by Dr. Boudinot in regard to the interview of General Knox, in
New York, with a large number of Indian chiefs,
sachems, and warriors, in 1789. This distinguished
American general, being at the time Secretary of War,
gave an entertainment to these delegations of Indians. From the balcony of the building where they
were assembled, they had a fine view of the entire city
and harbor. They glanced abroad in mute astonishment, but seemed dejected; the General inquired the
cause; the principal Chief replied, " Brother, I will tell
you. This fine country and these great waters were
once ours. Here our fathers lived, and enjoyed in
peace the land as their own, and' as the gift of the
GREAT SPIRIT. At last, the white people came in a great
canoe, and asked us only to let them fasten their canoe
to the bank, or to a tree, that the tide might not carry
it away. They then said, that some of their people
were sick; and they, therefore, wished permission to
land them, and place them under the shade of the
trees. Then, soon, the ice came, and they said they
could not get away. They begged, therefore, a piece
of ground to build wigwams to protect them from the
winter's cold. By and by, they asked for some corn,
to keep them from starving. And, at last, when we
reminded them of their promise to depart when the
ice was gone, they pointed their big guns at us. More
people had come; they had brought intoxicating
liquors with them, and persuaded our people to sell
land. They destroyed our game, and drove us back
into the wilderness. Our people wasted away. They
became miserable and wretched. The white people
enjoy our fine country."




692            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Similar is the testimony of Heckewelder, in regard
to declarations of the early settlers of Virginia: " We
took the white man by the hand, and bade him welcome to sit by our side and live with us as a brother.
We gave him all that he needed; he soon tvanted ALL that
we had, and we were driven out! "
During the revolutionary war, the Mashpee Indians
were ready soldiers, and did much good service. It
was stated, in 1783, by Rev. Mr. Hawley, that most of
the women in Mashpee had lost their husbands, in the
war. At that time, there were no less than seventy
widows on the plantation.1 A return of men enlisted
in the Continental army for three years, or during the
war, shows in a single regiment, raised in 1777, the
names of twenty-six Mashpees: Francis Webquish,
Samuel Moses, Demps Squibs, Mark Negro, Tom Caesar,
Joseph Asher, James Keeter, Joseph Keeter, Jacob
Keeter, Daniel Pocknet, Job Rimmon, George Shawn,
Castel Barnet, Joshua Pognet, James Rimmon, David
Hatch, James Nocake, Abel Hoswitt, Elisha Keeter,
John Pearce, John Mapix, Amos Babcock, Hosea Pognet, Church Asher, Gideon Tumpum.
The Rev. Mr. Hawley, who seems to have been
regarded on all hands as peculiarly fitted for his work,
was here occupied nearly half a century in benevolent
exertion.  He died Oct. 3, 1807, ae. 80. In his last
1 The war of the revolution made sad inroads upon their community. Of twenty-two of their most active men enlisted in the first
Continental regiment of four hundred men raised in the county, all
perished, except one, in the service. Such bereavements tended
greatly to encourage intermarriages with the blacks.
2 He is said to have " possessed great dignity of manner and authority of voice, which had much influence with the Indians." He is
understood to have been descended from Mr. SAMUEL HAWLEY who
came from Derbyshire, Eng., first to Roxbury, Mass., thence remov



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            693
sickness he said, I have hope of acceptance with God;
but it is founded wholly on free and sovereign grace,
and not at all on my works. It is true, my labors have
been many; but they have been so very imperfect,
attended with so great a want of charity and humility,
that I have no hope in them as a ground of acceptance." An extensive correspondence was a source
of much satisfaction to him, especially in his declining
years.
A characteristic letter, written a short time before
the decease of this venerable man, happens to be in
our possession; and, as it relates to the times of its
date, and shows the vigor of old age, it is worthy to be
here transcribed:"June 24, 1795.
"Honored Sir: Retired as I am, and at my time of life, I
need amusement. I read; but my eyes soon become weary.
I converse; but it is with those who have heard my stale observations and my threadbare stories till they have them by
rote. In such a case, what can I do?  I walk; but soon being in 1639 to Stratford, Ct.; and among whose issue were Joseph of
Stratford; Thos. of Northampton, Mass.; and Eliz. of Stratford.
The eldest of these, JOSEPH, had Sam'l, 1647, who d. Aug. 24,1734;
Joseph, Jan. 9, 1649, d. young; Elizabeth, 1651; Eben'r, Sept. 17,
1654, who d. about 1690; Hannah, 1657; Ephraim, Aug. 7, 1659,
d. Ap. 18, 1690; John, June 14, 1661, d. July 27, 1729; and Mary,
1663. The children of EPHRAIM, the 6th of these last, of Newtown,
were Daniel of Trumbull, Ct., Sept. 20, 1684, d. July 28, 1750;
Gideon, Jan. 30, 1687, d. 1730; and Abiah, 1690. The children of
GIDEON, the 2d of these last, were James, of Bridgeport, Jan. 29,
1713, d. Oct. 7, 1746; Zachariah, Sept. 2, 1717; Sarah, 1721;
Abiah, 1723; Anne, 1724; and GIDEON, the missionary to the
Mashpees, b. in 1726, grad. Yale 1749, m. Lucy, dr. of Rev. Benj.
Fessenden of Sandwich, June 14, 1759, and d., as we have said,
Oct. 3, 1807. His son James, grad. H. C. 1792, tutor 1797-8, ord.
May, 1798, minister of Pembroke, and d. Oct. 8, 1800, a. 27, was a
man of rare promise and greatly beloved. Gideon Esq., another
son, was highly respectable.




694            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
come weary. I cannot doze away my time upon the bed of
sloth, nor nod in my elbow chair. I, therefore, sometimes sit
at the window and view my poultry, after my rural ramble,
and relax my mind after studious application.
" These fowls are not very profitable; for they make depredations on all sides, waste the fruits of my fields, and spoil my
garden: but I hear their voice hailing the early dawn; and
this admonishes me of my duty; - as Inspiration teaches,' Ask
now the fowls, for they will tell thee;' and, in another place,'Consider the fowls.'
" A very common occurrence attracted my attention the other
day: I saw how great an unaerling one of the cocks was made
by the Cockron and others of the flock. He was even deprived of the rights of hens. He dare not sound his clarion,
nor associate with the females of the flock! I pitied his fate,
and concluded to take an active part in his favor. I fed him
from my own hand, and drove away his tyrants, pelting them
with stones. This little fellow gathered courage with his
strength, sung his notes, and enjoyed his amours in consequence
of my favor. But, alas! to the terror and amazement of the
whole company, he, in his turn, became an intolerable tyrant!
He attacked his sire, and beat the Archon, and wounded one of
his fellows of the same brood in such a manner that his life was
despaired of; and, out of compassion, I wrung the neck of the
wounded, and lost his carcass. In short, this little cock raised
his crest and reigned with a vengeance. I, therefore, laid him
under arrest, and kept him in confinement until his passions
were cooled. However, it mortified me to consider how inconsiderately I had acted; for it was by my means that this
sanguinary affair had been brought about. I did it without
any ill design; but it was injudicious. I destroyed the balance
of power, and every thing ran into confusion in my republic of
hens. The Archon had better understanding, and was wiser
in this affair than I was. He saw latent tyranny in the nature
of this little fellow; that it would not do to indulge him, for
he needed a master. However, I have now liberated him from
his confinement, and he seems properly humbled, and keeps his
rank in life. But I have determined not to meddle in the
government of hens in future, nor overturn establishments.
Cocks will be cocks. As the sage Indian said,'Tucks will be
tucks, though old hen he hatch'em.'
" Milton, full of his notions, supposes that a change in consequence of Adam's fall, passed upon the other animals; and I
cannot contradict him. But be that as it may, their natures
remain much as they were when the race of European animals
were imported into America, notwithstanding the changes




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         695
which have passed over their masters. Bulls are yet bulls, and
of the same nature that they had before the revolution in this
country, and that important one now regenerating the Old
World, as it is called; and under every form of government
and dispensation, men will be men, —the same wicked, vicious
race by nature that they always were, - there being no form of
government or means of grace, but what have been tried upon
them over and over again in every possible circumstance.
Please read Romans, chap. 1; and Edwards on Human Depravity or Original Sin. Man is a mere'wild ass's colt.'
Vide Soame Jenyns' Works, and Fable of Bees. Christianity
greatly meliorated the world; but like all other good things
in the hands of man, it soon became corrupted. A good institution of civil government soon deteriorates and grows worse
and worse by its administration, be it a commonwealth or a
monarchy.
"I have room only to add,
"Sir, your very humble servant,
" GIDEON HAWLEY.
" on. Dr. Freeman."
The reader familiar with the history of the times at
the date of this letter, will form his own conclusions in
regard to the moral which the letter inculcates.  Other
specimens of his correspondence, showing how sincere,
judicious, and sympathizing a friend he was at all times,
especially in the hour of affliction, might be given;
but as our design is not to write a memoir of Mr.
Hawley, we forbear.
Mr. Hawley, as had been his predecessors, was sustained in his missionary career by the funds of the
Society in England for Propagating the Gospel among
the Indians in North America; under the agency of
commissioners in Boston. In 1792, the only Indian
church in existence was in Mashpee; none in Plymouth
or Bristol Counties. Of the one hundred and thirtyfour Indians left in Dartmouth and Freetown in 1763,
but thirty remained.   In all other towns in Bristol
Co. they were extinct. In Plymouth Co., there remained in Middleboro' four or five families; two or




696          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
three in Pembroke, and five or six persons in Bridgewater. In Barnstable Co., a few remained at Potanumaquut, and in Barnstable and at Herring Pond.
The great body resided in and about Mashpee; eighty
families, a mixed race, not more than forty or fifty
Indians of pure blood.
Next succeeding, was Rev. PHINEAS FISH of Sandwich,
a graduate of Harvard College in 1811; who began his
ministry in Mashpee by appointment of the authorities
of the college, in conjunction with the overseers of
Mashpee, and was ordained, Sept. 18, 1812. The nomination rested with the corporation of Harvard College
as trustees of "the Williams Fund."
It is proper here to state that, in 1711, Rev. Daniel
Williams, a pious man and eminent clergyman of London, died, having in his will bequeathed a legacy constituting this fund. The bequest was as follows: "I
give the remainder of my estate, to be paid yearly to
the College of Cambridge in New England, or to such
as are usually employed to manage the blessed work of
converting the poor Indians there, to promote which I
design this part of my gift." From this fund, Rev. Mr.
Hawley had received $100 per annum; and the Rev.
Mr. Fish, during his pastorate, received from $390 to
$433 per annum, for the increase of their regular stipends. Two thirds of the income of the Williams fund
has continued to be allowed by the trustees to the selectmen of Mashpee towards the support of such missionary as shall be chosen by the proprietors of the
district, since the time when Mashpee was established
as a parish.
It is but an act of sheer justice to the Indians, here
to state that, in setting forth their grievances at a later
period, they aver that during the fifty years' service of




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            697
the predecessor of Mr. Fish, " not an Indian was taught
to read, nor a single Indian converted"! Indeed, Rev.
Cotton Mather Smith's confession," The arrangements
for managing Indian schools, were never thoroughly
made, admirable as was the plan, and much as it promised," is sustained by the representations made by the
Mashpees, whilst it was in a wider sense applicable to
the Indians in other parts. The fact, unhappily, cannot
be controverted that " vast sums of money expended
by the Propagation Society, intended for the benefit of
the aboriginal natives, were shamefully thrown away in
New England without being faithfully and energetically applied to the end intended by the donors."
Some opposition was made by the Mashpees to the
settlement of Mr. Hawley's successor; but the decision
of Harvard College and the consent of the overseers
prevailed, and Mr. Fish who was a truly amiable and
estimable man, moved      on in comparative quiet for
many years, dividing his labors between Mashpee and
the plantation at Commassekumkanet, or Herring Pond
lying between Sandwich and Plymouth.l Mr. Fish was
1 This last was the field of the early labors of Mr. Thomas Tupper Sr., whom we have frequently had occasion to mention in the
prosecution of our work; and this Indian church at Herring Pond
was many years nurtured by those of the name. Mr. THOMAS TuPPER was b. 1578, and d. Mar. 28, 1676, as. 98 yrs. and 2 mo. His
widow ANNE d. June 4, 1676, Xe. about 90. Their son THOMAS Jr.
b. Jan. 16, 1638, m. Martha, dr. of Thos. Mayhew of Martha's Vineyard, Oct. 22, 1661, who d. a widow, Nov. 15, 1717. [Her father
who was Gov. of M. Vineyard and the neighboring islands, obtained
a grant from Lord Stirling in 1641, and conveyed to his daughter,
by deed of gift, 1666, much valuable estate including among other
lands an "estate at Chapaquidick;" half of "the island Nunnemisset
bought of Isaac, sachem of Manomet;" and also a share "of Cuttayhunck which was given by the said sachem." Gov. Mayhew, after
the death of his son, - Rev. Thomas Mayhew Jr., the first minister,
VOL. I.      88




698             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
possessed of more than ordinary talents, was a good
scholar, with a trusty and affectionate heart, and one of
the best ethical writers of the day.
At the time of the settlement of Mr. Fish, there
of the Vineyard, commencing his labors there in 1642,  " gave himself to the work of the ministry among the natives when at the age of
70," and, " notwithstanding his advanced years and his office of Gov'r,
often travelled on foot 20 miles through the woods to impart religious
instruction to the Indians."  From him were descended, besides Rev.
Thos. lost at sea on returning from England, Matthew who succeeded
his grandfather in the government of the islands in 1681 and also
preached to the Indians; Thomas a judge, and John a minister at the
Vineyard - sons of Rev. Thomas. From them   were Experience,
another minister on the island; Zechariah, a miss'y at Gay Head;
Jonathan, D. D. minister in Boston; and many others distinguished,
among whom by maternal descent was the Rt. Rev. Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright, the late lamented provisional bishop of the diocese
of New York. The longevity of the Mayhews for successive generations was remarkable-numbers of them living to be very aged.
The several generations embraced characters of great piety, learning,
active benevolence, and influence.] Thos. Tupper Jr., by his wife
Martha, had Martha, 1662; Thomas, Aug. 11, 1664, who m. Mary
and had Jane, 1688, and Thomas July 25, 1693; Israel, Sept. 22,
1666; Elisha, March 17, 1668; Jane who d. 1673; Ichabod, Aug.
11, 1673; Eldad, May 31, 1674; Medad, Sept. 22, 1677; Anne,
1679, who m. Benj. Gibbs; Eliakim, Dec. 29, 1681; and Bethia,
1685.-Of this large family of the 3d generation, ISRAEL b. 1666,
had by his wife Elizabeth, Samuel, May 4, 1692, first named Elisha
which name was changed; Thankful, 1696, who m. Josiah Clark of
Plymouth, Oct. 30, 1718; Meribah, 1699; Eliza'h, 1701, d. inf.; Israel, June 18, 1705, d. inf.; Sarah, Aug. 6, 1707; Israel, April 28,
1710; Nathaniel, Dec. 7, 1714; and Rowland, Feb. 15, 1717.ICHABOD b. 1673, had by his wife Mary, Anne, Mar. 6, 1713; Thos.,
Dec. 20, 1714; Mary, 1717; Martha, 1719; Mehitable, 1721; and
Jedediah, 1725.-ELDAD b. 1674, m. Martha Wheaton, Dec. 30,
1701, and had Mehitable, Nov. 9, 1702, who m. Ichabod Smith, Dec.
6, 1723; Jemima, 1704; Elisha, July 17, 1707; Isaiah, Dec. 11,
1709; Eldad, Mar. 4, 1714; Prince, July 24, 1718; Mayhew, July
13, 1719; Benj., Oct. 4, 1721; Thos., 1722; and Martha, 1725, who




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              699
were very few Indians remaining of unmixed blood,
and very few who could speak their native dialect.
Some few, however, still existed, aged, and destined
soon to give way to a race of half-breeds, negroes, mum. Nath'l Morton Jr. of Plymouth, 1746. - MEDAD b. 1677, had by
his wife Hannah, Joanna, Sept. 29, 1704; Mary, 1706; Nathan, June
28, 1709, who m. Exp'e Gibbs, Jan. 16, 1735; Martha, 1711; Hannah, 1714; and Medad, Apr. 2, 1718, who m. Joanna Gibbs, Nov. 11,
1742. — ELIAKIM b. 1681, had by his wife Joanna, Ruth, June 30,
1708, who m. Jabez Dunkin, June 29, 1732; Anne, 1710; Eliakim,
June 20, 1711, who m. Mary Bassett, Mar. 28, 1734, and had William, July 6, 1735; Abia, 1713; Elias, Oct. 12, 1715; Abigail, 1717;
Thos., Nov. 21, 1719; Hannah, 1721; Jane, 1723, d. inf.; Joanna,
1724, who m. Roland Ellis, 1749; Nath'l, Apr. 24, 1726; Deborah,
1728; Charles, Dec. 28, 1729; and Solomon, Oct. 17, 1731.-It
would make this note of inconvenient length, to follow at the present
the genealogy of the entire branches of the 4th gen.; we, therefore,
only note further that of the issue from Eldad son of Thos. Jr., embracing as it does that of his son Rev. ELISHA, the missionary at Herring Pond, and afterwards minister at Pocasset. Rev. Elisha b. 1707,
d. 1787, ae. 80, had by Mary his wife, Jane, Nov. 4, 1741; Thankful,
1743; Mehitable, 1745; and Abigail, 1748, who m. John Perry Jr.,
Oct. 26, 1769. Dying without male issue, the name in his branch became extinct. - ELDAD, bro. of Elisha, b. 1714, m. Remember Ellis,
May 23, 1751.- PRINCE b. 1718, another bro., m. Jane Ellis, Nov. 18,
1750, and had Deborah who m. Joseph Gifford; Jane who m. James
Faunce, his 2d w., June 12, 1796; Jemima who m. Jona. Nye of Fairfield, Me., Sept. 19, 1799; Prince who m. Grace dr. of Malachi Ellis,
Mar. 9, 1794, and d. without issue; Ellis who m. Eunice Ellis of Nantucket, 1793, and afterwards resided in Maine, having several children, of whom a son now resides in Sandwich; and Eldad who went
to Danvers. - Dr. BENJAMIN b. 1721, another bro., m. Eliza. Ellis,
Sept. 5, 1745, and m. 2d —, settled at Nantucket in the practice of
medicine, and d. 1793. He had 4 ch. by the 1st m., and 1 by the 2d.
Those by the first, were Benj., who d. on a whaling voyage, in the ice
of the Greenland seas, leaving a son Benj. who became a merchant in
Boston, - then went to France as agent for the sale of oil, and to negotiate with the first consul for carrying on the whale fishery there,
but d. on his passage back, [and was succeeded by Benj. Rotch of N.




700              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
lattoes, and Hessians. The last of the race, of purely
Indian blood, was ISAAC SIMON, who survived until about
the time of the    commencement of the present half
century.' In 1800, there were, in Mashpee, 380 souls,
and about 80 Indian houses. Wigwams had almost
Bedford who arranged with Bonaparte then emperor an establishment at Dunkirk for the whale fishery and importation of his property
in oil free of duty -a sure stepping-stone to fortune;] Abigail who
m. Joseph Jackson of Litchfield, Me.; James, Apr. 1754; and Martha, who m. Obadiah Wood of Nantucket. - Dr. JAMES b. 1754, on
Nantucket, was educated in Sandwich, and removed to Pownalboro',
Me. By his m. with Deborah, dr. of Jona. Allen Esq. of Chilmark,
he had James, Feb. 21, 1786, who d. Dec. 26, 1829; Jona. A., Aug.
31, 1787, who located on Staten Island where he d. 1819, leaving issue,
one son being Allen, now of Iowa; Tristram, Oct. 15, 1789, who settled in Charleston, S. C.; Cordelia, June 23, 1792, who m. Barzillai
White; Homes, June 23, 1794, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Henry, Nov. 10,
1796, who set'd in N. Orleans; Deborah, Apr. 19, 1799; Eliza., 1801;
Mary, 1803, who m. Rev. Thos. N. Lord of Auburn, Me.; and Frederic Allen, 1807, who settled in Savannah, Ga. - The issue of TRIsTRAM b. 1789: Samuel Y., pres't of Fireman's Ins. Co., Charleston;
James, master in equity; Ann Eliza wife of Simeon Hyde, merch't;
R. Furman who served as lt. of Gen. Persifer Smith's La. Volunteers in the Mexican war; Henry Allen, clergyman of the Baptist
ch. in Washington, Ga.; Tristram Jr., merchant, Charleston; Kate
Harral, to whom we are indebted for a copy of the record of her
branch of the family for three generations; Frederick, merch't; Geo.,
merch't; Cordelia; and Richard F.
1 The Rev. Dr. Alden says, "The last was SAMUEL RICHARDS who
d. about 1804-5, se. 91, the oldest Indian in the tribe -of remarkably upright gait, tall, well-proportioned, of dignified aspect. He had
been early taught to read his vernacular tongue, and owned Eliot's
Bible. He had been a religious man many years, and was regarded
by Rev. Mr. Hawley as steady, honest, well-minded. He and his
squaw whose name was Hannah Popmonnet, used to converse in their
native tongue; but there is scarcely an individual left who knows
much about the original language of Massapee." He adds, "It is
worthy of remark that some of the best seamen, particularly for
whaling, have proceeded from Massapee."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        701
entirely disappeared. At the time of Mr. Fish's ordination, the number of the Mashpees was 357. Many of
them were active and expert whalemen; a business in
which they have excelled, and have been much employed by their white neighbors. But many of the
Indians, especially the women and the old men, were
content to manufacture brooms, baskets, &c., and to
peddle these, together with berries, fish, &c., to the inhabitants of the surrounding towns. Very little attention was given upon the plantation to agriculture.
Under the direction of the guardians, numbers of the
youth of both sexes had been, from time to time,
indentured to families in surrounding towns; and these,
for a while, made valuable servants, and were greatly
convenient on farms, and as domestics. Fondness for
an idle and wandering life, and withal for strong drink,
seemed soon, however, to characterize a large portion
of those who had entered on their majority. Some
honorable exceptions there have ever been; but so few
comparatively that the evidence of an incubus resting
upon the Indians' ambition to excel, and betokening
their final extinction, has been sadly apparent. The
Indian language, and the pure Indian blood, extinct, a
promiscuous race of colored people, in diminished numbers, now constitute the population of Mashpee.
In 1817, an appropriation of $500 was made by the
State legislature to repair the Indian meeting house.
The legislature, in 1831, also appropriated $400 for the
erecting of two school houses. Up to this time, and
not until the expiration of two or three years more,
1 We are not to suppose that the Indians had ceased to complain of
their condition. They felt the degradation to which they were subjected. In 1818, they petitioned the legislature without success, "to
grant us the unspeakable privilege of choosing our own overseers."




702           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
had any thing been done for the Indians by the State, as
respects their education, but the building of the two
school houses. In 1834, an appropriation for schools
was made, of $100 from the State school fund. In
1838, an appropriation of $800 was made for the repairs of the meeting house; and since then $900 has
been ordered for similar purposes.
It has been said by the Mashpees themselves, during
the troubles of this period, that " in all times past, the
natives had been regarded only as savages. If their
children were taken by the authorities and put out to
work, it was with an understanding that they need
not be schooled, and that they had generally been
badly fed, badly lodged, badly clad. That, though thus
deprived of all mental culture;1 robbed, as has been
alleged, of their rights; they were constantly subject
to the unfeeling accusation of being degraded. Yet,
that notwithstanding all this, some of them, by living
abroad, had learned to read and write, and gained some
knowledge of arithmetic, and become teachers of others.
That, whilst taxed $400 per annum for the support of
white overseers and other officers, and the Indians' possessions were employed for the support of a white man as
pastor forced upon them, $56,000 had, in 140 years, been
paid out of Indian funds, to the white people, for which
nothing had actually been received, save $900 to repair the meeting house, and $100 for schools within
the last few years; whilst the Mashpees were all this
time regarded as State patpers." It is no part of our
present duty to pronounce on the justice or injustice of
these allegations. We may only say, if these things
are so, there is some piquancy in the remark made by
1 There were certainly honorable exceptions to this state of things.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             703
one of them, "Verily, it is a fine thing to be an
Indian!"
Early in 1833, the dissatisfaction of the Mashpees
with the existing condition of affairs assumed a determined aspect.    To DANIEL B. AMOS, is conceded, by his
tribe, the honor of conceiving a plan to free his people
from what they regarded as abject slavery.
WILLIAM APES, a regularly ordained preacher of the
Pequot tribe, came to Mashpee, "was adopted by the
tribe, and invited to preach to them and assist them in
gaining their liberty." Mr. Apes' description of the
place, and his first impressions on visiting the Mashpees, is graphic; and we give it, in substance, as follows: -" The sacred edifice stood in the midst of a
noble forest, and seemed to be about one hundred
years old.1  Hard by, was an Indian burying ground
overgrown with pines.2 The graves were all ranged
north and south. A delightful brook, fed by some of
1 The meeting house was built, before the year 1757, by funds of
the English Propagation Society. The original meeting house was
built in 1684, by the same society, which contributed to support a
missionary until after the revolution.
2 Among these, graves may be found whose monuments bear the
following inscriptions: -
"In memory of Dea. ZACHEUS POPMUNNET, died Oct. 22, 1770,
ae. 51 yrs.'The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor."'
"In memory of FLORA HAWLEY, ob't Jan. 31, 1785, se. 40 yrs.' A faithful servant.'"
These instances do not exhibit a remarkable longevity; but OLDMIXON, 1708, says, "The Indians lived commonly to 150 years."
There were certainly at an early period notable instances of extreme
old age. The statements of Oldmixon, however, are to be taken
with some abatement; for he also says, "Plymouth Bay is larger
than Cape Cod, and has two fine islands: Rhode Island and Elizabeth
Island." He tells us also that New England is bounded west by
Pennsylvania. We cannot take him for authority.




704              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the sweetest springs in Massachusetts, murmured by
its side.  After pleasing my eyes with       this charming
landscape, I turned to meet my Indian brethren, and
give them   the hand of friendship; but look in whatever direction, those coming to the house of God on
this my first Sabbath in the place, were pale-faces. I
entered the house with the missionary, Rev. Mr. Fish,
who had invited me to preach. It had the appearance
of some ancient monument upon a hill-top, set up as a
land mark to generations yet unborn. Could Solomon's
temple have been placed beside it, I think no one
would have drawn an architectural comparison.         When
I arose to give out the psalm      to be sung, I cast my
eyes towards the gallery, to see how the songsters, who
were already tuning their harps, appeared.l With one
1 We are forcibly reminded here of a practice that had escaped
our remembrance, -that of the choir tuning their voices- often
with the aid of the bass viol and sometimes violin, during the reading
of the psalm. This practice long prevailed, and we think it probable
it may still prevail in some churches. That practice, together with
another -the slamming down of the seats of pews (the seats being
adjusted with hinges for the convenience of the congregation, who
made it a religious duty to stand in the time of prayer) which came
upon our youthful ears like an irregular discharge of infantry at the
utterance of the closing' Amen' of prayer, left a vivid impression
upon our mind of the irreverence that in those days, without design,
attended solemn acts of devotion. Nor can we to this day forget the
like irreverence so general of the males walking into the house of
God with covered heads, even to their pews, and issuing in like manner - (an act that would at the present day, and indeed in every age,
be considered boorish if practised in the house of any gentleman;)
nor yet another custom - that of early preparation for a determined
stampede from the meeting house the moment that the benediction
was pronounced. Coats were buttoned, canes and hats were taken in
hand, pew-doors were unbuttoned, and diligent and full preparation
was made for a general rush to ensue as soon as the closing' Amen'
should begin to be articulated by the minister. And such a babel of




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.           705
solitary exception, paleness was on all their faces. I
must, however, do these Indians the justice to say that
they performed their parts very well. Looking below,
something new caught my attention: reserved on the
sides of the temple, were seats for the privileged white
people. After preaching, I attended, between the
morning and afternoon service, the Sabbath school, in
which a solitary red child might here and there be
seen.  I inquired where the Indians were; and was
then informed that a person called Blind Joe tried to
preach to them, and that this was the cause of their
absence.  It was concluded, by      the consent of the
missionary, to have a service the next day among the
Indians.  When, on     that  occasion, addressing    the
Throne of Grace, I besought the Lord to'have compassion on the poor Indians, and relieve them from all
oppressions.'  I was, after this, cautioned      against
alluding to oppression, lest the Indians should become
more discontented. I now appointed to meet my red
brethren on the Wednesday evening following, when I
expected to bid them farewell forever. But what ensued led to a different determination."
So much for Mr. Apes' introduction to Mashpee.
The sequel is at hand: Ebenezer Attaquin, Ezra Attatongues and noisy scattering of devout worshippers as followed, was
memorable. The reader will understand that this was not peculiar to
Indian congregations — it was the Congregational practice! Deane's
history of Scituate informs us' that tradition tells "how smokers
would sometimes disturb public worship by the klicking of flints and
steel to light their pipes; and that even clouds of smoke were to be
seen in church." We have no evidence of such a practice ever prevailing in this county; but we do find that, at a certain time, " Jedediah and Benj. Lombard, with Rd. Berry, were fined for smoking
tobacco at the end of the meeting house in Yarmounth on the
Lord's day."
VOL. I.      89




706            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
quin, and others, were decided "to seek once more for
that redress of grievances often sought before, but
never obtained." The Mashpees assembled in Council
May 21, 1833, and
"Resolved, 1. That we, as a tribe, will rule ourselves, and
have the right to do so; for all men are born free and equal,
as says the Constitution of our country.
" Resolved, 2. That we will not permit any white man to come
upon our Plantation, to cut, or to carry off, wood, or hay, or
any other article, without our permission, after the 1st of July
next."
These resolutions and others were followed by an address to
the Trustees of the Williams Fund, and was signed by about
one hundred Indians; also attested "at the Council House at
Mashpee.
"EBENEZER ATTAQUIN, President.
"ISRAEL AMOS, Secretary."
And the address was committed to a delegation to be presented to the Governor and Council.
June 25, 1833, this people concerted " a Form of
Government," after the pattern of their white brethren; and gave notice, by Proclamation, to all concerned, of their future intentions. These revolutionary
proceedings did not fail to arouse the vigilance of outsiders; and, July 1, for putting in force the resolutions
they had adopted, certain of the leaders were arrested,
tried, convicted, and finally imprisoned.  They were
prosecuted for a constructive riot, in unloading and
retaining wood which a white man attempted to remove from the plantation.
It was at this stage of the proceedings that the
Mashpees secured the services of the Hon. B. F. Hallett
as their counsel. Mr. Hallett was born and brought
up in the neighborhood of the Indian district; and, in
a memorandum, Oct. 2, 1834, says he "had always
regarded these Indians as a people grievously op



ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             707
pressed by the white people, and borne down by laws
which madethem poor, and enriched other men upon
their property."    Mr. Hallett thought "the persons
concerned in the riot, as it was called, were as justifiable in what they had done, as were our fathers in
throwing the British teas into the Boston dock; and
that the imprisonment of these Indians was no disgrace to them, more than was the          confinement of
patriots of the revolution, in the Jersey prison-ship."
So this distinguished gentleman, who, with his wellknown ability, espoused the cause of the Mashpees,
is represented.   And it is but just to     say that the
Indians, in expressing their gratitude to Mr. Hallett for
his services, declare, " He gave us the aid of his extensive learning and undeniable talent, with no other
end in view than the good of the Commonwealth and
of the Mashpee tribe, and a strong desire to wipe from
the character of his native State the foul blot of our
continued wrongs. He never asked where his pay was
to come from."1
In the plea of Mr. Hallett upon the petition and
remonstrances before the legislature, he is represented
as saying, in answer to the allusions made against the
1 It would be wrong for us to perpetuate a historical error by the
impression that Mr. Hallett received no remuneration for his services.
We have no disposition to indorse the suggestion made that " with
him, it was, at bottom, a contest to place the Baptist denomination
uppermost," his sympathies from education and early associations
being with that denomination; but that accustomed "fees were afterwards paid with interest," we are assured by those competent to know,
as corroborated by the treasury accounts. Thus much is due to the
honor of the Indians; and it is, certainly, creditable to their counsel
that his final remuneration was the reward of services rendered
without the promise, and perhaps without the expectation of a
requital.




708            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
petitioners, "I only ask you to look at the historical
evidence of discontent with the laws ever since 1693.
And let me remind you of the fable of the huntsman
and the lion: when the former boasted of the superiority of man, and, as proof, pointed to the statue of
one of the old heroes standing upon a prostrate lion,
the reply of the noble beast was,' There are no sculptors among lions; if there were, for one man standing
upon a lion's carcass, you would have twenty men torn
in pieces by lions.' Gentlemen, by depressing the Indians, our laws have taken care that they should have
no sculptors. The white people have done all the carving for them, and have always placed tlhem undernost."
The various proceedings had by the Mashpees, and
the manifestoes put forth by them, were energetic, and
all their writings were couched in forcible terms, written, as we are assured, by themselves. Their claims
being carried by their counsel before the legislature,
they finally prevailed.
Their memorial to the legislature, which their
counsel preferred should be drawn up by themselves,
was signed by males and females, one hundred and two
in number, residing on the plantation."1 They prayed
for the privilege of managing their own property; for
the abolition of overseership; and for incorporation as
a town, with the right of making municipal regulations; and Deacon Isaac Coombs, Daniel Amos, and
1 Prominent among the petitioners were Daniel B. Amos, James
Hush, Ezra Attaquin, Christopher Hinson, Aaron Keeter, Joseph
Pocknet, Nicholas Pocknet, David Wilbur, Wm. Jones, Isaac Simon,
Oakes A. Coombs, Isaac Coombs, James Lowes, Richard Simon,
Daniel Pocknet, Peter Squib, Joseph Squib, Jacob Pocknet, Israel
Amos, &c.
2 The name of this Indian has generally appeared in the printed




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            709
William  Apes, well-informed Indians, were appointed
by the petitioners to appear in their behalf before the
legislature.   A remonstrance    subsequently appeared
in connection with a petition from the missionary,
and was signed by Nathan Pocknet and thirty-five
other Indians adverse to the action of the revolutionists; and yet again another petition signed by the same
and fifty-one others favorable to a continuance of the
hitherto existing order of things. This called forth
from the liberty party further action; they charged
Pocknet and his associates with being     under foreign
influence, and being used by designing men to keep
the tribe in bondage;" and a memorial followed, entitled "A Voice from the Mashpee Indians," embracing
at great length' A Bill of Complaints." A petition
signed by seventy-eight males and ninety-two females
residing on the plantation, and also in behalf of seventynine males and thirty-seven females who are absent
and will not return to live under the present laws -in
all 287," prayed "for a grant of the liberties of the
Constitution- to form a municipal code of laws
amongst ourselves, that we may have a government
that will be useful to us as a people; for we are sure
we have never had any since our original sachemfathers fell asleep."  Of these petitioners, "sixty-two
men," it was claimed, "were proved to be legal proprireports of proceedings, as here given; it is suggested, however, that
the name should be written Daniel B. Amos. Having no means at
hand for certifying the fact that as often as the two names occur they
should be considered as identically the same, we are satisfied that it is
so. We attach some importance to this fact as an act of justice to
Mr. Amos; for he is said to have been "the Sam. Adams of the
tribe in securing their independence;" whilst Mr. Apes has been
eulogized as " the eloquent vindicator of Indians' rights."




710             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
etors, and forty-four of these proprietors wrote their
own names."      These," it was further claimed, are the
true Indians;" and, it has been alleged, "were very
respectable men- the eldest among them grave,
decent, patriarchal, and revered." 1
By the act of 1834, Mashpee was incorporated as a
DISTRICT, -  the people being authorized to choose their
own officers and to manage their own affairs, assisted
by a Commissioner appointed by the State; the salutary provision still remaining that the lands may not
be sold without the consent of all the inhabitants.
Hon. Charles Marston of Barnstable, resident at Marston's Mills near the plantation, was appointed Commissioner, to the satisfaction of all, and, with the exception of about one year, has continued in the position,
or as treasurer, to the time of this present writing.
Under the new order of affairs, agreeably to the
" Act restoring the Rights of Self-government, in part,
to  the Marshpee Indians," the first selectmen         and
school committee chosen, were Ezra Attaquin, Isaac
Coombs, and Israel Amos.      From this time the Indians
date their emancipation from civil bondage.
1 The memorial, too long to be inserted here, and in truth too caustic to suit our purpose, was written by Mr. Amos. He is remembered
as a man of extraordinary power —self-possessed, energetic, and of
much weight of character. He was " engaged in the coasting business."
2 They had to this time been under the control of overseers empowered "to manage all the affairs, interests and concerns of the
Indians and inhabitants "- to let out their lands and tenements; control and regulate absolutely their bargains, contracts and wages; bind
out their children without consent of parents, and bind out to service
for three years at a time any adult proprietor or member who in the
judgment of the overseers was a drunkard or idler, and appropriate
the earnings as they saw fit  there being no appeal. We do not




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.           711
Some years after the incorporation of the District,
Rev. Mr. Fish retired from his charge.  " Controversies "
were some time in progress about parsonage lands,
involving many suits. These were at length amicably
settled.  The congregation to which CBlind Jo" ministered embraced a goodly number of attendants; as
did also a distinct congregation under the ministry of
William Apes.    The former was a native of Mashpee,
blind from his birth, twenty-eight years of age at the
time, having been born in 1806. Educated wholly by
ear and memory, he was recognized by the Baptist
denomination with whom he fellowshipped, as a regularly ordained minister.  The church of which he was
pastor was organized in 1830. It has been said that
" there was much to admire in his simple piety and
sound teaching, and that he found a way to the hearts
of his hearers, unexplored by many learned divines."
Mr. Apes was pastor of a church known by the appellation of "The Free and United Church."         In these
two churches, were some fifty members in good standing; the result of three years. —After the act establishing religious liberty in Mashpee, making the district
a parish, with all the rights of parishes and religious
societies, the Indians took possession of their meeting
house and parsonage lands, and for the first time chose
their own minister.l
know that this power was ever abused; but the restrictions were, of
course, exceedingly irksome, and had ever been regarded as oppressive. -We may here add that in the proceedings had before the
legislature, numbers of the petitioners were examined before committees to test their capacity. Their delegation had also the use of
the Hall of Representatives, to make public statements of their situation and wants, and were respectfully and attentively listened to by
a crowded audience.
1 Rev. Mr. Fish, in 1840, became the pastor of a Congregational




712              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
In April, 1835, an appropriation was again made of
one hundred dollars, to be paid annually from the
State school fund, for public schools in Mashpee.1      The
affairs of the District have been for some time satisfactory for the most part to all concerned,2 and the condition
of the people has much improved. By the census of
1850, their number was only two hundred and two;
still they are the largest remnant of any Indian tribe
in  New   England, if we except the Indians on the
Penobscot.
It falls not within our province to go farther into
the affairs to which we have alluded, leading to the
new organization of the Mashpee tribe.        The whole is
of too recent occurrence. Less we could not record in
faithfulness; more need not be written.          A  volume
published by William Apes, in 1835, is before the pubChurch at Coatuit, his ministry being among those who had formerly
attended the Indian meetings at Mashpee. He was son of Jonathan
of Sandwich; was b. Jan. 30, 1785; grad. H. C. 1807; ord. Sept.
18, 1812; and d. June 16, 1854, se. 69.
1 We are reminded by those conversant with the affairs of the District, that "there have been other appropriations for schools," and that
now, 1859, the Indians "receive $165 from the school fund, and also
interest on some portion of the public revenue." -In 1855, there
were 105 children in the District of suitable age to attend school, in
the two school districts. The appropriation for schools was on the
condition that the inhabitants shall annually raise $75 to be appropriated in the same manner.
2 The only exception is that in 1853, the Indians petitioned the
legislature to be relieved from the supervision of a Commissioner.
That office was abolished, and a Treasurer, who keeps and pays out
their money on orders of the selectmen, and has no other power, is
the only officer appointed by the Governor and Council, and not chosen by themselves. They petitioned at that time to have permission
to recommend the person they should choose for Treasurer, subject to
approval or rejection by the Governor and Council; but this provision, reported in the original bill, did not pass.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      713
lie; which, with the legislative proceedings, and the
news-journals of the day in which these matters were
rife, may enable the reader to possess himself at least
with the gist of the whole controversy. The relation
of the Commonwealth to the Mashpees, which began
with our colonial history, is one of interest to the
legislator and the philanthropist.
The legislature have continued to exercise a parental
care over the Indians since 1834, and have enlarged
the rights of the people of the District as far and as
fast as they have desired. By the act of 1842, their
lands which before were held in common, were to be
partitioned among the proprietors, in lots of sixty acres
to each male or female proprietor- each owner having
his or her deed duly recorded. The act embraces every
original Indian and mulatto proprietor and their descendants, together with all who have married a proprietor, and every person of Indian descent whose
parents or ancestors, or himself had been residents for
twenty years on the plantation. This partition was
made and adjusted in open meeting, with the concurrence of the people of the District, embraced all the
inhabitants, and conveyed all rights of fee and of sale
and conveyance except to persons not inhabitants - a
limitation always desired by themselves. The proprietors now own their several property, and have all the
civil and political rights of citizens of the Commonwealth, except that, at their own desire, they are exempted by law from the payment of state and county
taxes and their lands are not liable to be taken in
execution.
That the Mashpees have continued so long in occupancy of a portion of their hereditary domain, shows
at least that there has been a disposition on the part of
VOL. I.    90




714              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
their white neighbors to extend to them         a larger degree of the indulgence due to humanity, than has been
meted out to most tribes; for the course taken by the
white man has generally, in other parts of our country,
been summary and exterminating.
Gloomy and disheartening was the situation of the
first settlers in Plymouth; but " Welcome, Englishman!" was the cordial greeting of the native.         No advantage was taken of the paucity of the numbers of
the first comers, or of their weakness. The hospitality
of the Indians was generous and free. Especially was
this true of the Cape Cod Indians.       No serious trouble
was ever occasioned by them.        They were gentle, they
1 The nearest approximation to it that we find recorded is, June 11,
1696, when Gov. Stoughton issued a proclamation commanding "Joseph Daniel and two other Indians convicted of divers enormities and
trespasses," and who "lie hid, and skulking about, living upon rapine
and spoil, threatening the lives of any that shall be sent to apprehend
them," to surrender themselves " to some justice within 15 days, or be
treated as enemies and proceeded against as such." The said Daniel
was seized by Sheriff Bassett the following Feb'y -for which the
sheriff was allowed ~5, and the Indian was condemned " to be transported beyond the sea as a dangerous person, and sold."- One other
instance occurs, Sept. 6, 1717; certain "Indians in Barnstable and
Plymouth Counties having taken themselves to the woods and there
living by theft, Joseph Lothrop and Isaac Lothrop, sheriffs of the
Counties Barnstable and Plymouth, are ordered to take a posse and
seize them; but in all emergencies to advise first with the chief."It is remarkable that not a single act of hostility ever took place within the limits of the county, between the planters and the natives; and
that the Cape Cod Indians were so generally, at all times, on terms of
cordiality and friendship with the English settlers. Nor is it less remarkable that so few instances of crime on the part of the Indians
have demanded the action of the courts. No execution of an Indian
ever occurred in this county. The only instance that we find of an
Indian born on the Cape suffering the penalty of death, was the execution of Moses Paul, at New Haven, Sept. 2, 1772. The Pauls were




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.            715
were faithful, they were kind. If, in any respect, at
any time, they became corrupted from their pristine
simplicity, the change should be attributed to the right
cause.
That in his simple condition as he existed previous
to the contaminating contiguity of the white man, the
Indian was as naturally formed for the wilderness as
the Arab for the desert, there can be no doubt. He
was unsophisticated, stern, and enduring, prepared to
grapple with difficulties, or to endure privations. The
wildness of the scenery around him, was in keeping
with all his tastes; and come what might, if he was
free he was happy. The character of the Indian, we
may be pardoned if we remark, has not often been sufficiently considered in estimating our duty towards him.
There has too generally seemed to those unacquainted
with his inner man, but little soil in the heart for the
kindly virtues. Yet they who have taken the pains to
penetrate that stoicism and taciturnity which were the
prominent characteristics at first noticeable, and which
locked up, as it were, from the superficial observer, his
among the Indians of Truro; but this Moses seems to have been
" born in Barnstable in 1742." From " a sermon preached at the execution of Moses Paul for the murder of Moses Cook late of Waterbury, Dec. 7, 1771, by Samson Occum, Indian minister of the gospel
and missionary to the Indians," we learn that " Paul's father died at
the siege of Louisburg, 1745, and that Paul's mother was a constant
attendant on meeting at Barnstable."  When 5 years old, he was
apprenticed to John Manning of Windham, Ct., and was with him 14
or 15 years and learned to read and write. He then enlisted in Col.
Putnam's regiment; after the campaign went to sea several years both
in the merchant service and in ships of war; then roved from place
to place until at last under the influence of liquor he quarrelled in a
tavern and struck a stranger who had stopped there, inflicting the injury of which he died.




716              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
full character, have not failed to find the Indian linked
with his fellow-man of civilized life by such sympathies
and affections as are rarely ascribed to him.1
1 Great injustice has been done to the Indians in the general estimate and popular impression of succeeding ages concerning them.
The Indian has had no advantage of faithful records of his own times,
or of a native literature to portray the early virtues of his race.
"( O'er him no filial spirit weeps:
By foes alone his death-song must be sung;
No chronicles but theirs to tell
His mournful doom, to future times."
But if we go back to a period when the influence of the white man
had not already inaugurated a fearful and rapid deterioration of the
race, the invincibility of prejudice can hardly fail to be somewhat
shaken by the incidental testimony even of his oppressors. Bancroft,
(Hist. U. S.,) in speaking of the Roanokes, says, upon the authority
of such testimony given in 1654, "The gentleness of the tawny inhabitants appeared in harmony with the loveliness of the scene; the
desire of traffic overcame the timidity of the natives; the English received a friendly welcome, and were entertained with the refinements
of Arcadian hospitality;" -and further, upon the authority of Sir
Walter Raleigh, "The people were most gentle, loving and faithful,
void of all guile and treason, and such as lived after the manner of
the golden age." - The traits thus prominent, it is not presuming too
much to suppose, corroborated as the presumption is by collateral testimony, were very much the character of the New England natives.
Wood, who was in Lynn in 1629 and, after a residence of four years
in New England published in London the results of observations
made too late to see the natives in their best estate, (for the influence
of the white man had penetrated among the tribes from the farthest
north to the shores of Cape Cod, long before the settlements of New
England were begun,) speaks of those he saw, on this wise: "They
are black-haired, out-nosed, broad-shouldered, brawny-armed, long
and slender-handed, out-breasted, small-waisted, lank-bellied, wellthighed, flat-kneed, with handsome grown legs and small feet." He
speaks also of their "unparalleled beauty;" nor is he content with this,
but adds, "more amiable to behold, though only in Adam's livery,
than many a compounded fantastic in the newest fashion." - Lechford,
who was in Boston in 1638, says in his work pub. 1642 in London,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               717
The proud independence which formed the main pillar of savage virtue once fallen, is it strange if the
whole moral fabric should be laid in ruins! The spirit
debased and humiliated by a sense of inferiority; its
native valor cowed by superior knowledge and power;
it were a miracle if the native strength did not become
enervated, and the indulgences and low vices of artificial life did not follow. "Though, as the smoke of the
settlements thickens around him, and the sound of the
axe is heard clearing up his native forests, he may linger around the graves of his fathers, he soon becomes
the mere wreck of what he once was; and instead of
powerful tribes treading the forests and fishing in all
waters, his race become vagabonds. As their wants
"The dress of the men in summer consists of deer-skin, or seal,
around the waist; and, in winter, robes of bear or wolf-skin, with
moccasins of moose-skin. The dress of the women, robes of beaver
with sleeves of deer-skin drest and ornamented; buskins fringed with
feathers; and a fillet round the head adorned with plumes." He adds,
"The Indesses that are young, are some very comely."  This was, as
will be perceived, more than a century before the remark of Mr.
Hawley to which we have alluded, p. 684, concerning "the Indians
who had lost their independence."- Josselyn, who was in N. Eng.
1663, says in his N. Eng. Rarities pub. 1672, Lond., "The women
have very good features, seldom without a come-to-me in their countenance, all black-eyed, teeth very white, hair black, thick and long;
broad-breasted, handsome straight bodies and slender, limbs cleanly
straight, generally as plump as a partridge, and, saving now and then,
of a modest deportment." - Numerous instances of their hospitality,
their kindness, their noble bearing, might be cited; nor after their associates had been shot, burned, hanged, beheaded, " sold into foreign
parts as slaves," or the miserable few that were suffered to survive
these catastrophes had become outcasts from the pale of humanity to
go down to their graves in degradation, were there wanting instances
to prove their noble origin. "Their kindness and generosity to their
friends know no limits," has been the testimony of every impartial
observer.




718          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
multiply, the subsistence becomes precarious. A few
bawbles have secured to another people their choicest
possessions. The tempter, in the shape of fire-water,'
finds easy access to soothe his griefs by exhilarating
his spirits; but still a canker is corroding his soul, and
at last the free and noble nature he inherited is shattered down. His race become the shadows only of
what they once were. As vagrants around the dwellings of their invaders, they are stung by the thought
of their fallen condition. The table of plenty is spread
before their eyes; but the crumbs only are their portion. Fields wave with rich abundance; they starve.
The wilderness blossoms; they are no longer its lords,
but regarded as reptiles or wild beasts that infest it.
So changed is their state! Once they were free and
happy! They would then share their last meal with
the stranger, though they themselves should hunger.
They were'like plants that flourish in the shadow of
the forests, but shrink from the hand of cultivation, and
die beneath a burning sun."'
But why, it may be asked, has Christianity not done
more for them? Why have they been so slow to exhibit its ameliorating influences? Perhaps a solution
of these questions may not be most honorable to the
Christian world. See the native once moving rigidly
by rules peculiarly his own; his conduct regulated by
general maxims; his moral laws few, but sure. He is
at last brought in contact with those whose precepts of
religion, morals, and manners, are superior. He acknowledges their professed principles of action appear
to be good. But, alas! does he find those who profess these high principles conform to them? Is he
a keen discerner of the difference between profession and practice?  Does he find a race of men




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.           719
called civilized and Christian, who are cold, distrustful,
grasping, insulting, oppressive, exhibiting nothing of
the confidence and frankness that are indispensable to
real friendship? Why should he not stand in doubt of
their principles? 
But, alas! the day is passed when, in New England,
a great object which the applicants for a charter professed to have at heart -" the conversion of the poor
heathen Indians" - can be reached. They are almost
extinct. If any good for them has been effected, we
rejoice. If any drop of their blood still lingers in the
veins of any, let them be kindly dealt with, at least;
and let not the tribe which is yet though faintly represented on Cape Cod, be left either to expire through
neglect, or be driven from earth by man's oppression.
Hennepin, in 1643, represents the "Three-river Indians of Canada," as saying, "While we had beaver and furs, the missionary
prayed with us; but when our merchandise failed, they thought they
could do us no further good:" a stinging sarcasm that may have
many appliances.




720             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Statistics. - Government.- Representatives to Congress. - State Senate.
- Massachusetts House of Representatives.- Courts of Justice.Qualification of Civil Officers. - Probate. - Deeds. - Treasurer. -
Clerks. - County Attorney. - High Sheriff. - Coroners. - Military.
BEFORE concluding our general view of the Cape, and
entering upon the annals of the several towns particularly, we must advert to some general features of
its history, and gather up some statistical facts of
political importance, that we are sure will not be
deemed irrelevant or uninteresting.
An integral part of the Old Colony of Plymouth
from 1637, when the first settlement of permanency
on the Cape commenced, these towns and their inhabitants were, of course, for a long time under the government and     jurisdiction  of the   Plymouth     Court.
This state of things continued until 1692, except during the interruption by Andros, which occurred in the
time of Governor Hinckley's administration.1 We
1 The Governors were: -
John Carver, 1620 to his death in 1621.
William Bradford, 1621 to 1632, 1635, 1637, 1639 to 1643, 1645
to 1657, and d.
Edward Winslow, 1633, 1636, 1644.
Thomas Prince, 1634, 1638, 1657 to 1672, and d.
Josiah Winslow, 1673 to 1680, and d.
Thomas Hinckley, 1680 to 1692.
The Assistants, from the Cape, have been mentioned with sufficient




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              721
think it may be conceded that the Cape bore its full
share of administrative labor and responsibility; and
the manner in which those duties were discharged,
compares favorably with the parts that were assigned
to other portions of the colony.
When included in the Massachusetts charter, a new
order of affairs commenced; and, the appointments
being in the right of the Crown, the appointees were
selected as regal favor dictated.1    When, in 1776, Boston was evacuated, public affairs were under the direction of a Council during the recess of the General
Court, until Oct. 25, 1780, when the new Constitution
went into operation, and the Government was elected
particularity in preceding pages. That only 6 held the office of Governor during a period of 71 years, has been regarded as, of itself,
legitimate - certainly the fact is presumptive - evidence " that they
pitched upon men of virtue and well-qualified to sustain the office."
The same may be inferred in regard to the Assistants, from the terms
of their continuance in office.
1 The Government was thenceforward, until the revolution was
fairly commenced, as follows: —
Governors.                    Lt. Governors.
1692. Sir William Phips.         1692. William Stoughton.
1699. The Earl of Bellamont.     1702. Thomas Povey.
1702. Joseph Dudley.             1711. William Tailer.
1716. Samuel Shute.              1716. William Dummer.
1728. William Burnet.            1730. William Tailer.
1730. Jonathan Belcher.          1732. Spencer Phips.
1740. William Shirley.           1758. Thomas Hutchinson.
1757. Thomas Pownal.             1770. Andrew Oliver.
1760. Francis Bernard.           1774. Thomas Oliver.
1770. Thomas Hutchinson.
1774. Thomas Gage.
Gage having left in 1775, the Lt. Gov. and Mandamus Council
presided until the evacuation of Boston, March 17, 1776.
VOL. I.       91




722              THE HISTOlY OF CAPE COD.
by the people.!    Under the Constitution of the United
States, providing a National Government, vesting all
delegated legislative powers in a Congress, the executive power in a President, all powers not delegated
reserved to the States respectively or to the people, we
began to participate in perpetuating the present form
of general government designed as a bond of union
and a conservator of the immunities of each and every
1 The election and succession of Govs. and Lt. Govs. under a
State Constitution has been: -
Governors.                    Lt. Governors
1780. John Hancock.            1780 Thomas Cushing.
1785. James Bowdoin.          1788. Benjamin Lincoln.
1787. John Hancock            1789. Samuel Adams.
1794. Samuel Adams.           1794. Moses Gill.
1797. Increase Sumner.        1801. Samuel Phillips.
1800. Caleb Strong.           1802. Edward H. Robbins.
1807. James Sullivan.         1807. Levi Lincoln.
1809. Christopher Gore.       1809. David Cobb.
1810. Elbridge Gerry.         1810. William Gray
1812. Caleb Strong.           1812. William Phillips.
1816. John Brooks.            1823. Levi Lincoln.
1823. William Eustis.         1824. Marcus Morton.
1825. Levi Lincoln.           1826. Thos. L. Winthrop.
1834. John Davis.             1833. Sam'l T. Armstrong.
1836. Edward Everett.         1836. George Hull.
1840. Marcus Morton.          1843. Henry H. Childs.
1841. John Davis.             1844. John Reed.
1843. Marcus Morton.          1851. Henry W. Cushman.
1844. George N. Briggs.       1853. Elisha Huntington.
1851. George S. Boutwell.     1854. William C. Plunkett.
1853. John H. Clifford.       1855 Simon Brown.
1854. Emory Washbirn.         1856. Henry W. Benchley.
1855. Henry J. Gardner.       1858. Eliphalet Trask.
1858. Nathaniel P. Banks.
Those Lieutenant Governors whose names are in Italics were Governors pro tempore- acting as such, ex officio, in consequence of the
resignation or decease of the incumbent duly elected to that office.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                           723
sovereign State in particular; and which form of government has been generally pronounced "the best that
the world ever knew." 
Owing to the system that has prevailed of districting
the Commonwealth for electoral purposes, it could not
in equity, of course, fall to the Cape to furnish from its
own limits, at all times, the REPRESENTATIVE TO CONGRESS.
Those from this county who have filled the office since
1 The American Presidents have been:Age when
Where born.  Date of Birth.  Term of Office. term expired.  Died.
George Washington,   Va.     Feb. 22, 1732.  1789 to 1797.   66    Dec. 14, 1799.
John Adams,          Mass.   Oct. 19, 1735.  1797 to 1801.   66    July  4, 1826.
Thomas Jefferson,    Va.     April 2, 1743.  1801 to 1809    66    July  4, 1826.
James Madison,        "      March 5, 1751.   1809 to 1817.  66    June 28, 1836.
James Monroe,         "      April 2, 1759.  1817 to 1825.   66    July  4, 1831.
John Q. Adams,       Mass.   July  11, 1767.  1825 to 1829.  62    Feb. 23, 1848.
Andrew Jackson,      S. C.   March 15, 1767.  1829 to 1837.  70    June 8, 1815.
Martin Van Buren,    N. Y.   Dec.   5, 1782.  1837 to 1841.  59
William H. Harrison,  Va.    Feb.   9, 1772.  1841 -         69     April 4, 1841.
John Tyler,          "(       March 29, 1790.  1841 to 1845.  55
James K. Polk,        N. C.  Nov.   2, 1795.  1845 to 1849.  54     June 15, 1849.
Zachary Taylor,       Va.    Nov   24, 1784.  1849 to 1850.  65     July  9, 1850.
Millard Fillmore,     N. Y.  Jan.   7, 1800.  1850 to 1853.  53
Franklin Pierce,      N. H.  Nov. 23, 1804.   1853 to 1857.  53
James Buchanan,       Penn.  April 13, 1791.  1857 -
Although it may seem at first view, as it must be confessed it is, in
one sense,foreign to the subject we have in hand, yet it may not be
entirely uninteresting to contemplate in close proximity the " parent
government" during all the period from        the days of Gosnold and the
subsequent beginning of settlements here, to the time of the emancipation of these colonies from the dictation of a foreign power: —
y. m. d.
James I. began to reign March 24, 1603, reigned 22 0 3, and d. e. 58, of ague.
Charles I.   "      March 27, 1625,  t'   2310 3,    "    48, beheaded.
Cromwell.
Charles II.  4      Jan. 30,1649,    "    36 0 7,    "    54, of apoplexy.
James II.'"      Feb. 6,1685,     "     310 5,    "    67, course of nature.
Mary II.     "      Feb. 13, 1689,   "     510 15,   "    32, of small pox.
William III.  "           "           "   13 0 20,   "    52, by fall from a horse.
Thus far, the union of the crowns of England and Scotland.
y. m. d.
Anne begantoreign Mar. 8,1702, reigned 12 424, and d. e. 49, of apoplexy.
George I.'"     Aug. 1, 1714,    "    12 10 10,  "    67, of paralytic attack.
George II.    "     June 11, 1727,   "    33 414,   "     77, suddenly.
George III.   "     Oct. 25, 1760,   "    59 3 4,  "      82, course of nature.
The four last, by union of the parliaments of England and Scotland.




724               THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the introduction of the Federal Constitution, 1789,
have been as follows:Sliearj. Bourne, elected first, 1791, served 2d and 3d Congresses.
Nathaniel Freeman, Jr., "  1795,   "   4th and 5th     "
Isaiah L. Green,        "  1805,   "   9th to 12th incl.
John Reed,              "  1813,   "    13th, 14th, 17th to 26th incl.
Zeno Scudder,           "  1851,   "    32d and 33d.1
Those who, since the adoption of the State             Constitution, have represented the county in the SENATE of
the Commonwealth, were: -
1780. Solomon Freeman, H. 19 yrs.  1842. Solomon Davis,  T. 4 yrs.
1788. Thomas Smith,   S.  1'    1843. John B. Dillingham, S. 2,,
1798. David Thacher,  Y.  1 "      1846. Zeno Scudder,4  Be. 3 I
1801. John Dillingham,  II. 5 "    1846. Barnabas Freeman, E. 2 
1804. Richard Sears,  C. 1 "       1848. George Copeland,  Br. 2 "
1806. James Freeman,  S. 2 "      1849. John Jenkins,    F. 2 "
1808. Joseph Dimmick,  F. 3 "     1850. Stephen Hilliard,  P. 2 
1811. Timothy Phinney, Be. 1 "    1851. Zenas D. Bassett,  Be. 2,
1813. Wendell Davis,  S. 2 "      1852. Cyrus Weeks,     H. 2 "
1815. Solomon Freeman, Br. 6 "    1853. James B. Crocker, Be. 2 "
1821. Elijah Cobb,    Br. 2 "      1854. Robert Y. Paine,  W. 1
1823. Braddock Dimmick, F. 3  (    1855. Sylvester Baxter,  Y. 2,
1826. Nymphas Marston, Be. 2 "    1855. Lewis L. Sellew,  P. 1 "
1828. Elisha Pope,    S. 4 "      1856. Alfred Kenrick,  O. 1 
1831.2 John Doane,    0. 3,   1857. John W. Atwood, C. 2,
1834. Charles Marston,  Be. 7 "   1857. Charles F. Swift,  Y. 2'
1841. Seth Crowell,3  D. 2 "
By   the  act of 1857, dividing      the   State   into  forty
districts for the choice of senators, the integrity of the
county as a senatorial district, was destroyed.
Delegates to the General Court at Plymouth, and
Representatives to. the popular branch of the State
1 Thus, the Cape furnished one of its own citizens for 22 of the
first 33 Congresses.
2 The change of the political year from May to January causes the
anomaly of different persons filling the office the same year.
3 At this time commenced the sending of two senators from the
county.
4 Presided in 1848.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               725
Legislature,' preceding the institution of a Senate
more than a century and a half, were, for a long course
of years, evidently chosen with great regard for their
sound judgment and exemplary character.          These considerations were paramount.2
An important part of the history of this county, is
the constitution of its COURTS OF JUSTICE. On this subject, we wish it were in our power to speak with that
perfect fulness which its importance demands.3          The
account we may give may be relied on for accuracy, as
far as it shall be presented; and for fulness with possibly some very few omissions that it is impossible at
this day to supply.4
The judicial as well as the legislative and executive
business of the Plymouth Colony, was, at first, for several years, performed by the whole body of freemen in
1 A list of the "Delegates" and " Representatives " of each town
will appear in connection with the annals of towns.
2 We make this remark as a historical fact worthy of record and
palpable to every candid examiner, uninfluenced by the sometimes
expressed opinion that as the country, advances in importance and
strength less regard is had for qualifications of high order than in the
good old days of the Commonwealth, whether in the selection of candidates for the national or state legislatures or other offices. It may
not, however, be overstepping the limits of duty to say that, in our humble opinion, the manner, now perhaps universal in the States, of nominating by conventions composed of delegates chosen by preliminary
caucuses as generally constituted, is not most favorable to claims of
the very highest order, moral, intellectual, or patriotic.
o We have taken unwearied pains to bring to the light all that can
directly or indirectly aid in the investigation.
4 After the attempts of a learned jurist to elucidate this subject,
and the imperfect result as respects the "courts in Barnstable
County," we were almost deterred from further investigation; but,
acknowledging our obligations to him for the interesting data he collected, we became satisfied that the learned gentleman had yielded the
case too soon. See "History of the Judiciary of Mass., by Emory
Washburn."




726           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
assembly. In 1634, the Governor and Assistants were
constituted a judicial court, and soon became the supreme judicature. The selectmen of towns were then
authorized to try petty offences, there being the right
of appeal to the Court of Assistants. The House of
Delegates, on coming into existence in 1639, as a
second branch of the chief civil power, shared with the
Governor and Assistants the judicial authority.  Then,
began subordinate jurisdictions exercised by individual
magistrates - the commissioners of towns - and county courts.  The legislative, executive, and judiciary
functions were for a long time singularly combined or
intermingled, and the powers of each were vague and
indefinite. The records furnish but very meagre data
for a perfect view of these transactions.  Beyond a few
isolated facts, —such as that, in 1640, "Mr. Edmund
Freeman of Sandwich, Mr. Thomas Dimock of Barnstable, and Mr. John Crow of Yarmouth, were constituted
a court to try all cases involving not more than twenty
shillings, in these three towns;" and that " a court was
held at Yarmouth the 18th day of June, the 17th year
of the reign of our sovereign lord Charles, &c., i. e.
1642, before Edward Winslow, Myles Standish, and Edmund Freeman, gent., three of the Assistants;" there
is little or nothing to be found except the establishment of Select Courts in each town or jurisdiction,1 until
the order, 1686, that "where there is not a sufficient
number of magistrates 2 in any county, associates shall
Established in 1679, (see page 299,) those commissioned to hold
them, being in Sandwich, Edmund Freeman, John Blackwell, and
Thos. Tupper; in Yarmouth, Edm'd Howes, Ensign Thacher, Edw'd
Sturgis, John Miller, and Jeremiah Howes; in Barnstable, Joseph
Lothrop, James Lewis, and Barnabas Lothrop; and in Eastham, Jonathan Sparrow, Mark Snow, and John Doane.
2 Assistants.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                727
be chosen annually, who shall sit in the county courts
with the magistrates and have the power of magistrates in their respective counties;" and, in 1689, the
appointment of Mr. Jonathan Sparrow of Easthan, and
Mr. Stephen Skiffe of Sandwich as county judges.l The
act of 1687 establishing courts, and that under the
charter, Nov. 25, 1692, were not very          dissimilar.2Under the charter, or, what is the same, after the Union,
appointments began to be made to the Aiferior Court of
1 The associate courts which came into existence in 1685-6, when
counties were formed, were discontinued under Andros, but revived in
1689. Andros' plan, as appears by an "Act for establishing Courts of
Judicature and Public Justice," March 3, 1687, was: First, Just. Pac.
to have civil jurisdiction in all matters of debt, trespass, &c. where
the claim did not involve the title to lands, nor exceed 40 shillings in
amount. Second, The next court in rank, the Quarterly Sessions,
held by the several justices in their respective counties, was charged
with the conservation of the public peace and the punishment of
offenders. Third, An Inferior Court of Common Pleas, to be holden
in each county by a judge assisted by two or more justices of the
county, the jurisdiction to extend to all civil causes the amount in controversy not exceeding ~10 and no question of freehold involved.
Fourth, A Superior Court of Judicature having jurisdiction over all
civil and criminal matters in the colony, either original or by appeal;
but no action to be commenced in this court for the recovery of less
than ~10 unless a question of freehold be involved in the suit. Fifth,
A Court of Chancery, as of the High Court of Chancery in England.
2 This act provided for Justices of the Peace, Quarter and General
Sessions of the Peace, Inferior Ct. of Cor. Pleas, Superior Ct. to
consist of a chief and four associates, and a Court of Chancery. This
latter court was abolished, 1699. It is probable that until 1702, the
organization of the courts known as Associate was continued-as
established in Plymouth and Bristol Counties in 1685; assuming the
name of Cts. C. P. during Andros' administration. - It may here be
remarked, as, indeed, we have before hinted, that the power of establishing courts of justice was at the first assumed by the colonists without any grant of authority in their charter. The necessity of such
tribunals, however, is obvious.




728             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Common Pleas.'    Some vacillation in regard to these
courts seems at first to have marked the public mind;
for, July 15, 1696, it was " ordered in General Court that
justices be advised of the repeal of the act establishing
judicatories and courts of justice," &c.; and again, Oct.
8, " the General Assembly having revived the act," &c., it
was "ordered that the court be restored:" &c. — leading to the issuing of a new commission, Oct. 16, to Barnabas Lothrop, John Thacher, Stephen Skiff, and Jonathan Sparrow. The practice also of appointing Special
Justices was early introduced.    We give the accession
to the bench of the Court of Common Pleas from time
to time as a record not only appropriate, but furnishing
an interesting view of some of the active public men
of succeeding generations. The appointments were: -
Dec. 7, 1692. John Freeman, E.2  July 20,1711. John Gorham, Be.
<"    "   Bar's Lothrop, Be. July 5, 1713. John Doane,  E.5
i"    "   John Thacher, Y.    "     "   Dan'l Parker, Be.6
"     "   Stephen Skiff, S.   "     "   Thos. Payne, E.6
Mar. 6, 1695. Jon'n Sparrow, E.3           John Otis,  Be.7
July 17,1699. John Sparrow, E.             Sam. Annable, Be.7
June 8, 1710. Wm. Bassett, S.4
1 It must be noted that most of these appointments were renewed
from time to time —some, often.
2 Maj. Freeman had been one of the Assistants of the Plymouth
Government, and was an aged man.
3 This appointment was on this wise: "to be Justice of our Inf.
Ct. of Cor. Pleas, &c. in place of John Freeman Esq. who through
infirmities of age is rendered incapable further to attend this service."
4 A note is affixed to the Council record to this effect: "Recommended that another be chosen in his place as clerk of Inf. Ct."
5 Gov. Washburn says " he was appointed in 1736." It may be that
he was then reappointed; but his first appointment was the above date.
6 Mr. Parker who was again commissioned, April, 1715, as were also
Mr. Thos. Payne and Mr. John Otis, d. in office, Dec. 23, 1728, a. 59.
7 It does not clearly appear at what time either Mr. Otis or Mr.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               729
July 14, 1715. Mela'h Bourne, S.  June 22, 1736. John Davis, Be.6
"     "   Sam'l Sturgis, Be.' Dec. 21, 1739. John Russell, Be.6
Dec. 10, 1715. Nath. Freeman, H. Jan. 27, 1742. Shub.Gorham,Be.
Nov. 14,1721. Jos. Lothrop, Be.2   "      "  Dav. Crocker, Be.7
Mar. 16,1722. Jos. Doane,  E.2  Aug. 9, 1746. John Otis,  Be.8
Dec. 26, 1727. Ezra Bourne, S.3 Sept. 13, 1753. Thos.Winslow, H.
Apr. 10, 1729. Peter Thacher,Y.3 June 2, 1758. Sylv.Bourne, Be.l0
r"     "  Shub'l Baxter, Y.4 Aug. 3,  "   Thos. Smith, S."
June 22, 1736. John Thacher, Y.
Annable were first appointed; but as the next named appointees,
Messrs. Bourne and Sturgis, were commissioned as "Justices of the
C. P. with Daniel Parker and Thos. Payne two of the standing justices, for the trial of a case between Thos. Howes and Judah Paddock vs. John Otis and Samuel Annable the other two standing
justices;" and, as Mr. Otis was again commissioned, April, 1715, a
presumption arises that he had been some years in office; and the probability is that, as he was acting as Chief Justice in 1714, and from
that time at least till his death, 1727, his appointment was earlier than
the order of succession here indicated. Mr. Annable's name does not
again occur.
1 Mr. Bourne was again com., March 16, 1721, a "special" justice "in all cases where the school lands are concerned;" and again,
Dec. 5, 1724, with Messrs. Sam'l Sturgis and Nath'l Freeman "in all
cases where any of the standing justices may be parties or on other
accounts disabled."  The inference is that neither was one of the regular Associate Justices.
2 Mr. Lothrop was appointed " in the room of Thos. Payne dec.;"
and Mr. Doane was appointed " Special Justice."
3 Mr. Thacher was Chief Justice in 1731; afterwards, Mr. Bourne.
4 Mr. Baxter was appointed "Special Justice;" and Justice 1731.
5 Mr. Thacher was youngest son of Judge Peter; also Col., and
Reg. Deeds.
6 "4 Special Justice."
7 " Spec. Just." 1742; and Just. 1748. He d. 1764.
8 Son of Col. John. He d. 1756.
9 Continued to the Rev.
10 Col. Bourne was son of Melatiah of S. He was also Judg. Prob.,
and Chf. Just. C. P. at the time of his decease.
1 Dr. Smith was app. " Spec. Just.;" and "Just." 1764; continued
to the Rev., and then re-app.
VOL. I.       92




730              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Dec. 19, 1758. Row.Robinson, F.1 Feb. 1, 1764. Edw. Bacon, Be.4
May 23,1760. Ny's Marston, Be.1 June 20, 1765. John Gorham,Be.5
Feb. 24,1763. Roland Cotton, S.2 May 9, 1770. Is'c Hinckley, Be.5
Feb. 1, 1764. James Otis, Be.3
To the preceding, doubtless, should be added -
Melatiah Bourne,        Solomon Otis,         Daniel Davis,
Shearjashub Bourne,     Kenelm Winslow,       Joseph Otis, and
David Gorham,           David Thacher,        Richard Bourne,
who are known to have been connected with the court
at the time of its interruption by revolutionary proceedings in 1774.    Early this year a change was made
in the mode of appointing judges,-          conferring the
power on the Governor alone; the election of councillors being at the same time taken from      the legislature
and assumed by the Crown, the appointment being by
"mandamus" -      which gave rise to the highly offensive
term that conferred no enviable notoriety upon those
whom the king undertook thus to honor, - the entire
proceedings were regarded with disfavor.
The first commissions issued in the name of "the
government and people of Massachusetts Bay," were, in
Barnstable County, to judges of the Common Pleas, as
follows:
Oct. 11, 1775. James Otis,  Be.6  Oct. 11, 1775. Nath. Freeman, S.7
"      "  Daniel Davis, Be.7   "      "  Rich'd Baxter,.7
1 Mr. Rowland Robinson and Mr. Nymphas Marston were " Spec.
Justs."  The latter was in office to the Rev.
2 Col. Cotton was app. Spec. Just., and in 1763, Just.
3 Col. Otis succeeded Hon. Sylvanus Bourne as Chf. Just. He was
also Judge Prob., &c.
4 Mr. Bacon was app. to succeed Judge Thacher, dec'd, and was
continued to the revolution.
5 Messrs. Gorham and Hinckley were app. " Special Just."  The
latter held the office at the opening of the revolution.
6 Col. Otis was app. Chief, as before the existing new order of things.
7 Mr. Davis, Col. Freeman, and Mr. Baxter, Associates. Col.
Freeman became Chief Justice, March 27, 1781.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                 731
The appointments that followed were:Oct. 13, 1775, Joseph Nye, Jr., S.l  Feb. 14, 1803, Sam'l Waterman, W.3
Mar. 27, 1781, Sol. Freeman,  H.1  Feb. 20, 1804, Thomas Thacher, Y.4
Mar. 21, 1793, John Davis,  Be.2  Feb. 22, 1809, Isaiah L. Green, Be.4
June 28, 1799, Ebenezer Bacon, Be.3  ",' Timothy Phinney, Be.4
Feb. 11, 1801, David Scudder, Be.3  Aug. 22, 1809, Wendell Davis,  S.4
After the establishment of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, commissions were issued June 10, 1814, to
Richard Sears of C.; and Feb. 15, 1815, to Calvin Tilden, Y., as " Session Justices for the County." 6
The early establishment of courts of Quarterly Sessions of the Peace, called in the act of 1699, General
Sessions of the Peace, and in that of 1782 Courts of General Sessions, we may not notice with great partic1 Special Justices.
2 Dr. Davis was Special Justice; afterwards Associate.
3 Mr. Bacon, Mr. Scudder, and Mr. Waterman were appointed
Special Justices, but became Associates, the former in 1801, the next
in 1803, and the last 1804.
4 Special Justices.
5 Before taking our leave of the old Court of C. P. let us note an
incident characteristic of revolutionary times, that was recently
brought to our notice by an eminent jurist of the present day. He
relates that when the first judges appointed by "the Government
and People of Massachusetts Bay," Oct. 11, 1775, took their seats,
a relic of royalty remained conspicuous in the court house at
Barnstable - his majesty's arms - which the English Commissioners, when they visited New England in 1665, had required should
"be set up in every court of justice." Before proceeding to business,
the court, at the suggestion of Col. Freeman, ordered that the offensive emblem be removed from the court house, and burned by the
common hangman. This was, we believe, the only instance of capital
execution ever known within the county.
6 The instances of the appointment of special justices to act, as
occasion might require, in the place of the established ones, were
early and numerous; and generally the same persons held from year
to year, as if their office had been permanent. Nor was the practice
confined to the Inferior Courts. Instances are found more than a




732              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
ularity. The destruction by fire of the court records
in 1827, leaves us without data for the purpose.
Those who, in the last half century, are noted as connected with this court, are: —
Nath'l Freeman, S. Chf. Just.  Richard Sears,   C.   Just. 1816.
John Davis,   Be. "   "~ 1811.  Calvin Tilden,  Y.   ",     4
Joseph Dimmick, F. Just.  1808.  Sam'l P. Crosswell, F.  " 1819.
James Freeman, S.  (      "    Elijah Cobb,     Br.' "
Samuel Freeman, E.  "    1811. Elisha Doane,    Y.     ",
Isaiah L. Green, Be. "   1812. Naler Crocker,   Be. Sp. Jus. 1822.
Sol'n Freeman,  Br. "     "    Melatiah Bourne,  S. 
The Courts of Sessions and Commissioners of Highways being abolished, a Board of County Commissioners were established, the first appointments being
in 1829:
Samuel T. Crosswell, Chairman.   John Freeman, Special Comm'r.
Matthew Cobb, Commissioner.      Orren Howes,   "
Obed Brooks,',
No sessions of the Superior Court of Judicature were
held in this county until after the year 1729.           (See
p. 364.) This court in the different phases it has
assumed not being a county institution, we pass by
with the remark only that descendants of the Cape
have occupied seats upon its bench with distinguished
honor and ability.       The diverse practices that have
century back, of the appointments of special judges of the Superior
Court. Hon. Sylvanus Bourne was commissioned in 1747, a Just. of
the Sup. Ct. " in all cases relating to the silver scheme;" and at
other times acted by special commission as a member of the same
court.
1 To speak as our respect would incline of the present Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, would not be in keeping with the
restrictions by which we are to be governed in inditing these pages. -
Of the Hon. GEORGE THACHER, deceased, we present an imperfect
outline, drawn in substance from various sources, but compiled chiefly
from Mr. Folsom's History of Saco and Biddeford, and from a biographical sketch by Dr. Thacher in the N. E. Magazine, 1834.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               733
prevailed in regard to the manner of appointing, as
well as the tenure of office, to the judicatories of the
State, show great diversity of opinion in the public
mind.    The practice of commissioning judges non duJudge T., as has been seen p. 622, was a descendant of the 4th gen.
from Anthony Thacher, who was one of the grantees at Yarmouth
1639. The youngest but one of eleven children, and b. Ap. 12,1754;
prepared for college under the tuition of Rev. Timothy Hilliard of
Barnstable, he grad. H. C. 1776, and was in his collegiate course
contemporary with King, Gore, Sewell, Dawes, and other noted men,
who through life retained for him sentiments of attachment and
strong affection. Having in the office of Shearj. Bourne Esq. of
Barnstable prepared himself for the profession of the law, he, after a
brief residence in York, Me., opened an office in Biddeford about
1782, succeeding Gov. Sullivan-at a time when enterprising men
from various parts of New England, including many from the Cape,
were removing to Maine, the war being closed, and when the interior of a few miles only from the sea had remained comparatively
uncleared and wild, notwithstanding the antiquity of the maritime
settlements, the proprietors of these uncultivated tracts just beginning
to look up their claims, the titles to which in many instances ran back
to a remote period. Often these titles were not to be established
without difficulty, and under the circumstances litigation was not unfrequently unavoidable. Mr. Thacher having entered the profession
after a careful and faithful preparation, almost immediately was engaged in an extensive practice, and became for many years a popular
and successful advocate in all the counties in "the District of Maine"
in which terms of the Sup. Jud. Ct. were established. A conspicuous contemporary has said of him," He had great acuteness of mind,
much law learning, and was able to bring to his aid in argument more
general knowledge on scientific subjects than any of his competitors."
-Chosen by the Massachusetts legislature before the adoption of the
Federal Constitution a delegate to Congress, he was also after that
event successively elected by the people a representative to Congress
until 1801, when resigning his seat, he accepted the appointment of
Associate Justice of the Sup. Jud. Ct. of Mass., in which office he
remained to the time of his resignation Jan. 1824. On the separation of Maine he had removed to Newburyport. On relinquishing
his office, he returned to Maine to pass the remainder of his days in




734             THIE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
rante beneplacito, but qiamldiut se bene gesserizt, has, however, met the approval of a very large portion of the
wisdom of every age.
In 1692, provision was made that        all members of
the retirement for which he yearned; but died on the 6th of April
following. - Whilst in Congress, Judge T. was by no means an undistinguished member. The debates of that period will show that he
took an active part in all the important concerns of the time, and his
speeches will be found to contain much useful information and sound
argument, with somewhat of irony and keen satire interspersed. His
opponents often cowered under the lashes of his wit, which he was
quite ready to bestow whenever he thought he saw the hollow pretence of patriotism; but such was the universal opinion of the goodness of his heart and the honesty of his views, that no one indulged
anger or resentment, except in one memorable instance, in which his
independent and manly conduct did much to bring a senseless custom
into contempt -for, although he could not perceive how powder and
ball can refute solid argument or substantiate the opposite, he did not
sink even in the opinion of fighting men, whilst his self-possessed and
humorous treatment of the challenge brought the laugh upon his
antagonist. His reply to the hostile message was to this effect: that
in matters of much personal gravity he made it a duty always to consult his wife, then at home in Maine, and that he should feel especially
bound to do so in the present instance; but if, in the mean while, the
challenger would chalk out a man of just the size of the challenged,
and shooting at the figure according to the exact code duello, should
hit it, he would cheerfully admit the probability that had he stood in
the place of the chalk-man the ball would have hit him. - On the
bench of the Sup. Ct. Judge T. was an upright and faithful public
servant. His mind well stored with legal principles, his retentive
memory enabled him to apply them to the question in hand with great
facility. His associates, it is said, bore testimony that in consultations
upon cases argued, his discriminating power, sound technical knowledge, and recollection of old cases not reported, were invaluable.
For integrity, impartiality, and firmness, he has been surpassed by
none who have adorned the seat of justice. -In private life, where
we should look for the virtues or blemishes that exhibit the real features of moral beauty or deformity which make up the character, his
heart was always benevolent an41 k'.>d. In every human face lhe




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               735
Council shall be, ex officio, Justices of the Peace in the
counties in which they are severally resident."        From
that time provision has been amply made for a competent quota in     addition, of this class of respectable
conservators of the peace in their respective towns,
recognized a friend and brother; and often where there was fault, he
either could not see, or did not like to impute it. The criminal at the
bar, it has been thought, had perhaps sometimes quite as much of his
compassion as suited the stern demands of justice. -Although a vein
of wit and humor irresistibly impelled him often to see in ludicrous
shapes the arguments and opinions of those with whom he differed,
his heart never took side in the struggle with the intent to offend; the
sharp edge of his keenest sarcasms would seem to be blunted at once
by the first appearance of wounded feelings. - In his domestic relations he was faultless; living a life of patriarchal simplicity, his
humble dwelling the abode of peace, love and benevolence, as also the
scene of the most unlimited frugal hospitality, where every one was
received with a welcome. Though fond of society, he was a man of
great and various reading - well versed even in theological polemics.
His intimate friends " knew him to be a sincere believer in the great
doctrines of Christianity - in immortality brought to light by Jesus
Christ, and in a future state of retribution." He smiled at the disputes that frequently prevail among divers sects, and perhaps some of
his own views were peculiar to himself; but he was a Christian. It
were enough, perhaps, to say he was a member of a Christian church;
for no particle of hypocrisy entered into his composition - hence, he
was emphatically a practical believer, whose whole life would bear
the test of the Gospel. That life was happy. He coveted nothing
earthly but comfort, family loves and friends; and in all these he was
rich indeed. Aiming never at the mere accumulation of property, he
lived for others rather than for himself; and died in his own humble
dwelling, endeared to him by forty years' familiarity - where every
improvement was the result of his own toil and taste; the wife of his
youth soothing his last moments, and his numerous children receiving
his parting blessing; leaving no enemy behind him, but many warm
friends to dwell upon his memory with affection and delight. If
eccentricities he had, they were innocent and sportive. No one who
had occasion to consult his heart ever found it erring; his sympathy
for the unfortunate was ready; his liberality proverbial.




736                THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
and   also   of select ones      with    more    enlarged    jurisdiction.l
Those appointed, since about the close of the last
century, to    Qzalify civil officers, have been:2Feb. 6, 1800, Nath'l Freeman, S.  Feb. 18, 1822, John D. Bangs,  T.
"     John Davis,    Be.     Feb. 5, 1823, Sam. P. Crosswell, Fe.
if    Tim. Phinney,  Be.     Aug. 29, 1823, Job C. Davis,  Be.
C     Eben'r Bacon,  Be.     Feb. 26, 1825, Elisha Pope,   S.
(,    Sam'l Savage,  Be.     May 12, 1828, Isaiah L. Green,  Be.
Sol. Freeman,    Br.     June 11, 1829, Naler Crocker,  Be.
Feb. 4, 1814, Wendell Davis, S.          <"     Abner Davis,     Be.
Rd. Sears,       C.      Jan. 30, 1830, Seth F. Nye,   S.
May 10, 1817, John Reed,   Y.      April 3, 1838, Nymphas Marston, Be.
Feb. 18, 1822, John Seabury,  C.,'        Eben'r Bacon,    Be.,, Elijah Cobb,      Br.             1842, Timothy Reed,   Y.,, Joseph Sampson, Br.               1844, Daniel W. Davis.
"     David Crocker, Be.,' Th. Holbrook 2d, W.
"     James Crowell, Y.                X  Lothrop Davis,   Be.:, Brad'k Dimmick, F.          1846, George Copeland, Br.,, Nathaniel Lewis, F.               1847, Jacob Mitchell,  W.,t    Anthony Snow, T.                    Aaron Cornish,   F.
An   "order for the appointment of JUDGES OF PROBATE" was passed June          18, 1692.     In  the   year 1702,
Aug. 13, "the Governor, in         consideration of the clause
in the charter referring to the Probate of Wills, &c.,
lodging that power in the Governor and Council; but,
finding courts established in the several counties for
that purpose," &c., "ordered          that they     be  continued."
The incumbents have been:Aug. 13, 1702, Barnabas Lothrop.      Feb. 1, 1764, James Otis.
June 15, 1714, John Otis.3            Mar. 27, 1781, Daniel Davis.
Dec. 26, 1727, Melatiah Bourne.       May 27, 1799, Ebenezer Bacon.
Jan. 6, 1740-1, Sylvanus Bourne.4     Jan. 30, 1800, John Davis.
See Appendix L.
2 We have not followed the appointments after 1847.     With few
exceptions, those named in the above catalogue are deceased; and all
such held the appointment severally to the end of life.
3 Mr. Otis has been represented as first Judge of Probate, and it
has been inadvertently so stated p. 272; but the contrary now appears.
4 Mr. Bourne " petitions, Jan. 27, 1742, on account of the decease




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                 737
June 8, 1825, Job C. Davis.       Dec. 18, 1854, George Marston.
Jan. 11, 1828, Nymphas Marston.   May 13, 1858, Joseph M. Day.
The office of REGISTER OF PROBATE has been filled by
the following:Joseph Lothrop.      Mar. 28, 1836, Timothy Reed.
Aug. 13, 1702, William Bassett.   June 29, 1852, Nathaniel Hinckley.
June 14, 1721, Nathaniel Otis.'   Mar. 2, 1853, George Marston.
Aug. 23, 1729, Sylvanus Bourne.2  Dec. 28, 1854, Joseph M. Day.
Jan. 6, 1740-1, David Gorham.                  Rufus S. Pope.
Aug. 28, 1775, Nathaniel Freeman.  June 29, 1858, Charles F. Swift.
Jan. 22, 1823, Abner Davis.                    Jonathan Higgins.
The persons     occupying     the  office of REGISTER      OF
DEEDS have been:Joseph Lothrop,3       Solomon Otis,           Job C. Davis,
William Bassett,4      Edward Bacon,          Lothrop Davis,
John Thacher,          Ebenezer Bacon,        Frederick Scudder.
The   office of County    Treasurer, so far as we have
been able to ascertain, has been filled by 5of his father, Melatiah Bourne Esq., he being residuary legatee and
Judge of Probate;" and provision was made.
Mr. Otis was ap. "in the room of William Bassett Esq."
2 Mr. Bourne was ap. "during the illness of Nath'l Otis Esq., or
until otherwise ordered;" and Aug. 25, 1731, was reappointed without conditions. He was afterwards ap. Judge of Prob.
3The following note appears in the office of Reg. Deeds:  "The
first record of a deed in this county was made Oct. 6, 1686, by Mr.
Joseph Lothrop, register. Previous to that time, the records of deeds
were made in the Old Colony at Plymouth." This note was made in
the first Book of Records after the burning of the County Building,
Oct. 22, 1827, in which the records generally were destroyed.
4 " A deed was left at this office," says Frederick Scudder Esq.,
the present register, Jan. 16, 1860, "a few days since, bearing date
Feb. 3, 1691-2, on which is the following: "July 13, 1710, then
received this deed to be recorded, and is accordingly entered and compared, per me, Wm. Bassett, Reg."
5 We do not assume to give here full and perfect catalogues of
those who have filled this and the two several offices next following;
but, as far as we are able, ascertained facts.
VOL. I.        93




738              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Solomon Otis,                       Ebenezer Bacon, 1824.
Edward Bacon,    1784.              Josiah Hinckley,  1837.
Ebenezer Bacon,   1785.             Frederick Scudder, 1842.
David Crocker,   1814.              Charles F. Swift, 1853.
The Clerks of Courts have been: --
William Bassett,   Joseph Otis,        Abner Davis,
Nathaniel Otis,    William Otis,        Timothy Reed,
John Sturgis,      David Scudder,       Frederick W. Crocker.2
The office of County Attorney has been        held   by appointments of:2
Sept. 3, 1811, Salmon Nye.   Feb. 12, 1816, Nymphas Marston.
Feb. 22, 1813, Wendell Davis.
The first appointment of HIGH          SHERIFF, under the
charter, was May 27, 1692. The following have been
the appointees: —
May 27, 1692, William Bassett.   Aug. 25, 1731, John Hedge.5
July 17, 1699, Samuel Allen.     Nov. 8, 1748, John Gorham.
Jan. 4, 1713, Shubael Gorham.3   Feb.  1, 1764, Nathaniel Stone.
Dec. 10, 1715, Joseph Lothrop.   Aug. 28, 1775, Enoch Hallett.
Nov. 16, 1721, John Russell.4    May   8, 1788, Joseph Dimmick.
1 We have already alluded to the destruction of the Court records.
We think there was at least one other filling this office; but do not
like to assert it without authority.
2The tenure of office was changed and made elective in 1856,
when Mr. Crocker being in office since April, 1855, was elected for
five years from January, 1857.
" IMr. Gorham was again appointed July 22, 1720, "to be joint
Sheriff with Joseph Lothrop Esq.;" and again appointed Dec. 12,
1728. In 1734, Jan. 2, he was appointed "to be sole Sheriff."
April 11, 1735, " Sheriff Gorham has affronted John Russell Esq. by
interrupting him in the discharge of the duties of his office as a Justice of the Peace;" and "is ordered" by the Council "to show
cause;" commissioners were appointed to take evidence, and "both
parties are ordered to appear before the next General Court."
4 Mr. Russell was again appointed October 27, 1740, "in room of
S. Gorham, now of the Council."
5 Mr. Hedge was appointed "to be joint Sheriff with Shubael
Gorham."




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE         COUNTY.              739
Mar. 3, 1808, James Freeman.             Oct. 5, 1848, Charles Marston.
Feb. 8, 1816, Wendell Davis.             July  2, 1852, Daniel Bassett.
May 14, 1823, David Crocker.             Feb. 14, 1853, David Bursley.
Oct.     1843, Nathaniel Hinckley.                    Charles C. Bearse.
Those who were         appointed     to  the   office of Coroner
were: -
Mar.   6, 1694, Thomas Freeman, H. Mar. 27, 1781, Richard Sears, C.
Mar. 18, 1702, Peter Thacher, Y.            "      Benj. Pepper, E.
Dec. 10, 1715, Sam'l Freeman, E.            "      Sam'l Bourne Jr., F.
"'     Eben'r Howes, Y.      Mar. 12, 1785, Josiah Thacher.
"      John Chipman, Be.             "      Isaiah Parker.
Nov. 12, 1717, Sam'l Treat, E.       June 16, 1788, Mich'l Collins, W.
Mar. 31, 1721, Josiah Knowles, E.    Mar.  1, 1794, Wm. Hinckley, Be.
Sept. 9, "    Sam'l Annable, Be.    Mar.   4, 1800, Wm. Crosby, H.
Mar. 16, 1722, Ezra Bourne, Be.      May   6, 1802, Naler Crocker, Be.
"   Stephen Skiff, S.     June 10, 1803, Heman Tobey, S.
Aug. 28, 1729, Judah Thacher, Y.     Jan. 28, 1804, Josiah Whitman, W.
Oct. 10, "     Nathan Bassett.       May   10,',  Seth Hamblin, F.
"      Ezekiel Cushing.       July  2, 1807, Consider Hatch, F.
Aug. 25, 1731, Thos. Winslow.        Feb. 20, 1810, Rol'd T. Crocker, Be.
Sept.  1, "   Rich'd Knowles, E.    May     8, 1812, Samuel Nye, C.': John Knowles, E.                         Edward Nye, S.
~:   Thos. Clark Jr., I.    Jan. 20, 1813, Jonas Stevens, T.
"(     John Davis.                   "      Jaazaniah Gross, T.
Nov. 18, 1737, Sam'l Hallett.        Sept. 1, 1814, John Davis Jr., Be.
Oct.  5, 1739, Sam'l Bourne.         May 29, 1815, Asa Young, Be.
Dec. 5, 1740, William Roach.         Nov. 29, 1817, Lewin Pope, S.
June 27, 1743, Joshua Atkins.        Jan. 25, 1822, Jer. Newcomb, W.
Mar. 6, "     John Sturgis.                 "      Henry Knowles, O.
Mar. 1, 1747, Seth Winslow.                 "      Timothy Cole, E.
Nov. 18, 1748, Isaac Hinckley Jr.           "      Jona. Nickerson, D.
April 6, 1751, David Sears Jr., C.   Feb. 22, 1825, James Small, T.
Jan.  2, 1753, Barnabas Paine.       Feb. 28, 1829, Joseph Smith, Br.
Jan.  8, 1755, Joshua Knowles.       Feb. 17, "    Jona. Nickerson, P.
I'     Timothy Bourne.        Mar. 11, 1830, Jas. N. Howland, Be.
Oct. 10, "    James Bowin.           June  9, 1831, Solomon Rich, P.
June   2, 1758, Heman Stone, H.      Mar. 20, 1832, Wm. Hamilton, C.
Mar.   8, 1759, Stephen Hallett, Y.         "      Amasa Nickerson, H.
Feb. 17, 1763, Sam'l Jenkins Jr.     Jan. 18, 1833, Benj. F. Berry, Br.
Oct. 17, 1775, Jonathan Handy.       Oct.  1, 1834, Ezra Tobey, S.
"      Nath'l Doane, H.      Feb. 27, 1835, Benj. Foster Jr., Br.
- "    Freeman Parker, Be.   Mar. 30, 1838, Luther Hinckley, Be.
Mar. 27, 1781, George Lewis, Be.     Feb. 11, 1839, Matt. Kingman, O.
"      Lemuel Pope, S.
It would occupy too much space to enter here upon
the mention of all the various offices and officials per



740          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
taining to the administration of the laws in Barnstable
County. Nor have we room in this place for an extended view of the Miliary - an organization to which
formerly was attached much importance - the governing sentiment of our revolutionary sires, whose repugnance to a standing army was natural, being: "Freedom cannot be maintained without power, and men
who are not in a capacity to defend their liberties will
certainly lose them."' - We pass on to the concluding
chapter.
1 See Appendix M.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        741
CHAPTER XXX.
CONCLUSION. - The Right Arm of Massachusetts. - Inhabitants. - Occupations. - Love of Home. - Education. - Schools. - Religion. - Salubrity of Climate. - Agriculture. - Soil. - Topography. -Winds and
Tides. - Manufactures. - Fisheries.- Migrations. - Census. - Graduates.
CAPE COD has, not inappropriately, been called the
" RIGHT ARM OF MASSACHUSETTS."  Without reference to
the topographical outline, the designation is merited, if
regard be had to the employments, the nautical skill,
the enterprising, and hitherto morally upright character of its inhabitants; and it is doubtless to these
considerations that reference was primarily intended in
the figure employed. The glory of the Cape, we unhesitatingly assert without the possibility of contradiction, has been the character of the men who settled
here, and, through successive generations, their numercus descendants. We make this declaration ingenuously -unawed by the fear of an accusation of selflaudation or egotism; for we speak of the community
as a whole —not ignoring the few anomalies that
might possibly be found, as among all peoples, to constitute the exceptions that prove the general rule;
nor claiming for history the unfinished career of generations now on the stage of action.
The almost entire population of the Cape has been
made up of those who were descendants from the
puritans, perpetuating their names and their virtues;
and the races here are generally more purely English




742           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
than in any other part of our land. The Cape has at
all times furnished its full proportion of enterprise,
talent, genius, learning; and the merit of her sons has
been acknowledged in all lands. The moral sense and
general intelligence of the people, from the time of
the earliest settlements, compare favorably with the
inhabitants of any age, clime, or country.
A large proportion of the male inhabitants of the
Cape are, as is well known, early addicted to the
seas. This is a necessary incident of their locality.
As seamen, their aim generally is to command; and
perhaps no one portion of the globe, of similar extent,
has furnished so many able commanders of ships. A
vague impression, we are aware, has long possessed a
portion of the public mind, that a seafaring life is not
promotive of virtue:- but, that the seamen of Cape
Cod are as remarkably exempt from the vices and
frailties of humanity as any class of people whatever,
challenges denial; and the apprehension to which we
have adverted has, whether just or merely imaginary,
no support from what is observable here. Our seamen
are generally, as before intimated, very soon commanders of ships, rather than ordinary sailors; and such as
have not arrived at the distinction are for the most
part employed in vessels under those commanders, or
engaged in the fisheries. Their visits to all lands and
their intercourse with the wide world, give them large
views that tend to the formation of a liberal, manly,
noble character. Even in their fishing excursions they
are, as it were, at home - among their relatives and
their early associates;1 and when returned to the
1 The fishing voyages, it is admitted, are not always conducted
without auxiliaries from abroad. For many years there has been a




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                743
land and under their own roofs- whatever privations
they may have suffered in the times of peril, or because
of national calamities, involving     embargoes and wars,
their dwellings are preeminently         abodes of comfort,
and exhibit the marks of healthy thrift and enjoyment
beyond the allotment to other sections of our country,
so far as relates to the general and equable distribution
of the bounties of a good Providence.l
disposition on the part of persons from the interior to place themselves
on board these vessels, to participate in the toils and advantages of
these excursions. But after all, the home hands are the majority.
Moreover, those from abroad who seek a place on board our fishing
vessels, are in many instances agriculturists, mechanics, sometimes
tradesmen and clergymen, whose health has required that they try
the salubrious air and salutary exercise of the voyage for the restoration of wholesome and vigorous action of the system, -an experiment that seldom fails.
1 The sweeping remark of Talleyrand, that "all the qualities, all
the virtues which are attached to agriculture, are wanting in the man
who lives by fishing," has been readily seized by many minds of
superficial observation, as if
"A gem oraculous
On Aaron's breast, or tongue of seers of old
Infallible: "
but let it be borne in mind that those engaged in fisheries from the
Cape are many of them agriculturists. This community is very far
from being made up of mere fishermen. Unlike the ancient Tyrus,
when, in fulfilment of its ruin foretold, it became "the destroyed in
the midst of the sea, like the top of a rock, a place for fishers to dry
their nets on," the Cape embraces an extent of territory without an
over-crowded population, sufficiently productive yet, if not to save from
famine the two old colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts, to remunerate the homely toils of a few practical husbandmen. Indeed,
very few persons in the county are exclusively fishermen; nor are the
circumstances under which the fisheries are prosecuted such as to
stigmatize any class. Admit that, under certain circumstances, the
exclusive vocation of fishing is not most favorable to mental develo)pment; the remark would not be applicable at all to the larger class




744              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
The Cape Cod man loves his native home.            Wherever he may be, -whether in foreign climes, or buffeting the winds and ploughing the waves of the billowy
deep; whether a merchant prince in some one of our
large cities, or located on the fertile lands of some new
territory; whether north, or south, or east, or near the
declining sun, his thoughts ever turn to his place of
nativity with fond delight and peculiar yearning; and
he is proud to hail from this garden-spot of creation -
for such, to him, in an important sense, it appears,
whatever impressions others may have conceived of its
sterility and stereotyped dulness.
Of the parvemi    aristocracy   of some    parts of our
country at the present day, the Cape makes no boast.
It is plebeian, though it has wealth, and that wealth
liberally distributed. What is elsewhere often mere
show and empty ostentation, is here, generally, substantial reality. A man's brains are not regarded as
engaged upon the seas and in other employments, nor to the many
occupied in various pursuits. Besides the constant emigration induced by that characteristic enterprise which leads so many to seek
wider fields of action, and which has been populating every part of
our country ever since the first settlement of the Cape, leaves ample
room; so that none are debarred for want of space of the opportunity
of associating with other chosen pursuits that of agriculture, horticulture, or kindred avocations. We readily concede, however, that
there is nothing necessarily ennobling in mere fishing; indeed, are
constrained to acknowledge that there is always discernible a marked
difference just in proportion to the degree in which certain fisheries
engross the time of individuals to the exclusion of a larger acquaintance with the world and the neglect of books. Yet this difference is
not more apparent than in the influence of continual application to
other callings every where. Lumbering, rafting, boating on canals,
&c., are attended with similar results. When the Cape shall have
become a community of fishermen alone, we. shall have better opportunity of testing the axiom of Talleyrand.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       745
lodged in his purse; nor his character and claims as
depending on the supercilious devotion of sinister and
false-hearted hangers-on; nor yet his principles a thing
to be determined by the fortuitous chances and mutations of events. Refinement exists - without its sickening affectations and diseased sensibilities; and intelligence - without attempt at the display of the
transcendental, unreal, or impracticable.  Commonsense —we use the term in good old import —has
not so far become obsolete that it is no longer destined
to dwell among the. denizens of the Cape, a fixed trait.
Do we utter extravagances? does our delineation of the
character of the mass of the people seem to partake of
a vain boast?-let the verdict of the whole world in
regard to the sons and daughters of Cape Cod be the
decision of the issue.
The diffusion of education among all classes is proverbial. One native-born who cannot read and write
as soon as seven years of age, would here be regarded
as a phenomenon. And here, we are forcibly reminded
of that peculiar trait in the early settlers of the colony, forever worthy of commemoration - their appreciation of the general blessing of early education, and
their untiring efforts to secure it for posterity. The
education of all was regarded by them  as of primary
importance to the well-being of the rising generations,
the best good of the State, and the greatest happiness
of the human race; and to the furtherance of this end
their best energies were directed. It was truly fortunate for New England that so large a proportion of its
first settlers were people of intelligence and education;
and it may well be a subject of devout gratitude to
God at the present day, as it is of admiration, that, in
circumstances so unpropitious to the support of schools,
VOL..      94




746          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the settlers just beginning to plant themselves in a wilderness in the midst of many privations;- obliged to
fell the forests and erect for their protection against the
rigors of the climate such habitations as they might;
compelled to cultivate the lands for their daily subsistence, and often to defend themselves against apprehended dangers from the aboriginal race; should, with
so slender means, have given so much thought to the subject of education, and especially that their thoughts
should have been so directed to the education of the
masses. It was not enough that they made it a religious
duty to instruct their offspring in the family to enable
them to read the Bible: they must have other and
greater facilities, - an educated ministry, educated officers of State, and teachers thoroughly educated; and,
we hazard nothing in saying, sacrifices were endured
and pains taken to accomplish the noble end, which
are a monument of distinction to the praise of our
forefathers, enduring as eternity.
Never has there been a time in the history of this
or any other country, when ministers of the gospel
were generally -perhaps without exception —better
qualified by education and sound learning to give impulse to such a movement; and never were a set of
men more influential than the early settlers. Nor was
it the ministry alone. However much deference was
paid to that class of men, the laity which embraced
very many highly educated, and a full proportion besides of those who had a large share of (that to which
we have already adverted, - too generally at the present day most uncommon kind of sense called by a singular misnomer) common sense, had minds of large views
and well disciplined, nor did they fail to employ their
efforts, happily in concert with their religious teachers,




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.      747
in effecting what they conceived to lie at the foundation of good morals, good government, and the public
weal.
Private schools were, indeed, necessarily the first
resort; but the subject of public schools was agitated
from the very first. In 1663, the Colony Court " proposed to the several townships within its jurisdiction, as
a thing which ought to be taken into serious consideration, that some course be taken in every town that
there be a schoolmaster set up to train children to reading and writing;" and, in 1670, that which may be regarded as the very germ of our present truly noble and
beneficent system of Free Schools, was enacted: a law
freely granting "c all such profits as may or shall accrue
annually to the colony from fishing with nets or seines
at Cape Cod for mackerel, bass, or herring, to be improved for and towards a free school in some town in
this jurisdiction, for the training up of youth in literature for the good and benefit of posterity."  That
school was established at Plymouth, the seat of government, and was supported six years by the Cape Cod
fisheries; when, in 1687, it " was ordered" by the General Court, that in whatever township in this Government, consisting of fifty families or upwards, a meet
person may be obtained to teach a grammar school;
and that such township shall allow at least ~12 to be
raised by a rate on all the inhabitants of said town:
and that those who have the more immediate benefit
thereof, with what others shall voluntarily give, shall
make up the residue necessary to maintain the same:
and that the profits arising from the Cape fisheries
heretofore ordered to maintain a grammar school in the
colony, shall be distributed to such towns as have such
grammar schools, not exceeding ~5 per annum to any




748          THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
one town unless the court treasurer or others appointed
to manage that affair shall see good cause to add thereunto: and further, that every such town as consists of
seventy families and upwards, and has not a grammar
school therein, shall allow and pay to the next town
that has a grammar school, the sum of ~5 to be levied
on the inhabitants by rate, and gathered by constables of such towns by warrant from any magistrate
of this jurisdiction."  This law was in force until
the union with the Massachusetts Colony, or until
about that time. The fisheries were then made free
to all perons; and other provisions for schools were
made.
The attention of the community has ever thus been
carefully directed to the cause of education. The poor
and the rich have enjoyed the means of good education. Hence there are few in New England (and, as
we have suggested, it would be difficult to find at the
present day any adult born on the Cape) who cannot
at least read and write, with, in addition, a competent
knowledge of figures; whilst generally the opportunity
has been afforded to secure that full amount of education requisite to qualify for successful business. In
later years, the Cape has kept pace with the educational improvements of the age; and may point to
many of its distinguished sons and accomplished daughters as proof that it has never been greatly derelict in
this duty.
The inhabitants of the Cape are a religious people.
The entire freedom of religious opinion claimed by
them, has led to a diversity of denomination; in almost
every village as well as town, places of public worship
being reared by differing sects. But it is here disreputable to have no religious belief; and there are scarcely




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.                  749
any to be found who do not give their support to some
one mode of religious worship and form of faith.'
We may add, that health, that greatest of all mere
earthly blessings, here waves her wand, and crowns
the votaries of frugality, industry, temperance and
virtue?
1 It is not for us to detail or define the sects into which communities have divided, nor to suggest even the causes. There have, of
late years, " come-out," in few instances, doctrines and practices that
were unknown to the fathers. We could do no good service in rebuking singular extravagances even by a record of them.
" You may as well
Forbid the sea for to obey the moon,
As, or by oath remove, or counsel shake,
The fabric of his folly whose foundation
Is piled upon his faith."
2 It is not too much to assume that the people of the Cape are generally a temperate community. It would occupy too much space to
enter minutely upon the efforts that have been made from time to
time to suppress intemperance in the use of stimulating liquors.
There have always been instances of incorrigibleness. Much that
has been done has been wisely directed; that an indiscreet zeal should
be exhibited by some reformers is a necessary consequence of the
diversity of the human mind.
We have strict statutes and most biting laws,
as fond fathers
Have bound up the threatening twigs of birch
Only to stick it in their children's sight
For terror, not for use: in time the rod
Becomes more mocked than feared."
That stimulating drinks were in vogue in former times, here as every
where, is very evident from the items of public charges and allowances; and the practice at the seat of government of ample refreshments on great occasions seems to have furnished precedents in high
places for the expenditures of officials of later days. In 1714, Sept.
30, a council order was issued " that Penn Townsend Esq. and Mr.
William Payne take care to provide and lay in wine, &c., at the council chamber for the entertainment of the Governor and Council and
other guests that shall attend the solemnity of proclaiming His Majesty




750             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
Agriculture, as may well be supposed, is not in the
ascendant on the Cape; but that the cultivation of the
soil is by no means neglected, the reports of the Agricultural Society of the county will demonstrate.
A very extensive misapprehension prevails elsewhere
in regard to the Cape soil. In this respect, many have
been misled by the error of some of the popular writers
and compilers of topographical statistics.  Mitchell, for
instance, in his C View of the United States," says, "' The
South point of the great Bay from which the State takes
its name, is Cape Cod; a long irregular peninsula of
seventy-five miles in length, by from five to twenty in
breadth. It consists chiefly of hills of white sand,
mostly destitute of vegetation. The houses are in
some places built upon stakes driven into the ground,
with open spaces for the sand to drift through.      The
Cape is, notwithstanding, well inhabited, and supports a
large population, the large majority of which subsists
by the fisheries and the coasting trade." Some writers
have, with their usual accuracy, and in the plenitude of
their knowledge, been content to describe the Cape as
chiefly the scene of shipwrecks, sandy, barren, and desolate, where fish are the main subsistence and the sparse
population little better than semi-barbarians. All this
is sufficiently amusing.  The error by which the superficial and hasty gleaner of geographical facts and of
King George on Wednesday next the 22 current, to be performed at
12 A. M.; also a dinner for the same, and candles for illuminating
the house in the evening; also bread and wine for the refreshment of
the troops and soldiers commanded to attend the solemnity." The
"account allowed, Oct. 15, for public dinner, wines, brandies, bisquet,
and other expenses," was ~77 1 9. But at that time adulterations or
" extensions " were a thing yet to be learned, and temperance rather
than abstinence was the doctrine inculcated and generally practised.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.             751
other statistics is misled, is probably the result of his
regarding "the South Point of the Great Bay" from which
Massachusetts is sometimes denominated the Bay State,
as the peninsula itself.   But even then, the Sinbad-theSailor, or Gulliver's-travels-writers of the day who occasionally honor Cape Cod with a glance profoundly erudite, would find it very difficult to find a location for
their romance. —There is, on the Cape, some good
land and skilful and thrifty husbandry.
Although the topography of the county in detail,
will come more appropriately in connection with the
Annals in the second volume, we may here say that
the surface of the Cape is varied. Like the land on
the sea shore of New England generally, its aspect is
irregular, presenting hills and ridges, with flats of moderate extent. A considerable portion of the soil is productive.   Much of this portion is of easy tillage; but
requires diligent renovation and faithful culture. Geologists state that much of the county is alluvial, with
other portions of diluvial soil. The best land of the
Cape, would doubtless be lightly esteemed by the
planter in comparison with the fertile prairies, valleys,
and gently undulating lands of richer agricultural
1 The crudities of modern writers are not peculiar to themselves.
We might multiply almost indefinitely as palpable blunders, by quotations from earlier times. NEAL, in 1720, says, " The conveniences of
fishing renders Cape Cod populous as most places in New England."
Perhaps, however, he has reference to the Province lands alone.
Still, as he also says, " The great fresh water lakes behind New England are constantly frozen over in winter from November, which occasions the long and hard winters in New England; " we must consider
him as sometimes borrowing from doubtful authority. Douglass, 1749,
says, " At the present, Cape Cod called Provincetown, may consist of
2 or 3 settled families, 2 or 3 cows, and 6 to 10 sheep."  Guttrie and
even Dr. Morse make some singular statements.




752             THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
regions.  But uninviting as the soil is to the agriculturist, it was not only the land of sustenance to the
Pilgrims at their first settlement, but was then the land
of plenty.   It was long distinguished by its supply of
the cereals; nor will it soon cease to yield to the husbandman a moderate reward for his toils.
The cutting   off the forest trees that nature had
planted around these shores as if to guard against encroachments of winds and waves, was unfortunate.       It
commenced early; the error, however, is not to be
attributed to the early settlers alone or chiefly. Indeed, it was begun before they were here. It was continued when they had taken possession of only a few
remote positions; and often did they protest against
these spoliations, endeavoring by such restrictions and
legal measures as were within their power, to stay the
wanton destruction. Notwithstanding, the work of devastation was too extensively accomplished; as is seen
on the shores of the Cape since washed away by tides
aided by the force of winds,: so that vast flats of sand
extend in some places a mile from     the shore, now, at
low water, dry, or nearly so, and in some instances these
flats disclose large stumps of ancient trees embedded in
their native peat.
1 In 1717 or 1718, April 26, during the violent storm in which the
Whidah, the noted pirate-ship, was driven on the outer shore of Wellfleet and dashed to pieces, (see p. 356,) "the sea forced its way across
the Cape and made such a channel that persons passed through in a
whale-boat." The channel was soon closed by great effort on the part
of the inhabitants, and has been kept so. But for the timely interposition of the settlers "it is probable that 20 or 30 miles of the extremity of this wonderful arm of land would ere this have been entirely washed away."
2 The changes of ocean tides are a subject of fruitful inquiry and
of much interest. The waters upon the coast are generally slpplosed




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.               753
Not designing at all to controvert the theory of geologists, that the formation of much of this peninsula is
the result of the powerful action of winds and waves
and that the boulders found on the highest land as
well as in other locations were conveyed hither by ice,
(though some are incredulous,)' we may remark that
whether these speculations of science remain forever
irrefutable or are destined     to vanish before superior
to be gradually sinking. When Quebec was founded, in 1608, the
tide-waters are said to have washed the foot of the rock that now
divides that city into upper and lower town. Since that time, the
lower town has arisen from the waters, and become the principal seat
of trade and commerce. The inhabitants of West Bothnia have observed, by marks on rocks, that the sea decreases about 44 in. every
century. Dalen reports that the waters in Sweden sink 37 in. in a
hundred years. Ravenna, in Italy, once a seaport, is now inland. It
is supposed that a direct water-communication once existed between
the Baltic and Euxine Seas. Herodotus alleges that a great part of
Poland and Russia has been covered by water. Ptolemy speaks of
Scandinavia as an island. Alexandria, in Egypt, is built on the very
spot where was the original harbor of the old city.
The changes in the lakes, or ponds, of the Cape, are also remarkable. Although we have no solid marks on the coast by which we can
accurately estimate the accidence of the sea, rocks on the margin of
ponds show that there is a general subsidence in these periodically,
and a consequent rise during a similar period.
1 In Truro, Wellfleet, Eastham, Chatham, and Harwich, very few
rocks or stones are found. But in Brewster and Dennis, as well as
farther up the county in all the other towns, immense rocks pronounced, by the scientific, boulders, appear. Some, on the highest
land, are piled up one above the other in great profusion. As far
down the Cape as Eastham is found a huge rock lying solitary, deeply
embedded in the earth and at the same time raising high its conical
form, a landmark for seamen, in view to those approaching that part
of the coast, before any other object upon the land is visible. A rock
in the west part of Brewster is also somewhat remarkable, called the
" Rent Rock," having been split by some powerful action of the elements into a number of parts.
VOL. I.       95




754            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
light to be elicited by discussion, exploration and discovery; it is evident that both Gosnold and the captain
of the Mayflower found the Cape in a better state of
defence against the ravages of winds and waves than it
has ever been since; and it must have remained thus
defended long ages before the eye of any European
rested on its shores.  It is equally evident that it now,
in many places, requires artificial protection, not simply
for its preservation for the convenience of the dwellers
in these parts, but for the benefit and urgent need of
commerce at large.1
An indisputable fact it is that Cape Cod has from its
earliest history been a " terror to mariners." Its CREATOR
so formed and located it.   But what would it be without the life and enterprise and strength He has scattered over it! All that could be done, was, in the infancy of its settlements, assayed, by the then scattered
population, to lessen the dangers of navigation, to increase the conveniences of harbors and mitigate the
sufferings of strangers wrecked. The voice of its inhabitants has often since been heard calling upon the
General Government to aid their good designs for the
general weal. That the National Government has not
been altogether remiss in this matter, is shown by fifteen lighthouses on the shores of the Cape that have
cheered many a ship on its way, and saved many a
1 There is considerable wood yet remaining in the county, mostly
oaks, and pines. This is now generally cut off once in from 15 to 30
years, the oak growing more thriftily from the stump when cut in its
early prime. Considerable quantities are yet sent to markets without
the county. The increasing use of coal, the prolific supply of native
peat, and the importation of wood in places destitute of a full supply
and better accessible from ports of Maine, making up any deficiency.
Until recently much ship-building was carried on in different parts of
the county, the supply of native timber being ample.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.         755
mariner and passenger from a watery grave.   The U. S.
Government has also done something in the erection
of breakwaters for the preservation of convenient and
important harbors.  Private funds have often been employed to accomplish what the National Government
would not undertake. There is yet room for the General Government to work. It need not, it ought not to
stint its appropriations for objects so eminently national
and humane, when great and most beneficial results
may be easily attained; especially with a treasury
often plethoric, and scattering its increasing surplus too
much in a way that engenders corruption and tends to
national degradation. The works which remain yet to
be effected here are by no means of mere local importance. A   nation's commerce - ay, a world's comnmerce is deeply interested in the consummation. The
Cape is, what it was intended by the ALL WISE to be, a
good land, surrounded by goodly seas, blessed with an
invigorating and inspiring atmosphere, supplying all
needful comforts to its possessors, and through them
blessing the land and the world; but as a locality of
public interest, it should not be passed by with meagre
appropriations for the public weal, or parsimonious
improvements.
As with agriculture, so with MANUFACTURES. Manufacturing establishments do not prevail as in some
parts of the State. And yet Cape Cod is not the least
in respect to these, as will be seen by reference to the
Annals of several towns.' Salt, the manufacture of
1 The manufacture of fabrics prevailed early on the Cape, to considerable extent, though of late years almost wholly discontinued.
This manufacture was carried on not only domestically from the first,
but by professional manufacturers and capitalists long prior to the
revolution. Among these, the Marstons and Winslows were prom



756              THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
which for many years received great attention, and was
indeed, for the time being, the chief manufacture, in
which was invested about two million dollars of capital
-a branch of business that was more profitable than
any other in proportion to the amount of capital employed -has not ceased to be manufactured; but the
business has greatly declined. The price of the article
not justifying any additional outlay, no new works
have been constructed for many years; and as those
yet existing become dilapidated and unfit for use without repairs, they are from time to time demolished, so
inent. In the Massachusetts Gazette, March 3, 1768, appears an
item, copied from  a letter dated "Barnstable, Feb. 19," saying,
" A few days since a number of Barnstable ladies paid me a visit,
dressed all in homespun, even to their handkerchiefs and gloves, and
not so much as a ribbon on their heads. They were entertained with
Labrador Tea; all innocently cheerful and merry.... Towards night
we had the company of some of the chief gentlemen of the town,
who also drank Labrador Tea"-a domestic production, of course.
-In the same Gazette, "Oct. 18, 1770," is "a letter from Newport, R. I.," saying, " We are assured that one gent. only, at Barnstable, about 50 m. from Boston, who has not long since set up the
woollen manufacture, receives from the spinners he employs 500
skeins of yarn one day with another, and that he has lately purchased 6000 lbs. of wool for his winter's stock. By a moderate calculation, he cannot clear less than $3000 per year by this manufacture, which is the most profitable of any business now carried on in
America according to the stock improved in it; for the full knowledge and proof of which we are indebted to our politic lords and
masters, as they would be called, the ministry of Great Britain. It
is affirmed by the best judges, that is, by those who have made the
experiment, that a piece of broadcloth of equal goodness with what
would cost $3 per yd. in London, may be made in this colony at
$1.50. Hence it is easy to conceive how the importation of woollens
might be stopped by a little industry." - The Barnstable ladies above
mentioned have thus precedence of Mrs. Washington, who at a later
period appeared in court circles in American fabrics, as did her husband when he delivered his inaugural.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.              757
that few   comparatively now     remain.    But whilst this
branch of business has ceased in great degree, other
and important manufacturing establishments have
sprung up in some of the upper towns.
The FISHERIES now, as ever, command much attention, and employ a great number of men and a very
large amount of capital. These fisheries, it need not
be said, train a large number of the most experienced
and intrepid mariners in the world.1 The Cape is also
still engaged more and largely in NAVIGATION for other
purposes. The amount of tonnage owned in the District as by the revenue returns, by no means indicates
the extent of its navigation. A large amount owned
by citizens of this county is registered in Boston, New
York, and other cities, but is sailed under the direction
of enterprising adventurers and able seamen belonging
1 As the abolition of the bounty on salt caused the general decline
of that branch of domestic manufacture, so the often threatened abolition of the fishing bounties, may yet cause the decline and even
general abandonment of this branch of industry. The policy of our
government has, unhappily, never been fixed in regard to the encouragement of home industry and enterprise, as has been that of
other nations. The English and French set the example very early
of giving these bounties, expressly for the encouragement of commerce, and to keep up the fisheries as a nursery for seamen. Mr.
Jefferson always advocated the bounty, in order "to foster our fisheries as a nursery of navigation." Whenever the bounties have been
withheld, the fisheries have declined. Whenever they have been
resumed, an increased activity in the business has immediately
responded. The experience of the war of 1812 shows what an
invaluable school of instruction we had maintained, from which bold,
hardy, and skilful seamen rushed to enlist in the navy, and to fight
and win the battles which could not have been won without them.
The Massachusetts privateers in the revolutionary struggle were
always manned by fishermen, and rivalled the navy in the brilliancy
of their performance and the efficiency of their service to the government.




758                     THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
here. In 1837, however, the custom house statistics of
this District showed 28,153 tons, since which time the
amount has considerably increased.
The population of the Cape towns will appear in the
census table, down to the year 1850, subjoined in a
note. Since the last United States census was taken,
the population has probably increased in a greater
ratio.2
1 The same fluctuating policy on the part of the General Government which has affected the salt manufacture and the fisheries, has in
some degree rendered the interests of navigation generally insecure.
It has been proposed to throw open our coasting trade to foreign competition, and thus let foreign vessels, when freights are dull at home,
come over here to bring ours down also. Those familiar with our
shipping interest think the effect of such a law will be extremely disastrous. It used to be said that the British navy could sweep from
the sea the commerce of any nation at war with her. Some seem
willing to save her the trouble.
2 Census of Barnstable          County since it was constituted          a   county,
1685:
Dist'ce                POPULATION        IN
Begun. Incorp'd. from 
Boston. 1764 1776 1790 1800 1810   1820  1830   1840  1850
COUNTY.................  1685............................... 19.293  21,372  24,431  28,541. 32.199  33,979
M.
SANDWICH.....1637. Sept. 3,    54   1449 1912 1991  2024  2382  2884   3367  3719   4181
1639.
YARMOUTH....... 1638.  do.     70.................. 1727  2134  2232  2251  2554  2399
BARNSTABLE,.... 1639.  do.     66..................... 2964  3646  3824  3975  4301  4805
EASTHAM........ 1640. June 2,  89  1331.......2064  659  751   766    966   955    841
1646.                          *
FALMOUTH,....J.......... June 4,  72  1225 1355 1637  1802  2237  2370  2548  2589  2645
1686.          t
ARWIC.......        Sept. 14,  70............. 2857  1942  1980  2463  2930  3133
1694.                              1
TRuRO,..................... July 16, 107..................... 1152  1209  1241  1549  1920  2002
1709.
CHATHAM................ June 11,  85..................... 1351  1334  1630  2134  2334  2437
1712.
PROVINCETOWN,......... June 14, 116....... 205.... 812  936  1252  1710  2122   2678
1727.
WELLFLEET,..... From Jue 16,  97.............. 1113  1207  1402  1472  2044  2337  2372
E.    1763.
DENNIS.......... From June 19,  76.................... 1408 1739  1997  2317  2942  3213
Y.    1793.
ORLEANS....... From  March 3,  85................. 1095 1248  1348  1799  1974  1788
E.    1797.
BREWSTER,...... From  Feb. 19,  80.......................... 1112  1285  1418  1522  1503
H.    1803.
M ASHPEE,................ un e 14..............................   155.........  150..........................
1763.
M Orleans had been taken off.   t Including 62 Indians.    t Brewster had been set off.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.        759
Very many on the Cape still own and dwell on the
lands occupied once by their early ancestors.    Although its inhabitants have spread in every direction,
from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond
it, and have gone forth in great numbers into all the
new States and Territories, some of each original fanily are, with few exceptions, yet the representatives of
the name on the Cape. We have said, no race of
people, as a whole, are purer English. Whether there
be any advantage in this or not, there has been, until
within a short period scarcely any admixture of foreign
blood. It may be owing partly to this circumstance,
and partly to their locality, that they are still the same
bold and able navigators; the same industrious and
enterprising fishermen; the same staid, sober, honest,
well-balanced-minded people, as in times of yore; and,
wherever found, (and where are the descendants of
Cape Cod not found?) are buoyant with hope, full of
activity, fearless of danger, noted for integrity - as a
general rule. Notwithstanding the tendency of the
youthful mind to maritime or commercial pursuits, a
good proportion of the young men of these towns
have, in the several periods of our history, been called
to fill other spheres of usefulness either at home or
abroad-many of them       places of high and distinguished trust. Numbers have enjoyed collegiate advantages - a fact to which we advert as a proof that
the best facilities for a good education were appreciated: not because we suppose that a collegiate course
is indispensable to talent or greatness.1 Although in
1 It were an error to suppose that any one by being denominated
an Alumnus of any institution, necessarily springs forth a learned
man, lawyer, clergyman, physician, or statesman. He must, to become truly learned or great, educate himself. The best education of




760            THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
the earlier days of our history, a good proportion of
our leading men had received collegiate honors, the
clergy almost invariably, numbers of our strongest patriots and most useful and influential citizens had not.
Self-education did the work, presenting
"A combination and a form indeed
Where every god did seem to set his seal
To give the world assurance of a MAN." 
The Cape has long been distinguished for its peaceful, neighborly quiet, and exemption from the acerbities of litigation. We are inclined to believe it was
always so; for most of the cases of litigious strife that
appear in its earliest days were mandatory from     the
seat and influence of Government -     with the measures and views of which, at times, leading men on the
Cape did not readily acquiesce.    If questions of difficulty arise —and they must necessarily arise sometimes in a community so largely engaged in maritime
pursuits, they are, perhaps, oftener settled amicably by
arbitration than in any other county.   A writer, more
than a hundred years ago, intimated that " the smallness
of court-fees multiply lawsuits in the Province, and
are a snare for people to become litigious."  The same
writer tells that at the time of his writing, 1749, were
existent certain traits that seem to corroborate the preceding: he says, " Generally in all our colonies, particularly in New England, people are much addicted to
quirks in law;" also that "a very ordinary countrythe truly educated is always chiefly their own work. The world
marvel at a " self-taught" individual, and often seem to forget that all
who are really learned, are, whatever extraordinary advantages they
have enjoyed, also self-taught.
1 See Appendix N.




ANNALS OF BARNSTABLE COUNTY.       761
man in New England is almost qualified for county
attorney in England." We accept from Mr. Douglass
the latter compliment; but, for the Cape, repudiate the
rest. The frequent immediate adjournment of our
courts, sine die, after the formalities of opening sustains
us in the disclaimer.l
If the general view of the Cape, which we have
attempted in the present volume, shall prove instructive or interesting to any of the descendants of the
early settlers, and we shall in the view of the public
have accomplished any thing worthy of our progenitors, the humble labors of the compiler will not have
been in vain. Let none, because of the humble position which this peninsula may have seemed to occupy
in the apprehension of divers persons who have professedly written the history of the State or Country,
look with contempt upon the past. Our fathers had
an important mission to perform; and generally they
acted well their several parts.
If, perchance, any of the descendants of noble sires
are indifferent to the subject, it only proves them unworthy of their paternity. Some may truly have, for
aught we know, (they, in such case, probably think
they have,) good reasons, not to be promulged, for taking no interest in " the rock from whence they were
hewn:" but even such may learn something from history, and should be admonished that " contempt for the
past is by no means the beginning of wisdom." The
policy that would incline to nonchalance and indif1 We cannot ascertain that a single instance ever occurred of the
infliction of capital punishment within the county.
VOL. I.    96




762           THE HISTORY OF CAPE COD.
ference in respect to a memorial in honor of the past,
is not becoming a genuine son of Cape Cod.
" The man whose eye
Is ever on himself, doth look on one
The least of Nature's works - one who might move
The wise near to that scorn which wisdom holds
Unlawful ever."
But, all - all wish well to the undertaking. It may be
-it must be so. We, then, who know the toils of the
way, and the difficulties to be overcome, may, with
grateful acknowledgments to those whose efficient
countenance has encouraged us in our labors, be permitted to suggest, that so far as the wish is a mere
abstract,
" That wishing well hath not a body in't
That may be felt."
We proceed to the second volume -the Annals of the
Towns, animated and strengthened by the countenance
and sustenance of the patriotic and liberal; simply
remarking, that having endeavored hitherto to follow
the order of events from the first knowledge had
among civilized nations of the existence of Cape Cod,
to the present time - noting events so far as seemed
necessary to a general view of the history of the Cape
as a county, and as furnishing an architectural base on
which shall appropriately rest the more minute details
of the several towns which shall constitute the column
in due proportion, much of importance remains.




APPENDIX.
NOTE A. (p. 590.)
PORT OF ENTRY, CUSTOMS, AND COLLECTORS.
IT may be a question with the reader, why "measures were concerted in 1809, to secure for the county a PORT OF ENTRY," whereas
in 1749 "collectors of excise were chosen for each county by the
council and house of reps., and Barnstable was then made a port of
entry; but it must be borne in mind that the circumstances of the
country have changed fiom time to time, and the laws have not been
uniformly the same. In fact, the terms in use have not at all times
had the same meaning. Until 1672, "no custom house had been established any where upon the continent;" but the subject was under
consideration by the parent government which, in 1675, "resolved to
settle collectors in New England as in other places."  Whilst the revolution was in progress, a law of the General Assembly, 1776, after
the royal commissioners of customs had joined in the evacuation of
Boston, was passed entitled " An Act for establishing a Naval Office;"
and an appointment of " naval officer " was made for this county, by ballot of the two houses, Nov. 27, the same year, JOSEPH OTIS being
the appointee. WILLIAM TAYLOR succeeded Gen. Otis, Feb. 6, 1779.
SAMUEL -IINCKLEY was in office 1789; and then again Gen. Otis,
appointed by Gen. Washington, was collector to the time of his decease. His son WILLIAM OTIS succeeded in 1810, who was succeeded
by ISAIAH L. GREEN in 1814 or 1815. HENRY CROCKER succeeded
to Mr. Green, 1837. EBENEZER BACON was appointed 1841, superseded by JOSIAH HINCKLEY in 1845, Mr. Hinckley holding two years,
and SYLVANUS B. PHINNEY receiving the appointment in 1847. Mr.
Phinney held 2 years, and Mr. Bacon again appointed in 1849,
was succeeded by Mr. Phinney in 1853 who remains to the present
time. -That Barnstable was not a port of entry in the extended
(763)




764                       APPENDIX.
meaning of the term, when the convention was held in 1809, is sufficiently apparent. By reference to the act of Congress, July 31,
1789, it appears to have been provided, " That for the due collection
of duties, &c.... there shall be established districts, ports, and
officers.... In the State of Massachusetts shall be 20 districts and
ports of entry."  Barnstable is named as the Seventh; and thus far,
and elsewhere, in the act, the words "district" and "port" are used
as convertible terms. Subsequently the same act says, " To the district of Barnstable shall be annexed the several towns or landingplaces of Sandwich, Wellfleet, Provincetown, and Chatham as ports
of delivery only; and a collector for the district shall be appointed to
reside at Barnstable."  "To the district of Edgartown (9th) shall be
annexed the town of Falmouth as a port of delivery only." In the
next section of the act, the "ports of entry" are also made "ports of
delivery" to certain ports and districts; and Boston and Plymouth
are the only "districts" in (what is now) Mass. proper, not so restrained. The same act says, "The district of Barnstable shall include all the shores and waters within the County of Barnstable,
excepting the town of Falmouth." - Subsequently, at the 2d session
of the 1st Congress, chap. 35 of the Statutes at Large, appr. Aug. 4,
1790, again districts the coast, and Falmouth is annexed "to the dist.
of Barnstable, as a port of delivery;" and it is provided that "none
but ships or vessels of the U. S. shall be permitted to unlade at any
other than the ports following, viz.: New Bedford, Dighton, Salem
and Beverly, Gloucester, Newburyport, Marblehead, Boston, and
Plymouth."  This last act was repealed by the celebrated Revenue
Act of March 2, 1799, which re-districted the country, making 22 districts in Mass., (then including Maine,) and provided more particularly for every requirement of the revenue service. This last act is,
essentially, the present law of the land, tariffs excepted. It re-enacts
the then existing provisions in regard to this county, it being still prohibited from the privilege of unlading any foreign ship or vessel; and
this fact, doubtless, accounts for the assembling of delegates in 1809.
— We have taken some pains to unravel the intricacies of this question, and to effect this made our appeal to a gentleman than whom we
know of no one better able to aid us. For the suggestions leading to
our conclusions, we are gratefully indebted to his politeness. We
refer to Hon. HENRY CROCKER of Boston; and further gather from
his responses, that when Barnstable was permitted to receive entry of
merchandise from foreign bottoms does not clearly appear; but that
it has long been in practice with the knowledge of the Government.




APPENDIX.                      765
Neither does it appear when Falmouth, Provincetown, Wellfleet, or
Chatham were made ports of entry, unless under the act of March 3,
1817, which gave every " collector authority with the approbation of
the secretary of the treasury, to employ, within his district, such number of proper persons as deputy collectors of the customs, as he shall
judge necessary, who are hereby declared to be officers of the customs," &c. It has been decided by the Sup. Jud. Ct. that deputy collectors " may perform any service which the collector might perform
if present;" so that, constructively, the locating a dep. coll. at each of
the above four outposts, is virtually establishing a custom house there,
and giving to those several places all the privileges that Barnstable
has. Such, at least, has long been the effect. Not only U. S. vessels,
but foreign, have entered and unladed at each place. - From the
establishment of the districts, 1789, the tenure of the office of collector
was indefinite, subject to removal by the Executive, until the act of
May 15, 1820, which provided a four years' tenure for all. - We may
not omit to mention that formerly a Comptroller General, whose business it was "to superintend the conduct of the Naval, Impost and
Excise Officers, so that Gov't may at any time have from him accurate statements of the navigation, trade, and commerce of the State,
the revenue derived therefrom, and the expense of collecting the
same," existed; and hence we find in 1782 Joseph Nye mentioned as
Excise Officer, and in 1789 Jonathan Howes, as distinct from Naval
Officer.
NOTE B. (p. 613.)
MAILS, POSTS, TRAVEL.
IT is difficult to realize that we are now, 1859, in more intimate
and close contact with Berkshire and even Maine, in fact with New
York and Pennsylvania, than the Cape was with Plymouth during all
the time that it remained the seat of justice, and the only place where
might be exercised the right of franchise; and that it is easier from
the extremest town on the Cape now to visit Boston and return, than
it was once to perform the necessary act of domestic preparation by
carrying a grist from Sandwich to Plymouth to be ground. And yet
it is well remembered by many now living, how even the travel from
Barnstable to Plymouth was the hard journey of a day, and that
another toilsome day's ride was required to reach Boston: nor have




766                       APPENDIX.
we forgotten that important character, the post-rider, who took the
entire mail in his saddle-bags, (and lean they were too,) and occupied
the week in going down the Cape and returning; and a mail once a
week, when the boon was first granted, was a great desideratum, a
matter of general gratulation. Another point gained at a later day,
was that of a mail as far as Sandwich once a week from New Bedford. The clock could not better indicate the hour of 5 P. M., than
did the regular appearance of Mr. Terry on his slow, but sure and
well-fed horse (the horses of the Friends are always well kept and
sleek, and possibly their capacity for swiftness of locomotion was
never put to the test) with his diminutive saddle-bags that seemed to
challenge the observation of every one touching the question of their
entire emptiness, every Friday afternoon.
Whilst on this subject, we may as well note that "a post office was
ordered to be established in Boston," March 30, 1693; and, May 7,
1696, it was " ordered that a salary of ~25 per annum be allowed to
Andrew  Hamilton Esq., Postmaster General of North America,"a work of Massachusetts enterprise. The post accommodations on
some of the great thoroughfares may be inferred from the following
which was regarded as an important feature of the progress of the
age: "Post Office, New York, Feb. 3, 1755. -It being found very
inconvenient to persons concerned in trade, that the post from New
York to New England has heretofore set out but once a fortnight during the winter season; the stages are now altered, by order of the
Postmaster General, and the New England post is henceforth to go
once a week the year round; whereby correspondence may be carried
on, and answers obtained to letters between N. Y. and Boston in two
weeks, which used in winter to require four weeks; and between
Philadelphia and Boston in three weeks, which used to require six
weeks. - Alex. Golden, P. M."  Post offices and posts were first established in this county, May 13, 1775; and, as may be supposed, the
progress of the post-rider began at once to be watched here as elsewhere with great interest. He was every where an important character. His appearance at any town or village was announced by the
blast of a horn. In this respect he was literally his own trumpeter.
The extent of mail privileges in this county at that time, may be
learned from the following programme:"PLAN from Cambridge to Falmouth: To set off from C. every
Monday noon and leave letters with WVm. Watson Esq., postmaster at
Plymouth, on Wed. 9 o'clock A. M.; then to Sandwich and leave letters with Mr. Joseph Nye 3d, Wed. at 2 o'clock P. M.; to set off




APPENDIX.                      767
from S. at 4 o'clock, and leave letters with Mr. Moses Swift at Falmouth, Thurs. at 8 o'clock A. M. On the rider's return, to set off
from thence on Thurs. at noon, and reach S. at 5 o'clock; set off thence
Fri., 6 o'clock A. M., and reach Plymouth at noon; set off from P.,
Fri. at 4 P. M., and leave letters with Mr. James Winthrop at Cambridge on Sat. evening."
The arrival of a mail stage-coach, was, in some parts of New England, as late as 1781, quite an incident of the day; but that wonderful convenience was not known on the Cape until long after. The
facilities now afforded by railroads, stage-coaches, cheap postage, &c.,
contrast strangely with former times. The post offices in the county
were in 1850, as follows: -
In Sandwich, 7, viz.: Sandwich, Pocasset, Monument, E. Sandwich, N. Sandwich, S. Sandwich, and W. Sandwich. In Falmouth,
6, viz.: Falmouth, E. Falmouth, N. Falmouth, W. Falmouth, Woods'
Hole, and Waquoit. In Barnstable, 8, viz.: Barnstable, W. Barnstable, Osterville, Cotuit, Cotuit Port, Hyannis, Hyannis Port, and Marston's Mills. In Yarmouth, 4, viz.: Yarmouth, Yarmouth Port, W.
Yarmouth, and S. Yarmouth. In Dennis, 4, viz.: Dennis, S. Dennis,
E. Dennis, and W. Dennis. In Harwich, 4, viz.: Harwich, E. Harwich, S. Harwich, and W. Harwich. In Chatham, 2, viz.: Chatham,
and N. Chatham. In Orleans, 3, viz.: Orleans, S. Orleans, and E.
Orleans.  In Brewster, 3, viz.: Brewster, W. Brewster, and E.
Brewster. In Eastham, 2, viz.: Eastham, and N. Eastham. In
Wellfleet, 2, viz.: Wellfleet, and S. Wellfleet. In Truro, 2, viz.:
Truro, and N. Truro. In Provincetown, 1, viz.: Provincetown.
NOTE C. (p. 616.)
NARRAGANSET SOLDIERS.
THE town of Gorham, Me., was inc. 1764; but began to be settled
much earlier. The first man who took up his residence there was
Capt. John Phinney from Barnstable, who was father of Col. Edmund Phinney of the Continental army. In 1745 the inhabitants, 18
families, were driven into garrison by the Indians, and suffered severely. The Rev. Benj. Crocker was the first minister employed to
preach at G.; and Rev. Solomon Lombard of Truro was the first
settled, ordained Dec. 26,1750. "The records of the Narraganset




768                       APPENDIX.
Grantees, No. 7 township, June 6,1733," show a long array of Cape
names. It will be recollected that "of Capt. Gorham's company in
the Narraganset battle, 36 were killed, and 41 wounded." The
"grant for services by Narraganset soldiers," was to the following;
"Barnstable: Mary Dovener, Sam'l Barnam, John Carmon, Sam'l
Linnell, George Lewis, Matt. Fuller, John Hathaway, Samuel Fuller,
Jacob Hinckley, Thos. Fuller, Joseph Higgins, Sam'l Hinckley, Sam'l
Allyn, Sam'l Davis, Caleb Lombard, Joseph Gorham, Eben'r Goodspeed, Lot Conant, John Clark, Josiah Crocker, Sam'l Bryant, Increase Clap, Rd. Ellingham, Joseph Taylor, Sam'l Child, John Duncan, Bart. Hamblin, Eleazer Hamblen, Thos. Huggins, John Phinney,
Joseph Bearse, John Lewis' heirs, Josiah Davis, Eben'r Clap, Jedediah Lumbert, Sam'l Cops, Joseph Blush, John Howland, Shubael
Gorham Jr., John Goodspeed, John Lewis for bro. Benj.
Yarmouth: Sam'l Baker, Wm. Chase, John Thacher, John Hallett, John Matthews, Thos. Thornton, Edw'd Gray, Sam'l H-all, Jona.
Smith, Sam'l Jones, John Taylor, Thos. Felton, John Gage, Wim. Fellows, Win. Gage, Ananias Wing, John Pugsley, Daniel Baker, Rd.
Taylor, Win. Gray, Capt. JOHN GORHAM, Thomas Baxter, James
Maker, James Claghorn, Joseph Hall, Nath'l Hall, Laramy Hedge,
Joseph Wildens, Sam'l Thomas, John Crowell, John Chase, Henry
Golds, Rd. Lake, Jabez Gorham, Henry Gage, Everton Crowell, Jona.
White. [In 1741, Win. Gray is put down for his father Edw. Gray's
heirs; Sam'l Baker for his father Sam'l; and Shubael Gorham for his
father John.]
"Eastham: Timo. Cole, Jere'h Smith, Jona. Grew, Thos. Paine,
Jedediah Higgins, Eliakim Higgins, Joseph Downings, Benj. Downings,
John Walker, John Myrick, Nath'l Williams, Jos. Doane and Sam'l
Doane for their father Sam'l Berry, Jno. Freeman, Jona. Sparrow, Jno.
Knowles, Sam'l Atkins, John Doane, Thos. Mulford, David Doane,
Josiah Cook, Joseph Harding, Geo. Brown. [In 1741, Timothy Cole
is put down for his father Timo.; and Geo. Brown for his father Geo.]
"Sandwich: Jona. Morey, Sam'l Tobey put down for his uncle
Sam'l Knott, Nath'l Wing put down for his father Nath'l, Sam'l Gibbs,
John Davis, James Atkins, Jehoshaphat Eldridge."
The Hon. JOSIAH PIERCE, now of Gorham, to whom we are under
obligation for ready aid in our investigations and polite attention
in our late visit at Gorham, says, " Persons and families from Cape
Cod, of the following names, settled in G.: Bacon, Bangs, Bourne,
Davis, Gorham, Harding, Higgins, Hinckley, Hamblen, Lewis, Linnell, Lombard, Paine, Phinney, and Sturgis." His minutes also de



APPENDIX.                      769
monstrate additional names: In 1741 and 1750, lands were conveyed
to Paul Crocker, Benj. Stevens, and Joseph Doane, and Thos. Knowles
of Eastham; in 1751, to Eliphalet Watson, Seth Harding, and Joshua
Freeman; and in 1757, to John Freeman.-Among the names of
grantees is "put down the name of Jona. Lumbert of Tisbury."
Among those "driven into garrison" by the Indians, were Captain
John Phinney and his sons Edmund who was shot and his arm
broken, and John, Jacob Hamblen, Elipht. Watson, Eb'r Hall, Wm.
Cotton, Benj. Stevens; and "the Bryant family were all either cut
off or carried away captive."
Whilst in the act of penning the preceding note, Feb. 7, 1860, the
mail has brought us the following extracts copied by the politeness of
R. C. Ingraham Esq. of New Bedford, from Judge Pierce's Centennial Address at G. 1836: -"A hundred years ago, May 26, 1736,
John Phinney, a son of one of the conquerors of the Narragansets,
disembarked from his canoe on the Presumpscot River, with his axe
and a small stock of simple provisions, attended by a son of 14 yrs.
of age, with a design to make a home for himself and family in the
then wilderness, but now a large and flourishing town. Having
selected a spot for his future dwelling, that son Edmund, afterwards
distinguished not only in our town but as a colonel in the war of the
revolution, felled the first tree for a settlement."  (p. 8.) " During
the revolution, Col. P. had command of a regiment under Washington, and throughout the war conducted himself with great activity,
courage and prudence. Besides Col. Edmund, his brother John (the
man who planted the first hill of corn in Gorham) and John's two
sons John and Ebenezer were in the revolutionary army." (p. 20.)
"The early settlers were remarkable for their longevity. The first
settler, Capt. John Phinney and his wife Martha both died at the age
of 87; their sons, Col. Edward lived to be 85, John 83, James 94,
and their daughter Mary Gorham who m. James Irish, 89 yrs. of age."
(p. 31.) "Nearly every town on Cape Cod contributed settlers for
Narraganset No. 7. The greater number, however, were from Be.
Y. and E. The immediate grantees were the conquerors of the
famous and far-dreaded King Philip." (p. 11.) - A monument standing in the centre of the town, bears this inscription: " May 6, 1805. 
Capt. John Phinney I commenced the I first settlement in this town 
May 1736. l Gr. by the Gen. Ct. 1732 to the I Narragansett soldiers. I This I assigned to Capt. John Gorham I and 119 others I then
called Narragansett No. 7. j Town inc. Oct. 30 1764."
VOL. I.       97




770                     APPENDIX.
NOTE D. (p. 627.)
NEWSPAPERS.
THE first newspaper attempted in this county was the NAUTICAL
INTELLIGENCER, issued at Falmouth, by Wm. E. P. Rogers in 1826,
who soon removed his publication office to Barnstable, and there
issued his journal under the title of the BARNSTABLE GAZETTE AND
NAUTICAL INTELLIGENCER. This paper was not long continued; and
the BARNSTABLE JOURNAL succeeded in 1827, under the auspices
of Nathaniel S. Simpkins; passing, in 1832, into the hands of C. C.
P. Thompson and Horatio Underwood, who published also, in addition to their weekly, a semi-weekly called the CAPE COD JOURNAL.
The latter was continued only one year, when, 1834, Mr. Underwood
became sole proprietor of the weekly Journal. This, in 1837, passed
again into the hands of Mr. Simpkins, who, terminating the existence
of the Journal, commenced the same year the YARMOUTH REGISTER,
which has been continued, under various direction, to the present
time. The BARNSTABLE PATRIOT was established by Sylvanus B.
Phinney in 1830, at whose office was also printed, 1851, one year, the
SANDWICH M3ECHANIC, published in Sandwich. The Patriot has
continued, under the same direction, to the present. A paper called
the SANDWICH OBSERVER was issued by George Phinney in 1845,
and was continued several years. In 1851, the CAPE COD ADVOCATE AND NAUTICAL INTELLIGENCER was commenced at Barnstable
by Franklin B. Goss and Benjamin C. Bowman; but in 1852 was
removed to Sandwich. With some changes in its direction, Mr. Bowman has continued in charge, having associated with him since 1853
Matthew Pinkham. The PROVINCETOWN BANNER has continued
to be issued since 1855, under the direction of J. W. Emery. The
title indicates its place of publication. The ATLANTIC MESSENGER,
commenced in 1857, at Hyannis, by Edwin Coombs, is still issued.I-owever grateful it might be to our feelings to award due merit to
existing publications, it is not compatible with our present duty. The
brief notice we give of the progress of journalism is sufficiently indicative of the comparative and general advance of the county in
other respects. But the absence of these local publications previous
to 1825 or 6, is no indication that the Cape people were not a reading
community. Without intending to claim for them any preeminence
in this respect, we may remark that previous to the time mentioned,




APPENDIX.                      771
very few newspapers were issued except from the chief marts of conmmerce. The country towns, every where, were dependent on the
issues from presses in our large cities; and their full proportion of
these was taken.
It may be of some interest to the reader, and may serve for reference on future occasions, to state that the first printing press in the
American colonies was introduced in 1638. The freeman's oath was
first printed; then an almanac, and the "New England Psalms."
The first newspaper printed in America was the Boston News Letter,
April 24, 1704. With the exception of the Weekly Mercury, begun
in Philadelphia in 1720, the only other newspapers published in
America for many years, were the Boston Gazette, begun Dec. 18,
1720; the New England Courant, July 17,1721; the Boston Weekly
News Letter, Jan. 5, 1727; the New England Journal, May 27,
1727; the Rhode Island Gazette, 1732. There was none in New
Hampshire until 1756.- At the time of the revolution, the following
were published in Boston: the Evening Post, Boston Gazette, Massachusetts Gazette, (there were two of the name,) and Massachusetts
Spy. The Post by Flint was a zealous whig paper, but noted for its
impartiality. It ceased in 1775. The Gazette, by Edes & Gill, was
also whig, under the patronage of leading patriots. It was continued
to 1798. The Massachusetts Gazette, published on Mondays, by Mills
&  Hix, was tory, published by authority. The other, issued on
Thursdays, was by Draper, who also was one of the printers of the
court. The lMassachusetts Spy was whig, and, during the war, was
removed to and published at Worcester, doing good service to the
cause of freedom. Newspapers at this time, and long after, were
printed on coarse paper, with poor ink, and were sometimes almost
illegible.  All the paper manufactured was coarse-but strong.
Very little, even of the best, was very white; and none very smooth.
-There are now published in the United States more than two
thousand different news-journals; whilst there are in Great Britain
and Ireland only about five hundred; in France two hundred and
fifty; in Austria ten; in Spain twenty-four; in Portugal twenty; in
Belgium sixty-five; in Denmark eighty-five; in Russia and Poland
ninety; in Prussia three hundred; in other Germanic States three
hundred and twenty; in Africa fourteen; and in Asia thirteen.




772                       APPENDIX.
NOTE E. (p. 627.)
MANUFACTURE OF GLASS.
THIS important enterprise is worthy of more than a passing notice; we therefore condense a brief account of it from " Reminiscences
of Glass-making," prepared a few years since by Deming Jarves Esq.:
-" Like their predecessors in the manufacture in other places, this
company commenced in a comparatively small way -beginning with
an eight foot furnace, each pot holding 800 lbs. The weekly melts
did not exceed 7000 lbs., and the yearly product $75,000; giving employment to 60 or 70 hands. As the business warranted, the capital
was increased in 1854 to $400,000. The weekly melts increased to
over 100,000 lbs.; the hands employed numbered 500 persons; the
furnaces were multiplied to 4 of 10 pots each; and the yearly product
to $600,000."  We may. add, considerable improvements and additions have since been made. The business of glass-making in Sandwich continues to enlarge,- a proof, we suppose, that it is remunerative and commanding. Another establishment has arisen, under the
auspices of Mr. Jarves, and of this we may speak hereafter.
From " Jarves' Reminiscences," we gather, as of interest, the following facts: "The first effort in the manufacture of glass in the
United States, was made some years before the American Revolution,
by a company of Germans, in Quincy. Black metal only, and of a
rude style of the art, was attempted. In 1785, was the first attempt
at the making of window glass; and this was in New Hampshire. In
1787, a factory was erected in Essex St., Boston, where is now Edinboro' St., for the making of the crown window glass; but was not
successful until 1803, when the State offered a bounty to encourage
the manufacture, and then was produced a glass superior to the imported, and was well known throughout the country as " Boston Window
Glass." In 1822, this company established its operations in South
Boston, a charter from the State granting an exclusive right to manufacture for fifteen years, the capital to be exempt from taxation five
years, and the workmen exempt from military duty. In 1808, the
manufacture was commenced in Pittsburg, Pa., and was finally successful, so that the business became greatly enlarged both in Pittsburg and vicinity, where great advantages for fuel were presented;
and the business finally extended farther west. In 1810 or 1811, a
company was formed in Utica, N. Y.; but untoward circumstances




APPENDIX.                      773
prevented success. A company was then formed in New York,
whose works were located at Sandy Lake; but the undertaking was
soon abandoned. In Richmond, Va., also, an unsuccessful attempt
was made. It was, at this time, a penal offence, in England, to entice
men of the art to leave the kingdom; and the obstacles laid in the
way of procuring competent workmen were almost insurmountable.
About this time, the works were started at East Cambridge which
were succeeded, in 1817, by the New England Glass Company. These
works became highly prosperous. In 1820, the business was attempted in New York city, and was, in 1823, removed to Brooklyn, L. I.
The same year works were commenced at Kensington, Philadelphia.
Other attempts were made in the Atlantic States, up to 1840; but
without great success. Prior to 1852, no less than forty-two different attempts in the manufacture of flint glass, had been made in
the Atlantic States: twenty-eight had failed entirely; two retired;
two retired without loss, having been measurably prospered; and
ten were still in operation. The manufactory in SANDWICH has been
eminently prosperous.
NOTE F. (p. 628.)
COASTING TRADE        IN WINTER.
THE perils of sea-going are many; but perhaps few classes of
men are more exposed to hardships than those employed in the coasting trade in winter. Seamen engaged in the fisheries, their season
over, perhaps generally dismantle their vessels and relinquish their
employment upon the sea until spring; some engage on board other
vessels in other business; but if others undertake coasting, they incur
great hazards and sometimes meet with most disastrous issues. One
of these events, occurring Jan. 16, 1826, we are reminded of at this
date, and as it graphically illustrates the risks of property and life
upon the coasts in the winter season, we will in condensed form present the narrative as furnished by the able pen of the late Rev. E. S.
Goodwin for the pages of the Token for 1833. "In 1826-7 the
weather was uncommonly severe for some weeks. It was a boisterous, cold and gloomy season. In the little harbor of Sandwich, some
of the vessels were dismantled for the winter, others were laden and
waiting a relaxation of the weather, to effect their passage. A period
of severe cold is here commonly succeeded by rain. The north-west




774                       APPENDIX.
wind which brings'the cold out of the north,' gives place to a wind
from the southerly point, which comes loaded with a copious vapor
and pours it down like a deluge. It so took place now. About noon,
Jan. 16, the rain ceased and the weather, comparatively warmer, gave
some prospect of a few days in which business might be done. In
the afternoon the wind was soft, but gusty. The air was loaded with
vapor, and, in the higher regions, clouds were seen as if pursuing
each an inward impulse of its own. On an eminence, not far distant,
stood a solitary individual with his face towards the harbor -an old
experienced master in the coasting trade. Accosted in the customary
style of salutation, he answered not a word. His eye was intently following the motions of a small schooner laden with wood, which was
slowly moving towards the mouth of the harbor. The Almira rounded
the point, and hoisting sail stood towards the north. The old seaman
lifted his hands and exclaimed,'Gone out! he will never come in
again!' It was remarked to him that the wind was southerly; but he
paid no attention —departing with a sorrowful countenance. The
wind was vacillating; and the vessel seemed as if conscious of the
uncertainty of the direction in which the wind would establish itself*
The master of the vessel was Josiah Ellis. He was one whose noble
frame seemed able to abide the fiercest pelting of the pitiless storm.
He had often encountered the violence of the elements, and had as
often conquered by the simple energy of a vigorous constitution.
With a southerly wind and a favoring tide he had launched out for his
voyage with no crew but himself, his son Josiah, and John Smith a
seaman. The Almira held on her way with slow progress; but the
wind was fitful. Having passed Monimet Point, and having Plymouth light for a landmark, she was working slowly across the outer
part of the bay, when suddenly the master's voice was heard calling
all hands; -in the north-west was a clear, bright, cold sky about half
up from the horizon —the clouds were hastening towards the southeast, and new stars were appearing at each successive moment in the
northern and western section of the heavens. The sight, though beautiful, was appalling, indicating a rapid change to severe cold. The
first impulse was to run into Plymouth for shelter; but as that harbor
lay directly in the eye of the wind, there was little encouragement
that it could be reached. They tacked once or twice to obtain an entrance, but having little sea-room, and the wind becoming more violent and the cold more severe, they were foiled, till in one of the sudden motions of the vessel the main boom was wrenched from the
mast. The halyards were let go and the mainsail came down crash



APPENDIX.                       775
ing and crackling, for it was already a sheet of ice. To furl or even
to gather it up was impossible. The vessel was laid to the wind, the
frozen foresail being braced fore and aft and the jib loosened. It was
not in their power to haul it down. The wind soon cracked the covering of ice, rent the canvas, and finally tore it in pieces. The vessel obeyed her helm, came up to the wind, and so remained. But
the whole sky was now swept clear as if by magic, the moon and
stars brightened, the air was charged with intense cold, and if perchance the face was turned towards the wind it was not simply cuttingly severe but the frozen moisture of the atmosphere seemed to
have been converted into needles of ice. The mariners had been
early wet with the moisture of the air; then drenched with the spray;
all was now congealed upon them. Their garments and hair were
hung with icicles or stiffened with frost, and they began to feel the
near approach of that stern power which chills and freezes the heart.
In a small vessel, its sails now useless encumbrances, spars and rigging
covered with ice, they stood all exposed to the severest rigors of a
winter's sky and winter's sea, with not a dry garment left. They
sought the cabin, succeeded in lighting a fire, and hovered over it for a
few moments; but their perils were fearfully increasing-the deck
as well as rigging and sails became encumbered by ice. The spray
froze wherever it struck; the smallest ropes had assumed the appearance of cables; the folds of the sails were filled with a weight that
careened and threatened to sink the craft, and there was no remedy.
To proceed on the voyage was impossible, to gain shelter in Plymouth
was an equal impossibility, and they thought of their own harbor.
Although impossible to start a rope and difficult to make the heavy
and encumbered vessel yield to her helm, they nevertheless succeeded
in getting her about, and as wind and tide now set together they
cleared Monimet Point and came round once more into Barnstable
Bay within eight miles of their own homes. In the moonlight, as
they floated along, they could discern the land adjacent to the master's
dwelling, and earnestly longed for day in hope that their condition
might be discovered and relief obtained. Long and wearisome was
that perilous night!  The cold still increased as day approached;
they were disabled from effort; the ice continued to accumulate, and
before the dawn of day they had swept by the home they loved. In
the dim distance they saw the smoke curling from their chimney tops;
he impossibility of receiving assistance from that quarter was apparent; the vessel must needs be abandoned to its fate —for the last
remaining sail had now yielded to the violence of the blast and its,




776                       APPENDIX.
accumulated burden of ice, and hung in shattered and heavy remnants
from the mast. The vessel turned nearly broadside to the wind and
floated rapidly along as if intent on some spot where it might be
wrecked. The harbors of Sandwich, Barnstable and Yarmouth were
passed, and the vessel floated onward to its fate. From  a portion of
the town of Dennis, there makes out northerly into the sea, a reef of
rocks. On the westerly side of this is a sandy beach on which a vessel of tolerable strength might be cast without being destroyed; on
the easterly side is a cove having a similar shore, which is a safe harbor from a north-west wind. But the reef itself is dangerous. Early
in the day, Jan. 17, an inhabitant of Dennis beheld from an eminence
this ill-fated schooner, raised an alarm and hastened to the shore with
as many persons as the sudden emergency allowed to collect.  Most
of these were seamen themselves; they knew the dangers and had
the hearts of seamen. The vessel was rapidly approaching the reef.
She was so near that they could look on board, but they saw no man
- nothing but the frozen mass; at best, experienced eyes could not
determine whether certain objects were the common fixtures of the
deck or ice-cased human forms. Ths thought that there might be
living men on board who if roused might change the direction of the
vessel, caused a united shout, clear, shrill, and alarming. The three
men emerged from the cabin, shivering, meeting at every step a dashing spray frozen ere it fell, and exposed to a cutting wind, as if
they were
they were' all naked feeling and raw life.''Put up your helm,' exclaimed an aged master,'make sail and round
the rocks.' No movement was made; it was impossible. The men
on board felt the rising of their vessel for the fatal plunge, and clung
instinctively to whatever they could lay hold of. The encumbered
hulk was lifted as a dead mass on a powerful wave and lay full length
upon the ledge. The three were now covered not with spray, but
with the frozen substance of the waves which made a highway across
the deck, filled the cabin, and left no place of retreat but the small portion of the quarter abaft the binnacle, and a little space forward near
the windlass. To the former place they retreated, drenched, shivering, ready to perish, expecting each moment the fabric under their
feet to dissolve. The agonized spectators resolved to make an effort
to save them; a boat was procured, and manned by a hardy, noble
crew, risking their own lives for their imperilled but unknown fellowmen. The surf ran heavy, composed of sludge-like floating snow.
To shove off, great effort was required, and the men must wade




APPENDIX.                      777
into the semi-fluid mass for the purpose; and scarcely had they
reached the outer edge of the surf, when a refluent sea conquered and
filled the boat. A long and slender warp cast from the shore, reached
one of the men, was attached to the boat, and all were drawn back
again by those on shore. With soul-absorbing interest these proceedings were witnessed by those on board the schooner; they saw
the failure, and their hearts seemed to die within them.  One was
then seen to go forward and sit down on the windlass.'Rise up, rise
up, and stir yourself,' was the exclamation of many voices on the land.
Seamen well know that he who exposed to severe cold sits down will
sleep, and that such sleep will be that of death. Smith paid no attention to the call; he was soon incrusted with ice and undistinguishable.
The father and son now stood alone; but the deadly torpor was
creeping over them. They still endeavored to keep themselves in
motion; but resolution struggling against nature fails at last. The
father went forward and seated himself as Smith had done before.
Again the warning cry was raised in vain.'We will save him yet,'
was the resolve of the sympathizing spectators; and the boat was
again manned, again launched, and reached beyond the surf in safety.
But to get on board was impossible. They spoke to the younger
Ellis, and heard his voice in reply. The violence of winds and
waves dashing on the rocks and over the wreck was such that they
could approach no nearer; but they encouraged the young man to
keep awake - assuring him that the rising of the tide would lift the
vessel from the rocks and that they would watch and embrace the first
practicable means for his deliverance. It took place as predicted; the
rising tide brought the vessel to a stand, and the people with much
effort got on board at 4 P. M. Young Ellis was on the quarter deck
holding on to the tiller ropes to which his hands were frozen. His
feet and ankles were encrusted with ice, and he seemed scarce conscious of the presence of his deliverers. They bore him in their
arms, and as they passed his father's body he faintly uttered' There
lies my poor father;' then relapsing into a stupor, he only awaked
after, being conveyed on shore, the customary means were employed
for his restoration.  Smith's body had been washed away. The
younger Ellis was, through the humane attentions of strangers, restored, but with the ultimate loss of the extremities of his hands and
his feet. As may well be supposed, the memory of that fearful night
and day remained; and it had one grateful source of reflection in the
value of that kindness of man to man which leads to the exposure
even of life for the shipwrecked stranger.  A child of their own
VOL. I.       98




778                       APPENDIX.
could not have been more kindly watched over, carefully attended, or
liberally provided for. Surely there is a recompense for such, with
Him who hath said,'Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the
least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.'"
NOTE G. (p. 640.)
SECOND CENTENNIAL AT BARNSTABLE.
WE regret finding that we have so little space in reserve for the
record of the doings at this anniversary. The festival, although suggested by citizens of Barnstable, and chiefly under their direction,
was of a comprehensive character —the cooperation of citizens of
other towns on the Cape, and descendants from the Cape resident
in any and every part of the land being invited. The city of Boston participated largely in giving interest and effect to the occasion; a meeting of the citizens of Boston and vicinity, native born
of Barnstable County, and their descendants, held at the Supreme
Court Room, appointing a committee for the purpose, consisting of
Messrs. William Sturgis, B. F. Hallett, Thomas Gray, George Hallet, Joshua Sears, Francis Bacon, John L. Dimmock, Lemuel Pope,
and Benjamin Burgess. Preparations were munificently made, and
on a large scale. As the time approached for this grand jubilee, the
interest in it was widely and deeply felt; and steamers to convey the
numerous guests, as also bands of music and military escorts were in
requisition. The day was brilliantly beautiful. Said a distinguished
son of Barnstable, in noticing the events of the occasion, "Not a
speck obscured the horizon, and the softness and splendor of the
atmosphere seemed to have been given by a beneficent Providence as
an approval of the pious, filial duty paid to the memory of illustrious
ancestors.... Never were the quiet streets and fields of Barnstable
so densely populated. It was a living, moving mass, as if Boston
Common on a great gala day had dropped down upon us." Hon.
Nymphas Marston was president of the day; Hon. Henry Crocker
acted as chief marshal; and Hon. David Crocker was chairman of
the committee of arrangements. The Rev. Freeman Parker, of
Maine, a native of Barnstable, was one of the chaplains of the celebration, and the orator selected was John Gorham Palfrey, D. D.,
LL. D., also of Cape descent. Never before was there such a




APPENDIX.                       779
cordial greeting as between the returning emigrants from almost every
section of the Union, and the permanent residents- never were congratulations more sincere mingled upon the parent soil. Every door
was opened in hospitable welcome.  The services at the meeting
house were not less interesting by the use of an old version from
the veritable edition of 1609 of Sternhold and Hopkins, to the tune
of Coronation.
Attend, my people, to my lawe,
And to my words incline:
My mouth shall speake strange parables,
And sentences diuine," &c.
In the dining pavilion, the great 6 family party " of just fourteen hundred and fifty-eight persons, including the ladies, were comfortably
seated at the tables, and presented a magnificent picture. After dinner, the intellectual repast was opened by the president of the day, in
a happy address - salutatory and congratulatory; toasts were given
and speeches made by Gov. EVERETT in his most eloquent strain, by
Chief Justice SHAW who impressively and affectingly recurred to his
early associations, by Dr. THACHER, by Hon. WiM. STURGIS happily,
in sentiments and style that suited the occasion, Hon. ROBERT C.
WINTHROP, Hon. B. F. HALLETT, Mr. WAi. F. OTIS, and others.
Letters were also read from Judge MELLEN, lion. H. G. OTIS, ExPresident J. Q. ADAMS, Judge STORY, Judge JOHN DAVIS, Judge
WILDE, Judge DEWEY, Lt. Gov. HULL, Hon. GEORGE BANCROFT,
Hon. JOSIAH QUINCY, &c.- The closing scene - the ball, was a
splendid affair. The decorations of the ball room, the pavilion, &c.,
were in fine taste. A full account of this celebration was published
by S. B. Phinney Esq., in a pamphlet of about 100 pp., 1840.
NOTE H. (p. 654.)
CAPE    COD   RAILROAD.
THE CAPE COD BRANCH RAILROAD, incorporated in 1846, was
opened in 1848. Its length at that time, from Middleboro' at its
connection with Fall River and Old Colony Railroad, to its termination in Sandwich, was 27 miles. The cost up to Jan. 1, 1850, was
$616,760. The par value of the shares, $100; had a market value




780                      APPENDIX.
of $47. The receipts, in 1849, were, from passengers, $35,430.47;
from freight, $14,972.74; from mails and rents, $879: total, $51,282.21.
The running expenses were, $31,145.98. Net, $20,136.23.
The number of passengers carried in 1849, was 66,825. No accident occurred. No dividend was declared. By a report made, June
1, 1855, it appeared that the receipts, the previous year, had been,
from passengers, $89,129.18; from freight, $21,968.13; from mails,
$3,241.18; from express, $1,307.37; from  rents, $254.22: total,
$115,899.98. Expenses, $59,160.47. Net, $56,739.51.
A statement was further made, as follows: Interest on the funded
debt, $10,800; interest on floating debt, $3,476.36: total, $14,276.36.
Balance applicable to dividends, $42,465.15; out of this a semiannual dividend payable in stock, Feb. 1, 1855, of 3 per cent. or $1.80
per share, has been declared, $16,200: balance, $26,265.15. The
extension from Sandwich to Hyannis, 18 miles, including wharf, new
engines and cars, has cost, $324,057.99. The road from Middleboro'
to Sandwich, 28 miles, cost, $500,000. Total cost of the 46 miles,
$824,057.99.
An extension of the road had, as will be seen, occurred at the time
of this report, which connected with a steamboat line to Nantucket. The
cost of the road and equipments was, as appears, less than $18,000 per
mile: less than the cost of any other railroad in the State, and less
than one half the average cost of all the railroads in Massachusetts.
NOTE I. (p. 660.)
CAPE COD ASSOCIATION OF BOSTON.
THE first anniversary of this association was held at Assembly
Hall, Boston, Nov. 11, 1851. After a chaste and happy introductory
address by the president, Hon. DAVID SEARS, an oration was pronounced by H. A. Scudder Esq., and the balance of the evening was
occupied by appropriate toasts and speeches -the first regular toast
beingCape Cod Our Home. - The first to honor the Pilgrim ship, the first to receive
the Pilgrims' feet; she is the first and the last, and always the dearest in the
memory of her children every where!
This toast was rapturously received, and nine cheers were spon



APPENDIX.                        781
taneously and enthusiastically given, all present starting at once to
their feet. The following song, written for the occasion, was then
sung by the entire company, the accompaniment being played by the
bandTInme-" HOME, SWEET HOME."
The home of our sires, where the Pilgrims first trod;
Where they first offered thanks for their safety to God;
That home we will cherish; their memory revere;
Their spirits, it may be, are hovering here.
Home, home, the Pilgrims' home,
We ne'er can forget thee; our ocean-bound home.
The home of our childhood! in fancy we see
Its welcoming arm ever stretched to the sea;
Its beacons are blazing, its hearts true and warm,
The sailor's sure refuge, when loud howls the storm.
Home, home, our childhood's home,
We ne'er can forget thee, our ocean-bound home.
Wherever our footsteps in manhood may roam,
We will fondly look back to our forefathers' home,
And cherish the thought of that sheltering bay
Where, rocked by the billows, the Mayflower lay.
Home, home, dearly loved home,
We proudly can say, there is no place like home.
Addresses were made by Hon. JAMES SAVAGE, Chief Justice
SHAW, Hon. WILLIAM STURGIS, Col. SAMUEL SWETT, Hon. JOSIAH
QUINCY who humorously alleged his claim to be considered of Cape
Cod lineage, GEORGE S. HILLARD Esq., and others.
NOTE J. (p. 662.)
CELEBRATION AT YARMOUTH.
THE third anniversary of the Cape Cod Association of Boston,
August 2, 1854, claims a brief notice. -The visitors were met at the
railroad depot at Yarmouth by numerous inhabitants of that town, and
vicinity, and were presented, in an appropriate address by S. N. SMALL
Esq., in behalf of the citizens, with a cordial greeting. The speaker
expressed " the gratification of us who remain on the old homestead "
at the organization of a society " by those of our brothers who have




782                          APPENDIX.
gone out from amongst us to seek their fortunes elsewhere, and who
by their talents, energy and enterprise have won for themselves a high
and honorable position in almost every department of human effort,'for the purpose,' to use the language of one of your number,'of
cultivating the social virtues, commemorating the history of the past,
and perpetuating those principles that have somewhat distinguished
the inhabitants of the Cape;'" and concluded by extending, in behalf
not only of the people of Yarmouth, but " of Cape Cod, every town
and village of which is represented here, our warmest congratulations,
and a hearty, old-fashioned, Cape Cod welcome."      His Honor, the
CHIEF JUSTICE, as the senior member of the Association present,
felicitously replied-thanking the inhabitants for the agreeable and
gratifying invitation previously extended, and for the present welcome
reception. He said,-," Sir, I present to you that branch of the old family, male and female, who,
at various times and upon various prudential considerations, have departed
from the family mansion and ancient homestead, and taken up their abode, for
a time, elsewhere; who the better to cherish their mutual attachment to their
dear native land, and the homes of their childhood, have united themselves
under the name of the Cape Cod Association.
A pretty large array of visitors, I must confess, Mr. Chairman. But permit
me to assure you, and all your friends here, from my own personal knowledge, that there is not one visitor here, male or female, whose heart is not
deeply penetrated with the tender and endearing sentiment, at once joyous and
sad, which makes up the indescribable charm of home. But, sir, although this
part of the family whom I now present to you constitute a pretty large body
of visitors, yet, I judge from appearances all around me, that the ancient
household was expecting company about this time, and were determined that
the guests should not outnumber the host ready to receive them; nor outstrip
them in manifestations of courtesy; and I am assured by every thing around
me and before me, that the members of the household are all animated with this
same common sentiment of brotherhood, which has brought the visitors home.
We come, sir, to unite once more with you, in expressing our attachment
and veneration towards a race of progenitors whose memory we shall ever
gratefully cherish.
We come to pledge to each other the renewal and perpetual continuance of
those bonds of friendship which, commencing with our earliest existence, shall
terminate only with our latest breath.
We come to express the earnest and sincere hope that the same feelings
of friendship and brotherhood which animate us may extend to our latest
posterity."
The station house of the Cape Cod Railroad was handsomely decorated with flags and streamers, and the walls of the building were




APPENDIX.                       783
surmounted with shields bearing the names, each in its place, of every
State in the Union, and in the centre of the group the motto" God
and our native land;" and over the road leading from the depot to
the village was an arch trimmed with wreaths and evergreen, and
bearing the inscription, " Cape Cod welcomes with pride her long
absent children."
A procession being formed, in order pre-arranged, under the direction of Col. George W. Hallet, the march was taken up through the
principal streets, first to the pavilion, passing on their way a venerable
looking representation of a house, on which was inscribed, "Home of
Andrew  Ballet, built here in 1639."  Near "the wharf-road" was
another tasteful arch, on which appeared, " Commerce: the civilizer
of the World.'Far as the waves extend or billows' foam,
Behold our empire and survey our home.' "
It would occupy too much space to enumerate all the decorations that
at different points met the eye. Citizens seemed to have vied with
each other in tasteful and appropriate emblems at their respective
residences.
At the pavilion the viands were spread and in waiting; after partaking of which, Chief Justice SHAW introduced the intellectual part
of the banquet. After some devotional exercises, speeches followed
and well-ordered toasts; in the speaking George Marston Esq., Rev.
Mr. Cogswell, Gov. Washburn, Dr. J. V. C. Smith mayor of Boston, -Ion. Josiah Quincy Jr., Richard Warren Esq. president of the
Pilgrim  Society, Hon. B. F. Hallett, Col. Hatch, Hon. Richard
Frothingham, Col. J. H. W. Page, Col. G. W. Hallet, Mr. William
S. Thacher, and others participated. A poem was pronounced by
Frederick W. Crocker Esq.- A ball, in the evening, concluded the
festivities.
We venture a single extract from the speech of Gov. Washburn on
the occasion, because it is testimony from the right source - confirmatory of an honorable characteristic to which we have adverted p. 760.
His words were: -,"Mr. President, this spot is to the rest of New England, and wherever a
Cape Cod boy is to be found, what the holy city was to God's people of old,
where, on a Passover like this, they could come up and renew their vows of
fidelity to their country and her institutions. If time permitted, sir, I might
sustain what I have said of Cape Cod and her people by what we ourselves
have witnessed, as well as by the rich memories of the past. Permit me to say,




784                         APPENDIX.
that a few years since, I had the honor to hold a Court of Common Pleas in
the County of Barnstable. Most of those present are aware that that Court
has jurisdiction, directly or by appeal, on all criminal cases in the County,
with the exception of capital ofences, as well as on civil matters. They are
aware, too, that there being only two terms il a year, all the business of the
Court, civil and criminal, for half a year, is to be disposed of at one of these
sessions. Well, sir, on the occasion to which I allude, I went there, and I
met with the Grand Jury of the County. They retired for deliberation; and
in less than fifteen minutes they returned and reported to the Court that there
had been no crime committed in the County, within their cognizance. I went
with them to the civil side of the Court, and I could not find, in the litigation
of the County, that there stood a single case for trial. And, sir, the whole
business of the County, both civil and criminal, with a population of thirty
thousand souls, was done up, and the Court adjourned, in less than an hour's
time. Sir, it was not poverty, it was not a want of industry and enterprise in
the people of this County, that led to this dearth of crime and litigation; it
was because it was such a population- so educated, so trained; and I do not
believe that there is a parallel incident to this, in a free community so numerous as this, and embracing, as this does, its maritime and commercial
interests, in the history of the world."
NOTE K. (p. 668.)
NEW YORK CAPE COD ASSOCIATION.
THIS association organized April 21, 1856, celebrated its anniversary November 11, 1858, by a sumptuous dinner at the Astor House,
and by the interchange of patriotic and fraternal sentiments, the president, EBEN. B. CROCIKEr Esq., in the chair.   Addresses were made
by the President, Messrs. James A. Smith, James M. Holmes, Richard Warren, R. Crocker Bodfish, John Gorham, E. W. Crowell, Rev.
Matthew   Hale Smith, and others.   The occasion was one of much
enjoyment.   This association, embracing a large number of prominent and highly respectable gentlemen of Cape origin, seems to have
adopted the plan of rotation in office. Mr. CROCKER, Mr. JAMES A.
SMITH, and Mr. N. B. COLLINS have in succession presided over it.
The certificate of membership is an elaborate and beautiful engraving, the centre of which represents the signing of the compact in the
cabin of the Mayflower, with a view of the harbor of Provincetown
as it was, and as it now is. Other emblematic devices adorn the
margin.




APPENDIX.                          785
NOTE L. (p. 736.)
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
THE appointments of Justices of the Peace, since the Union, including such as were commissioned Quorum unus, (the latter designated
by being placed in small capitals,) have been: -
1692.                   1728.          Saml. Knowles, E.
JOHN FREEMAN, E.        Thomas Payne, F.        Saml. Smith, S.
JOHN THACHER, Y.                                SYLVS. BOURNE, Be.
JOHN GORHAM, Be.                 1729.          JAMES OTIS, Be.
Stephen Skiff, S.       Shubael Baxter, Y.
Jona. Sparrow, E.       Ezra Bourne, S.
Shearj. Bourne, S.      JOHN THACHER, Y., 1738. SamL Tupper, S.
1707.                   1731.                   1753.
Nathl. Freeman, H.      Thomas Clark, H.        John Freeman, H.
JOHN RUSSELL, Be., 1739. Barnabas Paine, T.
1709.                                  THOS. WINSLOW, H.
JOHN OTIS, Be., 1738.            1733.          JOHN STURGIS, Be.
JOSEPH DOANE, E., 1734.  John Davis, Be.
Ebenr. Lewis, Be.
1710.          DAVID CROCKER, Be., 1747. Kenelm Winslow, H.
William Bassett, S.
Thomas Payne, E.                 1735.                    1755.
Joseph Robinson, F.     JOSEPH OTIS, Be., 1757.
1713.                                  ROLAND COTTON, S.
Peter Thacher, Y.                1737.
Saml. Sturgis, Be.      William Payne, E.                1756.
ISAAC HINCKLEY Jn.,Be.,
1715.                   1738.                          L1757.
John Doane, E.          Seth Parker, F.         DAVID THACHER,Y.,1781.
1718.                   1740.                   1757.
John Bacon, Be.         Joseph Freeman, H.      Chilingsworth Foster, H.
1719.                   1741.                   1758.
MELA'H BOURNE, S., 1727. John Hallett, Y.       EDWARD BACON, Be.
THOMAS SMITH, S.
1721.                   1743.
Joseph Lothrop, Be.      Saml. Jennings, S.               1762.
Isaac Lothrop, Be.      SHUBAEL GORHAM, Be.     SOLO. OTIS, Be., 1775.
Roland Robinson, F.
1723.                   1744.          Judah Thacher, Y.
Hezekiah Doane, E.      Silas Bourne, S.        Jona. Doane, E.
Nathl. Stone, H.
1727.                   1747.          John Thacher, Be.
Edmund Freeman, H.      DAVID GORHAM, Be.,1753. John Gorham, Be.
VOL. I.          99




786                          APPENDIX.
NYMPHAS MARSTON, Be.,             1789.          Thos. Jones, F.
[1772. Atherton Hale, Y.       Josiah Sampson, Be.
1768.          EBENR. BACON, Be., 1806.
SL.,  SSAVAGE, Be., 1814.
Melatiah Bourne, S.L. SAVAGE, Be., 1814.
Isaac Sparrow, E.        Gorham Lovell, Y.
1770.
DANIEL DAVIS, Be., 1775.          1790.                   1804.
EBENR. CROCKER JR., Be., ELISHA DOANE, Y. 1820.
1771.                            [1797. Gideon Hawley Jr., M.
Elisha Doane, W.                  1792.
Thos. Bourne, S.        Joseph Parker, F.                 1805.
John Greenough, T.                               Isaac Clark, Br.
1793.
1773.          Nathl. Freeman Jr., Be.           1807.
SHEARI. BOURN-E,Be.,1781. SAML.WATERMAN,W.,1807. John Dillingham, H.'Richard Bourne, F.                              Stephen Homer, D.
1794.          Francis Weeks, F.
1775.          Joseph Palmer Jr., F.    John Freeman, S.
Joseph Doane, C.         Simeon Kingman, E.
JOSEPH NYE, S.                                            1808
SOLO. FREEMAN, H.                 1795.          Hugh G. Donaldson, F.
NATHL. FREEMAN, S.      DAVID SCUDDER,Be.,1802. Nathan Nye Jr., S.
RICHARD BAXTER, Y.                               BRAD.DIMMICK, F., 1829.
Joshua Robinson- F.               1796.          Benj. E. Atkins, P.
Moses Swift, S.         Ebenr. Broadbrooks, H.   Jonas Whitman, Be.
Danl. Taylor, Be.       Jeremiah Howes, D.       Benj. Bangs, H.
Jona. Howes, Y.         David Nye, F.            Saml. Freeman, E.
Zenas Winslow; H.       Elisha Perry, S.
John Atwood, H.         Jona. 0. Freeman, S.              1809.
Benj. Collins, T.                                James Hinckley, F.
Seth Freeman, S.                  1797.          Daniel Pease, P.
Elisha Mayo, E.          Calvin Tilden, Y.
1776.          David Thacher Jr., Y.    Nathan Stone, D.
Nathl. Shiverick, F.    Sylvs. Nye, S.
THOS. PAINE, E,
1799.          Richard Lewis, Be.
1781.          Sylvs. Stone, H.         Jason Ayres, T.
Ebenr. Jenkins, Be.                              JOHN REED, Y., 1816.
JOSEPH NYE, H.                    1800.          Anthony Snow, T.
Sylvs. Snow, T.         SOLO. FREEMAN JR., H., ISA. L. GREEN, Be., 1811.
Jos. DIMICK, F., 1808.                    [1802.
TIMO. PHINNEY, Be., 1815.         1811.
1782.          Thos. Thacher, Y.       Benj. Percival, S.
JOHN DAVIS, E., 1802.                            Israel Lombard, T.
Elijah Knowles, E.                1801.          ELISHA POPE, S., 1826.
WENDELL DAVIS, S.,1813. Jona. Bangs, D.
1785.          RICHARD SEARS, C., 1815. Joseph Hawes, Y.
John Young, W.          Jas. Freeman, S.
Holmes Allen, Be.                 1812.
1786.                                   Jona. Bascom, 0.
Sturgis Gorham, Be.               1802.          JOB C. DAVIS, Be., 1823.
Abraham Williams, S.     Timo. Bascom, 0.        Salmon Nye, Be.
Joseph Snow, H.         David Parker, Be.        Ezra Crowell, C.




APPENDIX.                            787
William Cole, W.         Ezra Crowell.                     1827.
William Haindy, S.       Obed Brooks, H.          John Robinson, F.:
Stephen Bassett, S.                               Joshua Atwood, E.
1821.
Benj. Burgess, S..          Benj. Berry, Br.
ABNER DAVIS, Be., 1818,  Melatiah Bourne, S.      LOTH. DAVIS, Be., 1843.
Joseph Bennet, F.        Joseph Sampson, Br.      James Long, H.
JAMES CROWELL, Y.,1828. John Seabury, C.
Jona. Nickerson, D.                                        1828.
ELIJAH COBB, Br., 1819.           1822.           TIMO. REED, Y., 1829.
Wm. Fessenden, S.        Timo. Phinney, Be.
1813.          Seth F. Nye, S.          James Small, T.
Josiah Whitman, W.       Nathan Nickerson, H.     Joseph Eldridge, Y.
Isaiah Chase, H.         Rd. Sparrow, P.          Joseph Hall, S.
John D. Bangs, H.        Reuben Arey, W.         Benj. Bourne, S.
John Eldridge, Y.        Elisha P. Fearing, F..
Joseph Parker, F.  [1820.                                  1829.
SAML. P. CROSSWELL, F.,           1823.          Elijah Chase, H.
Orsamus Thomas, P.       JosI. BATCHELOR, P.,1824. Jeremiah Mayo, Br.
Isaac W. Whitman, Br.    Asa S. Bowley, P.       Dean Bangs, Br.
David Crocker, Be.       Ward M. Parker, F.       James Atwood, C.
Wm. Myrick, O.                                    Solo. Rich, P.
Win. Eldridge, H.                 1824.
Harding Knowles, E.      Benj. Hallett, Be.                1830.
1814.          Zenas Nye Jr., S.        Joseph Young, C.
MATTHEW COBB, Be.,1829. Nat. Underwood Jr., H.
Henry Thacher, Y.        Asa Young, Be.           Jesse Collins, E.
NYMPHAS MARSTON, Be., BENJ. SEABTRY, o., 1825.    Wm. Lewis, Be.
1815.    [1820.  ichd. S.Wood,.        Benj. R. Witherell, W.
Isaiah Bray, Y.
Sylvester Baker, Be.     Orren Howes, D.                   1831.
1816.          Jona. Freeman, Br.       Henry Crocker, Be.
Thomas Swift, S.         John Topping, C.        John Freeman, Br.
Nathl. Lewis, F.         Elisha Perry Jr., S.    Nehemiah Baker, D.
Joseph Blish, Be.                 1825.          ELIJAH SWIFT, F., 1840.
Joseph Blish, Be.                 1825.           WVm. H. Fessenden, S.
Allen Hinckley, T                                W. H. Fessenden, S.
THlos. FISHl, F.T1. I3   John Jenkins, F.        Chas. H. Freeman, S.
Freeman Marchant, Be.    Benj. Lewis, Be.
1817.          Jabez Howland, Be.       John Kenney, T.
N'ALER CROCKERBe.,1828. Heman Tobey, S.         Ezra Tobey, S.
Roland T. Crocker, Be.   Shadrack Freeman, S.1832
Nathan Underwood, HI.
1818.          Nathl. Lincoln Jr., Br.  Charles Marston, Be.
John Kendrick, 0.  GEO. COPELAND, Br.,1847. Ebenr. Bacon, Be.
John Kendrick, 0.
Thos. H. Tobey, S.       Thos. Lothrop, P.
1819.                                   Joshua Wixon Jr., D.
Jona. Bangs, D.          1826.           Zacheus Hamblin, Be.
Lemuel Ewer, S.          Reuben Cahoon, H.
1820.          Henry Lawrence, S.       Danforth P. Wright, Be.
RUSSELL FREEMAN, S., JOHN DOANE, 0., 1833.       Jesse Boyden, S.
Ebenr. Nye, F.    [1824. Caleb Reed, Y.          Aaron Cornish, F.
Shubael Lawrence, F.    Thos. Hilliard, P.
Abraham Winslow, Br.     William Green, Y.                 1833.
RIHD). SEARS JR.,C.,1822. Isaiah Nye, C.         Joseph Smith, Br.




788                            APPENDIX.
Joshua Nickerson, C.     Frederic Davis, F.                  1844.
Josiah Sampson, Be.      Caleb S. Hunt, Y.         Chas. B. H. Fessenden, S.
Charles Bourne, F.       Collins S. Cole, W.       Chas. Thacher, Y.
Saml. Baker, D.          Neh. Crowell, D.          Edward Thacher, Y.
Rd. Sparrow, O.           Richd. Libbey, W.
1834.           Josiah Bacon, S.          John Larkin, Y.
JOHN ATKINS, P., 1839.                             Bars. Paine, T.
Simeon Crowell 3d, Y.              1839.           Godfrey Rider, P.
Isaiah Baker, H.         Isaiah Bray, Y.           Rufus L. Thacher, P.
Ebenr. Freeman 2d, W.    Isaiah Lewis, C.          George Lovell, Be.
Danl. P. Clifford, C.     Seth Hallett, Be.        Ferdinand G. Kelley, Be.
Joshua P. Atwood, E.      Geo. King, F.            Nathl. Hinckley, Be.
Geo. W. Higgins, Br.      Isaac Kelly, H.          Jabez Howland Jr., Be.
Bars. Hall, D.            Marshal Underwood, H.    David Mayo, Br.
Thos. Holbrook 2d, W.     Daniel Bassett, Be.      Anthony Smalley, Br.
Obed Brooks, H.           Wm. Lewis, Be.           Josiah Mayo, C.
John B. Doane, Y.                                  Warren Rogers, C.
James Berry, D.                       40.Obed Howes, D.
Josiah Sampson, Be.       B. H. A. Collins, E.
1835.                                     Asa Phinney, F.
SOLO. DAVIs, T., 1839.                             Nymphas Davis, F.
Joseph P. Nickerson, H.. T    o,            Sylvr. Bourne, F.
John Perkins, F.          Jona. Nckerson D.        Nathl. Freeman, 0.
Mulford Kendrick H.o,                 D.           Mason White, S.
Sylvester Baker, Y.       W. Field, H.           Clark Hoxie, S.
Isaac Sparrow, 0.
1836.           Wm. Myrick, 0.                     1845.
Seth Crowell,      Allen Hinckley, T.        Thomas Small, Br.
Jerh. Shedd, T.
SeThac            hedr Rde,. CMoses Small, Br.
Thacher Ryder, C.         Nathl. P. Wiley, W.      Isaac Hardy C.
Joseph Atwood, C.Isaac Hardy, C.
Nathl. Doane, H.                   1842.           Myrick Clark, E.
Michl. Collins, E.        Freeman Foster, Br.      Jesse Colns, E.
Howard Perry, S.
Stephen C. Nye, Be.      Stephen Homer, D.
1837.       Sami. Eldridge, H.                 1846.
SamLr P. Bourne, F.
~Zebina HowesD.~  Sam. P. Bourne, F.        Nathl. Snow, C.
Zebina Howes, D.       Sparrow Horton, O.         ath      ow       E
Geo. W. Donaldson, F.    Zenas R. Hinckley, S. 
Newell Hoxie, F.          Joshua Small, T.                   1847.
Zeno Scudder, Be.        Joseph Hawes, Y.          Elisha Taylor, Y.
George Collins, E.       Amos Otis, Y.             JACOB MITCHELL, W.
Darius Weeks, H.                                   i JACOB MITCHELL, w.
Sol. C. Howland, S.      Reuben Arey, W.           Nathl. S. Simpkins, Y.
Solo. C. Howland, S.
Prince Howes, Y.                   1843.
Joseph White, Y.         Zenas D. Bassett, Be.               1848.
GORHAM LOVELL, Y., 1845. Saml. Knowles, E.         Chas. H. Bursley, Be.
John C. Parker, F.        James Chase, H.
1838.           Rd. Baker Jr., H.         Nathan B. Gibbs, S.
Miller W. Nickerson, D.   Giles Holbrook, W.




APPENDIX.                     789
NOTE M. (p. 740.)
MILITIA.
A REORGANIZATION of the militia in 1781, which had remained
nearly the same from the reorganization in 1776, (see p. 485,) was
effected, (see p. 538,) to meet the requirements of the new constitution; and the following appointments and succession ensued: —
Brigadier Generals.
1781. Nath'l Freeman, of S.   1822. Jeremiah Mayo, Br.
1794. Joseph Dimmick, F.     1829. Ebenezer D. Winslow, Br.
1797. Ebenezer Lothrop, Be.  1833. Sabin Smith, S., to 1840.
1816. Elijah Cobb, Br.
By Act regulating the militia 1785, the military of the county
constituted "the BARNSTABLE BRIGADE," i. e. "the 3d Brigade of
5th Division."
Brigade Majors and Inspectors.
1781. Nath'l Freeman Jr., of S. 1816. Joseph Sampson, Br.
1797. William Hinckley, Be.  1828. Sylvanus Hatch, F.
Joseph Blish Jr., Be.   1833. Jas. H. Bodfish, S.
Quartermasters.
Andrew Garrett, of Y.   1824. Charles Nye, S.
1818. Freeman Foster, Br.     1831. Elisha D. Winslow, Br.
Aids de Camp.
Richard Sears Jr., of C.  1829. Freeman Foster Jr., Br.
1822. Jonathan Freeman, Br.
FIRST REGIMENT.
Colonels.
1781. Enoch Hallett, of Y.   1828. Eben'r Chamberlain, S.
1790. Joseph Dimmick, F.      1832. Sabin Smith, S.
Thomas Thacher, Y.      1833. Sylvester Bourne, F.
1806. David Nye, F.          1837. Thomas E. Loring, S.
1821. Obed B. Nye, S.        1838. B. S. G. Waters, S.




790                      APPENDIX.
Lieut. Colonels.
1781. Joseph Dimmick, of:F.  1827. Sabin Smith, S.
1790. Abraham Williams, S.   1832. Sylvester Bourne, F.
David Nye, F.           1833. Thomas E. Loring, S.
1806. Nath'l Jenkins, Be.    1837. Sylvanus Harlow, S.
1821. Nathan B. Gibbs, S.    1838. Elisha B. Faunce, S.
Majors.
1781. Micah Chapman, of Y.   1806. John Freeman, S.
1782. George Lewis, Be.      1821. Joshua Nye, F.
1790. Ebenezer Lothrop, Be.  1828. Francis Nye, F.
Isaiah Hall.            1831. Sylvanus B. Phinney, Be.
Adjutants.
1781. Thomas Thacher, of Y.  1826. Abram Nye, S.
1790. Joseph Parker, F.      1829. Theodore Kern, S.
John Nye, S.            1834. Charles C. Nye, F.
1820. James Tobey, S.        1839. Josiah Melcher Jr., S.
1822.- Sewall Fessenden, S.
SECOND REGIMENT.
Colonels.
1781. Benj. Godfrey, of C.   1824. Isaiah Bray, Y.
1790. Joseph Doane, C.       1830. 1Nehemiah Baker, D.
Jonathan Snow, Br.      1833. Rufus L. Thacher, H.
1817. Joshua; Hamblin, Y.
Lieut. Colonels.
1781. Job Crocker, of Be.    1820. Isaiah Bray, Y.
1790. Elijah Knowles, E.     1824. Gorham Crowell, Y.
J. Sparrow.             1827. Eben'r D. Winslow, Br.
1817. John Wetherill.        1829. Sidney Underwood, H.
Hugh Nickerson.         1830. Horatio Underwood, H.
Majors.
1781. William Gage, of Y.:1824. John Topping, C.
John Wetherill.         1827. Calvin B. Brooks, H.
1806. Elijah Cobb, Br.       1830. Darius Weeks, H.
1817. Obed:Baxter, Y.       1832. Joshua Wickson Jr., D.
1820. Allen" Nickerson, C.   1834. Dudley P. Blake, Y.




APPENDIX.                      791
Adjutants.
1781. Joseph Paine, of C.     1820. Joseph Hamblin, Y.
1790. Mulford Howes, C.       1830. Obed Brooks Jr., H.
Simon Kingman, O.        1834. Joseph Hale, Y.
THIRD REGIMENT.
Colonels.
1815. Watson Berry, of E.     1826. Joseph Holbrook 3d, W.
1820. Joshua Small, T.        1833. Samuel Stinson, E.
Lieut. Colonels.
1815. Moses Higgins, of O.    1830. Samuel Stinson, E.
1824. Josiah Lincoln, E.      1833. David Eldridge, O.
i-Majors.
1815. Henry Knowles, of 0.    1829. Samuel Stinson, E.
1820. Joel Snow, E.:   1830. John C. Knowles, T.
1826. Peter B. Walker, E.
Adjutants.
1815. Michael Collins, of E.  1828. Cornelius Hamblen, W.
BATTALION OF ARTILLERY:
Consisting of Companies at F. and Br.
Majors.                      Adjutants.
1811. Benj. Foster, of Br.    1812. Joseph Sampson, of Br.
1820. Jeremiah Mayo, Br.      1815. William Freeman, Br.
1821. Nath'l Shiverick Jr., F.  1819. Ezek'l H. Higgins, Br..1823. Samuel Shiverick Jr., F.
Captains: of Falmouth Co., org. Aug. 14, 1806.
1806. Western Jenkins, of F.  1822. Jesse Noble.
1819. Nath'l Shiverick.       1826. Sylvanus Hatch.
Captains: of Brewster Co., org. 1810.
1810. Benjamin Foster, of Br.  1820. Freeman Higgins.
1812. Abiel Crosby.           1822. William Shiverick.
1819. Jeremiah Mayo.          1823. Josiah Winslow.
This Battalion was disbanded in 1831.
The condition of the State militia and the fluctuations of statute
laws relating to the same, have been such of late years that it is in
convenient to pursue this matter further in our History.




792                             APPENDIX.
NOTE N. (p. 760.)
GRADUATES.
WE shall not undertake to furnish a catalogue of all who, either
born here, or become residents here, were graduates; but those that
occur to us upon a slight examination -including, be it understood,
such as became citizens of the Cape, are:
1653, Thomas Crosby, H. C. 1733, Roland Thacher.   1777, Edward Bangs.
1669, Saml. Treat.            Edmund Freeman.      1779, Thos. Roby.
1675, Jona. Russel.            Saml. Tobey.             Levi Whitman.
1681, John Cotton.             David Gorham.            Sylvs. Bourne.
1685, Roland Cotton.      1734, John Walley.       1780, Thos. W. Russell.
1687, Seth Shove.             Joseph Crocker.      1781, Isaiah L. Green.
1690, Nathl. Stone.       1735, John Osborn.            Elisha Doane.
1691, Joseph Lord.        1736, Zohith Smith.      1784, Jona. Burr.
1697, Hugh Adams.         1737, Edward Cheever.    1785, John Allyn.
1699, Daniel Greenleaf.        Jona. Ellis.        1786, Jona. Leonard.
1703, Joseph Metcal.           Saml. Cobb.              Henry Lincoln.
1704, John Russell.            Josiah Lewis.            John Simpkins.
1706, John Avery.         1738, Josiah Crocker.    1787, Nathaniel Freeman.
1707, Thomas Prince.      1740, Isaac Hinckley.    1788, Ntathan Underwood.
John Otis.          1741, Grindall Rawson.    1791, Eph. Briggs.
Mlatthew Short.          Isaiah Dunster.      1792, James Hawley.
1708, Josiah Oakes.           John Howland.             Philander Sheaw
Jona. Russel, Y. C.       Loring Cushing.     1794, Tinmo. Alden.
1710, John Cotton, H. C.  1743, Shearj. Bourne.    1795, Nathl. Stone.
1711, Joseph Russell.          William Bourne.     1796, Wendell Davis.
John Chipman.             James Otis.         1797, Elisha Clap.
1713, Benj. Crocker.           John Crocker.            Freeman Parker.
1715, Samuel Spear.            Lothrop Russell.         Nymphas Hatch.
Benj. Webb.               Benj. Webb.         1799, Isaiah Alden.
1716, David Crocker.           Elisha Tobey.            M/1artin Alden.
1717, Nathl. Cotton.      1744, Abraham lWilliams.      Jotham Wtaterman.
Solo. Otis.               Caleb Upham.        1800, Lemuel Shaw.
Thomas Paine.            John Annable.        1802, Nathan B. Crocker.
1718, Nathan Prince.      1746, Benj. Fessenden.        Caleb Holmes.
Benj. Fessenden.         Joseph Green.             Wm. Bascom.
Cornelius Nye.      1749, Gid. Hawley, Y. C.  1804, Timo. Davis.
1719, Roland Cotton.     1750, John Sturgis, H. C.  1805, John Whitman.
1720, Shearj. Bourne.    1751, John Russell.            Joseph Bennett.
Joseph Green.       1754, Saml. West.         1807, Phineas Fish.
Josiah Marshall.    1758, Oakes Shaw.              Ezra S. Goodwin.
1721, John Taylor.       1759, Saml. A. Otis.           Nymphas Marston.
Barnabas Taylor.         Ebenr. Taylor.            Seth F. Swift.
1722, Josiah Cotton.     1760, Josiah Crocker.     1808, Levi Whitman.
Joseph Bourne.      1762, Timo. Alden.        1810, Francis Bassett.
1723, John Sturgis.            Nathan Stone.            Joseph Haven.
Jona. Mills.        1764, Benj. Bourne.            John Savage.
Isaiah Lewis.            Shearj. Bourne.      1813, Edward Hinckley.
Josiah Dennis.            Timo. Hilliard.     1815, Geo. Copeland, B. U.
1724, David Hall.              Ephraim Briggs.          Edm. Q. Sewall, H. C.
Solo. Lombard.      1765, Josiah Crocker.     1817, Benj. F. Hallett, B U.
1725, Saml. Sturgis.     1766, Samuel Savage.           Benj. Fessenden,H. C.
Saml. Freeman.      1767, Asarelah Morse.     1820, Henry Hersey, B. U.
Thomas Smith.       1768, Saml. Parker.       1821, Eliph. P. Crafts.
1726, Nathan Stone.       1770, John Mellen.       1823, Wend. B. Davis,H. C.
Joseph Green.            Zebulon Butler.      1824, Alfred Greenwood.
1727, Saml. Palmer.      1771, Saml. Nye.          1829, Frederick W. Crocker.
1728, Prince Hawes.           Isaac Bangs.              Geo. T. Davis.
1729, Ward Cotton.       1772, Jonas Whitman, Y. C. 1833, Thos. R. Bourne.
Job Parker.         1774, Saml. Emery.        1838, Wendell T. Davis.
1730, Stephen Emery.      1775, James Otis, H. C.  1844, Philip H. Sears.
Edward Pell.        1776, Jude Damon.              Judah Crowell.
John Dennis.         1776, Geo. Thacher.      1854, Henry Cobb.
1731, Ephm. Avery.            Benj. A Upham.




INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
A.             Billingsgate precinct, 361. Cape  Cod, sympathizes
Point, 80, 396.              with  Boston, 411,
Acadians, p. 392, 399.   Bills of credit, 234,341, 345,  418, 451.
Accomintas, the, 100.         360, 364, 371,384.    its share in the revoluAdventurers, the, 151.   Body of the People, 432,      tion, 544, 545.
Agawam, 85, 102.              433-452.              enterprise, 659, 741, 759.
Agawams, the, 100.       Boston evacuated, 488.     Railroad, 651, 654, 660,
Aged Indian, 98.         Break-Heart Hill, 275.         663.
Agricultural Society, 645, BREWSTER, 28; inc., 584.  Association, of Boston,
647.                 aggressions, 603.            660, 662.
Agriculture, 750.          Meth. Soc. in, 647.      Association, of N. York,
Alarm, 82.               Bridge over E. harbor, 667.    667.
Algerine war, 606.       British troops, 410, 411.  a loved home, 744.
Antaanta, 310, 343.      Brown's Island, 86.      Cape Breton, 33, 381.
Antinomians, 123.        Bunker Hill, 447.        Cape Malabar, 41.
Armada, 383.             Burgoyne, capture of, 508. Capital execution, 731.
Army, 280.               Buzzard's Bay, 31, 101.  Capture of the Leslie, 527.
Continental, 483.                               Catholics, 314.
Ashimuet, 101, 267, 310.                          Cattle pounds, 168.
Asiatic cholera, 632..            Census, 195, 257, 557, 581,
Attaquahunchonit, 310.                                  593, 617, 642, 658,
Auquaquesset, 227.       Cambria, steamer, 650.         758.
Awakening, the great, 378. Canada, 33.            Chaquaket, 101.
exped. to, 396, 484.   Charleston, S. C., aid to,
Canal, 333, 493, 672.          486.
B.             Canaumut, 676.           Charter, early, 90, 91, 386.
Capawock, 35, 109.         to Bradford, 92.
Bank, National, 557.     Cape Ann, 34.              vacated, 307, 315.
of N. America, 637.    CAPE COD, name, 29.        promised, 319, 324, 325.
of U. States, 606, 631,  harbor, 62, 551, 624, 658,  Massachusetts, 721.
637.                     661, 662.           CHATHAM, 28, 101, 308;
Falmouth, 617.                 importance of 341,    inc., 346.
Provincetown, 662.           755.                 Academy, 629.
Cape Cod, 664, 671.            legislative action Church of England, 315.
Barnstable, 626.             on, 264.           Churches, restrictions on,
Baptists, 569, 577, 590.   precinct, 348.               201.
BARNSTABLE, 28.            a granary, 115.        Civil liberty, 193, 254.
settlement of, 139, 168,  its stand for liberty, 409, Clark's Island, 83.
203, 308.                469, 474, 544.      Clay pounds, 71.
Bap. Soc. inc., 590.     record, 424, 430.      Coast defence, 481, 483.
Bay, 69.                 represented in Faneuil Coatuit, 101, 211, 675.
anniversary, 640.            Hall, 409.         Coins, 206.
County, 309.             its strength ascertained, Cohasset. 117.
Bank inc., 626.              415.               Cokashoise, 267.
precincts, 353.          its activity on the seas, Cold harbor, 75.
Bass fishing, 202.             478, 741.          Colonization frustrated, 41.
River, 226.              its inhabitants, 741.    projects, 88.
Beads, 178.                in Philip's war, 282, 285, Comassekuumkanit,  101,
Beans, 76, 104, 105.           287, 289, 293.           686, 697.
Billingsgate, 101, 357, 362.  hospitality, 284.   Comets, 252, 259, 300, 305.
VOL. I.          100                                  (793)




794                       INDEX   OF   SUBJECTS.
Commercial crisis, 638.   Difficulties between Plym. Falmouth, inc., 312.
Commissioners, 174, 240,        and Mass., 115.       Bank, 617.
247, 285.             with Belgic Provs., 275.  defence of, 516.
Compromise, 616, 632.     Dighton rock, 55.           Academy, 635.
Confederation, 169, 258, Disasters at sea, 625, 634,  Methodist Society, 594.
509.                      635, 647, 648, 654.  Famine at Plymouth, 104.
Congress, 407, 420, 425.  Discovery of Cape Cod, 28. Fast, 229, 489, 496, 508,
Continental, 420.         Plymouth harbor, 84, 86.      525.
declaration of, 426.      right of, 258, 404.     Fencing the Isthmus, 355.
Provincial, 467.        Disfranchisement, 230,236, First encounter, 82.
United States, 722.           241, 297.             birth, 84.
Constable's oath, 126.    Dissensions, 522.           deaths, 84, 85.
Constitution, 504, 510, 521, Division of county, 372.  Fish, art. prop. of, 665.
535, 552, 555, 560.  Douteuse Island, 43.     Fisheries, 45, 195, 659, 742,
Continental army, 478, 479. Dover Cliff, 30.              757.
Corn Hill, 72.            Dress, ancient, 178, 180, Floridas,  acquisition  of,
Coroners, 739.                  183.                      614.
Council, administers, 339.  Drought, 385.           Fortune, ship, 103, 203, 259,
of war, 169, 261, 287, Dutch traders, 106, 111.         263, 266, 276, 296,
311.                Duxbury, 126.                   298, 300, 307, 318,
Councillors, 327.         Dwellings of Indians, 77.      339, 352, 359, 382,
County org., 309.         Dyer's Swamp, 71.               474, 475.
convention, 468.                                  Freemen, qualifs. of, 277.
attorney, 738.. Free school, 258, 265, 266.
house burned, 627, 732.            E.             French, troubles with, 572.
records, preservation of,                           spoliations, 631, 634.
628.                Early voyages, 34, 40.    Fresh River, 226.
Courts, 140, 153, 158, 196,  discoveries, &c., 46-58.  Friendship, transport ship,
250, 257, 296, 299, Earthquake, 134, 225, 245,      489.
312, 318, 323, 333,       365, 389.           Funds from England, 385.
364, 372, 373, 397, EASTHAM, 28, 100, 309, Furs, 32.
725.                      357, 358.
clerks of, 738.           settlement of, 166, 172.           G
applied for, 364.         name, 203.
superior, 732..   embraces Monomoyick, Gaspee, frigate, 415.
circuit, 594.                 277.                Geese, 74.
Corn. Pleas, 727, 730.  East-harbor, 71, 382.     General Court, at CamGen. Sessions, 594, 731.  Creek, 71, 74.                bridge, 410.
Probate, 736.           Ecclesiastical,172,331, 371.  at Salem, 414, 466.
Coy's Brook, 308.         Economy, 178.               at Watertown, 479.
Cranberries, culture  of, Education, 745.           Genealogies:
663.                Eel River, 83.              Bacon, 352.
Crown rights, 254.          Bridge, 203, |205, 307,   Bangs, 639.
Cuba expedition, 374.           332, 417.             Bassett, 333.
Currency, 386.            Elections, how conducted,   Bourne, 677, 681.
Cushman's sermon, 38.           125, 129, 242, 570,   Brooks, 666.
Customs, 178.                   671.                  Burr, 644.
Custom house, 604.        Elizabeth Islands, 31, 102.  Cotton, 361.
Cuttahunk, 32, 33.        Embargo, 523, 533, 587,     Crocker, 562, 646.
595.                  Davis, 578, 630, 641.
England. difficulties with,  Dimmick, 618, 647.
D.                   585.                  Fessenden, 651.
Epidemic, 196, 212.         Freeman, 461, 601, 618.
Dangerfield, 341, 344.    Erudite authors, 751.       Goodwin, 634.
Deeds, registry of, 737.  -Estates confiscate, 534.   Hawley, 692.
Deer, 74, 54, 587.        Executions, 131.            Hinckley, 343, 655.
traps, 74.                for witchcraft, 198.      Leonard, 611.
Deism punished, 255.        of traitors, 294.         Lewis, 614.
DENNIS, 28, 101; inc., 559. Excise, 386, 388.         Lincoln, 669.
Dermer's voyage, 40.      Expenses of Philip's war,   Lothrop, 209.
Departure of Mayflower,         294, 300.             Marston, 373.
86.                   of wars, 318, 322, 324.   Miller, 250.
Depopulation, 40.                                     Otis, 271, 547, 592.
Deputies, 140.                                        Palmer, 565.
deprived of seats, 233.            F.               Paine, 635.
Description of Cape Cod,                              Prince, 357, 366.
27, 69.             FALMOUTH, 28,, 99, 101,     Russell, 345.
Destruction of forest, 752.     309, 346, 491.        Sears, 137.




INDEX    OF  SUBJECTS.                       795
Genealogies:              High sheriffs, 738.       Indians, proclamation of,
Shaw, 587.              Highways, 205, 206, 210,        706.
Stone, 390.                   307, 358, 658.        right of government reThacher, 142, 622.      Hill's Hap, 31.                 stored to, 710.
Treat, 350.             Hockanom, 136.            Indictments, 214.
Tupper, 697.            Hog Island, 305.          Influence, of winds, &c.,
Underwood, 642.         Hopkins' Cliff, 72.             754.
Walley, 290, 292.       Hour glass, 188.          Inhabitants of C. Cod, 46.
Williams, 565, 571.     Houses, 285.                admitted  must be orWinslow, 302.             searched, 237.               thodox, 298.
Geologists, their theories, Hudson, discovers Cape    not to remove, 281, 298.
753.                      Cod, 43.            Inscription, 5.
Gilbert's Point, 29, 30.  Hudson River, 33.         Intolerance, effect of, 223,
Glass works, 625, 627, 662, Hutchinsonians, 123, 182.     224, 228.
672.                Hyannis, 29.              Irish, noble act of, 295.
Gold mines, 35.                                     Islands, resort of loyalists,
Gortonism, 122.                                           481, 515.
Gosnold, 28, 29.                     I.             Isthmus, 28.
Gosnold's Hope, 31.                                 Iyannough civilities, 99.
storehouse, 32.         Impressments, 383, 595.
return to England, 33.  Independence,   measures
Gospel, propagation of, 201.   for, 493, 494.                  J.
Government, U. S. 722.      declared, 495.
parent, 723.              acknowledged, 541.      Judges, 728-736.
suspended, 317.           anniversary of, 546.    Jamestown, 37, 45.
resumed, 317.           Indians, visit Gosnold, 29, Judges, for the county, 309.
merged with Mass., 324.       32.                 Jurors, 378.
Federal, 550.             reverence for the dead, Justice, administration of,
Governors, 720.                78.                        254.
Governor's guard, 280.      religious views, 79.    Justices of the peace, 735.
salary, 339, 358, 365, 368.  first view of ships, 103.
Graduates, 759.             games of, 103..
Grampus Bay, 81.            their distrust, 111.               K.
Grand jurors, 309.          their kindly aid, 112, 115.
Grants, 154, 211, 227, 237,  their right to lands, 119, Kataumet, 101.
239, 240, 242, 246,       256, 258.           Kannunnays, 267.
253, 256, 259, 261,   difficulties with, 173.  Kennebec purchase, 242.
296, 304, 361, 374.   religious: improvement King Philip suspected, 265.
Grant by King James, 72.        of, 257.              at Boston, 267, 268, 269.
Graves, 72, 76, 81.         forbidden to sell lands,  his feelings outraged,279.
Great Hollow, 72.               258.                  his war begun, 280.
Great Long Pond, 308.       obliged to.fidelity, 266,  dies, 286.
Great Neck, 101.                269, 278.             effect of his war, 282.
Great Pond, 81.             despoiled, 691, 692.      fatality of his war, 283.
Gurnet, 83.                 names, 246.               expenses of his war, 286.
subjection, 268, 279.
war, 277.
-H.               executed, 278. 
on Cape,. friendly, 282,
Habits of early settlers,       292.                Labor, &c., on.Fast Days,
178.                  constables, 305.              &c., 305.
Hadley alarm, 283.          justices, 688.          L'Acadie, 33.
Hair, fashionis of, 178, 200.  complaints of, 348, 396, Lafayette's visit, 621.
Hall's mill, 308.               690.                Land Bank, 376.
Hap's Hill, 31, 32.         retrospect of, painful, Lands, how laid out, 158.
HARWICH, 28, 101, 308,          301, 714.             divisions:of, 161, 168.
309, 341.             represented at corona- Laws, not well defined, 123,
inc., 331.                    tionof Geo. III.,687.     129, 140, 150.
Meth.-Soc. inc., 590.     in Rev. war, 484, 692.    declaration  respecting,
church, 337.              soldiers, 692.                124.
Baptist Soc. inc., 577.   statistics, 557, 700.     right; of Parliament to
Health, 749.                their meeting house, 704.     enact, 124.
Herring Pond, 101, 668,     plantation: at Herring    enacted, 130, 133, 153,
686.                      Pond, 584, 686.           203, 215, 263.
Herrings, 213, 240, 243,    condition: of, 654, 715.  execution of, 167.
265, 305.             lands secured to, 678.    code revised, 266.
Hersey fund, 609.           desire liberty, 689, 706,  distributed, 274, 312.
High lands, 30.                 708.                  for Indians severe, 306.




796                      INDEX    OF  SUBJECTS.
Legislation extra, 533.   Masquerades, 178.         Nashaway, 100.
Legislature, 140.         Massachusetts, 99.        Natives kidnapped, 35, 39.
Letters of marque, 492,     Bay, 27, 37.              perfidy towards, 43.
572.                Massacre at Weymouth, National expenditures, 754.
Lexington battle, 471.         109.                 Nauset, 94.
Leyden pilgrims, 59-68.    rebuked   by Robinson,     inc., 196, 266.
their voyage, 59, 60.        110.                 Nautical school, 669.
fall in with C. Cod, 60.  Mayflower arrives at Cape Nenimesset, 31.
suspect the Dutch, 61.       Cod, 60.             New Bedford, 32.
offer thanks, 62, 63.     passengers of the, 65.  New England named, 38.
sign compact, 64.        leaves the Cape, 86.     Newspapers, 627.
elect a Governor, 67.   Mattachiest, 96,105.      Niantics, 175.
explore the Cape, 69.   Mattakeset, 267.          Nipmucks, 100.
fall in with Indians, 70, Mattakees, 100.         Nobscusset, 100, 266.
71, 72.             Mattapuyst, 99.           Noman's land, 32.
find stores of corn, 72.  Mattaquesset, 227.      Nonantum, 100.
Liberality of the Cape, 211, Meals, frugal, 185.    Nonconformists, 123.
221, 232, 233, 329.  Medical profession, 610.  Non-importation  associaLiberty pole, 441, 447.   Meshawn, 101.                   tions, 410.
Lightning, 225.           Methodists, 590, 594, 647.  Non-intercourse, 590.
Lineage, 216-219.         Military, 153,169, 171, 174, Nope, 100.
Lions, 260.                     176, 207, 210, 212, Nullification, 632.
Litigation, 760.                214, 237, 262, 267,
London Company, 36.             270, 303, 321.
Long Point, 69, 74.         glory, 384.                        0.
Louisburg, its reduction, Militia, 485, 740.
381.                Mill Creek, 70.           Oath of fidelity, 224, 228,
Louisiana territory, 583.  Mills, 185, 197, 213, 240.     231, 244.
Ministry, 152, 204, 206, 210, Offences, capital, 126.
211, 220, 221, 229, Offices, not sought, 118,
M.                    236, 255, 257, 263,       220, 238, 255,-257,
295, 298, 315, 338,       259, 275.
Mackerel fishery, 239.          344, 362, 568.      Old comers, 151.
Macomet, 259.             Minute men, 420, 469.     Old Tom's Hill, 73.
Magee storm, 520.         Mohegans, 173.            Old ship, 113.
Mails, 400, 613.          Mohiggon, 94.             Onky Tonky, 30.
Maine, separation  from, Money, 206.                ORLEANS, 28, 101.
615.                  scarcity of, 337, 347, 360,  inc., 571.
settlers in, 616.             371.                  Universalist Soc., 634.
Malebarre, 41, 327.         depreciation of, 529.   Overseers for Indians, 305.
Manners, 189.             Monomoyick, 40.           Oyster Island, 364.
Mannamuch, 211.            taken possession of, 42.
Mannamuckoy, 243.           settled, 251, 256.
Manomet, 95, 99.            attached to Yarmouth,              P.
a depot, 106, 240.            256.
old field, 258, 267.      discontent, 261, 266, 275. Paomet, 109, 266, 335.
Manufactures,  373, 605,    inc., 299, 312, 325, 340, Pamet, 26, 99, 335.
625, 628, 755.            345.                  River, 72.
Manuscusset, 147.         Moonuscaulton, 146.       Pametoopaukset, 240, 243.
Marriages, 208.           Mortonism, 122.           Pampaspised River, 240,
MFrshal, 229, 231, 236.   Mount Hope, 281, 300, 303,      242.
Marston's Mills, 373, 645.      307.                Partridges, 74.
Martha's Vineyard, 30, 31, Muddy Hole, 240, 243.    Parties, political, 238, 254,
100, 102.                                           307, 580, 585, 597,
Mashoven, 28.                                             603, 629, 668.
Mashpee, 28, 99, 211, 243,          N.              Passantaquannucke Neck,
252, 589, 645, 673,                                 262.
674.                Nacukeeks, 100.           Patent, 88, 117, 151.
plantation  estab., 237, Namasket, 99.              surrendered, 152.
556, 558.           Name of Cape Cod, 27.     Patuxet, 94.
conference at, 257.     Names, orthography    of, Paupoesit, 101.
lands confirmed, 310.         156.                Pausatucke Neck, 259.
petition, 345.          Namskaket, 101. 113.      Pawkatuck, 100.
a district, 399, 634, 710.  Nantucket, 100, 102.  Popponesset Bay, 675.
a parish, 642.          Narragansets, 100.        Peace, Paris, 400.
schools of, 667.          hostile, 156, 174.        Aix-la-Chapelle, 384.
adaptation of, 685.       Bay, 33.                  with England, 541, 605.
Massapee, 101.            Nashaun, 32.              Pennakooks, 100.




INDEX    OF SUBJECTS.                         797
Pequots, 100, 174.        Quakers, troubles, 204,210, Revolution, difficulties of,
Pestilence, 100.                211, 212, 220, 221,       486, 495, 497, 498,
Philip, King.  See King         223, 228, 230, 242,       540.
Philip.                   248, 251.             reenlistments, 524.
Picket Cliff' 355.          to be apprehended, 231.   general gloom, 528, 539.
Pinguine Hole River, 278.   to be banished, 232.      cessation of hostilities,
Pirates, 619.               an act of justice to, 233.    541.
Pirate ship, 356.           fanaticism of some, 335.  aid from   the several
Piscatawas, 100.            rights restored, 304, 314.    States, 543, 545.
Pispogutt, 102.             one at Rome, 236.        independence   acknowlPlymouth, 83, 126.        Queen Anne's war, 339.          edged, 542.
Company, 36, 242.       Quenaumet, 262.             cost of war, 541, 545.
Colony, its government,                           Right of soil, 401.
129, 140, 142.                                Right Arm   of MassachuColony extinct, 328.               R.                   setts, 741.
Pocasset, 101, 412.                               Robinson's letter, 110.
Pochet, 101.            Race Point, 28.           Rochester, 31.
Point Care, 29.           Rattlesnake Neck, 30.       part of Barnstable Co.,
Gammon, 29.             Records, 215, 227, 228.         312.
Pokanoket, 96, 99, 267.   Regicides, 245, 283.      Royal commissioners, 251,
Pokeeste, 101.            Registers of births, &c.,       254.
Political, 238, 254.            192.
alarms, 637.              of Probate, 737.
PononaKanit, 101.           of Deeds, 737.                     S.
Pool, 357.                Religion of Ch. Eng., 37.
Poor provided for, 306.   Religious dissensions, 121, Sachem's grave, 78.
Port Fortune, 43.              204, 215, 248.       Saconessit, 101, 237, 239,
Posts, 570.                 persecution, effect  of,     267, 312.
Potanumaquut, 101, 227,         121.                  belongs to Barnstable,
253, 259.             freedom, 193, 254.            251.
Presidents U. S., 723.         act, 593.            SANDWICH, 27, 127, 146,
Premature births, 205.     motives effective, 315.        195, 196, 204, 205,
Prince, Gov., removes to   the people, 748.               309, 371.
Plymouth, 254, 276.  Removals to N. Scotia, 412.  citizens  disfranchised,
Prison, 312.              Representatives to  Con-        230.
Probate Courts, 736.           gress, 723.            its part in Philip's war,
Propagation Society, 695,   to State Leg., 724.           287.
697.                Revolution,    prominent    fire in woods, 417.
Proprietary laws, 305.         events:                Academy, 585, 601.
Protestant worship, first in  opposing views, 397.    Meth. Soc. inc., 594.
New England, 38.      significant events, 398.  Calvinistic  Cong. Soc.
Province of Massachusetts   writs of assistance, 398.    inc.. 603.
Bay, 327.             arrogance  of   British  Sagadahoc, 37.
lands, 348.                   ministry, 401.      Salt, manufacture of, 155,
PROVINCETOWN, 28, 101,      taxation system, 405,408.     493, 505, 590, 617,
341, 355, 382, 551,   stamp act, 407.               755.
570.                  mutiny act, 409.        Salt-water Pond, 275.
inc., 363, 368, 375, 378,  British troops to intim- Sandy Point, 29.
396, 413, 470.           idate, 409.          Sandy Beach, 276.
harbor to be fortified,   constant irritation, 410.  Saquish, 83.
394.                  tea tax, 411.           Sassafras, 32.
Meth. Soc. inc., 594.     appeal to the people, 414. Satuit, 101, 211.
Public Bank, 347.           sons of liberty, 415.   Satucket purchase, 246.
deposits, 637.            tea ships, 416.         Saukatucket, 100, 240, 266,
worship, 187, 204, 257,   port bill, 418.               278.
295, 296, 305.        submission   demanded, Sawamset, 117.
Punkepoag, 100.                 418.                Scituate, 126.
Purchasers, 151, 152, 256,  the people arm, 420.    Schools, 258, 264, 296, 305,
275.                  solemn league, 420.           306, 747.
Purchases, 301, 335.        minute men, 420.        Scorton, 101, 276, 334.
Puritans, Macaulay's eu-    committees  of safety, Scusset, 107.
logy of, 123.             &c., 420.           Seekonk, 100.
a crisis near, 466.     Selectmen, 303.
Provincial Congress, 467. Senators, 724.
Q.               Lexington battle, 471.  Separatists, 123.
Gen. Gage denounced, Sequanset, 308.
Qualifications of freemen,      473.                Sermons, 188.
125, 129, 130.        war begun, 474.         Seshewit, 178.




798                      INDEX   OF SUBJECTS.
Settlement -of Cape begun, Tea, 491.              Virginia, North and South,
123,127,196.         ship ashore, 416,            36.
of Nauset, 166.        Temperance, 749.           North called N. Eng., 38.
Severe weather, 653.     Thanksgiving, 497.       Vote by proxy, 242.
Shays' rebellion, 550.   Thievish-harbor,/56.
Shawme, 146, 333.        Titles, 65, 127, 178.
Shawmut, 99.               confirmatory, 309,.             VW.
Sheriffs, 738.             invalid, 315..
Ship-building, 155.      Tobacco, 180, 251.       Wareham, 31, 102.
stranded, 111.        Toleration, 192, 212, 214.  Wapoompaukset, 240, 242.
wrecked, 115, 120, 263, Tonset, 101.            Waquasset, 262.
333, 416.           Topography, 750.         Waquoquet, 101.
Shire town, 309.         Tories, 422, 453, 459, 480, Waquoit, 101, 675.
Shoal Hopej 29.,30.            481,501,511,521,526. Wayontat, 102.
Shoes, fashions of, 182.   their vindictiveness, 454. Wayquonset Bay, 355.
Shumet, 101..           humiliated, 461, 511.  Wars, 206, 267, 319, 344,
Singular project, 135.     disarmed, 492.               346, 379, 387.
Sippecan, 312.             origin of name, 525.     with Great Britain, 593,
Situation of the Cape, 27.  Towns, comparative ability  595, 600, 605.
Skauton, 101, 276, 334.        of, 158.           Weequahut, 186.
Slavery, 529.              councils, 285, 304.    Weechagaskes, 100.
Slave trade, 555.        Trade interrupted, 111.  Weepquush, 309.
Small pox, 360.          Trading House, 113,      Weesquobs, 101.
Soil, 750.                 voyages, 104-108, 113.  Weesit, 101.
Soldiers raised, 167, 321, Travel, 188, 191,.305.  Wekapage, 100.
379, 381, 389, 396.  Treasury, county, 737.  WELLFLEET, 28, 101, 362.
Somerset ship ashore, 489, Treaty, 99, 233, 244.    inc., 400.
518.                TRURo, 28, 71, 73,- 101,309, Wequakut, 101, 266, 267.
Sons of liberty, 414.          349, 383.          Wesagusquasset, 109.
South Sea, 178, 278, 309.  inc., 344.             West Point, mission to,
Sparrow's Island, 304.     Academy, 642.                524.
Speculations, 365,         fatality of, 648.    Whalers, 243, 246, 320,323,
Spirituous liquors, 173.   Tucker's Terror, 61.         342, 396.
taxed, 244, 296.         Tumultuous carriage,   Wheat, 185, 255.
St. Lawrence, 33.              228.               Whig, origin of name, 525.
Standish,:his interview                          Whipping-post, 214, 305.
with Indians, 106,            U.             Wickpeckets, 31.
107..Wigs, 180, 184.
his courtship, 189.    Uncle Timmy, 30.         Williams, Rev. Roger's
Statistics, 720.         Union of colonies, 387..   policy, 111, 193.
Stocks, 149, 214, 305.   United States, confed., 509. Witchcraft, 198. 
Stoney Cove, 227.        Universalists, 634.      Wolves, 171, 214, 311, 356.
Storm, remarkable, 119, Utrecht, peace of, 346.   Woman, her position, 182,
362, 520, 606.                                    187, 190.
Sugkones, 101.                                    Wood End, 28.
Surplus revenue, 637.              V.             Wood's Hole, 102..
Sursuit, 136.
Swansey, 99.             Valuation, 599.
Vandalism, 603.                     Y.
Vessel seized, 209.
T.            Vineyard ferry, 373.      YARMOUTH, 28, 101, 150,
associated with Be. Co.,     168, 197, 205, 225,
Tariff, 621,627, 632.         373.                      226, 309.
Tarrenteens, 100.        Vineyard ferry, depreda-   settlement of, 135, 136.
Taverns, 305.             tions on, 517.




INDEX- OF NAMES.
A.             Barlow, John, 299.        Bradford, Gov., accident
Moses, 312.                   to, 74.
Adams, Dr. Samuel, 443.  Barnes, Joshua, 143, 166.-   Mrs., drowned, 84.
Samuel, 571.           Bascom, Rev. Jona., 563, Braybrook, William; 164.
Alden, John, 133, 189,         588.                Brewster, William, 169.
310.                Bassett, William, 152, 206, Briant, Rev. Sol., 682, 683.
Rev. Timothy Sr., 413,       228, 240, 256, 333.  Briggs, John, 164.
567, 628.             Deacon, 443.             Nathaniel, 431.
Rev. Timothy Jr., 700.   Barachiah, 483.           Samuel, 432.
Israel, 792.             Fortunatus, 483.          Nathan, 432.
Martin, 792.            Batchelder, Rev. Stephen,  Rev. Ephraim, 565.
Allen, Benjamin, 242.          135.                Brooks, Obed, 666.
George, 162, 164, 204, Beauchamp, John, 152.     Buit, George, 164.
228.                Belcher, Jona., 367, 376.  Bumpus, Salathiel, 434.
John, 228, 246.         Bellamont, Rd., 332, 336.  Burnet, Gov., 365.
Joseph, 242.            Benson, John, 448.        Burgess, Thomas Sr.; 164,
Matthew, 228, 242.      Bernard, Gov., 409.            176, 213, 223, 239.
Robert, 176.            Bessie, Anthony, 164.      Thomas Jr., 236, 241.
Ralph Sr., 204, 221, 228. Billington, John, 95.    Jacob, 241.
Ralph Jr., 227.         Black, Myles, 239.         Joseph, 278, 296, 312.
William, 204, 221, 228, Blakman, Peter, 312.       John Jr., 448.
229, 242, 244.      Blakmore, Mr., 165.         Zaccheus, 482.
Zachary, 305.           Blackwell, John, 299.    Burman, Thos., 197, 239.
Almy, William, 127, 164.   Micah,432, 451, 689.    Burr, Rev. Jona., 566, 645.
Amos, Rev. Joseph, 705, Blish, George, 164.        Butler, Daniel Sr., 241.711.                  Joseph Jr., 443.         Daniel Jr., 244.
Andros, 309, 313, 315, 317. Blossom, Peter, 239.     Obadiah, 242.
Annable, Anthony, 139, Boardman, Thos., 165, 225.    Rev. Zebulon, 565.
152, 169, 239.      Bodfish, Robert, 162, 164.
Armitage, Thomas, 264.   Bourman,
Armstrong, Gregory, 135.  Bowerman,,
Atwood, N. E., 665.      Bourne, Richard, 162, 165,
Avery, Rev. John, 345,389.     206, 237, 239, 246, Callecut, Mr., 146, 176.
248, 252, 257, 285, Carey, Capt., 382.
310, 677.           Carman, John, 127, 154,
B.               Ezra, 285.                   162.
Shearj., 310, 332, 440, Carver, Gov., 67.
Bacon, Nathaniel, 237,239,     441, 560, 679, 681.  Chadwell, Rd., 127, 162,
256, 259, 275, 352.   Joseph, 439.                 169.
John, 352.:Joseph, Rev., 681, 682.              Champdore, 34.
Edward, 417, 427, 440,    Melatiah, 353, 361, 440, Champlain, 33.
441.                      441.                Chandler, Joseph, 244.
Ebenezer, 594..           Sylvester, 378, 400.   Chapman, John, 434..
Bailey, Israel, 382.        Silas, 392, 393, 451.    Daniel, 382.
Bangs, Edward, 152, 173,   Thomas, 448, 451.       Chase, Wm., 154, 166,176,
206.                  Elisha, 451.                 197.
Edward D., 639.           Richard, 441.            Rev. Richard, 569.
Barlow, Aaror, 312, 431.   Henry, 139.             Cheever, Rev. Edward, 387,
George, 231, 237, 240,   Edward, 452.                  568.
244, 296, 299;.     Bradford, Gov., 130.      Childs, Richard, 244.
(799)




800                        INDEX   OF NAMES.
Chipman, John, 206, 261.  Dillingham, Henry, 206, 1 Franklin, Benjamin, 388.
Christopherson, 223, 241.      241, 242.          Freeman, Edmund Sr., 127,
Church, Capt., 281.        John, 786.                   128, 151, 152, 153,
Clap, Wm., 342.            John Jr., 450.               155, 158, 162, 163,
Clark, Goodman, 197.     Dimmick, Thomas, 139,          165, 166, 167, 168,
Edmund, 164.                 153.                     169, 172, 173, 192,
William, 262, 308.       Edward, 382.                 204, 214, 225, 236,
Cobb, Henry, 139,173, 237,  Joseph, 480, 482, 527,      251, 257, 289, 299.
239, 246.                618.                  Edmund Jr., 259, 285.
Sylvanus, 382.           Braddock, 647.           John, 256, 259, 275, 285,
Elisha, 479.           Dingley, John, 163.            323.
Cognehew, Reuben, 687.   Doane, John, 173, 206, 207,  Constant, 350.
Coite, John, 143.             259, 300, 363.        Joseph Jr., 386.
Cole, George, 164.         Ebenezer, 355.           Seth, 442, 599.
Collins, John, 669.        Elisha, 382.             Solomon, 516.
Edward K., 670.          Joseph, 468, 479.        John, 443.
Cook, Josiah, 173, 252.  Doty, Samuel, 263.         Shadrach, 662.
Cooper, John, 169, 239.    John, 431.               Samuel, 450.
Cotton, Rev. Roland, 338, Downes, Nathaniel, 434.   Rev. James, D. D., 636.
344, 361, 687.      Dudley, Gov., 311,339, 351.  Benjamin, 417, 442, 443.
Rev. John, 338, 341, 344. Dummer, Lt. Gov., 362,   Nathaniel, 426, 433, 434,
Roland Esq., 448, 451.       365.                     442, 451, 454-463,
Covel, Nathaniel, 251, 259. Dunham, John, 239.          468, 479.
Crocker, Wm., 139.       Dunster, Rev. Isaiah, 385,  Nathaniel Jr., 561.
Joseph, 353.                 567.                  James, 612.
Francis, 176.          Dyer, Mary, 123.            Alice, 225.
Rev. Joseph, 374, 562.,Watson, 600.
Benjamin, 389.                                    Russell, 645.
John Jr., 434.                    E.              Col. John, 628.
Daniel, 436, 442.                               Friend, John, 165.
Job, 442, 443, 468.    Edge, Mr., 164.          Fuller, Samuel, 139, 152,
Roland, 564, 572.      Eldred, Robert, 251, 259.      239.
Daniel, 645.            Eldridge,                  Lt., 206, 207, 229.
Crosby, Rev. Thomas, 248, Ellis, John, 206, 259.    Matthew, 239.
250, 299, 339.       Lt., 228.
Crowell, John, 137, 142,   Manoah, 340.
153, 226.            Matthias, 374.                    G.
Joseph, 443.             Josiah, 383.
Cudworth, Thomas, 139,     Malachi, 434.          Gage, Thomas, 208.
233.                Emery, Rev. Stephen, 386,  Gen., 417, 471.
James, 240, 302.             565.                Gaunt, Peter, 163, 204,
Ewer, Henry, 150, 164.         227, 242, 244.
Thomas, 228, 237.       Gibbs, John, 432.
D                                        Gifford, William, 228, 236,
I                               242.
Damon, Rev. Jude, 568.              F.              Christopher, 312.
Davis, Nicholas, 237.                             Goodwin, Gen., 453.
James, 434.            Falland, Thomas Sr., 256.  Rev. E. S., 634.
Daniel,440,441, 443,446, Feake, Henry, 127, 162, Gorges, 93.
468, 479, 525, 578,      164, 165.           Gorham, John, 206, 207.
579.               Fearing, Noah, 432.         David, 440, 442, 444.
John, 434, 625.        Fessenden, Rev. Benj.,     Col., 381.
Wendell, 630.                361, 371, 383.       Sturgis, 442.
Abner, 641.              William, 651.          Gould, Nathaniel, 358.
Deane, Stephen, 197.     Finney, John, 206, 259.  Gray, Joshua, 434, 442.
Demonts, 33.             Fish, Jona., 164.          Lot, 443.
Dennis, Robert, 197, 225.  Nathaniel, 244.          Mr., 197.
Rev. Josiah, 365, 567.   John, 165.             Grannis, John, 434, 443.
Rev. John, 567.          Ambrose, 311.           Green, Rev. Joseph Sr.,
De Razier, 114.            Rev. Phineas, 696, 697,      362, 413, 566.
Derby, John, 197.              712.                 Rev. Joseph   Jr., 400,
Dermer, 40.              Flag, Gershom, 340.            413, 567.
Dexter, Thomas Sr., 127, Flawne, Thomas, 197.       Isaiah L., 598.
165, 197, 206, 227, Foster, Benj., 311.      Greenfield, Thomas, 176,
253.                  Chilingsworth, 444.         228.
Thomas Jr., 251, 261.    James, 431.             Greenleaf, Rev. Daniel,
Dillingham, Edward, 127,   Nathan, 434.                 344, 362, 364.
162,165,169,223,227. Foxwell, John, 176.     Greenough, David, 443.




INDEX   OF NAMES.                          801
H.                        J.            Marston, Nymphas, 440,
441.
Hall, Benjamin, 340.     Jenkins, John, 228, 237, Mather, Rev. Dr. T., 174.
Samuel, 340.                 239, 242.           Mathews, Rev. Mr., 143,
IIallett, Enoch, 479, 555.  Ebenezer, 442.              149, 154, 157, 166,
John, 382.             Jenny, John, 152.              197, 202.
Andrew, 146, 158, 159, Jennings, Samuel, 354.    Mayo, Rev. John, 156, 248.
164, 197.          Johnson, Thos., 176, 228.   Samuel, 205, 209.
Josiah, 208.           Jones, Teague, 176.       Mellen, Rev. John, 567,
Benjamin, 657.           Ralph, 223.                  581.
Benjamin F., 706.      Joyce, John, 165.         Meloit, David, 351.
Hamblin, Josiah, 442.                             Metcalf, Rev. Joseph, 344.
Micah, 443.                                     Miller, Rev. John, 157,197,
Isaac, 443.                      K.                   205, 249, 285, 339.
Hammond, John, 312.                                 John, 165, 299.
Hampton, Thomas, 147.    Kerby, Richard Sr., 163, Mills, Rev. Jona., 413, 567.
Harding, Samuel, 479.          204, 242.          Morrell, Rev. William, 93.
Htarlow, Wm., 165.         Richard Jr., 228, 242.   Edward, 149.
Harper, Rt., 228, 242, 253.  William, 221.        Morton, John, 233.
Haskel, Joseph 3d., 431.  Kidd, pirate, 336.      Mulford, Thomas, 350.
Hawes, Edmund, 225, 256, King George II., 398.    Mullens, Priscilla, 189.
285, 299.            Philip, 102. See Indian.
Hawley, Rev. Gideon, 102, Knowles, John, 280, 373.
382, 588,682, 683,692.  Amos Jr., 443, 479.            N
Hatch, Thomas, 143, 197.
Jona., 176, 206.                                Nash, Marshal, 246, 256.
Hedge, William, 206.               L.             Nelson, Wm., 239.
Elisha, 350.                                    Newland, WVm., 164, 173,
Tristram, 251, 308.    Lafayette, 621.                223, 228, 231, 241,
Henry IV., King, 33.     Launders, Thos., 165.          242, 244.
Hersey, Abner, 554.      Lawrence, Robert, 300.     Rose, 204.
Hilliard, Rev. Timothy, Le Bacon, Francis, 333.     John, 221, 223, 241, 242.
413, 567.          Leonard, Jonathan, 611.   Nickerson, Wm. Sr., 176,
I-inckley, Gov., 206, 207, Leverick, Rev. Wm., 147,     197, 217, 224, 237,
224, 237, 239; 256,      156, 164, 204, 208,       239, 251, 253, 256,
259, 285, 302, 313,      209, 210, 216, 222,       258, 275, 299, 308.
316, 341, 687.           247.                  Robert, 251.
Isaac, 439. 440, 441.  Leverett, Gov., 178.       Nicholas, 251, 261.
Samuel, 139, 237, 239.  Lewis, George, 139, 434,  Samuel, 251, 341.
Higgins, Rd., 173, 261.        442, 614.            John, 251.
Hoar, Rd., 178, 197.       Lt. James, 300.          William Jr., 251.
Holder, Christopher, 223,  Thomas Sr., 311.         Joseph, 251.
244.                 Rev. Isaiah, 370, 566.  Northcoate, William, 176.
Holbrook, Mr., 450.      Lincoln, Rev. Henry, 565, Norton, Quaker, 220, 235.
Holland, Thomas, 166.          669.               Nye, Benjamin, 164, 241.
Holmes, Absalom, 434.    Lord, Rev. Joseph, 360,    Stephen, 432, 482.
Rev. Caleb, 600.             385.                 Joseph, 432, 479.
Holway, Joseph, 162, 164, Lothrop, Rev. John, 139,  Ebenezer, 434.
305.                     156, 208.             Lot, 442.
Hopkins, Stephen, 135.     Lt. Joseph, 295, 300, 382.  Joshua, 479.
Caleb, 311.              Barnabas, 285. 300, 312.
HIowes, Thomas Sr., 138,   Captain, 311, 312.
142, 166, 173, 226, Lovell, Jacob, 443.                0
256, 261.           Lombard, Bernard, 139,
Joseph, 256.                 256.                Oakes, Rev. Josiah, 362,
Jeremiah, 285, 299.      Ensign, 239, 259.            363.
Jonathan, 468.           Zedekiah, 350.           Peter, 357.
Howland, Job, 442.         Rev. Solomon, 376.       Thomas, 357.
John, 239.               Samuel, 382.              Josiah, 357.
Henry, 242.            Lumpkin, William, 143, Osburn, Rev. Samuel, 357.
Hoxie, Ludowick, 244.          173, 197.           Otis, John, 270, 271, 333.
Hull, Rev. Joseph, 139,                             James, 392, 398, 411, 427,
172, 313.                                         434, 440, 441, 443,
Trustram, 205, 222.               M.                  444, 446, 468, 479,
Hunt, Captain, 94..480, 519.
Hurst, William, 163.     Mann, Rev. Isaiah, 565.    James Jr., 397, 398, 445,
Hutchinson, Gov., 397, 414, MIarshall, Rev. Josiah, 362.  545. 547
417.               I Marston, Benjamin, 373.   Nathaniel, 245.
VOL. I.          101




802                       INDEX    OF NAMES.
Otis, Solomon, 434, 440, Sears, Rd., 137,196.               T.
441.                 Judah Jr., 431.
Joseph, 428, 434, 440,   Richard, 443.          Taber, Philip, 143,144.
441, 448, 451, 468,  Isaac, 407, 419.       Tailer, Lt. Gov., 351, 367.
479, 525, 592.     Shaw, Rev. Oakes, 397,587. Taylor, David, 434.
Rev. Philander, 568, 643.  Daniel, 443.
Shillingsworth, Thos., 147, Thacher, Anthony, 119,
P.                  165.                     137, 142, 166, 173,
Shirley, Gov., 395.            206, 226, 256.
Paddock, Ichabod, 319.   Shiverick, Rev. Samuel,    John, 120, 295, 323.
Paddy, William, 203, 225,      339.                 Rev. Thomas, 120.
251.                 Nathaniel, 689.          David, 440, 441, 583.
Palmer, William, 143, 152, Shute, Gov., 352, 362.   Peter, 372.
166, 169.           Simpkins, Nicholas, 144,  Lt. Anthony, 443.
Rev. Samuel, 370, 564.       167, 197.            Jethro, 443.
Parker, William, 139.      Rev. John, 567, 646.     Dr. James, 452, 453, 647.
Joseph, 373.           Skiff, James, 150, 165, 206,  Col. Thomas, 586.
Rev. Samuel, 564, 594.       207, 232, 233, 246,  George, 622, 732.
Payne, James, 166.             259.               Thomas, Joshua, 453.
Thomas, 196, 240, 344,   Stephen', 318.           Nathaniel, 239.
434, 443, 450, 468.'Slawson, George, 164.     William, 166.
Rev. Elisha; 569.       Smalley, John, 173.     Thornton, Rev. Thomas,
Paysley, John, 295.      Smith,John, the navigator,     248, 250, 261, 338.
Pell, Rev. Edward, 383,        38.                Tobey, William, 413.
387.                  John, of Ply., 242.      Jonathan, 413.
Penn, William, 111.        Rev. John, 248, 278, 338.  Eliakim, 432.
Perry, Edward, 208, 228,   Richard, 244, 305.       Cornelius, 451.
236, 251.             Shubael, 332.            Thomas Sr., 285, 295.
Ezra, 259.               Thomas, 333, 440, 441.  Treat, Rev. Samuel, 311,
Phinney, Ely, 442.         Samuel, 443.                 339, 350, 687.
Phipps, Gov., 327, 331.    Rev. Thomas, 366, 389, Tupper, Thomas, 127, 164,
Lt. Gov., 380.               683.'                   208, 247, 299, 687.
Pierce, Abraham, 239.      Dr. Thomas, 785.         Eldad, 361.
Pitcher, John, 431.        John, Captain, 451.      Elisha, 413.
Potter, Mr, 164.          John Jr., 285.           Rev. Elisha, 568.
Pownal, Gov., 395, 397.  Snow, Nicholas, 173.     Turner, Michael, 164.
Pratt, Rev. Enoch, 587.    John, 355.               Goodwife, 204.
Prince, Gov., 130,131, 152,  Jabez, 311.          Twining, William, 176.
193, 219, 254, 276.  Sylvanus, 372.
Samuel, 357, 366.        Mark, 285, 300.
Rev. Thomas, 357.      Southworth, Constant, 244,         UJ.
Rev. Nathan, 367.            246, 251, 263.
Pritchards,  Goodman, Sowther, Nathaniel, 173.  Underwood, Rev. Nathan,
197.               Sparrow, Rd., 206, 207.        567, 642.
Jonathan, 285, 295. 300, Upham, Rev. Caleb, 390,
318.                     567.
R.             Spear, Rev. Samuel, 376.  Upsall, Nicholas, 222.
Randolph, 307, 314.      Standish, Myles, 105, 106,
Rawson, Rev. G., 390, 397.    107, 189.
Reed, John, 646.         Starr, Thomas, 166, 177.           V.
Robinson, Isaac, 233, 239, Stiles, President, 245.n, 146 164
240, 259, 302.     Stone, Rev. Nathaniel, 338, Vice,   14, 164,
Rev. John, 110.              385, 389.
Roby, Rev. Thomas, 565.    Rev. Nathan, 413, 567.
Rogers, Joseph, 206, 227,  Nathan Esq., 444.               W.
256.                 John, 203.
Rotch, William, 378.     Stoughton, Gov., 332, 339. Wade, Richard, 165.
Rouse, Quaker, 220.      Sturgis, Edward, 197, 225, Walley, Rev. Thomas, 248,
Rowley, Moses Jr., 313.       299.                     249, 290, 293.
Samuel, 353, 362.        John, 323.
Thomas, 434.           Washington, George, 371,
S.            Sufferance, Joseph, 340.       387,478,556, 56, 578.
Swift, VWm.,             Waterman, Rev. Jotham,
Sampson, Ezra, 621.        Jireh, 371.                 582.
Sargeant, Rev. William,    Elisha, 434.           Watson, William, 471.
248, 256.            Moses, 443, 479.       Webb, George, 228.
Saunders, Wm., 231.        Jane, 242.               Rev. Benjamin, 360, 568.
Henry, 233.                                     Weymouth, 35.




INDEX    OF NAMES.                         803
Whelden, Gabriel, 135, 197. Winsor, Joseph, 146, 164.  Wollaston, Mr., 165.
Henry, 176.            Winslow, Gov. Edward, Wood, William, 127, 164.
White, Peregrine, 84.          130, 192.          Worden, Peter, 197.
Gannet, 106.             Gov. Josias, 276,289, 302. Wright, William, 152.
Whitefield, Rev. Geo., 379.  Kenelm, 247, 427, 440,  Nicholas, 165.
Williams, Rev. Roger, 111,     441.                 Peter, 165.
193.                 Thomas, 442, 444.         Anthony, 165.
Rev. Abraham, 386, 565. Wing, Daniel, 227, 228.
Rev. Daniel, 696.        John, 165, 167, 206, 312.
Col. Abraham, 571.       Stephen, 228, 236, 431.           Y.
Willis, Mr., 164.          Simeon, 432.
Lawrence, 176.         Winthrop, Gov., 192.      Yeats, John, 358.
Richard, 253.          Wolfe, Gen., 396.
INDIANS.
Acomont, sachem, 262,267. Maconsett, 259.         Quaguaquansuke,    sach.,
Alexander, sachem, 267.  Mashantampaine,    sach.,      267.
Amos, 282, 308.                213, 227, 278.     Quason, Matta, 253.
Rev. Joseph, 705, 711.  Massasoit, sach., 95, 267.  John, 253, 308.
Daniel B., 703.        Mattaquasson, sach., 253,  Joseph, 308, 351.
Apannow, sach., 99.            368.                 Samuel, 308.
Apes, Rev. Wm., 703.     Metacomet,   sach.   See   John Jr., 308, 351.
Ashawaham, 278.                Philip.            Richard, 278.
Ashuwohanit, 267.        Mexanno, sach., 175.     Richards, Joseph, 689.
Aspinet, sach., 97.      Miantonimo, sach., 174,    Samuel, 700.
Assacumet, 35.                 175.               Sachemus, sach., 196. 267,
Awashonks, sach., 281.   Mocrust, 252.                  308.
Blind Jo. (Amos) Rev., 705, Nauquatumachs, 252, 253. Samoset, sach., 94.
711.                Nanumet, 258, 275.       Sampson, sach., 278.
Briant, Rev. Sol., 682, 683. Ned, James, 382.      Sausamon, 277, 278.
Canonicus, sach., 102, 175. Nepaiton, sach., 159, 196, Scippaugue, 278.
Cawnacome, sach., 99, 102,     246.               Seekunk, 276.
107.                Nick, 227.               Sepit, 259, 290.
Charles, 281.            Ninigret, sach., 211.    Simon, Isaac. 700.
Chikatabak, 99.          Nocroft, 258.            Somkana, 270.
Corbitant, 99.           Obbatinua, 99.           Tassacust, 257, 261.
Epenow, 35.               Oquamehud, 99.          Tisquantum, 40, 97, 104.
Felix, 196.              Osamequin, sach., 246    Tobias, 278.
Francis, sach., 227, 245, Paule, 278.             Tockamahamon, 96.
262, 278.           Paul, Moses, 714.        Tookenchosen, sach., 102,
Hercules, 278.           Pecksuot, 109.                 309, 345.
Hobomoc, 106.             Paupmunnuck, 102, 227, Twacomacus, 159, 246.
Hoker, 278.                    246, 252, 261.      Uncas, sach., 174.
Hope, 267.                Peter, 227.              Uncompan, 270.
Humphrey, 267.            Philip, King, 102, 244, 265, Wahwoonmetshunke, 267.
Huttamoiden, 99.               267, 268, 269, 270, Washetasso, 267.
Iyannough, sach., 96.          279, 280, 282, 283, Watokom, 267.
Jenemo, 175.                   286.               Weepeepwish, 345.
John, Mr., sach., 267.   Pognet, John, 689.       Webacomet, 267.
Josias, sach., 227, 246.  Pohunna, 267.            Weepquush, 309.
Kanoonus, 252.           Pomaquin, 278.           Wesnecksuk, 278.
Keenecompsit, 246, 252, Pompo, 227.               Wetanamatuck, 252.
267, 278.           Popmonet, Simon, 345,680. Wicket, Simon, 300.
King Philip. See Philip.   Dea. Zach., 703.         Nathan, 361.
Lawrence, 278.           Prior, Joseph, 345.      Witauamet, 108, 109.
Little Robin, sach., 267, Quachatisset, sach., 246, Wippetmock, 175.
278.                     258, 267, 677.      Wright, Tim, 689.
Logan, 112.              Quadaquina, 99.          Yanno, 223, 225, 226, 339.
END OF VOL. I.




ERRATA.
The reader is requested specially to correct the following mistakes: -
Page 361, last line of note, omit "who d. Mar. 18, 1725." It was the father's
death that occurred at that time.
362, 2d line of notes, for "Rev. Silas" read Rev. Shearjashub.
" 373, 9th line of note from bottom, for " m. with Eliza." read Lydia.
"  393, 6th line from top of page, for " continue," read contrive.