YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY \/-' HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT BY ELIAS B. SANFORD Qui Transtulit Sustinet REVISED EDITION HARTFORD : THE S. S. SCRAHTON COMPANY 1922 Copyright, 1922 By E. B. SANFORD THE CASE, LOCKWOOD ft BRA1NARD CO. HARTFORD, CONN. PEEFACE TO THE EDITION OF 1887. IT has been my endeavor, in writing this book, to tell the story of Connecticut in a way that would be in teresting, both to young and old. I trust it will meet the approval of the teachers in our public schools, who have felt the need of a history of the State suitable for use in the classroom, and for general reference; and I also in dulge the hope that it may be helpful in making this history better known in the homes of our Commonwealth. My work has been that of selection rather than discovery. The materials at hand have been so abundant, that I could give but little space to many interesting episodes. By'placing notes at the end of the chapters, which I have made short, I . have sought to throw light on the text, that would explain matters that might otherwise have been obscure. To those who may think I have given undue attention to the period of the French wars, I would commend the words of Dr. Bushnell, in his " Historical Estimate of Connecticut," where he says, " We are accustomed to speak of the wars of the Revolution; but these earlier wars, so little remembered, were far more adventurous, and required stouter endurance." The facts contained in this volume have been gathered from many sources. Besides a large number of town and county narratives, I have constantly consulted the his tories of Trumbull, Hollister, Barber, Atwater, Palfrey, Bancroft and Lodge. I desire, however, in this connec tion, to make special mention of the published volumes of the Colonial Records of the State, which have made available the most valuable and exact sources of historical information. Connecticut has been fortunate in the ser vices rendered by J. Hammond Trumbull, LL.D., and Mr. Charles J. Hoadly, in editing these records. It remains for me to express my thanks to those who have so kindly given me personal assistance., I am under great obligation to Mr. VanlSTame, the efficient librarian of Yale University; and Mr. Hoadly, our State librarian, who has called my attention to facts of striking interest. vi PREFACE Henry Holt & Co. of New York, Brown & Gross of Hart ford, the Rev. Edward E. Atwater of New Haven, and others, have extended favors in the matter of maps and illustrations that are gratefully acknowledged. In conclusion, I make mention, with peculiar feeling, of the kindness of my friend, Mr. Joseph R. French, principal of the Skinner School, New Haven, at whose suggestion this work was undertaken, and who has aided me in many ways during its progress. E. B. SANFORD. • Westbkook, May 27, 1887. PREFACE TO THE EDITION CONTAINING THE SECOND PART OF THE HISTORY. It is not often that an author is permitted, after a lapse of thirty-six years, to revise a book written at that period, and add further pages bringing the narrative up to the present time. As Dr. Bushnell, has said, it is indeed " a beautiful story," and it has been a delightful task, in old age, to take up anew my study of the his tory of Connecticut. Recalling with tender memories the noble group of men and women who aided me in my labors, almost four decades ago, and gratefully appreciating the recognition that has been given to this history of my native State, I send out this latest edition with its additional pages. It remains to me to make special mention of the kind ness of Mr. George S. Godard, the Librarian of the Connecticut State Library, and Mr. Forrest Morgan of the "Watkinson Library, Hartford, who have laid me under great obligation in reading the proofs of the second part of this history. E. B. Sauford. MlDDLEFIELD, CONN., Oct. 1, 1922. CONTENTS. CHAPTER PAGE I. The Indians of Connecticut 11 II. The First Settlement of Connecticut ... 15 III, The Pequot War 21- IV. First Settlement of New Haven. — Adoption of Constitutions by the New Haven and Con necticut Colonies 29 V. The Founding of New Towns. — Trouble with Indians 36 VI. The Civil and Domestic Life of the Early Settlers 40 VII. The New-England Confederacy. — Death of Miantonomo 44 VIII. Troubles wito the Dutch and the Indians. — The Purchase of Saybrook. — Farmington in corporated 40 IX. Discovery of an Indian Plot. — Law regarding Tobacco. — New London founded ... 55 X. Uncas and the Nauragansetts. — Governor Stuyvesant at Hartford. — Norwalk and mlddletown settled 59 ¦ XI. Stamford and Fairfield threatened by the Dutch. — Norwich settled. — John Winthrop elected Governor 63 XII. The Story of the Regicides 68 XIII. The Union of the New-Haven Colony with Connecticut 75 XIV. Edmund Andros, Governor of New York. — Andros at Saybrook. — King Philip's War . 80 vii Vlll CONTENTS. CHAPTER PAGB XV. Report to the English Board of Trade.— Boundary Troubles. — Demands of Edward Randolph 8? XVI. AndroA assumes Authority. — Hiding of the Charter 93 XVII. Government resumed under the Charter. — Governor Fletcher at Hartford . . 97 XVIII. Colonial Prosperity. — Ashurst defends the Charter Rights of the Colony. — Mohegan Controversy 102 XIX. Public Education. — Yale College founded. — Population and Trade 108 XX. Life of the People 115 XXI. Social Distinctions. —Marriage Customs.— Funeral Services. — Negro Slavery . . 122 XXII. The Religious Life of the People. — Sab bath Observance. — Social Pleasures . . 127 XXIII. The Evolution of the Towns . . . .133 XXIV. Period of the Last French Wars, 1714-1748 . 139 XXV. Period of the Last French Wars, 1748-1755 . 148 XXVI. Period of the Last French Wars, 1756-1757 . 156 XXVII. Period of the Last French Wars, 1758 . . 161 XXVIII. Period of the Last French Wars, 1759-1763 . 167 XXIX. Revolt of the People against the Stamp Act 173 XXX. Determination of the People to resist Tax ation. — Boston Port Bill. — Battle of Lex ington. — The Capture of Ticonderog a . 181 XXXI. The Battle of Bunker Hill .... 188 XXXII. Connecticut Troops at Cambridge. — Invasion of Can ada.— Declaration of Independence, 196 XXXIII. Battle of Long Island. — Nathan Hale. — Surrender of Fort Washington. — Bur- goyne's Surrender 203 CONTENTS. IX CHAPTEB XXXIV. XXXV. XXXVI. XXXVII. XXXVIII. XXXIX. XL. XLI. XLII. XLIII. PAGE Burning of DXnbury. — The Fight at Ridge- field. — Surrender of Fort Montgomery. — The Encampment at Redding . . . 211 Massacre at Wyoming. — British attack New Haven. — Burning of Fairfield and Norwalk 219 Washington at Hartford and Wethers- field. — Arnold burns New London. — Massacre at Fort Griswold . . 225 Connecticut at the Close of the Revolu tion. — Jonathan Trumbull. — The Adop tion of the United-States Constitution. — Sale of Western Lands. — Death of Washington 232 Connecticut at the Dawn of the Nine teenth Century. — The War of 1812. — Destruction of Property at Essex. — Bombardment of Stonington. — The Hart ford Convention 240 Adoption of the Present Constitution of Connecticut. — The Growth of Philan thropic Enterprises. — Temperance. — The Anti-slavery Agitation .... 247 Connecticut in the Civil War, 1860 . . 254 Spirit of the People. — Enlistment of Troops. — Capture of Roanoke Island, 1862 261 Battle of Cedar Mountain. — Call for Troops. — Antietam and Fredericksburg, 1862 264 Battle of Chancellorsville. — Gettysburg. — Port Hudson. — Andersonville. — Re- enlistment of Troops, 1S63 . . . .269 CONTEXTS. CHAPTER xuv. XLV. XLVI. XLVII. XLVIII. XLIX. L. LI. LII. LIII. Battle of Druby's Bluff. — Spottsylvania. — Death of Sedgwick. — Battle of Cold Harbor. — Petersburg, 1864 Battles of Winchester and Cedar Creek. — Capture of Fort FisnER. — Assault on the Forts near Richmond. — Surrender of Lee. — Close of the War, 1864-65 Era of Industrial Progress ¦Connecticut in Literature The Public Schools of Connecticut Yale University Wesleyan University Trinity College Connecticut in tiie Life of the Nation Boundary-Lines and Physical Geography of Connecticut 273 278284296302309316319322329 SECOND PART CONNECTICUT IN RECENT YEARS 1872 — 1922 CHAPTER PAGE I. Religious Life and Church Growth 337 II. Educational Progress in the Public Schools of Connecticut 332 III. Higher Institutions of Learning 357 IV. Political and Civic Ldje 366 V. Connecticut in Literature 381 VI. Connecticut in the Fine Arts and Music 390 VII. Manufacturing, Agriculture, Insurance ami Banking 396 VIII. Connecticut Newspapers 405 IX. State Parks and Forests . 417 X. State Institutions, Penal, Reformatory and Philanthropic 42 i XI. Historical and Patriotic Societies 425 Index . . 439 HISTOEY OF CONNECTICUT. CHAPTER I. 1614. THE INDIANS OF CONNECTICUT. S~ OON after Henry Hudson explored the beautiful river that bears his name, Adrian Block, another Dutch navi gator, followed him on a trading-voyage. He had loaded his ship with bear-skins, and was about to sail homeward, when the vessel caught fire, and he was com pelled to land on the island where the city of New York now stands. During the following winter his men built a small yacht ; and in the spring he sailed through Hellgate, and, skirting the shore, discovered the Housatonic, Wllicn lie A BARK OF TUE seventeenth century. called the river of Red Hills. From thence he sailed east, and entered the Connec ticut River, which he explored for some distance. He saw- parties of Pequots, and found an Indian tribe near the site -of Wethersfield, and another just above Hartford. The Dutch traders, for a number of years after this, made fre- n 12 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1614. quent trips along the shore of the Sound, and carried on a brisk trade with the Indians in furs. They also visited the charming valley through which flowed the river whose Indian name, Connecticut (Long River) , was to designate the commonwealth, the foundations of which were soon to be laid in this wilderness. The territory included in the present boundaries of the State was, at this time, occupied by small bodies of Indians. who were connected with independent tribes that were gen erally hostile to every other.1 River Indians 2 was the name given to the Red men who dwelt on the banks of the Con necticut. Very little is known of those who lived in the forests west of the river ; ° but the eastern part of the State was the home of two powerful tribes, the Pequots and the Mohegans. With the exception of the meadows which here and there bordered the larger streams and the shores of the Sound, the hills and valleys were covered with a dense forest growth. The Indians cleared a few places for their hunting-grounds ; and the grass that grew in these spots was burned, with the underbrush of the forests, by fires that were kindled for this purpose, in the autumn. Many of the Indians, living in small collections of wig wams, were accustomed to remove twice a year ; in winter seeking sunny and sheltered spots, and at other seasons visiting the shores of the Sound and the banks of the laroei- streams and lakes. Wild animals were numerous in the forests, and birds and* water-fowl were abundant. The Indian men were tall, athletic, and graceful in their movements, but lacked endurance. The skins of wild ani mals furnished their dress ; and the chiefs wore costly and beautiful belts of curiously wrought shells, of varied colors. ARROW-HEAD. 1614.] THE INDIANS OF CONNECTICUT. 13 Proud and haughty in bearing, they cherished a cruel and implacable spirit towards their enemies ; and, never asking mercy when captured by their foes, they suffered the most excruciating torments with stoi cal composure. When they were not upon the warpath, they spent their time in hunting, fish ing, and lazy enjoyment. The women did all the heavj manual labor, turning the sod, planting the corn, and crush ing it, when harvested, with a stone pestle in a hollowed rock. The furniture of the wigwams, besides blankets of skins, consisted of a few cooking-vessels of wood and stone, knives fashioned of shells, and axes and chisels made of stone. The weapons used in hunting and war fare were wrought with much skill and care. Sassafras was the favorite wood for making bows, that were strung with the sinews of the deer or with hempen strings. Reeds from the swamps largely furnished the arrows, that were loaded with, pieces of flint, stone, or bone sharpened to a point. Their most cruel weapon, the tomahawk, was a short club of hard wood terminat ing in a heavy knob. Besides fish and game, the natives ate the nuts, roots, and berries which grew wild. canoe. Indian corn was a favorite article of food ; and they also raised the squash, the pump kin, and the bean. A hoe made of a clam-shell or a moose's shoulder-blade was the only implement they employed in their work in the field. In fishing they used hooks made HATCHET AND CLUB. 14 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1614. of the sharpened bones of fishes or birds. Their lines and rude nets were fashioned of the twisted fibres of the dog bane or the sinews of the deer. They cooked their meat by roasting it beiore a fire on the point of a stick, and also by broiling it on hot coals or stones. Sometimes they boiled it in their vessels of stone. Corn was prepared in several ways ; and, when boiled alone, was called hominy, and when mixed with beans, succotash. Morally and intellectually, the Indian was degraded and stupid. The ties of family and parental affection were feeble and easily broken. The men were lazy and improvi dent, and the women were the miserable slaves of these brute lords of creation. Altogether, the Indians, whom our. fathers found in the wilds of Connecticut, were a low and savage race. 1 Indians were numerous at Sims- bury, New Hartford, and Farmington. Along the shore of the Sound, there were email tribes; at Guilford, Bran- ford, and New Haven. Near the mouth of the Housatonic River, they built a strong fort as a defence against the Mo hawks. There were two clans in Derby : the one at Paugusset, about four miles below the mouth of the Naugatuck River, erected a strong fort. At Milford and Stratford the Indians were numerous. There were several tribes in Stamford, and two small clans in Norwalk. The neighborhood about Woodbury was a favorite resort of several tribes. The number of Indians in Connecticut at the time of its settlement, was probably about sixteen thousand. 3 River Indians. They were small bands scattered at different points along the river. They suffered from the at tacks of the Mohawks from the West, and the Pequots from the East. For this reason they were anxious to have the Euglish come into the valley. They sent some of their number all of the way to Boston to ask for help against the Pequots, and promised to give the English land if they would come and live among them. This visit called the attention of the colonists for the first time to Con necticut. 3 The Indians in the western part of the State were tributary to the Mo hawks. If they neglected to pay their tribute, the Mohawks would plunder, destroy, and carry them away captive. The cry (( A Mohawk ! a Mohawk!" was sufficient to arouse the greatest alarm and fear. After the English came, the In dians in this neighborhood, if they could not take refuge in their forts, would flee into the homes of the settlerB; but the Mohawks would pursue, and sometimes kill them in the presence of the family. If the doorB were shut, they would not attempt to open them by force ; and they never did the leas' injury to the Eng lish. 1631.J FIRST SETTLEMENT OP CONNECTICUT. 15 CHAPTER II. 1631-1636. THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF CONNECTICUT. DURING the year 1631, eleven years after the landing of the Pilgrims, an Indian sachem visited the governors of the Plymouth and Massachusetts colonies, and urged them to send Englishmen to commence settlements in the valley of the Connecticut. Without making any promises, Governor Winslow of Plymouth was so much interested in the description which the sachem gave of the, country, watered by this beautiful river, that he soon afterwards visited it. In the following year, other parties from Massachusetts made a more extended exploration of the valley. Previous to this, the Dutch had been satisfied to carry on their trade with the Indians without taking formal possession of any land. When they saw that the English were proposing to do this, they sent a company of men to build a fort, named "Good Hope," at Suckiag (Hartford), and also arranged for the purchase of the land along the river. By this time the Pilgrim pioneers were ready to begin their settlement in the valley. Having prepared the' frame of a house, they put it on board a little bark, and sent it around to the river, from Plymouth, in command of William Holmes. When they came to the fort, the Dutch hailed them, and asked them where they were going. Holmes replied, " We are going up the river to trade." The Dutch threatened to fire into them 16 HISTORY OP CONNECTICUT. [1633. if they did not stop ; but the brave Pilgrims told them to fire away, and sailed on. They set up the trading-house near the mouth of the Tunxis (Farmington) River, and were soon busy trading in furs with the Indians. When the Dutch governor at Fort Amsterdam (New York) heard how the Pilgrims had sailed by the fort at Suckiag, he was very angry, and sent a com pany of seventy soldier* to destroy their trading-house. They found, however, that it was defended by a band of men determined to fight for their rights ; and they retired, leaving vlie Englishmen in peaceable possession. The reports brought back to their friends and neighbors in Massachusetts, by those who visited the valley of the Con necticut, led to the agitation of further plans for its settle ment. In many ways the time seemed favorable. The strength of the Indian tribes had been weakened by a dread ful pestilence, by which they had died by hundreds. The crafty and cruel Pequots, finding that the Dutch were ready •jo mete out to them a stern punishment for the murder of (tome of their traders, while their hereditary enemies, the powerful Narragansetts, were eager to fight them, concluded that it was best for them to be on good terms with the Eng lish. They promised to submit to their control, and ex pressed a wish that Englishmen should come to Connecticut. At this time the English population of New England, n '.unbcring about two thousand, was confined to the vicinity of Boston and Plymouth. Now that the Indians seemed peaceable, and ready to welcome them, some of the people, jiving near Boston, thought it would be to their advantage to emigrate to the river whose fertile meadows would afford be^tjr pasture for their cattle and richer soil to till. There were many who opposed this plan, thinking it would weaken the colony ; and, before the consent of the General Court was obtained, there was much excitement and earnest discussion. The most influential advocate for emigration 1634.J FIR£T SETTLEMENT OP CONNECTICUT. 17 was a minister of great eloquence and ability, the Rev. Thomas Hooker.1 While the matter was still under debate, a few restive men banded together, in the fall of 1634, and set out for the Connecticut valley, and settled at Pequag (Wethersfield), where they spent the winter in rude log huts. In May, of the following year, Hooker and his friends renewed their request ; and leave to remove was reluctantly granted them by the General Court. During the summer quite a number of people from Watertown joined their • friends, who had already settled what is now Wethersfield. Several persons connected with the congregation of the Rev. John Wareham2 of Dorchester selected, for their home, a point on the river, not far from the Plymouth 3 trading-house, and here laid the foundations of the town of Windsor. In October a company of about sixty men, women, and children, from the neighborhood of Boston, came through the wilderness to the Connecticut River. The march was tedious, as they brought not only their household goods, but their cattle, horses, and swine. They were detained some time, in building rafts for crossing the river ; and before they could get their log huts erected, they were overtaken by an early winter. Most of those who came in this company settled at Suckiag (Hartford). During the autumn of this same year, an important settle ment was made at the mouth of the Connecticut, that was entirely distinct from those in the upper part of the valley. John Winthrop, jun., the son of the famous governor of the Massachusetts Colony, followed his father to New England in 1631. He soon returned to England, and was given a commission by Lords Say and Brook, and other distinguished men, to begin a settlement for them at the mouth of the Connecticut River. Men and money were placed at his dis posal ; and Lion Gardiner,4 an able engineer, was engaged to assist in the enterprise. 18 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1634-5. Winthrop arrived at Boston in October. Learning that the Dutch were preparing to take possession of the mouth of the river, he sent a company of twenty men in a small vessel, who reached there the last of November. Early in Decem ber a sloop, which the Dutch governor had sent from Man hattan, arrived at the river ; but the English had already got two pieces of cannon on shore, and would not let the Dutch men land. Governor Winthrop arrived, soon after, bringing Lion Gardiner, who was expected to direct the work of building a fort, and laying out the site of a future city. In compliment to its two noble patrons, the settlement was called Saybrook.5 The winter opened early, and proved a terrible and severe one to the settlers in the upper valley. The river was frozen over by the middle of November ; and the vessels laden with beds, clothing, and provisions, for the Hartford settlers and others, were lost off the Atlantic coast. Benumbed with cold, famine soon stared them in the face. Delicate women and children suffered for the necessities of life, and strono- men were dismayed. Some crossed the river, and waded through the pathless snow to Massachusetts ; and a band of seventy persons went down the river to Saybrook, hoping to find the vessels with provisions from Boston. About twenty miles above the fort, they met a small vessel caught in the ice. They were able to cut her loose, and after a dan gerous voyage arrived at Boston. The winter, as it passed, brought increasing suffering and loneliness to those who still remained in the settlements. When their supply of food was exhausted, they were unable often to secure any game, and had to subsist, in part, upon the ground-nuts which they dug from the banks of the river and acorns found beneath the snow. They endured with brave hearts the privations of the winter, and eagerly wel comed the first approach of spring with its promise0 of seed time and harvest. Before the end of May quite a number of those who had left the settlements returned. 1635,] FIRST SETTLEMENT OP CONNECTICUT. 19 " About the beginning of June, Mr. Hooker, Mr. Stone, and nearly one hundred men, women, and children, took their departure from Cambridge, and travelled more than one hundred miles through a hideous and trackless wilderness to Hartford. They had no guide but their compass, and made their way over mountains, through swamps, thickets, and rivers which were not passable but with great difficulty. They had no cover but the heavens, nor any lodgings but those that simple nature afforded them. They drove with them a hundred and sixty head of cattle, and by the way subsisted on the milk of their cows. Mrs. Hooker was borne through the wilderness upon a litter. The people carried their packs, arms, and some utensils. They were nearly a fortnight on their journey."6 It is pleasant to recall that they formed their first impressions of their wilderness-home in the month of song and flowers ; and we can imagine how cordial was the welcome they received from those who had come before them, old friends and neighbors not only in Massachusetts, but in England. There was still further emigration from Massachusetts in the following year. William Pynchon led a party from Rox- bury to the great meadows, some miles above Windsor, called by the Indians, Agawam. They gave the name of Spring field, to the settlement, in honor of Mr. Pynchon's old home in England. 1 Thomas Hooker was born at Mar- tion, and in no wise turbulent or fac- field, England, July 7, 1586. He was tious." After a brief retirement, in which educated atEmanuel College, Cambridge, he was kindly provided for by his friend where for some time he was a Fellow. the Earl of Warwick, he determined to After leaving Cambridge, he preached leave his native land, and seek a home in for a while in London and its vicinity; Holland. Mr. Hooker remained in Hol- and in 1626 he became assistant minister land three years. The emigration of the at Chelmsford. Faithful to the dictates Puritans from England to New England of conscience, he was silenced in 1630 for was increasing, and among those who nonconformity, against the protest of planned to go were many of Mr. forty-seven ministers in which they certi- Hooker's old friends. They deBired fied" that they knew Mr. Hooker to be or- him to accompany thom as their spirit- thodox in doctrine, honest in his life and ual guide; and after spending a short conversation, peaceable in his disposi- time in England, he sailed for BoBtou 20 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. about the middle of July, 1633. "Mr. Hooker's company," as it was called, which afterwards consti tuted his church at Cambridge, had preceded him. During the two years and a half that he remained with the Massachusetts colony, his influence was marked. He be came deeply interested in the plan of emigration to the beautiful valley of the Connecticut. It has been said that the special reason of his going was, because of the in crease of the population about the Bay, and the necessity of the people finding more fruitful fields for their flocks, and better land to till. But this was not the main reason in the mind of Hooker. There were many things in connection with the civil regulation of affairs in Massachusetts that did not meet his approval. He believed in a government " hy the people for the people;" and it was to be his high service and destiny to inspire, if his hand did not pen, the first constitution ever adopted by a peo ple. From the time Mr. Hooker came to Hartford until his death he was a leader in public affairs. Of majestic person and noble mien, his words were both eloquent and powerful. Gentle and affectionate in spirit, his life was a beautiful illustration of the faith and doc trine he professed. Mr. Hooker fell a victim to epidemic disease at the age of sixty-one, dying at his home in Hartford, July 7, 1647. - John Waeeham was an emi nent minister in Exeter, England. After emigrating with his church to New England, and remaining at Dorchester for some time, he fol lowed his people to "Windsor the year after they made a settlement there. He is said to have been the first minister in New England who preached with notes. Cotton Mather gave testimony that " the whole colony of Connecticut con sidered him as a, principal pillar and father of the colony." 3 Both the Dutch and the Pil grims at Plymouth were annoyed at the coming of the Massachusetts people into the Connecticut valley, but the tide of emigration was too strong for them to resist. * Lion Gardiner had been a master workman and engineer in the employ of the Prince of Orange. He became owner of the island at the east end of Long Island which bears his name. 5 Saybrook Patent. In 1606 two great companies were formed in England — one in London, and the other in Plymouth — for the settlement of North America. To the Plymouth Company, King James gave the coast extending from about the mouth of the Hud son River to the eastern point of Maine. There was no western boundary to this grant, which ex tended across the continent to the Pacific Ocean. In 1620 the original company was broken up, and a new one formed, called " The Council of Plymouth for the gov erning of New England." The patent from this Council under which the Saybrook colony was organized, is now generally con ceded to have had a very doubtful origin. There are good reasons, which have been well given by Mr. Forrest Morgan, after careful investigation, that this so called, Warwick patent, was secured under circumstances that make it more than doubtful if it was a legal and royally sanctioned document. Evidently the Connecticut Colony founders gave little attention to it both while they were purchas ing lands from the Indians and when they absorbed the Saybrook Colony. (See Encyclopedia Brit- tanica, "Vol. 6, page 954.) 6 Trumbull. 1637.] THE PEQUOT WAR. 21 CHAPTER III. 1637. THE PEQUOT WAR. WHILE the Connecticut settlers were busy in clearing fields for tillage, building rude but substantial houses of logs and stones, and opening roads, trouble with the. Indians commenced. A band of roving Narragansetts had killed a trader named Oldham, at Block Island. Oldham belonged to Watertown, Mass., and that colony took steps to punish the murderers. Some of them were killed ; and others fled to the Pequot country, as their own friends, the Narragansetts, would have nothing to do with them. Governor Vane and his council decided to send a party of soldiers to Block Island, with orders to put to death all the men, but to spare the women and children. In command of one hundred men, Captain Endicott sailed for the island in August, 1636. When the English attempted to land, the Indians did all they could to drive them back. They did not succeed in this, and finally took to flight after fourteen of their number were killed. Having set fire to the cornfields and wigwams-, the expedition sailed to Pequot River.1 Meeting a party of Pequots, Endicott talked with them ; but, finding them defiant and hostile, he told them to prepare to fight. In a skirmish that followed, two Indians were killed. Having burned a few wigwams, Endicott sailed for Boston. This action only enraged the Pequots. " You 22 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1637. raise these wasps around us, and then flee away," said the Connecticut men to their friends in Massachusetts. Within a few days, parties of Pequot warriors began to harass and murder the settlers. The arrow from some ambush struck down the farmer toiling in his fields, and helpless women and innocent children were killed with fiend ish cruelty. While a party of men were working outside the (Saybrook fort, they were surprised by the Pequots, and four of their number killed. Lieutenant Gardiner was slightly wounded at the same time. The Indians, encouraged by their success, gathered in large numbers, and challenged those within the fort to fight, mocking them by imitat ing the dying groans and prayers of the poor prisoners whom they had tortured. A few charges of grape-shot scat tered them. The work of pillage and death still continued, until the settlers scarcely dared to stir outside their homes. The Pequots tried to get their old enemies, the Narragansetts, to unite with them in a league against the English. This plan was broken up by the influence of Roger Williams - and the strength of the old enmity. The Mohegaus were on bad terms with the Pequots, and formed an alliance with the English. The Niantics, although friendly to the Pequots, were unwilling to fight. The colonists saw that it was a matter of life and death. and determined to make a desperate effort to break the power of the Pequots. A General Court was held in Hart ford, May 1, 1637; and this resolution was unanimously adopted. "It is ordered that there shall be an offensive war against the Pequots, and there shall be ninety men levied out of the three plantations of Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor." This number represented nearly one-third of the freemen of this little republic. Within ten days from the opening of the court, this com pany of men sailed from Hartford under the command of 1637.] THE PEQUOT WAR. 23 Captain John Mason.3 With them was a band of seventy friendly Mohegan * Indians, and Uncas 5 their chief. When they reached the fort at Saybrook, Captain John Underbill, a brave and capable soldier, with the consent of Lieutenant Gardiner, commanding the fort, offered his services to Mason with nineteen men. For some days the wind was contrary, and the little fleet was detained at the mouth of the river. Pequot spies, swift of foot, were watching its movements from the opposite shore, and apprised Sassacus of his danger. Mason's orders were to sail directly to Pequot (New London) Harbor, and attack the enemy in their stronghold. Now that the wily Indians were informed of this purpose, he saw that it would be dangerous and perhaps futile to undertake it. He suggested that it would be best to sail as far as Nai'ragansett Bay, and, if possible, secure the aid of Miantonomo, the chief sachem of the Narragansetts, in surprising and destroying their mutual enemy. A council of war was held ; and, while they all recognized the force of their leader's arguments, they hesitated to assume the responsibility of changing the plan of the cam paign. They were under orders, and it was their habit to obey without thought of personal consequences. It was finally suggested that they seek divine guidance ; and the matter was referred to their chaplain, Mr. Stone, the be loved and revered assistant pastor of the church in Hartford. Having spent the night in prayer, Mr. Stone the next morn ing said to Captain Mason, that "he was fully satisfied to sail for Nai'ragansett." This was accepted as a final decision, and on Friday morning they set sail. They arrived in Nai'ragansett Bay Saturday evening, but the wind blew so strongly off shore that they were unable to land before Tuesday afternoon. Mason at once informed Miantonomo of his plans, which met the cordial approval of the sachem. He thought, how- 24 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1637. ever, that the little band of English soldiers were insufficient for such an undertaking. During the night an Indian runner brought a letter from Captain Patrick, who had been sent from Massachusetts with a few men to assist in the war against the Pequots. He wrote that he had reached Providence, and urged Mason to wait until he could join him. The Connecticut company had already met with vexatious delays, and they were im- PROVIDFNGE-f MILI-ORP j- MAP OF PEQUOT CAMPAIGN. patient to return home ; and they decided to push on to the Pequot country at once. On Wednesday morning, May 24, the little army began their march, and before night reached the borders of the Pequot territory. Here was the seat of a Narragansett sachem ; but he refused to treat with the English captain, and would not allow his men to encamp within the palisades of his fortress. In the morning another band of warriors, sent by Miantonomo, having appeared, the Narragansetts within the fort plucked up courage, and with much boasting desired to join the expedition. When Captain Mason began 1637.] THE PEQUOT AVAR. 25 the march again on Thursday, he had about five hundred Indians with him. Most of them proved a cowardly lot, and those who had bragged the loudest were the first to desert. Uncas, with his band of Mohegans, showed the most courage ; and Wequash, a petty chief who had revolted from Sassacus, proved a trustworthy guide. Suffering from the lack of food and the oppressive heat, they finally reached the neighborhood of the Pequot fort about an hour after sunset. Here they encamped between two high rocks, still known as Porter's Rocks. It was a beautiful moonlight night ; and the sentinels could hear the distant cries of the enemy, who were having a carousal of savage joy over the flight, as they supposed, of Mason and his men, as they had seen the vessels sailing past their territory. An hour or two before daybreak the men were awakened from sleep ; and, after a fervent prayer by the chaplain, they started for the fort, following a path pointed out by the Indians. The distance proved greater than they expected ; and they began to fear lest they were on the wrong trail, when they came to a cornfield at the foot of " a great hill." Their terror-stricken allies had fallen back ; and it was only in response to a messenger that Uncas and Wequash came up, and informed them that the fort was on the top of the hill. Sending the Indians word not to fly, but to keep at as safe a distance as they pleased, and see whether Englishmen would fight or not, they marched on, and soon came in sight of the Pequot's stronghold. ¦ The men were divided, for the purpose of storming the two entrances at the same time. Captain Mason was within a step of the north-east entrance, when the bark of a dog gave the first alarm to the sleeping enemy. The cry of an Indian, "Owanux! Owanux!" ("The English! the English!") startled the Pequots from the heavy slumber that had fol lowed the debauch of the previous night. 26 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1637. Completely surprised, and paralyzed with fear, most of them huddled in their wigwams, even after the English had entered the palisades. A few tried to escape : and after some hand-to-hand fighting, Captain Mason gave the order to burn the fort, and, seizing a firebrand, lighted the conflagra tion himself. The rest of the sad story is best told quickly. The flames spread rapidly, and in an hour six or seven hun dred poor creatures perished within the belt of fire. Only a handful escaped to tell the proud chief, in the fort not far away, of the terrible calamity that had overtaken the tribe. Only two of the English were killed, and twenty wounded. From the outlook of the hill they saw their vessels in the distance entering Pequot Harbor, and they at once took up their march in that direction. By this time the Indians from the neighboring 6 fort swarmed along the forest path, and in every possible way harassed the soldiers. Before the harbor was reached, however, the Pequots returned to their fort, and upbraided the proud Sassacns as the author of all their misfortunes. From that hour his power, and that of his tribe, was broken. Only the intercession of some of his chief counsellors saved his life. Panic-stricken, they burned their wigwams, destroyed their fort, and then fled. Sassacus, with seventy or eighty of his faithful warriors, sought refuge in the wilderness bordering the Hudson River. When the little army of Englishmen returned to tell the story of their victory, the colonists breathed more freely.' But they were still in fear lest the spirit of revenge kindled in the hearts of the survivors of the hated tribe might break f-ut in fierce and treacherous attacks, and arrangements were made to continue the war. Without passing judgment as to the right or wrong of this action, it is evident that the colonists felt that their lives were in constant jeopardy while a Pequot remained in the vicinity of their settlements. Cap tain Mason was put in command of forty men, and in June united his force with that of Captain Stoughton, who had 1637.] THE PEQUOT WAR. 27 been sent to Pequot Harbor (New London) from Massachu setts. While the vessels sailed along the Sound, the troops hunted for the enemy along the shore.8 It was on this march that the beauty of the location and surroundings of Quinnipiac (New Haven) was first discov ered by English eyes. As they approached the place, they saw the smoke of what they supposed was a Pequot encamp ment ; but they found that the fire had been kindled by a party of friendly Indians. The vessels having entered the harbor, they went on board, and waited for several days, until the return of a Pequot spy, who reported that Sassacus and his party were concealed in a swamp a few miles to the westward. This hiding-place proved to be in a bog-thicket a short distance from the present village of Fairfield. It was not an easy matter to dislodge the Pequots from this natural fortress. The soldiers found it very difficult to penetrate the tangled underbrush without sinking in the treacherous mire ; and in the attempt to advance, many of them were wounded by the sharp arrows, that flew in showers about them. The Fairfield Indians, who were in the swamp, sent one of their number to beg for quarter, which was granted ; and they came "out with their women and children. The plan was theft adopted of surrounding the band of desperate Pequots, who still clung to their hiding-place. During the night, which proved dark and heavy with mist, they attempted to break through this line ; but the watchful soldiers were prepared for a hand-to-hand fight, which ended in the death and capture of a large proportion of the Pequot warriors. The one hundred and eighty prisoners, with a large amount of booty consisting of wampum, bows, arrows, and other implements, were divided between Massachusetts and Connecticut. Sassacus probably was not present at this fight. Fleeing in the direction of the Hudson, he sought refuge among his old enemies, the Mohawks ; but the old feeling of hate eon- 28 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1637. tinued, and, having beheaded him, they sent his scalp as a trophy to Connecticut. On the 21st of September, Uncas and Miantonomo, with the surviving Pequots numbering about two hundred, met the magistrates of Connecticut at Hartford. A treaty was arranged between the colony and the Mohegaus and Narra gansetts, by the terms of which the tribes entered into a compact of peace, and agreed, that, in any case of wrong, justice should be meted out by the English. With consider able ceremony the remnant of the Pequots was divided among the chiefs who had given their aid in the war against the tribe now humbled and powerless. -1 Pequot Rivek. Thames River. 2 Roger Williams. The founder of Rhode Island. His influence over the Narragansetts waB remarkable, and his efforts in behalf of peace were unremit ting. 3 John Mason had won reputation as a brave soldier in the Low Countries. He was a member of the company that removed from Dorchester to Windsor. Oliver Cromwell offered him the posi tion of major-general if he would return to England. For many years he held the highest position of military authority in the colony. 4 The Mohegans appear to have been tributary to the Pequots, but at this time they were on bad terms with each other. They dwelt on the west side of the Thames River. D Uncas was a Pequot by birth; and his wife was a daughter of SasBacus, « Pequot sachem. At one time he was a petty chief under' Sassacus, the great prince of the nation. They had quar relled; and at the time the English first came to Connecticut, his influence among the Indians was small. He had nothing to lose, and every thing to gain, through the friendship of the English. 6 The Neighboring Fort. Besides the fort at Mystic, the principal and royal residence of Sassacue was situated on Fort Hill in G-roton, about four miles north-east of New London. ¦ 7 Captain Mason and the Narragan sett Indians, after leaving Pequot Har bor, continued their march by laDd to the Connecticut River, where they ar rived on Saturday, " being nobly en tertained by Lieutenant Gardner with many great guns." From Saybrook the English volunteers in this expedi tion returned to their homes, where they were received with great rejoi cing. 8 Uncas with his Indians and some of the soldiers, at a point about eighteen miles west of Saybrook, discovered the Pequot sachem, Mononotto, with a few of his followers. They attempted to escape by swimming across the mouth of a narrow harbor,' but they were way laid and taken as they landed. Uncas shot the sachem, and, after beheading him, stuck the head in the crotch of a large oak-tree, where it remained for many years. Since then the place ha? been called Sachem'B Head. 1638.] FIJBST SETTLERS OF NEW HAVEN. 29 CHAPTER IV. 1638-1639. FIRST SETTLERS OF NEW HAVEN. — ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTIONS BY THE NEW HAVEN AND CONNECTICUT COLONIES. ON the 26th of July, 1637, there arrived at Boston the most opulent compan}' that had thus far emigrated from Pmgland. Every possible inducement was offered to keep them in Massachusetts, but they decided to found a distinct colony. Having learned of the beauty of the country lying west of the mouth of the Connecticut River, they sent a few of their number to spy out the land. This company, in charge of Theophilus Eaton, one of their prominent and wealthy men, selected, as the most attractive and eligible spot for the future home of the colony, the present site of the city of New Haven. Here they built a temporary hut, and left it in charge of a few servants for the winter. On the 30th of the follow ing March, the entire company set sail for the harbor of Quinnipiac, which they reached after a tedious voyage of two weeks. Their first sabbath was strictly kept with religious ser vices held under the spreading branches of an oak-tree, supposed to have stood near the present corner of College and George Streets. The Rev. John Davenport,1 whose name occupies a distinguished place in the early history of the colony, preached a sermon warning them of the trials of the wilderness, and was followed in a discourse from his 30 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1639. colleague, the Rev. Mr. Prudden, from the text, "The voice- of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." In November, Theophilus Eaton, Mr. Davenport, and other gentlemen, made a contract with the Indian sachem Momaugin, in reference to a sale of lands. It is a curious document, being of the nature of a treaty as well as .1 deed of sale of Quinnipiac. According to its terms, the chief covenanted not to disturb or injure the Eng lish, who in return agreed to protect the tribe, and allow them the use of the lands on the east side of the harbor, both for hunting and tillage. On the 11th of December another large tract of land was deeded to the same gentlemen by Montowese. The territory included in these deeds is now divided into the towns of New Haven. Branford,Wallingford, East Haven, Woodbridge, Cheshire, and North Haven. Twenty- three English coats, with sundry other articles, was the con sideration named in the deeds, with the right to hunt and plant and fish with few restrictions ; but the protection of the- colonists was of far more value to the little Indian tribe than gold or silver would have been. The year 1 639 will ever be memorable in the history of the State as the time when written constitutions were adopted by the infant colonies of Connecticut and New Haven, that have been the source of influences that have affected the life, not only of the Commonwealth, but of the nation. The JOHN DAVENPORT. [From a portrait In possession of Yale College] 1639.] FIRST SETTLERS OF NEW HAVEN. 31 band of earnest, thoughtful men and refined women, who laid the foundations of these two colonies, were many of them of gentle birth. Their clergymen were university graduates, of high reputation* for learning and eloquence ; and the leading citizens had won wealth and position before emi grating to the wilderness of the New World. They did not leave homes of comfort in England to seek the advancement of their material fortune. The star of hope that led them across the ocean, and gave them courage to sub due the wilderness and endure privation, was luminous with the light of religious and civil liberty. Their earliest thought and care were given to laying the founda tions of communities that should embody and illustrate prin ciples of spiritual, ecclesiastical, and political freedom, dear to them as life. During the first year of the settlement of New Haven, the colonists lived under a simple compact to obey the Scrip tures. On the 4th of June, 1639, all of the free planters met in a large barn,2 and proceeded in a formal manner to lay the foundations of government. The Bible was made the sole rule for ordering the affairs of the Commonwealth, and church members were alone admitted to the rights of citizenship. In October the court, as it was termed, composed of seven MEDAL COMMEMORATING THE SETTLEMENT OF NEW HAVEN. 32 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1639. church members called " the seven pillars," and duly elected for this purpose, met and instituted the civil government. All of those who were connected with approved churches were accepted as voting members of \he Commonwealth, and Theophilus Eaton was chosen governor of the colony.3 For many reasons, the history of the first Constitution of Connecticut is of deep interest. During the first year after the settlement of Wethersfield, Windsor, and Hartford, the government was under a commission from Massachusetts. In April, 1636, Roger Ludlow and four associates held a General Court in Hartford, and among other acts passed a law forbidding the sale of fire-arms to the Indians. In May of the following year, the towns appointed delegates to par ticipate with the magistrates in the counsels of the court. At the opening session of this body, May 31, 1638, the Rev. Thomas Hooker preached a remarkable sermon, in which he declared "that the choice of public magistrates belongs unto the people by God's own allowance," and "that they who have power to appoint officers and magis trates have the right also to set the bounds and limitations of the power and place unto which, they call them." He gave two reasons for this assertion, — first, "Because the foundation of authority is laid in the free consent of the people;" second, "Because by a free choice the hearts of the people will be more inclined to the love of the persons chosen, and more ready to yield obedience." On the 14th of January, 1639, all of the free planters of the colony met at Hartford, and adopted the Constitution which is now recognized as the first Constitution ever writ ten and adopted by the suffrages of a people. It will always, probably, be a matter of doubt as to whose pen draughted this remarkable document ; but there is every reason to believe that the principles which it contains were suggested by the far-seeing and liberty-loving mind of Thomas Hooker. Roger Ludlow acted as legal adviser, and may have prepared 1639.] CONSTITUTION ADOPTED BY CONNECTICUT. 33 the paper ; and we know that Governor Haynes was in hearty accord with the views of his beloved pastor ; but it is to the learned and eloquent minister of the first church in Hartford, that posterity will give its award of honor as the author of the first Constitution of Connecticut. WM »^H iJp FIRST CHURCH IN HARTFORD. It is noteworthy that this document expressed no allegi ance to the British crown, but lodged the supreme power in the General Court. It contained the seed-truth of principles which were in time to produce the fruit of our independent national life. " More than two centuries have elapsed," says Bancroft, " but the people of Connecticut have found no reason to deviate essentially from the frame of government established 34 HISTOKY OF CONNECTICUT. [1639. by their fathers. History has ever celebrated the heroes who have won laurels in scenes of carnage. Has it no place for the wise legislators who struck the rock in the wilder ness, and the waters of liberty gushed forth in copious and perennial streams? They who judge of men by their ser vices to the human race will never cease to honor the memory of Hooker, and will join with it that of Ludlow, and still more that of Haynes." After the adoption of the Constitution, the freemen of the towns in the colony met at Hartford on the second Thursday in April, 1G39, and elected their officers for the year ensuing. John Haynes 4 was chosen governor, and Roger Ludlow 5 deputy-governor. 1 John Davenport was born in the city of Coventry, England, in the year 1597. He graduated at the University of Oxford, and entered on the active duties of the ministry when but nineteen years of age. In the year 1631 he was sum moned before Bishop Laud. Having decided to cast in his lot with the non conformists, he crossed over to Holland, where-, for a time, he was assistant min ister of an English church at Amster dam. He had long been interested in the emigration to New England, and he finally decided to come to the New World. With a number of influential and tried friends he set sail in the ship " Hector," and arrived at Boston on the 26th of June, 1637. Mr. Davenport was an earnest preacher and ripe scholar. He was known among the Indians about New Haven as *' So big study man." 2 This barn, it is said, belonged to Robert Newman, a prominent founder of the colony. Dr. Bacon (Hist. Disc. 20) gives good reasons for thinking it was located near Temple Street, betweeu Elm and Grove Streets. 3 "The restricted franchise, and the churchly aristocracy of New Haven, concealed a levelling principle. As the will of an English sovereign can transform the meanest subject into a peer of the realm, so the lowliest dweller in the cellars at Quinnipiac could, by ad mission to church membership, become a ruler of the State. The day-laborer, the possessor of the good name which is more valuable than fine gold, might be a free burgess; while his neighbor, dwell ing in one of the ' stately houses,' and writing ' Mr.' before his name, might be forbidden to cast a vote. That a haudf ul of exiles, gathered in a barn, could of their own free motion, without a bishop or a royal sanction, form a Church of God; that the same men, with no charter but their own consent and that of their fel low-men, could organize a self-governing State, — these were the novel and star tling ideas through which our modem political philosophy has mainly devel oped. In the light of these principles, "Winthrop aud Endicott, Hooker and Roger Williams, Davenport and Eaton, stand forth together as apostles of our liberty." (Livermore's The Republic of New Haven, p. 25.) 4 John Haynes held the position of governor of Massachusetts in 1635. He was one of the most influential and able meu among the pioneers of Connecticut. lie was elected governor every other FIRST SETTLERS OF NEW HAVEN. 35 year until his death in 1654, alternating with Edward Hopkins. B Roger Ludlow came from the west of. England with the Rev. John Warham and his company. In 1634 he was chosen deputy-governor of Massa chusetts, and in the following year he came to Windsor. He was a man of ripe legal attainments, and rendered Mr. Hooker, Governor Haynes, and others, great assistance in draughting the Consti tution of the infant colony. After his removal to Fairfield, he was requested to revise and prepare a body of laws for the colony. He finished this work in 1649, and the code was established by the as sembly during that year. After leaving Fairfield he returned to England, but the time and place of his death are un known. 6 The Constitution provided that the freemen of each town should elect every year, by vote, four persons as deputies to the General Court. Each year a court of election was to assemble on the second Thursday of April (after wards changed to May), for the purpose of choosing a governor and six magis trates. Only those could be chosen as magistrates whose names had been pro posed at some preceding session of the court. No town could make more than two nominations, but the General Court added as many as it thought best. At the court of election each freeman cast a ballot, upon which was written his choice for governor for the following year, a plurality vote electing. The governor must be a church member; and the rule held until 1660, that no one could be chosen to the office two years in suc cession. At the court of election the secretary read the nominations for ma gistrates in the order in which they had been received. When a uame was read, the freemen hauded in either a blank bal lot counting against the candidate, or one having his name upon it. The balloting continued until six names had received a majority of the votes cast. In case the full number were not thus obtained, those names were added which had received the largest number of votes. The gov ernor, magistrates, and deputies met as a General Court on the second Thursday of September, to make laws, and attend to the affairs of the Commonwealth. The office of magistrate was very important, as the duties that now devolve upon the selectmen of the towns were in their charge; and, until the charter was se- cui'ed, they exercised judicial functions, and looked after other matters as directed by the General Court. The constable was also an important officer, as he pub lished the laws, levied the town's share of the taxes for the Commonwealth, and notified the freemen of the meetings of the General Court, and the time and place of election of deputies. From 1656 Connecticut placed upon her common seal, vines to represent her towns. At first there were three for the original towns. On the fifth page of the first revision of the laws of the colony made in 1672, and published at Cam bridge, Mass., in 1673, the seal has fifteen vines. As the towns became more nu merous, the original three viues were placed on the seal. HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1639. CHAPTER V. 1639. THE FOUNDING OF NEW TOWNS. IN the year 1639 settlements were made at Milford1 (Wepowaug), Guilford (Menunkatuck) , Fairfield (Un- quo-wa), and Stratford. The residents of these towns have reason to be proud of the character and history of the fami lies that laid their foundations. "A more substantial com pany of emigrants," says Hollister, "never followed a clergyman into the wild woods of America than the fathers of Milford." The first settlers of Guilford were nearly all gentlemen of means. Their first magistrate, Samuel Desborough, re turned to England in 1650, and six years later was appointed by Cromwell Lord Chancellor of Scotland. He held this position until the restoration of King Charles II., who treated him with great kindness, and permitted him to retire to the enjoyment of his elegant estate at Elsworth, where he resided until his death. Roger Ludlow was one of the party that captured the Pequots at the "Swamp fight" at Un-quo-wa. He was charmed at the time with the beauty of the surrounding country ; and in 1639, in company with eight or ten families, his neighbors at Windsor, he emigrated to Fairfield. They were soon joined by parties from Watertown, Mass., and also from Concord. Southold on Long Island was settled about this time, and placed itself under the jurisdiction of New Haven. 1639.J WAR WITH INDIANS AVOIDED. 37 During the summer (1639), Colonel George Fenwick,2 in charge of two ships, arrived at the mouth of the Connecticut accompanied by several gentlemen, who brought with them a number of servants and laborers to aid in the further build ing up of Saybrook. The colony at Saybrook was entirely distinct from those of Connecticut and New Haven, and administered its own affairs until 1644, when it was united with Connecticut. Another war with the Indians was happily avoided. The citizens of Wethersfield secured evidence that Sowheag, the sachem of Mattabesett (Middletown), had given aid to the Pequots in their murderous attacks upon their settle ment two years before ; and they demanded that the guilty Indians should be surrendered for trial and punishment. The General Court sought to bring about a just arrange ment between the chief and the aggrieved people of Wethers field ; but Sowheag treated their advice in such an insulting manner, that they decided to send one hundred men to take the murderers by force. A messenger was sent to New Haven with the request that the authorities there should assist them in the expedi tion. This they declined to do, expressing the fear that it might lead to a serious conflict with the Indians : as the result of this consultation, the plan was abandoned. Meanwhile word reached Hartford that a few of the Pequots, in violation of the recent treat}7, were rebuilding their wigwams on the old hunting-grounds, and planting corn upon the fields they had promised never to enter again. Captain Mason was at once sent with forty Englishmen, with instructions to drive off the Indians, "burn their wigwams, and bring away their corn." Uncas, with one hundred of his warriors, was permitted to join the expedition. When Mason arrived at Pawcatuck (Stonington), he met three Pequots, and kindly advised them to tell their people of his coming, and have them go quickly and peaceably away. 38 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1639. Either they failed to cany the report, or it was not heeded ; for, when the English captain and his men surrounded the little village, the Indians were so surprised that they had no time to carry off their corn, but fled, leaving the aged and helpless of their number behind. The following day the wigwams were destroyed ; and the corn, kettles, mats, wampum, and other treasures, filled not only the vessel, but fifty canoes, thirty of which were taken from the Indians. In August of this year (1639), the first steps were taken towards a union of the colonies for their mutual protection. The special purpose of this alliance was to guard the English settlements against the Dutch at New Netherlands (New York), whose recently appointed governor, William Kieft, had forbidden the English to carry on their trade at ' ' Good Hope" (Hartford), and made a formal protest against their occupation of Quinnipiac (New Haven) . At the October session of the General Court of Connecti cut, the towns were authorized to manage their own internal 1639.J TOWN REGULATIONS. 39 affairs ; and it was ordered that a careful description of all lands sold or mortgaged, should be recorded iu books pro vided by the towns, and directions were given regarding the recording of wills and the settlement of estates. These were important matters, for the New-England system of town-government has had an important influence iu shaping the destiny and government of the nation. 1 Milford. The planters of Milford - Colonel Fenwick was one of the were most of thera from the counties of original patentees of the colony, and Essex, Herefordshire, and York in Eng- acted in their behalf, lie instituted a land. A part of them removed from civil government for the Saybrook col New Haven, and others came from Weth- ony, which remained independent until ersfield; and the Rev. Peter Prudden by purchase it was united with Conuec became their pastor. Milford was an ticut in 1644. independent Commonwealth until 1642, when it united with New Haven. 40 HISTORY OE CONNECTICUT. CHAPTER VI. THE CIVIL AND DOMESTIC LIFE OF THE EARLY SETTLERS. WHAT was the every-day life of the people? How did they manage their'public affairs? These are more im portant questions than those that refer to the troubles the colonists had with their Dutch neighbors and the Indians. First of all, let us notice how the towns were formed. These little republics of freemen have had more influence than any other institution on the destinies of our country, and the history of their growth is of deep interest.1 At the time the New-England colonies united in a league for mutual counsel and assistance, Connecticut (including Saybrook) had six towns, and New Haven five. The General Court of each colony exercised the right of ownership and jurisdiction over the territory within its bounds. When a company of persons wished to settle — or plant, as it was called — a new town, they made their purpose known to the Court. A tract of land was granted to the compan}' : if it was found that they were able to support a minister, they were authorized to establish a plantation and a church. The Court appointed a committee who fixed the bounds of the land, that at first was held by the company as proprietors HOUSE OF A PtONEER. LIFE OF THE EARLY SETTLERS. 41 in common. From this time they could assemble in town- meeting, and transact matters connected with their local affairs. The location, size, and cost of the meeting-house, and the support of the minister, was the first important business. Then they decided as to the admission of new associates, distributed the land among individuals, voted as to the location of new roads, and looked after the general interests of the community very much as the towns do now. After a time it was found very in convenient for the proprietors to come together often enough to act upon all items of business, and selectmen were chosen to administer the affairs of the township during the months that passed between the meetings. As this town system of government became more perfect in its working, not less than three nor more than nine selectmen were elected, according to the size of the township. Besides these, there were chosen a town clerk, a town treasurer, assessors of taxes, a school committee, constables, and other officers. In the early history, both of the Connecticut and New- Haven colonies, the judicial authority was exercised by a General Court of Magistrates. There were no professional lawyers. A friend might appear in behalf of a prisoner or suitor, or they could plead their own cause. The Court looked after all matters that pertained to the welfare of the colony. Under the presiding care of Governor Haynes, the magistrates at Hartford listened to the farmer at Windsor, who complained that the Pequots had stolen his horse, and promised " as far as lay in their power to deal with those Indians." PILLORY. -42 HISTOItY OF CONNECTICUT. Swift punishment was meted out to evil-doers. One is sentenced " to be whipt at a cart's tail upon a lecture day at Hartford," and another is "to stand upon the pillory from the ringing of the first bell to the end of the lecture," before receiving a whipping. A third criminal, more guilty than his companions, not only is to stand in the pillory and be whipped, but have the letter R burned upon his cheek. If the cattle of a farmer broke into the fields of his neigh bor, " through defect in his fence," the Court saw to it that he paid for the "spoiled corn." In order to increase the supply of corn, so that they would not have to purchase it out of the colony, the Court granted one hundred acres of ploughed ground and twenty acres of meadow to any farmer with a team, provided he improved " twenty acres the first year, eighty acres the second year, and the whole hundred the third year." Attention was called to the necessity of raising hemp and flax for use in making " linen cloth," and it was ordered that every householder who kept a team should plant that year (1640) at least one spoonful of English hempseed "in some fruitful soil." The next year they were to sow one rood of hemp or flax ; and if this were not done, they fell under the censure of the Court. Complaint was made that hempseed could not be procured by some who desired it; and it was ordered that any family that had more than a spoonful of the seed, and would not sell it, must plant as many spoonfuls as they refused to sell. The constables were requested to bring before the Court any persons who demanded an exorbitant price for the articles they had to sell, and a watchful eye was kept upon those individuals whose " apparel " exceeded their condition and rank. Labor troubles were brought to a speedy end by the Court, which made out a schedule of wages, and declared the number of hours that constituted a working-day. Carpen ters, plough-wrights, wheel- wrights, masons, joiners, smiths, LIFE OF THE EARLY SETTLERS. 43 and coopers could not ask more than twenty pence for a day's work from March 10 to October 11, nor above eighteen pence for the rest of the year. Eleven hours in summer, and nine in winter, constituted a working-day. After further particulars in regard to splitting and sawing boards, and the amount to be paid for the use of horses and cattle "with the tackling," it was ordered that any persons giving or taking larger wages than those mentioned, " should abide the censure of the Court. ' ' Turning to the records of the New-Haven colony, we find that the Court dealt in the same vigorous and paternal manner with the common interests of the communities repre sented. The system of trial by jury was in force in Con necticut, but New Haven could find nothing about jurymen in the Bible. In 1639 Connecticut accepted a brief code of " Capital Laws," which was almost a verbal copy of those adopted by Massachusetts the year previous. For many years New Haven had no statute laws, but was guided by rules of equity, and the commands which they found in the Scripture. Regulations regarding temperance, family government, and the keeping of the sabbath, were rigidly enforced; but the so-called "Blue Laws" of New Haven never had an existence except in the imagination of Samuel Peters, the refugee loyalist. The humble homes of the Puritan settlers of Connecticut and New Haven reveal a domestic life of healthful toil and quiet happiness. The moral and religious character of the people developed earnest thought, and strength of purpose. They rejoiced in the civil liberty which the shelter of the wilderness made possible, and found their highest satisfac tion in serving God, and seeking to know and do his will. 1 " Every Township is an inferior 1810). "He that will understand the Republic; possessing, under the control political character of New England," ¦of the Legislature, the necessary powers sayB Bancroft, " must study the consti- lo adjust all its local and peculiar con- tution of its towns, its schools, and its ¦earns " (President Timothy Dwight, militia." 44 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1640-43. CHAPTER VII. 1640-1643. THE NEW-ENGLAND CONFEDERACY DEATH OF MIANTONOMO. IN the year 1640 Uncas sold most of his land to the Eng lish, with the understanding that his people should have- the privilege of hunting and planting where they pleased. Tunxis (Farmington), with its beautiful meadows, and a part of Norwalk, were purchased and settled by a few fami lies. New Haven acquired the Indian title of Greenwich ; but those who settled there, influenced alike by threats and promises, put themselves under the protection of the Dutch governor at New York.1 Both Connecticut and New Haven secured large tracts of land upon Long Island ; and the latter colony gained possession of a strip of country on the shores of the Delaware Bay and River, where trading-houses were erected, and about fifty families sent to settle.2 Stamford was also settled this year by a party from Wethersfield that decided to emigrate on account of an unhappy division that had arisen in the church there. In 1643, at the suggestion of Connecticut, a league 8 was formed among the New-England colonies for " mutual aid and service." Each colony had the right to appoint two- commissioners, and this body was to meet once a year. The power was given them of framing laws for the regulation and protection of the Confederacy. Notwithstanding the agreement made at the time of thfr 1643.] MIANTONOMO MARCHES AGAINST UNCAS. 45 division of the remnant of the Pequots, the Connecticut settlers gained information that led them to fear that Miantonomo, the Narragansett chief, was not only inciting his warriors to fight the Mohegans, but to murder the English. There was an uneasy feeling among the settlers ; they went armed into their fields, and kept guard over their homes by night. Connecticut asked the Court at Boston to send one hun dred men to Saybrook Fort, but they declined to do so. Meanwhile Miantonomo, having collected a picked army of six hundred warriors, marched for the Mohegan country.4 Uncas, with his usual foresight, had stationed spies upon the mountain heights that overlooked the surrounding valleys. They discovered the Narragansetts as they were crossing a ford in the Shetucket River, and at once hastened to inform their chief. Accompanied by about four hundred warriors, Uncas started to meet the enemy. He had reached the spot in the eastern part of the town of Norwich, now known as Sachem's Plain, when he learned that the Narragansetts were only a short distance away. They soon came in sight ; and Uncas sent a messenger to Miantonomo, asking for an interview. This was granted, and the two chiefs met at a point between their armies. Uncas opened the conversation, according to tradition, iu these words : " You have a number of stout men with you, and so have I writh me. It is a great pity that such brave warriors should be killed in- a private quarrel between us only. Come like a man, as you profess to be, and let us fight it out. If you kill me,, my men shall be yours ; but if 1 kill you, your men shall be mine.'" " My men came to fight, and they shall fight," replied the Narragansett chief. Uncas instantly dropped to the ground, as a signal for his men to open the battle. The unexpected shower of arrows put the enemy to sudden flight ; and the Mohegans, with exultant cries, drove them over the rocks and precipices. Some of the swift-footed braves overtook 46 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1643. Miantonomo, and in various ways impeded his flight until Uncas came up, and put his hand upon his shoulder.5 He made no further resistance, but sat dowu upon the ground, and, without saying a word, looked his captor sullenly in the face. Uncas gave an Indian whoop that called his warriors about him. The victory was complete. The proud Narragansett chief made no request for mercy to himself or his men. GRAVE of miantonomo. Uncas asked him why he did not speak. " Had you taken me," he said, "I should have besought you for my life." The captives were taken to the Mohegan fort, and treated with kindness. Uncas was shrewd enough to know that it would be best to consult with the English as to what should be done with Miantonomo. Having taken his prisoner to Hartford, the time at length came for his trial. The charge that made the most impression upon the commissioners was that he had arranged a plan for cutting off the entire English population at a single blow. Had they not believed this 1643.] DEATH OF MIANTONOMO. 47 charge was sustained by the evidence, it is difficult to exon erate the colonists for their action towards the fallen chief who had done them many favors in times past. The matter was finally referred to five leading clergymen of the several colonies, who advised that sentence of death should he passed upon the accused. This advice was fol lowed by the commissioners, and the execution of the penalty was left with Uncas. The common tradition has been, that, having taken the captive chief back to the spot where he had been seized as a prisoner, the brother of Uncas, who- was marching behind Miantonomo, with a single blow of his hatchet killed him. In the same spot, still known as "Sachem's Plain," he was buried. An immense heap of stones long marked the grave, placed there by the hands of his tribe, who visited it at each anniversary of the death of their chief, and with loud lamentations expressed their grief. Some years ago a block of granite, inscribed with his. name and the year of his death, was placed over the grave of the brave and gifted Narragansett chief. 1 Greenwich, seven years after this, 3A League. This New-England was ceded back to New Haven by the Confederacy was very helpful to the boundary treaty, which was made with interests of the colonies, and especially Stuyvesant. to Connecticut. The trouble with the 3 Delaware Bat. The attempt to Dutch threatened hostilities, while the form a settlement met with ODuosition. Swedes were annoying the colony that both from the Sweues ana imtcn. woo naa oeen seat *o Delaware Bay. The claimed the country. After the forma- Indians were restless, and the struggle tion of the union between the New-Eng- in England between the King and Par- land colonies, New Haven, through the liament made the colonists more anxious commissioners, sought to gain some sat- to unite for their mutual protection. isfaction for the injury the Dutch had Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, done the property of English settlers. and New Haven signed the articles of In 1651 another attempt was made to union. "The Confederates took the send a company to form a plantation. name of 'The United Colonies of New They were stopped by Governor Stuy- England.' It was a league for both war vesant at New York, and compelled to and peace, as mutual interest might de- return. The union failed to give any mand. Each colony retained its own assurance of protection; and, while the independence in all things, though it matter o%establishing a permanent plan- was bound to help all others at need. tation was agitated for a number of And the relative number of men that. years, the plan was finally given up. each should furnish was agreed upon. 48 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. If two hundred were wanted, Massachu setts was to raise one hundred, while the quotas of the others were fixed at forty- five each. This agreement was given effect by choosing two commissioners from each colony, who formed a board for settling all questions that should come before it" (Drake). * Miantonomo felt that the English had treated him wrongfully; but his anger was directed towards Uncas as the one who had not only sought to arouse the ill feeling of the English against him by false reports, but as the foe of bis tribe and friends. Uncas had made war on Sequasson, a Connecticut sachem, who was a relative and ally of Miantonomo, and, after killing many of his men, had burnt their wigwams, When tidings of this attack upon his kinsman reached Miantonomo, he has tened at once to march against Uncas, giv ing notice of his intention to the English. e Palfrey says (Hist. N. E., vol. ii. 125), "Miantonomo, encumbered in hiB flight by some ' armor,' was dragged by two of his own captains to Uncas, who, with a sense of their treachery different from what thev had expected, laid them deaa at his feet.*' 1643.] THE DUTCH AND THE INDIANS. 49 CHAPTER VIII. 1643-1645. TROUBLES WITH THE DUTCH AND THE INDIANS. THE early governors of New Netherlands (New York) persistently asserted the claim of Holland to the valley of the Connecticut and the adjoining country, on the ground that they had explored the coast and river, and bought lauds, and traded with the Indians, both at " Good Hope " (Hart ford), Saybrook (" Kievit's Hook"), and "Red Mount" (New Haven), some time before their settlement by the Eng lish. A good deal of bad temper was stirred up, but fortu nately it never developed into an open contest of arms. Their common danger from the Indians made them allies at the very time letters of fiery discussion were passing between the authorities. The sale of intoxicating liquors to the natives was the source of a veiy profitable trade to the Dutch merchants ; but then, as now, it proved a terrible curse. The ignorant savages were made more brutal and bloodthirsty by the kindling of this awful appetite. The murder of a Dutch man by a drunken Indian, and the massacre, soon after, of thirty friendly natives, by the Mohawks, led the governor of New Amsterdam to commission one of his captains to kill as many of the hostile tribe as he could find. This was the beginning of a guerilla warfare, in which the Indians set fire to farm and store houses, and sometimes killed their occupants. The Dutch governor found himself 50 HISTORY OP CONNECTICUT. [1644-45. in a very uncomfortable position. He asked Captain Under bill of Stamford to assist him, which so enraged Marine, his own hot-tempered commander, that he tried to kill him ; and the feeling among the people was such that his excellency hired a guard of fifty Englishmen to protect his person. Among the victims of this war was the notorious Mrs. Hutchinson. After her banishment from Massachusetts on account of her strange religious beliefs, she found refuge in Rhode Island, where she remained until the death of her husband, when she emigrated to the wilderness beyond Stamford. It was here, while seeking to gain the good will of the natives, that she with her entire family, and several neighbors, were treacherously murdered by the Indians, with the exception of a single daughter, who was carried into captivity. In the year 1644 the colonists were depressed bj- many anxieties. Tidings came of the civil war that was raging in England ; and at home the savages, on every side, were turbulent and threatening. The Narragansetts, eager and determined, sought to avenge the death of Miantonomo ; and the Indians in the western part of the State, who had been heretofore peaceable, seemed to catch the fierce and warlike spirit of their neighbors, and committed terrible crimes against life and property. In the following year (1645) whole settlements in Virginia were destroyed at a single stroke ; and the settlers had reason to believe that the New-England Indians were arranging an alliance with the Southern tribes, with the purpose of de stroying the entire English population. Steps were taken to quell the quarrel between the Narra gansetts and Mohegans. At the request of the commission ers, then in session at Hartford, the Narragansetts sent one of their chiefs, and Uncas came in behalf of the Mohegans. Uncas denied the principal grievance of the Narragansetts, — that he had received a ransom for the life of Miantonomo, 1644-45.] THE PURCHASE OP SAYBROOK. 51 and after his death had refused to return it. The decision of the commissioners was in his favor ; and the Narragansett chief agreed that his people should defer hostilities until after the next year's planting-time, and that thirty days' notice should be given to the governors of Massachusetts and Con necticut before the war commenced. That the Indians stood in peculiar awe of the English is illustrated by a visit that was made, about this time, to Hart ford by four sachems from the east end of Long Island. They appeared before the commissioners, and said that their tribes had paid tribute to the white men ever since the Pequot war, and they desired a certificate of their good behavior, and the assurance of the protection of the English as long as they were peaceable. The paper was cheerfully given, and the delegation returned home highly gratified. In December, 1644, a matter was settled, that not only in creased the strength of the Connecticut colony, but decided questions in regard to title, that might have made much trouble. The General Court purchased from Colonel Fen- wick, and those he represented, the fort at Saybrook, with the adjoining lands and buildings, and also every claim that they had to the surrounding country.1 It was agreed that Colonel Fenwick should be allowed the use of all the houses belonging to the fort for a period of ten years, and that a duty for the same length of time should be paid to him on all beaver, grain, and biscuit exported from the river.2 The fort was at once put in good repair ; and Colonel Fenwick was requested to act as the agent of the colony in England, for the purpose of securing an ' ' enlargement of the patent, an'd to furnish other advantages." In violation of the recent treaty, the Narragansetts, in the summer of 1645, marched to the Mohegan country, and at tacked Uncas in his fort. So determined were they to an nihilate their old enemy, that Connecticut and New Haven sent a few soldiers to aid the Mohegans. A special meeting 52 HISTORY OP CONNECTICUT. [1645. of the commissioners was called ; and messengers were de spatched by them to the sachems of the contending tribes, asking their presence in person, or by representatives, to give their reasons for making war. This they declined to do, and the Narragansett chiefs returned a threatening and in sulting answer. Even Roger Williams of Rhode Island, whose voice was generally on the side of peace, felt that it was necessary to prepare for an impending war. Three hundred men were gathered by formal proclamation, and placed under the command of Major Edward Gibbons. Cap tain Mason and Lieutenant Robert Seeley had charge of the Connecticut and New-Haven forces. KING PHILIP'S WAMPUM BELT Alarmed by the prompt action of the colonies, the Narra gansetts sent a present to Governor Winthrop of Massachu setts, asking for peace, but begging the privilege of fighting the Mohegans, and avenging the death of Miantonomo. The present was returned by the commissioners, who sent word to Pessacus, Canonicus, and the other sachems of the Narra gansetts and Niantics, that they would accept neither gift nor terms of peace until they had atoned for past offences, and given pledges of future good behavior. The sachems, with Pessacus at their head, soon came to Boston, and appeared before the commissioners. They denied that they had been guilty of violating the old treaty, and renewed their accusa tions against Uncas, while giving assurance that they would not begin the war against the Mohegans before the next planting-time. 1645.] FARMINGTON INCORPORATED. 53 The commissioners, in a few plain, indignant words, gave the proofs that their statement regarding the keeping of the treaty was false, and assured them that they did not pro pose to let matters go on as they had done. The Indians finally acknowledged their treachery, and one of the leading chiefs humbly presented a stick to the commissioners as a token of submission. A new treaty was made, by which the hostile tribes restored to Uncas all the captives and canoes they had taken from him, and, as a pledge of good faith, gave hostages to the English, and agreed to pay " two thou sand fathom of good white wampum,"3 in four instalments. The settlement made on the Tunxis (Farmington) River in 1640 was incorporated in 1645, and given the name of Farm ington. The township included the territory that has since been divided into the towns of Southington, Berlin, New Britain, Bristol, Burlington, Avon, and Plainville. George Wyllys,4 elected governor of Connecticut in 1642, died in 1645. 1 This sale, on the part of Fenwick, included the fort at Saybrook and the land upon the river, with a pledge, on his part, to convey to the colony, " if it come into his power," all the land be tween Saybrook and jSTarragansett River, included in the old patent. This convey ance does not appear to have been made. As late as 1661 the colony did not have even a copy of the patent. When Gov ernor Winthrop went to England to procure the charter of 1662, he was re quested by the General Court to secure, if possible, a copy to aid him iu assert ing the rights of the colony. Through the kindness of the executor of Mr. Hopkins, a copy was found among the papers that were left by this gentleman on his death. Winthrop brought it home with him, and some years since it was discovered among the old files in the State Department by Dr. J. H. Trum bull. " The settlers of the river towns had not — before or after the agreement with Mr. Fenwick — any right of juris diction except such as grew out of oc cupation, purchase from the native proprietors, or (in the case of the Pequot territory) of conquest. Their policy seems to have been to dispose as quietly and cheaply as possible of the claims of such as challenged their title, — into the exact nature of which they were not dis posed to provoke too close an investiga tion " (J. H. Trumbull, Col. Rec. of Conn., vol. ii. 569). - The "Saybrook impost " was the occasion of a very serious difference be- tween Massachusetts and Connecticut. Of the settlements then existing on the river, one town, Springfield, was within the jurisdiction of Massachusetts. The people of Springfield refused to pay any duties to the officers appointed to collect them, claiming that, as they belonged to Massachusetts, they ought not to by 54 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. taxed for the benefit of Connecticut. The question was referred to the com missioners of the colonies for their decis ion. New Haven and Plymouth acted as arbitrators. The matter came up for hearing, under various pretexts, during the three following years; and each time the decision was, that the "impost" ought to be paid by the Springfield traders as well as by those in Connecti cut. Massachusetts was not pleased by this decision, and sought to retaliate by placing a duty ou all goods imporLed from Connecticut, as well as New Haven and Plymouth, to Boston, or exported from there to these colonies. This act was repealed the next year (1650). The entire discussion caused a good deal of ill feeling, and has been a fruitful topic for historians of later times to dwell upon. 3 Wampum. Drake, in his " Making of New England," says, "Among the New-England Iudians the manufacture and use of wampum, or shell-money, seems to have begun with the Narragau- setts, who sold it to the whites, who again used it the same as money in buy ing furs of the Eastern Indians, by whom wampum came to be highly prized. In short, it represented the wealth of a tribe. But wampum had for the Indian a higher meaning. Beautifully wrought, the belts, or strings, of shells stood, not only as his highest work of art and workmanship, but were his records, his tokens or pledges of friendship, or his credentials to other peoples or tribes. The IndianB had no written records; and belts of wampum were exchanged be tween tribes to ratify treaties of peace or war, or as pledges of the good faith of the parties. Hence, they not only bore a character of sacredness, but sym bolized the whole history of a war, a great council, or other remarkable event in the hiBtory of a tribe. No two belts were exactly alike. . Some are very beau tiful indeed, and show the Indian's ap preciation of art, as the idea of the belt itself does the poetic side of his nature. At certain seasons the Indians used to meet, in order to study the meaning, and renew the memories, of the wampum belts. Seated in a circle, the belts were passed from hand to hand, while the story of each was being repeated by the old men of the tribe. In this way what each belt stood for waB made familiar to old and young. Boys who were the sons of chiefs were admitted to these talks, in order that they might get ac quainted with the concerns of their tribe, at a time when such things impress themselves most. Wampum also was sometimes given in pledge for private friendship. There is no instance of such a promise ever having been broken by an Indian. Wampum was made from the inner wreath of the cockle or peri winkle, some shells being white, and others blue, veined with purple. The white beads were used by the Indians for stanching the flow of blood from a wound. Its commercial value differed as much as gold and silver, being first determined by the quality, and next by the workmanship. In trade the strings passed at so much a fathom (six feet). Having little gold and silver, the whites soon adopted wampum as a medium of trade." * George Wyllys was of an old and honored English family, and in herited a valuable estate in the county of Warwick. In 1636 Mr. Wyllys sent over his steward, with twenty men, with orders to purchase a site, and build a house, in Hartford for his use. Two years after this he left England, and came to Connecticut. He held a promi. nent position iu the colony, and was elected a magistrate annually until the time of his death. 1646.] DISCOVERY OF AN INDIAN PLOT. 55 CHAPTER IX. 1646-1647. DISCOVERY OF AN INDIAN PLOT. THE wise leaders of affairs in Connecticut early saw that it was desirable to have a written code of laws. In 1646 the Court " desired " Roger Ludlow '' to take some pains in drawing forth a body of laws for the government of this Commonwealth." Three years passed before his work was completed and the code adopted.1 The year was marked by a renewal of the controversy between Governor Kieft of New Netherlands, and the colo nial authorities. This warfare of words did not trouble them, however, as seriously as the treachery of once friendly tribes of Indians. The inhabitants of Windsor suffered severe losses from the destruction of property ; and a plot to murder Governor Haynes, Governor Hopkins, and Mr. Whiting, a prominent magistrate, was traced to Sequasson, a River Indian. Fortunately the Waranoke brave, whom he had hired to do the deed, betrayed his emploj'er, and in formed the authorities at Hartford of their danger. The Mohawks constantly harassed the weak Indian tribes, scattered through the western part of the State ; but they were shrewd in keeping on good terms with the English. An interesting story, illustrating Indian character, is con nected with the early history of Milford. A company of Mohawks came within the borders of the town, and lay in the ambush of a swamp waiting to attack the Milford 56 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1646. Indians. The English discovered their hiding-place, and apprised their neighbors of the danger. They gathered in large numbers, and suddenly surrounded the Mohawks, who were taken by surprise, and easily defeated. Among the prisoners was a stalwart warrior, whom his captors tied to a stake, and left in the tali grass of the swamp to die of starvation. An Englishman found the poor savage in this cruel plight, and, cutting the thongs that bound his limbs, set him at liberty. Having given him food and shelter, he aided his escape. This kindness was never forgotten by the Mohawks. They always treated the citizens of Milford with marked civility, and in various ways sought to show their gratitude to the one who had given his aid. Tobacco was first brought into use about this time ; and the Connecticut colony passed a curious law in regard to it, that we give as it stands on the original records. " Forasmuch as it is observed, that many abuses are crept in, and committed, by frequent taking of tobacko : "It is ordered by the authority of this Courte, That no person under the age of twenty years, nor any other, that hath not already accustomed himselfe to the use thereof, shall take any tobacko, untill hee hath brought a cirtiflcate under the hand of some who are ap proved for knowledge and skill in phisick, that it is usefull for him, and allso, that hee hath received a lycense from the Courte, for the same, — And for the regulating of those, who either by theire former taking it, have to their own apprehensions, made it necessary to them, or upon due advice, are persuaded to the use thereof: " It is ordered, That no man within this colonye, after the publica tion hereof, shall take any tobacko, publicquely, in the street, nor shall any take it in the fields or woods, unless when they be on their travel or journey at least 10 miles, or at the ordinary tyme of repast called dynner, or if it be not then taken, yet not above once in the day at most, & then not in company with any other, under the pen alty of six-pence for each offence against this order, in any the perticulars thereof, to bee paid without gainesaying uppon conviction, by the testimony of one witness, that is without just exception." 1647.] NEW LONDON FOUNDED. 57 In the spring of 1646, John Winthrop, jun., under the auspices of Massachusetts, began a settlement near Pequot Harbor. This territory was claimed, both by Massachusetts and Connecticut. Mr. Winthrop removed his family from Boston in the fall of 1646. They spent the winter upon Fisher's Island, but in the spring they settled on the main land. This was the beginning of the city of New London. In 1647 the territory was conceded to belong to Connecticut, and the General Court suggested that the place be called ' ' Fair Harbor ; ' ' but the settlers finally decided upon the name of New London. The "Pequot River" was there after known as the " Thames." A romantic interest is attached to the death of the wife of Colonel Fenwick of Saybrook, that is supposed to have occurred not far from this time. Lady Fenwick was the daughter of Sir Edward Apsley of England, and came to this country, cherishing the hope with her husband, that a beautiful and flourishing city might spring up where the waters of the Connecticut flowed into the Sound. The great leaders of the Revolution in England, like Cromwell and Hampden, were among those who planned to make this spot their future home, should they be compelled to leave their native land. The friends whom Lady Fenwick expected to welcome did not come, and she spent the remaining years of her life in the loneliness of surroundings that must have often seemed sad and strange in contrast with those of other days. Her tomb of hewn blocks of sandstone, without name or inscription, stood in a conspicuous spot not far from the old fort. Some years since, in building the Valley railroad, it was necessary to disturb this ancient memorial ; and it was removed with every care to the cemetery near at hand. The death of the Rev. Thomas Hooker,2 in the summer of 1647, was a severe affliction to the infant colony of Connecticut. Recognized as " the light of the Western churches," the historian Bancroft says, "He had no rival 58 HISTOHV OF CONNECTICUT. in public estimation but Cotton Mather, whom he surpassed in force of character, in liberality of spirit, in soundness of judgment, and in clemency. They who judge men by their services to the human race, will never cease to honor the memory of Hooker." 1 Until this code was established, punishment was left to the discretion of the Court, aud was sometimes arbitrary and uncertain. The code was by no means an original composition on the part of Ludlow. It is a compilation from the code of Massachusetts and other existing law. 2 Mr. Hooker fell a victim to an epidemic disease that carried off many Indians as well as Dutch and English. Cotton Mather has left an account of his death, in which he says, " In the time of his sickness, he did not say much to the standers-by; but being asked that he would utter his apprehensions about some important things, especially about the state of New England, he answered, * I have not that work now to do : I have already declared the counsel of the Lord.' And when one that stood weep ing by his bedside said to him, 'Sir, you are going to receive the reward of all your labors,' he replied, ' Brother, I am going to receive mercy.' Closing his eyes with his own hands, the glorious peace of soul which he had enjoyed without interruption for near thirty years together, so gloriously accompa nied him, that a worthy spectator, writ- iug to Mr. Cotton, » relative thereof, made this reflection : ' Truly, sir, the sight of his death will make me have more pleasant thoughts of death thau ever I yet had in my life.' " 1649.] UNCAS AND THE NARRAGANSETTS. , 59 CHAPTER X. 1647-1651. UNCAS AND THE NARRAGANSETTS. THE Narragansett and Niantic Indians broke their pledge of peace at the first opportunity. They failed to furnish the wampum they had agreed to pay, and hired bands of Pocomtocks 1 and Mohawks to assist them in their war of extermination against the Mohegans. The governor sent Thomas Stanton to Pocomtock, at the head of a deputation that found the Indians armed, and waiting for their Mohawk allies." The stern threats of Stanton, that the English would avenge any wrong that Uncas suffered, had the desired effect ; and, the Mohawks failing to come, the Narragansetts gave up these plans of war, although they injured and wantonly de stroyed a large amount of property in Rhode Island. In 1649 the old feud broke out again. Enraged that they had been so often baffled in their attempts to destroy the hated Mohegans, the Narragansett and Niantic chiefs plotted the assassination of Uncas. The Indian whom they hired to do this deed went on board a vessel where Uncas was, and stabbed him in the breast. The wound did not prove fatal ; and as soon as Uncas was sufficiently recovered, he appeared before the commissioners to tell the story of his wrongs. Ninigret, the Niantic chief, was summoned to appear, and clear himself of the charge made against himself and Pes sacus, that they had hired the assassin of Uncas. His de fence proved very lame ; and the commissioners gave him 60 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1650. to understand, that, unless he kept the pledges heretofore given, he must suffer the consequences. Uncas started a rumor that caused considerable anxiety, to the effect that a son or brother of Sassacus was negotiat ing an alliance with Ninigret by marriage with his daughter, and that he was to receive the support of the Narragansetts and Niantics in assuming the position of chief over the Pequots. Uncas had so many reasons for wishing the Eng lish to believe this story, that it looks as if it might have had a reality in his imagination alone. He had treated the captive Pequots in the most cruel manner ; and the wretched remnant of the once proud tribe, year after year, came before the commissioners with a narrative of wrongs that ought to have mitigated their condition long before it did. Uncas was faithful to the English, but his actions towards other tribes of Indians were marked by perfidy and cruelty. The Narragansetts still neglected to pay the wampum now long due ; and iu the autumn of 1650, Captain Humphrey Atherton of Massachusetts was sent with twenty men to enforce the payment. Pessacus met the little company with a long speech, which gave his warriors time to gather in increasing number. Without waiting for the conclusion of the oration, the brave English captain rushed into the wigwam, and seized the Narragansett chief by the hair of his head, and, pointing a loaded pistol at his person, told him he would blow his brains out if he offered the least resistance. The cowed and trembling sachem then and there counted out the wampum that a moment before he had loudly protested was not in his. possession. Having finished his errand with Pessacus in this summary fashion, Atherton hastened to visit Ninigret, who was thor oughly intimidated by the message which he brought to him. His Excellency, Peter Stuyvesant, was now governor of New Netherlands. Soon after he assumed the duties of his 1650.] GOVERNOR STUYVESANT AT HARTFORD. 61 •office, in 1647, the commissioners, in the name of the colonies of New England, sent him a congratulatory letter, in which they took occasion to call his attention to some matters in which they thought their; Dutch neighbors had done them wrong. As time went by, the situation grew worse ; and on Sept. 11, 1650, the Dutch governor came to Hartford. He declined to attend the meetings of the commissioners, and his request that the business should be transacted by written communications was granted. The war of words that had so long been in progress now culminated in a substantial recognition of the claims of the colonists, and the estab lishment of a boundary * that was of great advantage to them . War having broken out between England and Holland, with prudent foresight, the General Court of Connecticut ordered that the fort at Saybrook should be put in readiness for attack, and that the families in the vicinity should be brought within the enclosure. It was reported that a plan was being concerted between hostile Indian tribes and the authorities of New Netherlands for the extermination of the English. This report was indignantly and, no doubt, justly denied by Governor Stuy vesant ; but the colonists were iu a very excited and distrustful state of mind. The tide of feeling ran high on both sides ; and the com missioners, with the exception of Bradstreet, were in favor of declaring war. That gentleman repi'esented the position and wishes of the General Court of Massachusetts. The stubborn determination of their delegates against the will of the other colonies, then, as at other times, threatened the dissolution of the Union.3 Indignant at the action of Mas sachusetts, Connecticut and New Haven appealed to Eng land for help. This appeal was not in vain, and they were rejoiced to hear that ships and men would soon be sent to -aid them. Norwalk, the eastern part of which was purchased by 62 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1651. Roger Ludlow from the Indians in 1640, was incorporated by Connecticut at the General Court of 1651. The planters to whom the grant was given did not remove to their new home until that year. During the same year (1651) Mattabesett was first settled by the English, and in the fall of 1653 its name was changed to Middletown. 1 A tribe which held the country about Deerfield in Massachusetts. 2 Boundary. The commissioners chose Bradetreet of Boston, and Prince of Plymouth, and Governor Stuyvesant chose Thomas "VVillet and George Bax ter, as arbitrators. They disposed of the boundary question in these terras : — "I. That upon Long Island, a liue run from the westermost part of Oyster Bay, and so on a streight and direct line to the sea, shall be the bounds betwixt the English and the Dutch there, the easterly to belong to the English, and the westermost to the Dutch. "II. The bounds upon the Main to begin at the West side of Greenwich Bay, being about four miles from Stam ford, and so to run a northerly line, twenty miles up into the country, and after, as it shall be agreed, by the two governments of the Dutch and New Haven, provided the said line come not within ten miles of Hudson's River. And it is agreed, that the Dutch shall not at any time hereafter, build any bouse or habitation within six miles of the said line : the inhabitants of Green wich to remain (till further consideration thereof be had) under the government of the Dutch. "HI. The Dutch Bhall hold and enjoy all the lands in Hartford that, they are actually possessed of, known and set out by certain marks and bounds, and all the remainder of the said land, on both sides of Connecticut River, to be and remain to the English there. And it is agreed that the aforesaid bounds and limits, both upon the island and main, shall be observed and kept inviolable, both by the English of the united colonies, and all the Dutch nation, without any encroach ment or molestation, until a full and final determination be agreed upon in Europe, by the mutual consent of the two states of England and Holland." 3 " So long as the Confederacy acted in accordance with the wishes of Massa chusetts, all went well; but when she differed from the others, she was ready to dissolve the Union rather than yield " (Lodge's History of the English Colonies in America). Mr. Lodge is a loyal son of Massachusetts ; but this frauk observa tion, it seems to us, is in accord with the facts of history. 1653.] COLONIES THREATENED BY THE DUTCH. 63 CHAPTER XL 1653-1657. STAMFORD AND FAIRFIELD THREATENED BY THE DUTCH. THE hostile attitude of affairs between the Dutch and English was especially trying and disastrous to the towns west of New Haven. Stamford and Fairfield were exposed to imminent danger, and felt that the colonial au thorities did them a serious wrong iu failing to send troops for their protection. Stamford threatened to discontinue the payment of taxes to Connecticut, and place herself under the immediate protection of England. Fairfield went so far as to vote in town-meeting to raise troops without consulting the colony, and carry on war themselves.1 This independ ent and plucky action met with a severe reprimand. Not far from this time, the captain of a small armed vessel was arrested, under orders of the New-Haven colony, for carrying on an illegal trade with the Dutch at Manhattan. While the trial was in progress, the sailors pulled up anchor, and sailed out of Milford Harbor. A compan}' of brave Milford citizens at once manned a vessel, and, arming it as best they could, started in pursuit. They pressed the fugi tive so hard that the crew betook themselves to their skiff, and left their well-equipped vessel at the mercy of the gal lant pursuers, who brought it back to their harbor, where she was condemned, with her cargo, as a lawful prize. The fleet which Cromwell had sent, at the request of Con necticut and New Haven, had arrived in Boston Harbor. 64 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1654. Commissioners were at once despatched from both colonies to Boston, to make arrangements for the campaign. They were more than willing to raise their proportion of an army of fifteen hundred men. If Massachusetts was unwilling to take part in the war, " rather than the design should fall," they would engage to furnish four or five hundred men f they were put under commanders whom their agents ap proved. Tidings of peace in Europe put an end to the ex pedition, not without regret on the part of Connecticut and New Haven, for they had strong hopes that it would rid them of their troublesome Dutch neighbors. Ninigret continued to harass the Long-Island Indians ; and the commissioners sent a company of soldiers, under com mand of Major Willard, with orders, not only to compel the Niantic chief to desist from waging further war upon the Montauk Indians, but also to demand payment of the tribute still clue, and take from him the captive Pequots in trusted to his care. Willard found that Ninigret had anti cipated his visit, and taken refuge with his braves in a swamp several miles away. Without attempting to follow him, the English returned to Connecticut, followed by nearly one hundred miserable Pequots, whose prayer for protection was granted. Under the charge of an Indian governor, who ruled them by a code of laws specially prepared, they were given a tract of land on the Paucatuck and Mystic Rivers, and were permitted to hunt in the forests west of the Mystic. Ninigret, as soon as he came out of his unmolested place of concealment, renewed the war against the Montauk tribe, and did great injury to the property of the English settlers at East Hampton and South Hampton. In response to a further appeal for help, an armed vessel, under command of Captain John Youngs, was sent to watch the movements of the Niantics. This, for the time, proved an effectual barrier against the turbulent spirit and plans of Ninigret. I657.J NORWICH SETTLED. 65 The New-Haven colony received an urgent invitation from Cromwell to emigrate to Jamaica, which met at first with a very favorable reception. The Protector held out the most liberal inducements, and the plan was very pleasing to those who had been disappointed in the New-England settlement as a place of trade. The towns outside of New Haven did not favor the scheme, and after much discussion the Court decided that it was not wise to make the change. The year was marked by quarrels and wars between the scattered bands of Indians within the territory of the colonies. Uncas appears to have shown an ugly and treacherous temper, that sought in every possible way to foment trouble. The feud still raged between his tribe and the Narragansetts. Pessacus, by a stealthy and sudden approach, surrounded Uncas in his fort ; but the wily chief contrived to send word of his critical position to the garrison at Saybrook. Thomas Leffingwell, an ensign at the fort, was permitted to load a canoe with provisions, which, having paddled into the mouth of the Thames River under cover of the night, he brought to the famishing Mohegans. With courage and strength restored, Uncas led his warriors in such a furious charge that the Narragansetts were utterly routed. There is a tradition that the Mohegan chief, as an expression of his gratitude, gave Ensign Leffingwell a deed of nearly the whole of the present town of Norwich. It is the truth of historic record, however, that in 1659 Uncas, for seventy pounds, gave a deed of a large tract of land to an English company at Saybrook, that included the same territory. Major Mason was at the head of the company, that in cluded the pastor of the Saybrook church and most of its members, which in the spring of 1660 settled at Norwich. During the few years covered by this chapter, the colonists were called to mourn the loss of some of their most distin guished citizens. John Haynes, the first governor of Con necticut, aud who held that office every alternate year until 66 HISTORY OP CONNECTICUT. [1657. his decease, died in 1654. The owner of an elegant estate in England, with an annual income of five thousand dollars, he joined his fortunes with that of his intimate and admired friend, Hooker, and was a leader in the little baud that settled Hartford. Pleasant in manner, and well balanced in character and judgment, he was universally respected and beloved. Edward Hopkins, an opulent London merchant, first came to this country with the company that settled at New Haven. He soon decided to remove to Hartford, and for eleven years was elected governor of Connecticut alternately with Haynes. The death of his brother, in 1653, made it necessary for hiin to visit England. He expected to return in a short time, but Cromwell required his services. He was appointed a warden of the fleet, and commissioner of the admiralty ; and at the time of his death, March, 1657, he was a member of Cromwell's last Parliament. By his will, he gave most of his property to further the cause of education in New Eng land. The public grammar schools of New Haven, Hart ford, and Hadley, and also Harvard College, were recipients of his generous gift. Hopkins was a man of great executive ability, and trained in the practical management of affairs. He was connected with the family of Governor Eaton by marriage, and the friendship between them was both strong and tender.2 Theophilus Eaton, who died at his home in New Haven, Jan. 7, 1657, was the first governor of that colony, and con tinued in that office until his death. The son of an English clergyman, he early entered upon a distinguished mercantile career. For a time he acted as an ambassador of the kino- at the court of Denmark, and upon his return accumulated large wealth as a merchant in London. He held earnestlv to the opinions that found expression in the constitution of the New-Haven colony, and did all that was in his power to sustain them. Active and wise iu the guidance of public 1657.] JOHN WINTHROP ELECTED GOVERNOR. 67 affairs, his private life was marked by generous hospitality and consistent piety.8 In the spring of 1657, John Winthrop of New London was chosen governor of Connecticut. Massachusetts had done all in its power to retain his services, and for many years he was elected a magistrate of that colony. He de clined a flattering invitation to return and make his home with them, and in 1651 he became a freeman of Connecticut. At the very beginning of his administration of the high office in which he was to perform such signal and honored services, important changes were made. Every freeman was admitted on the vote of the central government of the colony. A troop of horse were for the first time enrolled. Important action was taken, by which new churches could only be formed by the consent of the General Court and the approbation of neighboring churches. New interest was taken in the reli gious instruction of the Indians, and more care shown in making liberal contributions to the college at Cambridge. 1 Roger Ludlow was made com- . following spring he left Connecticut, and roander of the town militia. This is probably sailed from Virginia to Eng. about the last we hear of this gifted land, and spent his last days there. man, whose faults of temper sadly de- 2 On his death-bed in England, he tracted, both from his judgment and said, " Plow often have I pleased myself influence. At once ambitious and iras- with thoughts of a joyful meeting with cible, he failed to secure the positions he my father Eaton ! I remember with coveted, although his ability was recog- what pleasure he would come down the nized in many ways. He left Massachu- street, that he might meet me when I setts, and joined his fortunes with the came from Hartford to New Haven ; but early settlers of Connecticut, because with how much greater pleasure shall he felt that others less worthy than him- we shortly meet one another in heaven." self were preferred before him. It would 3 The colony erected a monument to appear that the same reasons influenced his memory, bearing this inscription : — him in going to Fairfield. His impetuous „„ . . , . ' e 5 ^ "Eaton, so famed, so wise, so meek, so spirit broke out in full force against the < t Dutch ; and when both New Haven and Thc ph(^nix of our worlQ, nere ,lldCB hlB Connecticut showed their displeasure at dust: Ibe action of Fairfield, he expressed his xhis name forget, New England never indignation iu the strongest terms. The must." 68 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1660. CHAPTER XII. THE STORY OF THE REGICIDES. ON the 27th of July, 1660, a ship arrived in Boston, bring ing intelligence that Charles II. had ascended the throne of England. Before his restoration, the king promised that forgiveness would be granted to all who should give their allegiance to his authority, except those who might be condemned by Parliament. The House of Commons was disposed to pardon, even the members of the court that had condemned Charles I. to death ; but the Lords insisted that they should be brought to trial. Following this advice, the king issued a proclama tion, declaring that such of the judges of his father as did not surrender within fourteen days would receive no pardon. Nineteen delivered themselves up ; while others, in the attempt to flee, were overtaken, and brought back to the trial that ended in the condemnation and execution of ten of these unhappy men. Of the regicides who escaped by flight, three found shelter in New England. Edward Whalley and William GofTe ar rived at Boston in July, 1660, and John Dixwell came later. The romantic story of their life and wanderings is in many ways woven into the history of the State. When they first reached Boston, it was thought that their exile would be temporary, and that they would receive the royal foro-ive- ness. Governor Endicott and other prominent citizens ex tended the hospitalities of their homes to these distinguished 1661.] THE STORY OP THE REGICIDES. 69 strangers, and they did not hesitate to appear in public places. When word was received, however, that they were looked upon as traitors by the king, the general feeling changed towards them. Having learned that the Massachusetts authorities were seriously considering the question of their apprehension i, the alarmed regicides sought refuge among friends in New Haven. They found this shelter none too soon ; for a royal mandate reached Massachusetts, requiring the arrest of the fugitives. Tidings came by the same ship of the execution of ten of the regicides, and the authorities of the colonies could not fail to see that it would bring their loyalty iu question if they did not give earnest attention to the king's command. Two zealous young officers were authorized to search for Whalley and Goffe as far as Manhattan. The promise of promotion gave zest to their errand. When they reached Hartford, Governor Winthrop very readily gave them a warrant to search within the jurisdiction of Connecticut, but assured them that it would be a vain quest. Hastening on to Guilford, the' home of acting Governor Leete of the New-Haven colony, they asked for his official assistance. With great deliberation of action, the governor declined to issue any warrant until he had consulted with the other magistrates. This delay compelled them to remain at Guil ford over the sabbath ; and in the interval, it is supposed that a message was carried to New Haven, warning the judges of their danger. While the royal pursuers were chafing at their enforced stay at Guilford, Davenport, the warm friend of the regicides, was preaching to his people at New Haven, from the text, "Take counsel, execute judg ment; make thy shadow as the night in the midst of the noonday ; hide the outcasts ; bewray not him that wandereth. Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab ; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler." The congregation under stood the sermon without any need of personal application. 70 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1661. Early Monday morning the officers rode into New Haven ; but his excellency, Governor Leete, was still very deliberate in his movements, and did not arrive in town until a later hour. He assured the young gentlemen, that, to the best of his belief, the persons they were so anxious to find were not in the colony. Still pressing their demand for a warrant, they asked the privilege of searching one or two houses where they had reason to think the regicides were hid ; but the governor said he could do nothing until he had called a meeting of the freemen. By this time the officers were thoroughly angry, and inti mated that the worthy governor would get himself and the colony into trouble by his dilatory action. These remarks made such a deep impression, that the governor convened the magistrates, and continued their deliberations for five or six hours. They decided that it would be necessary to call a General Court. The indignant officers were more out spoken in their wrath than ever, and accused the authorities of treason in attempting to hinder their service. To the question " whether he would obey the king, or no, in this affair," Leete replied, " We honor his majesty, but we have tender consciences." Finding themselves in a community not easily overawed, even by fine young gentlemen bearing a royal commission, the two disgusted officers journeyed as far as Manhattan, where they were politely received by Governor Stuyvesant, who promised them aid in arresting the fugitives, if they could be found in the Dutch territory. From Manhattan they soon took passage for Boston, without visiting again the authorities of New Haven and Connecticut. It is supposed that the regicides, when word came to them of the arrival of the pursuing officers at Guilford, were secreted at the home of William Jones, whose wife was a daughter of Governor Eaton. That night (May 11) they left New Haven, and found refuge in a mill in the woods, 1661.] THE STORY OF THE REGICIDES. 71 two miles north of the town. Early Monday morning they were conducted by Mr. Jones and two other friends, three miles or more into the wilderness. Having found a hatchet on the spot that they had selected to build a rude shelter of branches, they called the place Hatchet Harbor. They spent two nights here ; and then, having learned that the pursuers were on the way to Manhattan, they were guided to West Rock, or Providence Hill as they named it, by Richard Sperry, who had been one of the little party who had left them at Hatchet Harbor. Here they found a slight shelter, afforded by several large fragments of trap-rock, that has ever since been known as the "Judges' Cave." The magnificent outlook from this spot takes in the surrounding country for many miles, with a wide sweep of the Sound. It was easy of access, and at the same time very secluded. Whalley and Goffe remained in this neighborhood from May 15 to June 11. They were furnished with food by Mr. Sperry, whose house was at the foot of the hill, about a mile away. The probabilities are, that they went down in the evening, and slept at Mr. Sperry's, returning early in the morning. Two days after the regicides had removed to West Rock, at a meeting of the General Court, Deputy-Governor Leete called attention to a copy of a letter from his Majesty, with another letter from the governor of the Massachusetts col ony, " for the apprehending of Colonel Whalley and Colonel Goffe." The Court declared, that, to the best of their knowl edge, these persons were not within the colony : they, how ever, ordered diligent search to be made, but without avail.1 Learning that Mr. Davenport was suspected of concealing them, the regicides left their hiding-place on the 11th of June, and appeared on the streets of New Haven. It is not known where they spent the next few days ; but on Saturday, June 22, they were in New Haven, and had word sent to Mr. Gilbert, now deputy-governor, that they were ready to 72 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1664. surrender, if it was necessary, rather than place any of their friends in danger on their account. There were those who advised them not to surrender ; and on Monday, while the magistrates were preparing to arrest them, they quietly sought their old place of refuge at West Rock. They re mained here until the 19th of August, " when, the search for them being pretty well over, they ventured to the house of one Tomkins, near Milford, where they remained two years, without so much as going into the orchard. After that they took a little more liberty, and made themselves known to several persons in whom they could confide ; and each of them frequently pra3-ed, and also exercised, as they term it, or preached, at private meetings iu their chamber." 2 Learning, in 1664, that new commissioners from England had landed at Boston, charged, among other duties, with their arrest, the unfortunate regicides decided to seek a more secluded hiding-place. They retired at first to their cave on West Rock ; but the discovery of their retreat by a party of Indians, compelled them in a few days to go else where. From this unknown spot they journeyed by night to the frontier town of Hadley, Mass., where they were concealed in the home of the Rev. John Russell. Here they continued to reside until the death of Whalley, some ten }-ears afterwards. The later years of Goffe are shrouded in mystery ; but the probabilities are, that he died in Hadley, and was buried by the side of Whalley, in the cellar of the house that for so long a time kept the secret of their hiding. An interesting tradition of the regicides is a part of the history of Hadley. During the dark days of "King Philip's War," the people had gathered in their meeting-house to observe a fast. While the service was in progress, the alarm was given of the approach of a large body of Indians. It was the custom for a part of the congregation to attend public worship under arms, and those who were on duty at this time bravely attempted to repel the sudden attack of 1665.] THE STORY OF THE REGICIDES. 73 the savages. The battle from the first was very uuequal in numbers ; and the Indians were gaining the advantage, when a man, venerable in years, and singular in his dress and appearance, came upon the scene, and directed the move ments of the villagers with such skill, that the enemy were soon put to flight. The stranger at once disappeared, and the people very generally believed that an angel had been sent of God for their deliverance. Years afterwards it was known that the supposed heavenly messenger was Goffe the regicide. Another of the judges of King Charles, at a later date, lived and died at New Haven. It is not known where Colonel John Dixwell spent the early years of his enforced captivity. He visited Goffe and Whalley at Hadley in 1665, and some time after this took up his residence in New Haven, under the assumed name of James Davids. He found a devoted frieud in the Rev. James Pierpont, the second successor of Mr. Davenport in the ministry there. Their home-lots adjoined in the rear, and they were in the habit of meeting frequently for prolonged conversation at the fence that separated their yards. The minister's wife wondered that her husband should enjoy the company of this aged man so much ; but the answer to her question as to his friend and neighbor was simply, " He is a very know ing and learned man." During a visit of Sir Edmund Andros to New England, he spent a Sunday in New Haven.3 While in attendance upon public worship, his attention was arrested by the face and bearing of a venerable man sitting in one of the pews. At the close of the service he inquired of some one who the gentleman was. "He is a merchant living in town," was the reply. Sir Edmund, with his suspicions aroused, said, shaking his head, " I know he is not a merchant." Mr. Davids did not attend the afternoon service ! At the death of Colonel Dixwell, his real name and char- 74 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. acter were made known ; but he requested that no monument should be erected at his grave giving his name and person, "lest his enemies might dishonor his ashes." In accordance with his wish, a plain stone marked his burial-place, in scribed simply with the initials "J. D., Esq.," and giving his age and the date of his death. ] A search-warrant was placed in the bands of persons in different towns. The writer of this note may be pardoned for taking interest in the fact that his ¦ancestor, Thomas Sanford, one of the original planters of Milford, was ap pointed by Governor Treat to aid in this search within the limits of that town. 2 This story, as a tradition, is re lated by Hollister: "During their stay •at Milford, there was brought over from England a ballad, written by some hair- brained, caValier rhymer, placing the regicides in Buch a ludicrous light that a loyalist might be excused for laughing, or a Puritan for biting his lip, at the recital of it. This ballad, a girl who was an inmate of Mr. Tomkins's family, or who was in the habit of visiting the house, had committed to memory, and had learned to sing it, which she hap pened to do in the chamber above the room occupied by the judges. They were so delighted with the song, that they used to beg their host to have it re peated by the young ladies of the family, who little knew what an interested audi tory had been provided for them." 3 Sir Edmund was never a welcome visitor at New Haven or Hartford. There is a tradition, that, on this very Sunday, the deacon gave out the fifty-second psalm to be sung, as found in Stern- hold and Hopkins's version, which runs thus : — " Why dost thou, tyrant, boast abroad, Thy wicked works to praise ? Dost thou not know there is a God, Whose mercies last always? Why dost thy mind yet still devise Such wicked wiles to warp? Thy tongue untrue, in forging lies, Is like a razor sharp. Thou dost delight in fraud and guile, In mischief, blood, and wrong; Thy lips have learned the flattering style O false, deceitful tongue!" Andros called the deacon to an ac count; but he gave as an excuse, that it was the usage of the church to sing the psalms in course, and the matter was dropped. 1662.] NEW-HAVEN AND CONNECTICUT COLONIES. 75 CHAPTER XIII. 1662-1664. THE UNION OF THE NEW- HAVEN COLONY WITH CONNECTICUT. WE come now to the history of the union of the New- Haven colony with that of Connecticut. Both of these colonies, in their original settlement, occupied lands included in the great patent given by King James I. to the famous Plymouth Company. In 1630 they conveyed their title to Robert Earl of WaT- wick ; and he conveyed it to Lord Say and Seal, with other distinguished men associated with him. This was the patent under which the Saybrook colony claimed a right to the sur rounding country, that, while unrecognized by the people of Connecticut, no doubt made them more anxious to bring about the purchase from Colonel Fenwick, which has already been noticed. The colonists were deeply interested in the stormy revo lution in the mother country, of which Cromwell was the controlling spirit. They knew that the great Puritan leader cherished very kind feelings towards them, and at one time it seemed possible that he might make his home in the New- England wilderness. With the restoration of Charles the Second, the colonists were reminded that a king was again upon the English throne ; and, having hastened to recognize the royal authority, some of the principal citizens of Con necticut thought that the time was ripe and opportune for 76 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1662. seeking a charter that should define their rights and relation to the crown of England. This important business was in trusted to the care of Governor Winthrop, as the agent of the colony.1 He at once set sail, and arrived in England in the summer of 1661. He met with a cordial welcome from old friends, and his polished manners and scholarly acquire ments soon gained him an entrance to the highest and most, influential circles of society. Connecticut was indeed fortu nate in her representative, and in the time chosen to make her request. Although suffering from the disabilities of age and illness, Lord Say and Seal showed a fatherly solicitude in advancing the interests of the commonwealth beyond the sea, with which his name had been connected in its earliest history. Personally, and through friends, he opened the way for Winthrop to meet the king in private consultation. A little incident, trivial in itself, is- related in this connection. The ,ohn winthkop. grandfather of Winthrop received a ring from the hand of Charles- the First, in token of his esteem. This heirloom the grandson carried with him, and, at his first interview with the king, begged the privilege of returning it to him as a memorial of his father. The incident, at least, illustrates. the delicate tact of the worthy representative of Connecticut, who understood that the way to secure the good will and attention of Charles the Second was through his feelings, and not his intellect. On the 23d of April, 1662, the royal signature was ap pended to the charter, of which. the historian Bancroft savs, " In regard to powers of government, it was extraordinary. It conferred on the colonists unqualified power to govern. 1662.] UNION OF NEW HAVEN AND CONNECTICUT. 77 themselves. They were allowed to elect all their own officers, to enact their own laws, to administer justice with out appeals to England, to inflict punishments, to confer par dons, and, in a word, to exercise every power, deliberative and active. The king, far from reserving a negative on the acts of the colony, did not even require that the laws should be transmitted for his inspection ; and no provision was made for the interference of the English Government in any event whatever. Connecticut was independent except in name." 2 The bounds of the territory, confirmed by the charter, were the same as in the patent of 1631, and included the whole of New Haven and a part of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Netherlands. As soon as the character of the charter was known, a few towns, connected with the New-Haven colony, expressed their desire to come under the jurisdiction of Connecticut. The most prominent citizens, however, of New Haven and adjacent townships, were sorely disturbed at what seemed to them an unjust attempt to destroy their commonwealth by a summary process of absorption. While manifest destiny favored the union, we can but admire the courage, dignity, and ability with which the position and rights of New Haven were asserted.3 The arrival at Boston of three ships of the royal navy bearing commissioners, and the conquest not long after of, the Dutch, brought the vexatious discussion to an end. Town after town had renounced allegiance to New Haven, and joined Connecticut, until only three remained with her. They still remained firm in their determination to resist what they deemed the encroachment of their sister colony ; but when they saw that they must either go with her, or be ab sorbed by New York, they decided that it was preferable to unite with Connecticut, than to remain under the direct rule of a royalist whom they "thoroughly detested. The result that proved so happy in its after-blessings, was 78 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1664. at the time a grievous affliction to many, and especially to the gifted Davenport, who in his old age mourned what seemed to him the ruin of his life-work and hopes. On the other side of the sea he had thought out the principles of the constitution of the colony, which he had helped to found in the wilderness, with those of like sentiments with himself. With untiring solicitude and marked ability, he had done his part as a leader in civil and religious affairs. It is easy to understand his feeling at the unexpected turn of fortune that brought New Haven and Connecticut together, and blotted out the distinctive life of the colony. Against the earnest wish of his church and congregation, he accepted an invita tion to remove to Boston, where he died two years after wards. There is no name in the early history of New Haven that can ever occupy a more distinguished place than that of John Davenport. During the year 1664, in which the union was effected, the Dutch surrendered their possessions in New Netherlands to the English, and Connecticut gave up her claim to Long Island and Delaware in favor of the representatives of the Duke of York. 1 Bancroft gives this beautiful trib- became impoverished, the son, unso- ute to the character of Wiuthrop : " Ab licited and without recompense, relin- a child he had been the pride of his quished hia inheritance, that 'it might be father's house; he had received the best spent in furthering the great work' iu instruction which Cambridge and Dublin Massachusetts; himself , without wealth, could afford, and had perfected his edu- engaging in the enterprise of planting cation by visiting, in part at least, in the Connecticut. Care for posterity seemed public service, not Holland and France the motive to his actions. Understand- only, In the days of Prince Maurice and ing the springs of action, and the prin- Richelieu, but Venice and Constautino ciples that control affairs, he never pie. As he travelled through Europe, attempted impracticable things, and he sought the society of meu eminent noiselessly succeeded in all that he for learning. Returning to England in undertook. The New World was full the bloom of life, with the fairest prom- of his praises. Puritans and Quakers ise of advancement, he preferred to and the freemen of Rhode Island were follow his father to the New World, alike his eulogists. The Dutch at New regarding 'diversities of countries but York had confidence iu his integrity, as so many inns,' alike conducting to and it is the beautiful testimony of his 'the journey's end.' When his father own father, that ' God gave him favor in 1664.] UNION OF NEW HAVEN AND CONNECTICUT. 79^ the cyeB of all with whom be had to do.'" 2 "The Charter procured from Charles II. was not regarded as a grant of new powers, but as a formal recogni tion of the rights and privileges they had exercised from the first. The first draught of the charter itself, so far as it affected the liberties of the colony, was, iu fact, prepared by the General Court in Hart ford" (J. Hammond Trumbull). s Winthrop showed great skill in his negotiations, but many things were in his favor. New Haven was disliked by the power near the throne on account of her Puritanism ; and her dilatory action iu recognizing the authority of Charles II. was remembered against her, as well as the fact that the regicides had found shelter within her borders. A deeper diplomatic reason for favoring Connecti cut iu found in that it may have been hoped that the union of the colonies would raise up a rival to Massachusetts, and result in breaking up the Confeder acy. The opposition of New Haven to the Union was a source of regret and trouble to Winthrop. He had given as surances that New Haven should have the liberty of choice; and he was not altogether pleased that his Connecticut friends, in their joy at securing the char ter, should seek, by coercive methods, to compel their sister colony to unite with them. It is to be remembered, that while Davenport was so strongly opposed to the matter, and the pastor of the church in Branford induced almost his entire congregation to remove to Newark, N.J., rather than submit to Connecticut, there were many like Governor Leete, who thought it was perhaps for the best, and still others who were earnestly in favor of the Union. 80 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1674-75. CHAPTER XIV. 1664-1675. EDMUND ANDROS, GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK. AFTER the Duke of York had taken possession of New Netherlands under the authority of the English crown, royal commissioners were appointed to look after its affairs. These gentlemen were also directed to visit New England, and make certain demands of the colonies that would re mind the people that they were still the subjects of the king. These demands, being in accord with the spirit of the con stitution of Connecticut, were at once obeyed. During the next eight years the most exciting topics of public interest pertained to questions of religious doctrine and administra tion,1 and a fiery conflict of discussion with Rhode Island regarding boundary-lines.2 The reconquest of New York by the Dutch threatened to involve Connecticut in serious trouble ; but the stir of military preparations had scarcely begun when tidings came of the treaty of Westminster, by which Holland ceded New Nether lands to England. The Dutch ships sailed out3 of New- York Bay ; and the English frigates soon after sailed in. bringing the new governor of the province, Sir Edmund Andros. Within a short time, Andros sent word to the authorities at Hartford, that, in accordance with the patent recently given to the Duke of York, he considered all of the country lying west of the Connecticut River under his juris diction. 1675.] ANDEOS AT SAYBEOOK. 81 Ten years had scarcely passed since the boundaries of Connecticut had been carefully defined, by royal commis sioners, as including New Haven and the towns west of it, and the demand of Andros was received with scornful aston ishment. The governor and his council stood firm in their determination to resist this assault upon the rights of the colony. News having come to Connecticut of threatened danger from some Indians living beyond the eastern bounds of the colony, a messenger was sent to Andros. He at once made reply that he would make " the best of his way to Connecticut River, his Royal Highness's bounds there." The authorities at Hartford surmised that he was seizing this opportunity as a pretext to set foot ou Connecticut soil, and assert the claim of the Duke of York to the territory west of the river. Captain Thomas Bull was at once sent, with one hundred men, to occupy the fort at Saybrook, with instructions to treat Major Andros with great personal courtesy, but to resist any attempt that he might make to gain possession of the fort. "You are, in his Majesty's name," wrote the governor, " required to avoid striking the first blow ; but if they begin, you are to defend yourselves, and do your best to secure his Majesty's interest and the peace of the whole Colony." 4 As soon as favoring winds could carry him, Andros with two small vessels arrived off Saybrook, and anchored at the mouth of the river. He saw that his coming had been antici pated, and that the colony proposed to resist his demands. At his request he was permitted to come on shore, where he was met by Captain Bull and "his officers. After an ex change of military courtesies, in the face of a direct protest, Andros commanded his secretary to read the papers that gave him pretended authority over all of the colony west of the river. Captain Bull sternly commanded the clerk to stop. He still persisted. " Forbear," roared the doughty captain. 82 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1675. " What is your name? " sarcastically inquired Andros. "My name is Bull, sir," was the dignified but somewhat irate reply. " Bull," responded the governor. " It is a pity that your horns are not tipped with silver." 5 As soon as the reading of the obnoxious paper began, the Connecticut officers moved aside, and would not listen. Andros, disturbed at this action, said he would set sail at once if they did not wish him to stay. They told him that they " had no order to desire him to stay, but must now read something else;" and forthwith the protest that had been prepared was read in his hearing. His anger by this time found vent in the retort, that this paper was a slander, and that the Connecticut authorities had done him a great wrong when his only purpose was to aid them. The officers declined to give him a copy of the protest, which he desired, but they parted with outward courtesy. A guard of honor marched with him to the water, and, as his vessels passed the fort, salutes were fired ou both sides. Soon after the visit of Andros at Saybrook, Connecticut was deeply agitated by the tidings that reached them of the opening tragedies of " King Philip's War." Philip was the son of Massasoit, the true friend of the early Massachusetts settlers. Unlike his father, his heart was filled with a spirit of murderous hate towards the whites. He was angry be cause of warnings and reprimands that he had received from the English, who more than suspected that he was plotting mischief. A savage thirst for blood and revenge seems to have been the motive that urged him to action. The coming of the colonists had been a help in many ways to the Indians. They had neither been crowded from their hunting-grounds, nor treated unjustly. The facts do not warrant the theory that Philip sought to wage a war of extermination against the whites because of their encroachments. He hated the Eng lish, and certain fancied wrongs nursed the spirit of revenue 1675.] king philip's war. 83 that made him eager to do all in his power to injure them. He visited the scattered tribes in various parts of New England, and easily infused his spirit in the breast of those who, like himself, had a brutal lust for blood. There is no doubt but they cherished the hope, by united action, of bringing dismay and desolation to the hearts and homes of the settlers. Having laid their plans with great secrecy, the war broke out with such concerted fury that within a few days the settlements along a line of two hundred miles suffered terri bly ; the heaviest blows falling upon the scattered towns in Western Massachusetts. After a brief delay caused by the controversy with Andros, Connecticut responded, with her usual alacrity, to the call for assistance.6 Major Robert Treat was placed in command of the troops who did garri son duty above Springfield until called to march against the Narragansetts. In the attack upon the stronghold of the Narragansetts, hidden in an almost impenetrable swamp, the soldiers of Connecticut acted a foremost part. They pressed their way into the fort at points of extreme danger, where the fire was deadliest, and fought with stubborn valor until their victory was complete. Out of three hundred men, forty were killed, and as many were wounded. The extreme cold added greatly to the suffering.' The power of Philip was broken ; and in the following summer he was tracked to his lair at Mount Hope, and killed by troops under the com mand of Major Church. During these months, many settle ments suffered from the raids 8 of the Indians ; and, even after the death of Philip, they attacked a few places. Governor Winthrop was chosen one of the commissioners to represent Connecticut in the Congress of the United Colo nies in May, 1676. He went to Boston upon this errand in the early spring, and was there taken sick, and died after a brief illness. The name of John Winthrop is inseparably woven into 84 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1676. some of the most interesting chapters in the early history of Connecticut. His influence, at a critical period, was great ; and with rare tact and wisdom he labored to advance the interests and welfare of the Commonwealth that he lived to see strong and prosperous. Time has added lustre to his fair fame, and the progress of events proved the ability with which he conducted difficult negotiations. It has been the fashion, in some quarters, to disparage the character and service of the younger Winthrop in comparing him with his distinguished father, the governor of Massachusetts. With out detracting in the least from the reputation of that able and good man, we contend, that, measured by every standard of true greatness, the son does not stand in the shadow of his honored sire. His generous and affable spirit enabled him to win the friendship and good will of others, but this kindly feeling never moved him from the path of rectitude. With the courteous manners of a cavalier, he combined a Puritan love and loyalty to truth and righteousness, that made him both a wise and successful leader. 1 These questions grew out of the the privilege of baptism for their house- agitation of matters of discipline respect. holds, and of access to the Lord's table." ing church membership and baptism. This was afterwards known as the Ealf- In the early history of the colonial way Covenant Plan. Davenport was churches, all of whom were Congrega- earnestly opposed to this innovation, tioual in polity, only those who had made and its advocacy by certain prominent public profession of a personal spiritual parties in Connecticut added to bis experience were admitted to the privilege sorrow over the absorption of New of baptism for themselves and their chil- Haven into that colony. dren. At this period, there was a grow. 2 These discussions in regard to ing party in Connecticut, especially at boundary-lines have little general inter- Hartford, who favored the custom and est now ; but, when under debate, they rights granted by the state churches of caused great excitement and much hara England and Scotland. This system feeling. Connecticut claimed, that, by provided that all persons of good moral the Warwick patent and the charter of character in a parish, who made"acer- Charles II., the eastern bounds of the tain public profession of Christian faith State commenced at Narragansett Bay. and Christian obedience, including a Rhode Island said very truthfully, that formal covenant with God and with the this left her a pitiful bit of territory. Church, which at the same time was to The Connecticut fathers did not consider be understood as implying no profession this argument very strong, and were of any Christian experience, might have alert in asserting their rights and driving THE NAEEAGANSETT FORT. 85 out intruders. In 1671 a controversy between Massachusetts and Connecticut, regarding the northern boundary-line, was settled by the former colony, con senting to an addition of some miles of territory to Connecticut. Even down to the present day, the boundary-lineB of the State remained undecided. Those inter ested in these matters will find them fully and carefully stated in a beautiful monograph prepared by Mr. Clarence W. Bowen, entitled " The Boundary Disputes of Connecticut." 3 The citizens of New York, catching the temper of their hot-headed governor, at first declared that they would not "surrender, but keep up by fightiDg so long as they could stand on one leg, and fight with one hand." * The General Court came together the following day (July 9), and approved the action of Governor Winthrop and the Council. They unanimously passed a resolution protesting against " Major Andros's challenge and attempts to sur prise the main fort of the colony ; " and they expressed themselves as ready to "use their utmost power and en deavor (expecting therein the assistance of Almighty God) to defend the good people of the Colony from the said Major Andros's attempts" (Conn. Rec, ii.262). 5 This episode is related by Dr. Trumbull (HiBt. Conn. i. 330). Such conversations are matters of tradition; but the colonial records tell us that Major Bull was instructed not to alio w AndroB's men to land except for refreshment, and that they were to come unarmed, and make but a short tarry. He was to " keep the king's colors standing, under his Majesty's lieutenant, the governor of Connecticut; and if any other colors were set up, he was not to suffer them to stand." The Connecticut authorities were not altogether pleased that a more vigorous protest had not been made. They could have wished that *' he [Andros] had been interrupted in doing the least thing, under pretence of his hav ing any thing to do to use his Majesty's name in commanding there so usurp. iugly, which might have been done by shouts, or sound of drum, etc., without violence " (Conn. Rec., ii. 584). 6 " The Council did further coramis- sionate Major Treat to take the conduct of our army, and to take special care of the Reverend Mr. Bulkly and Mr. Noyes : and they also commanded all the cap tains and lieutenants of the army to be tender and careful of Major Treat, that he be not exposed to loo much hazard, and that they allot him a sufficient guard to attend his person at all times; with an advice that they avoid whatever may be provoking to God, and that they be have themselves valiautly and courage ously " (Conn. Rec, ii. 388). 7 The site of this fort is in the town of South Kingston, R.I., about eighteen miles north-east of Slonington. During the fight, captains Gallup of New Lon don, and Marshall of Windsor, were killed outright. Captain Seeley of St rat ford received wounds that proved mor tal; and the Bame fate overtook Captain John Mason of Norwich, son of the leader against the Pequots. Samuel Hall of Fairfield petitioned the General Court for compensation for clothes lost in the " swamp fight." " When Captain Mason was shot down," he wrote, "I was just before him when he fell down, and shook him by the hand, I being shot down in that very place, so that he fell very near me. But Captain Mason got up again and went forth, and I lay bleed ing there in the snow; and hearing the word commanded to set fire on the wig wams, I considered I should be burned if 1 did not crawl away. It pleased God to give me strength to get up and get out, with my cutlass in ray hand, not withstanding I had received at that time four bullets, two in each thigh, as was manifest afterwards" (Conn. Rec, iii. 5). "The Connecticut troops, *rauch dis abled with tedious storms, and no lodg- ings, and frozen and swollen limbs," were withdrawn by their commandei 86 HISTORY OK CONNECTICUT. to Stonington" (Palfrey, Hist. N. E., iii. 131). 8 John Talcott of Hartford was placed in command of a force of three hundred and fifty men, that marched early in Jnne, 1676, to Hadley and Brook- field, where they surprised and routed parties of Indians. Other companies, from Windsor, Stonington, Norwich, and New London, went to the relief of the Massachusetts settlements earlier in the year. 1680.] AT THE CLOSE OP KING PHILIP'S WAR. 87 CHAPTER XV. 1680-1686. REPORT TO THE ENGLISH BOARD OF TRADE. WHILE Connecticut, during "King Philip's War," hap pily escaped the horrors of savage attack and bloodshed within her borders, there was sorrow in many homes from which brave fathers and sons had gone, never to return alive. The necessary equipment of her militia, and the cost of building and repairing forts and palisades about the settle ments, with other expenses, left the colony burdened with a heavy debt. Such burdens, that had fallen with a crushing weight upon Massachusetts and Plymouth, did not, however, retard the progress and prosperity of Connecticut. There is on record a report made, four 3'ears after Philip's war, by the Governor and Secretary to the Lords of the Committee for Trade and Plantations. The militia is stated to consist of 2,507 foot-soldiers, besides " one troop of sixty horse." Mention is made of a " small fort at the mouth of the Connecticut River." " As for our Indian neighbors," they go on to say, " we compute them to be about five hundred fighting men. We are strangers to the French, and know nothing of their strength or commerce. Our chief trade for procuring clothing is by sending what provisions we raise to Boston, where we buy goods. The trade with our Indians is worth nothing, because their frequent wars hinder their getting peltry. . . . Our buildings are generally of wood ; some are of stone or brick ; and some of them are of good 88 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1680. strength and comely, for a wilderness. . . . The commodi ties of the country are provisions, lumber, and horses. . . . We have no need of Virginia trade, as most people plant so much tobacco as they need. We have good materials for ship-building." The value "of our annual imports probably amounts to £9,000. We raise no saltpetre. Our wheat hath been much blasted, and our pease spoiled with worms, for sundry years past. We have about twenty petty merchants ; some trade to Boston, some to the Indies, and other colonies; but few foreign merchants trade here. . . . There are but few ser vants, and- fewer slaves; not above thirty in the colony. There are so few English, Scotch, or Irish come in, that we can give no account of them. . . . The people are strict Congregationalists ; a few, more large Congregationalists ; and some, moderate Presbyterians. There are about four or five Seven-day men, and about as many Quakers. . . . We have twenty-six towns, and there are twenty-one churches in them ; ifnd in every one there is a settled minister, except in two newly planted. The stipend, which is more or less according to duty; is from £50 to £100. Every town main tains its own poor. But there is seldom any want, because labor is dear, being from two shillings to two shillings and sixpence a day for a laborer ; and because provisions are cheap. . . . Beggars and vagabonds are not suffered, but, when discovered, they are bound out to service : vagabonds who pass up and down are punished by law." For several years the chronic dispute between Rhode Island and Connecticut, regarding the boundary-line, caused much ill-feeling. Connecticut, at one time, made serious prepa rations to drive out the intruding Rhode-Islanders at the point of the bayonet. This vigorous menace was not with out effect ; and two years afterwards, the colonial commis sioners appointed by the king, after a careful hearing of the case, set aside the claim of Rhode Island.1 1685.] ACCESSION OF KING JAMES. 89 But the boundary trouble was by no means at an end. Edward Randolph, agent of the English Lords of Trade, an ambitious and mercenary man, who for some time had sought to gain the royal favor by pouring into the ears of the king and his counsellors false reports regarding the Massachusetts colonies, appeared before the commissioners, and urged an old claim of the Duke of Hamilton against Connecticut for lands.2 Randolph had heretofore professed special friendship and good will towards the colony, because of 'its loyalty ; but the opportunity of serving a duke, and making a little money, was too great a temptation to resist ; and it is possible that the reception Andros had received at Saybrook led him to doubt the quality of the loyalty that had found such fine expression in words. Although the case was finally decided iu favor of Connec ticut, it remained open for many years, and caused much annoyance. With the death of Charles II., and the accession of James II. to the English throne, the New-England colonies con tinued a struggle for their civil rights and liberties that cul minated, nearly a century afterwards, in the war of the Revolution and the independence of the United States. The part which Connecticut acted in that struggle is one of which her children may well be proud. Before the death of Charles, designing men had influenced the eas3'-going and pleasure- loving monarch to sanction acts that had seriously encroached upon the rights of the colonies. With reckless thoughtless ness, if nothing worse, he had placed his signature to patents of lands that had long before been given to others. In truth, he seems to have had but a slight conception of the geography of the New World, and very likely signed papers that broke faith with former agreements without realizing the wrong he was doing. He was a man easily influenced by his favorites, and he was ready to gratify their wishes with slight regard to the effect it might have upon the rights of others. 90 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1685. James II. was in almost every respect the opposite of his brother. Fond of authority, narrow and bigoted in his opinions, he looked with ill-concealed hatred upon those who sought liberty of thought and conscience for themselves and others. The New England that was springing up in the wilderness beyond the sea, appeared to him a refuge of Puritanism, where the seeds of hostility to royal authority that had begun to take root should be ruthlessly destroyed. Emissaries like Randolph, by outrageous misrepresentations, had succeeded in arousing the prejudices and ill will of Charles II. to such an extent that the charters of some of the colonies had already been taken away. Connecticut was very wise and shrewd in her political action, and professions of lojalty ; and during the lifetime of Winthrop she was favored with a friend at court, who always held a high place in the esteem and good feeling of the king. It is difficult to believe that Charles realized the injustice he was doing when he gave the patent to his brother, that, in direct violation of other titles, included a large portion of Connecticut. Be this as it may, his brother, while Duke of York, showed the same spirit and purpose that actuated him when he came to the throne. As soon as the tidings reached New England that the duke had been proclaimed king under the title of James II., Connecticut hastened to send him a loyal address, expressing sentiments of condolence and congratulation, and humbly asking for a continuance of past favors. This letter reached England about the same time as did Edward Randolph, the malignant slanderer of the colonies. Heretofore he had brought his accusations, for the most part, against Massa chusetts, but he now thought it was a favorable time to attack Connecticut. In an elaborate paper he charged the colony with the crime of independent government, disloyalty to the laws of the mother country, and hostility to the Estab lished Church of England. 1686.] THE WHIT OF QUO WARRANTO. 91 Randolph was not a mischief-maker without a purpose. He had not, year after year, crossed and recrossed the stormy Atlantic simply for the pleasure of retailing a stock of false stories regarding the colonies. Beneath his hatred of Puri tan life and institutions, dwelt the ambition that hoped for personal advancement in the breaking up of the colonies, and uniting them under the rule of a governor-general. When James II. came to the throne, this plan had been almost ac complished, and he was eager to complete it. The charges made by Randolph were immediately referred by the king to his attorney-general, with orders to issue a quo warranto 3 against the governor and colony of Connecti cut. In July of the following year (1686), a special session of the General Assembly was called, to consider what it was best to do. The ink was scarcely dry upon the letter in which they humbly asked the king's favor, when Randolph sent word from Boston that he was the bearer of the writ.4 Two weeks later he came to Hartford, and, in person, demanded the surrender of the charter of the colony. It was a dark hour, but the leading citizens of the Commonwealth were firm in their determination to take advantage of every means to delay action. More wise and politic than Massachusetts, they refrained from any aggressive assertion of their rights, and appointed Mr. Whiting as their agent to present their petition to the king. 1 This was a very tangled dispute, Narragansett land as some slight 'com- because it was mixed up with other pensatiou for the expense they had claims by Massachusetts and the Ather- assumed. ton Company. Connectieut at this time 2 At the time of the dissolution of urged its claim to the Narragansett the Council for New England (1635), the country, not only because it was in- members tried to divide the property eluded in the grant of the charter, but among themselves. A portion of the also for the reason, that, while they had territory of Connecticut was set off to given blood and treasure to save the the Marquis of Hamilton. This action country in Philip's war, Rhode Island was illegal, because the council long be- had held aloof, and done nothing. They fore had granted away its property. The felt that they had a right to hold the marquis lost h,is life in the civil war, but 92 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. after the restoration, his daughter, whose husband had been created Duke of Hamilton, asked the king to give her possession of her father's alleged estate in America. s Quo Warranto. A writ requir ing their appearance at a certain date and place, to show by what authority they exercised certain powers and privi leges. 4 " His Majesty intends," writes Randolph, " to bring all New England under one government; and nothing is now remaining on your part, but to think of an humble submission and » dutiful resignation of your charter, which if you are so hardy as to offer to defend at law, whilst you are contend ing for a shadow, you will in the first place lose all that part of your colony from Connecticut to New York, and have it annexed to that government, a thing you are certainly informed of already; and nothing will prevent, but your obviating so general a calamity to all New England by an hearty and timely application to his Majesty with an hum ble submission. . . . Sirs, bless not your selves with vain expectation of advantage, and spinning out of time by delay. I will engage, though the weather be warm, the writs will keep sound and as good as when first landed" (Conn. Rec, iii. 352-353). 1686.J ANDROS AEBIVES AT BJDSTON. 93 CHAPTER XVI. 1686-1689. ADMINISTRATION OF ANDROS. AT the time Randolph made his demands, Massachusetts was governed by a council of which Joseph Dudley was president. This gentleman sent a letter to Governor Treat, advising the surrender of the charter, and proffering his ser vices in behalf of the colony. The offer was declined, even at the risk of being annexed to New York. In the midst of "these perplexities, Sir Edmund Andros arrived in Boston, bearing his commission as governor-general of New Eng land. The slight hope the colonists still cherished of securing justice from the English courts was at an end. Sir Edmund sent word that he expected the immediate surrender of the charter. His letter expressed a very ear nest desire to serve the interests of his friends in Connec ticut; but we can imagine his memory still recalled his interview, some years before, with Captain Bull at Say brook. The General Court was at once convened ; and by its direction a letter was addressed to the English secretary of state, earnestly pleading for the preservation of the privi leges that had been granted to them. For the first time they admitted the possibility that their petition might be denied, and in that case requested to be united to Massachu setts. This was construed by Sir Edmund as a virtual sur render ; but as the days went by, he saw that he had mistaken the spirit and purpose of the colony. 94 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1687, Andros finally decided to go in person to Connecticut. He arrived at Hartford the last day of October, attended by a retinue of sixty officers and soldiers. The Assembly, then in session, received him with every outward mark of respect. After this formal exchange of courtesies, Sir Edmund publicly demanded the charter, and declared the colonial government dissolved. Tradition relates that Gov ernor Treat, in calm but earnest words, remonstrated against this action. His feeling swept on in a tide of eloquence as he recalled the story of the early settlers, and the hardships they had endured to secure the liberties granted to them by the charter that was as dear to them as life. The debate was continued until the shadows of the early autumnal evening had fallen. After candles were lighted, the governor and his council seemed to yield ; and the box supposed to contain the charter was brought into the room, and placed upon the table. Suddenly the lights were extin guished. Quiet reigned in the room, and in the dense crowd outside the building. The candles were soon relighted ; but. the charter had disappeared, and after the most diligent search could not be found. The common tradition has been,. that it was taken under cover of the darkness by Captain Joseph Wadsworth, and hidden by him in the hollow trunk of a venerable and noble oak-tree standing near the entrance- gate of Governor Wyllys 's mansion. The charter taken by Captain Wadsworth was probably the duplicate,1 and remained safely in his possession for many years. There is reason to believe, that, some time before the comino- of Andros to Hartford, the original charter2 had been carefully secreted; and the tradition of later times makes it probable, that, while the duplicate charter that was taken from the table was hidden elsewhere,8 the original charter found a safe resting-place in the heart of the tree that will always be remembered as "The Charter Oak." 4 This tree is said to have been preserved by the early settlers at the request of 1687.] ANDROS ASSUMES AUTHORITY. 95 the Indians. "It has been the guide of our ancestors for centuries," they said, " as to the time of planting our corn. When the leaves are the size of a mouse's ears, then is the time to put it in the ground." The record of the Court briefly states that Andros, having been conducted to the governor's seat by the governor him self, declared that he had been commissioned by his Majesty to take on him the government of Connecticut. The com mission having been read, he said that it was his Majesty's pleasure to make the late governor and Captain John Allyn* members of his council. The secretary handed their com mon seal to Sir Edmund, and afterwards wrote these words in closing the record : ' ' His Excellency Sir Edmund Andros, Knight, Captain - General and Governor of his Majesty's Ter ritory and Dominion in New Eng land, by order from his Majesty, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, the 31st of October, 1687, . . CHARTER OAK. took into his hands the govern ment of this colony of Connecticut, it being by his Majesty annexed to the Massachusetts and other colonies under his Excellency's government, finis." Andros soon disclosed a hand of steel beneath the velvet glove of plausible words and fair promises. His feeling was very bitter towards the ministers of the New-England churches. The fact that they were leaders of society, and held in universal esteem and respect, made them the special objects of his hatred. Connecticut suffered less, however, than the other colo nies, from the arbitrary rule of Andros. Governor Treat, as a member of his council, was in a position to exercise a quiet but thoughtful influence that proved a source of protec tion to his fellow-citizens, and fostered a spirit of patient * See page 106. 96 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1687. endurance. Happily, the darkness of these hours was soon relieved by the dawn of a morning of joy and prosperity. 1 The duplicate charter of the colony, which was secured by Captain Joseph Wadsworth of Hartford, was safely kept and preserved by him until May, 1715. The original charter, which now hangs in the secretary's office at Hartford, is engrossed on three skins : the duplicate was written on two. So much of the duplicate as remains, being about three-fourths of the second skin, is now in the library of the Connecticut Historical Society, where it was placed by Hon. John Boyd, late secretary of this State. The story of itB preservation, as told by Charles J. Hoadly, Esq., is as follows: "In 1817 or 1818, while Mr. Boyd was preparing for college at the Hartford Grammar School, he boarded in the family of the Rev. Dr. Flint of the South Church. Coming in one day from Bchool, he noticed on the work- stand of Mrs. BiBBell, the doctor's mother- in-law, a dingy piece of parchment, covered over on one aide with black- lettered manuscript. In answer to his inquiries, Mrs. Bissell told him, that, hav ing occasion for some pasteboard, her friend and neighbor, Mrs. Wyllys, had sent her this. Mr. Boyd proposed to procure her a piece of pasteboard in ex change for the parchment, to which Mrs. Bissell consented. It was not, however, until six or eight years had elapsed, that Mr. Boyd examined the parchment with care, when for the first time he learned what its contents were." The General Assembly held in Hart ford in May, 1715, in its record says, " Upon consideration of the faithful and good services of Captain Joseph Wads worth of Hartford, especially in secur- ing the Duplicate Charter of this Colony in a very troublesome season when our Constitution was struck at, and in safely keeping and preserving the same ever eince unto this day, this Assembly do, as » token of their grateful resentment of such his faithful and good service, grant him out of the Colony treasury twenty shillings." This bill, it appears, originated in the Lower House, and gave Captain Wadsworth four pounds. The Upper House thought the sum too large, and it was finally cut down to twenty shillings. Evidently the part that the good captain acted has become exagger ated with the romance of tradition. 2 Original Charter. The minutes of the General Court held iu Hartford, June 15, 1687, notes that " Sundry of the Court desiring that the Patent or Charter be brought into the Court, the Secretary sent for it, and informed the Governor and Court that be had the charter, and shewed it to the Court; and the Govern or bid him put it into the box again, and lay it on the table, and leave the key in the box, which he did forthwith." This is certainly a very peculiar inci dent; and in view of after - events, it looks as if the leaving of the box on the table made it very easy for some one to remove the precious parchment else where. 3 The tradition was handed down from an early date iu the Wadsworth family, that the duplicate charter was hidden in the house of Captain Wads worth. 4 The old oak was blown down dur ing a severe gale in the month of AuguBt, 1856. That part of the trunk of the tree in which the charter is .sup posed to have been hidden, is preserved among the historical collections at the Athenasum building in Hartford. 1689.] AFTER THE REVOLUTION OF 1688. ^ CHAPTER XVII. 1689-1693. GOVERNMENT RESUMED UNDER THE CHARTER. IN May, 1689, a ship arrived in Boston Harbor, bringing welcome tidings. James II. had taken flight before the gathering storm of national wrath that threatened his de- . struction ; and William, Prince of Orange, having landed in England, had entered upon his noble and beneficent reign. Boston had never witnessed a day of excitement like this. The signal-fires were kindled on Beacon Hill ; and the peo ple poured in from the country, eager to give vent to their hatred of Andros and his friends. If the excitement over the good news was less intense in Connecticut, the joy was as great. With thankful hearts the people congratulated themselves upon the wise and pa tient manner in which they had clung persistently to the charter of their liberties, and, in the last extremity, saved it from the hands of the tyrant whose power was now broken. Governor Treat and the old magistrates having resumed the government, a meeting of the Assembly was called. In a letter, overflowing with a spirit of devout thanksgiving for their deliverance, they told King William the story of the wrongs that had been inflicted upon them by the oppressor. Having never surrendered the patent given them by Charles II., they informed his Majesty that they had taken the lib erty of resuming the reins of government until they could karn his good pleasure. 98 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1690. Connecticut was anxious to secure a formal confirmation of the charter, but this was never granted.1 The law offi cers of the Crown, however, gave an opinion that the acts of usurpation on the part of Andros were illegal, and the charter intact. Efforts were afterwards made to destroy it, and to annex the colony to New York, but in vain. Con necticut was to enjoy the proud distinction of having never surrendered her charter, until the war of the Revolution joined the destinies of the Commonwealth with that of the United States. For nearly a century from the accession of William and Mary, the internal history of the colony is marked by few startling events.2 The currents of life moved peacefully and- prosperously along the line of political and religious princi ples and social and business customs that developed almost an ideal condition of common blessings. Seasons of adver sity, and times of threatened danger, were not infrequent ; but, while the alarm of war was often heard without, quiet reigned within her borders. In the struggles that brought great distress upon her sis ter colonies, Connecticut always gave her aid in generous measure. In answer to a call from Governor Bradstreet of Massachusetts to aid in the war with the Indians at the East, she sent some of her leading men to Boston, to consult with commissioners from the other colonies. Satisfied that the war was " lawful and just," two hundred of the militia were at once sent forward. This aid was all the more generous, since the colony was suffering at the time from an epidemic sickness of peculiar severity. A few men were sent to help Governor Leisler keep the peace in the village of New York, while he tried to carry out some new plans of government. When tidings came that the frontier towns of his province were threatened by the French and their Indian allies, a part of this force, in command of Captain Bull, was sent to Schenectady ; and at the time of the attack upon the place, 1692.] FITZ JOHN WINTHROP VINDICATED. 99 and the massacre that followed, five of the Connecticut r.ien were killed, and five captured. A re-enforcement of two hundred men at once marched to Albany. Early in the spring, an expedition was planned against Quebec. The land force was to consist of eight hundred Englishmen, and more than twice that number of Indians of the Five Nations. Connecticut furnished her full quota of soldiers, and the army was placed in command of Fitz John Winthrop. After reaching the place of rendezvous, at the southern end of Lake Champlain, Winthrop found that neither the Indians nor promised provisions were there ; and he thought it best to retreat at once. Leisler, it is said, became so enraged at General Winthrop because of this action, that he caused his arrest, and placed him under guard, for the purpose of bringing him before a court-martial. This high-handed pro ceeding, it is also related, was brought to a summary close by a party of Mohawks, who crossed the river, and. break ing through the guards, released the prisoner, " to the uni versal joy of the army." Upon returning home, General Winthrop was cordially received ; and, after a careful inves tigation of his conduct, a vote of thanks and exoneration was passed by the Assembly.3 Fearing that the French fleet, reported at one time to have anchored in Narragansett Bay, might visit the Connecticut coast, the fortifications at New London and Saybrook were garrisoned and put in repair ; but the war was confined to attacks upon the western frontier, beyond the Hudson, and the settlements of Northern New England. In August, 1692, Fletcher, the recently appointed governor of New York, arrived from England with a commission that gave him command over the militia of Connecticut and the neigh boring provinces. This at once aroused the discussion of the old question of jurisdiction that had already caused so much trouble and anxiety. The spirit that had flamed up against the attempt of Andros to deprive them of their 100 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1693. charter liberties, was again rekindled. General Winthrop was appointed as the agent of the colony in bringing their protest before the king, and calling his attention to the wrong that would be done them in allowing Governor Fletcher to exercise control over their militia, in direct violation of privileges granted b}r their charter. The New- York governor would not listen to any concilia tory suggestions, and determined to visit Hartford, to en force his demands in person. He found the Assembly in session ; and, having with a great flourish of words asserted his authority, insisted that they should at once give a direct answer as to whether they would, or would not, obey his orders. The Assembly very dutifully complied with his command that the militia should be summoned under arms. Governor Fletcher desired this to be done in order that he might beat up for volunteers : the sequel proved that Gov ernor Treat and his advisers had a very different idea. The train-bands were no sooner called together than the authori ties more firmly than ever denied the right of any persons outside of the colony to direct their movements. Governor Fletcher now sought to accomplish his purpose by a more conciliatory policy. He sent a letter to the As sembly, in which he disclaimed any desire or purpose to in terfere with the civil rights of the colony. All that he asked was, that they should acknowledge that the king had author ity to appoint the commander-in-chief of the militia. The Assembly refused to give up their control of military affairs, and Governor Treat declined the commission that had been tendered to him. According to orders, the train-bands had gathered at Hartford ; and while they were being exercised by the senior officer, Captain Wadsworth, Governor Fletcher gave commands that his commission and instructions should be read to them. " Beat the drums," was the instant com mand of Captain Wadsworth. The uproar was so great that nothing else could be heard. Colonel Fletcher demanded 1693.] GOVERNOR FLETCHER AT HARTFORD. 101 silence and his secretary attempted to read again, " Drum, drum, I say," was the renewed order of Wadsworth; and drum they did with lusty vigor, in spite of the angry re monstrance of the royal governor, who cried, " Silence ! Silence ! " When a pause came, Captain Wadsworth again gave the command to " drum," and, turning to his excel lency, said, " If I am interrupted again, I will make the sun shine through you in a moment." No further attempt to read the instructions or enlist men was made. The disgusted and angry governor with his suite soon left town, and returned to New York.* 'Pitz-John Winthrop was sent, four years after this, to England, to urge this matter ; and Increase Mather, who was in England at , the time the colony sent the Ad dress, asking for the confirmation of the charter, proved an efficient friend. 2 The witchcraft mania that raged with such fury in Eastern Massachusetts made trouble in Connecticut. The first victim was Alse Young of Hartford who was hanged in Hartford in 1647. The following year Mary Johnson of Wethersfield was executed. In 1653 John Carrington and his wife also of Wethersfield were hanged. In 1662 two victims were executed. Nathaniel Green Smith and his wife were hanged on " Gallows Hill," a short distance north of where Trinity College, Hartford, now stands. At a special session of the Court of Oyer and Terminer, held at Fairfield in September, 1692, Mercy Disborough of Compo, in Fairfield, Goody Miller, good- wife, alias Elizabeth, Clawson, and Mrs. Staples, were indicted- for familiarity with Satan. " The evidence," says Mr. C. J. Hoadly, " was much of the same nature as in other 'cases of this crime. The water-ordeal was resorted to, as it had been in Hartford in 1662. Four witnesses swore that Mercy Disborough, being bound hand and foot and put into the water, swam like a cork, though one labored to press her down. Elizabeth Claw- son also floated." At a session of the court held in the same place, Oct. 28, Mercy Disborough was alone found guilty. Sentence of death was passed ; but a memorial was sent to the General Assembly asking for her pardon, and there is good reason for believing it was granted. (See Colonial Records, vol. iv. p. 76.) 3 There is no doubt but that Leisler and his commissary Milborn were utterly remiss in giving the aid they had promised in this ex pedition. When the Connecticut magistrates learned that Winthrop had been arrested by Leisler at Albany, they sent a. peremptory demand for his release. 4 This is the story of tradition. The probabilities are, that, like many other stories, it has been ex aggerated by repetition. It hardly seems reasonable that the New York governor and the Connecti cut captain should have come into such personal and angry collision. 102 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. (.1698. CHAPTER XVIII. 1698-1705. COLONIAL PROSPERITY. THE petition presented to the English Government by General Winthrop met with a favorable answer. It was decided that Connecticut might command her own militia, with the understanding that she should furnish a quota of one hundred and twenty men to be under the orders of Governor Fletcher during the war. Until the session in October, 1698, the General Assembly had consisted of one House, but thereafter it became two. The governor, or in his absence, the deputy-governor, and magistrates, composed the Upper House. The Lower House consisted of deputies, now called representatives, from the several towns in the colony. No public act could become a law without the consent of both Houses. The office of jus tice of the peace was instituted, and a carefully revised edi tion of the laws was published by authority. " Free from harassing Indian wars, and from the religious troubles of Rhode Island, with an independent government, Connecticut was the most peaceful, the most prosperous, and the happiest, of the colonies. Her schools flourished, her towns throve, the franchise was extended, legislation improved, debt avoided, faithful magistrates continued long in office, and great attention was paid to every thing calcu lated to improve the welfare of the people " (Lodo-e). We have come now to the dawn of the eighteenth centurv. 1698.] EFFORTS TO DESTROY THE CHARTER. 103 The death of William of Orange in the spring of 1 702 was followed by the accession of Queen Anne to the English throne. The colony continued to prosper in its domestic affairs ; but trouble and anxiety were caused by the plotting of enemies without, who were at times aided by certain dis affected . citizens. The ambitious Dudley, then governor of Massachusetts, pushed his schemes by which he hoped to unite all of New England under his government. Governor Cornbury of New York endeavored to carry out the same plan in connection with the southern provinces. These men, iu seeking to further their selfish interests, were especially anxious to humble Connecticut, and destroy the charter, which stood in the way of their usurping the power they desired. Dudley, in his early official relations with Andros, had become an apt pupil in the school of mean and lying in trigue ; and he attempted to secure the concentration of the government in his hands by false accusations of various kinds. Soon after the accession of Queen Anne, a bill was introduced into Parliament, the purpose of which was to destroy the charters of the colonies. Connecticut was again fortunate in the character and ability of her agent in London, Sir Henry Ashurst. His plea in behalf of the rights of the colon}-, contained in a remonstrance to the Lords and a hearing at the bar of the House of Commons, made so deep an impression, that the bill was rejected by Parliament. With a persistence of purpose worthy of a better cause, Dudley, with the co-operation of Cornbury, still continued his misrepresentations, and sought to arouse prejudice against Connecticut, at the ¦ English court. Both of these men had influential friends within the royal circle, and they made all of the capital they could out of the grievances of :i few disaffected persons who were displeased with certain decisions of the colonial courts that had boon adverse to 104 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1705. their demands and interests. At the very time Dudley was plotting the destruction of the colony, he wrote a letter thanking the General Assembly for the generous manner in which they had responded to his call for supplies. This piece of hypocritical duplicity, however, proved a weapon that Ashurst skilfully used in defending the colony. While the Connecticut authorities were ignorant of what was passing, the queen appointed a time for hearing the charges of Governors Dudley and Cornbury. There is no doubt but that they had succeeded in prejudicing those high in official power against the colony, and they hoped soon to consummate plans that would at last humble and destroy the commonwealth that had so long successfully retained her charter rights. Sir Henry endeavored to secure a delay that would give the colony time to make an answer. This was refused. Stung by the sense of injustice done his clients, and real izing more fully the responsibility that was thrust upon him self, in this exigency he sought the efficient aid of his brother-in-law, Lord Paget. On the day appointed for the hearing, Sir Henry, in an address before the queen and her council, with great eloquence and ability presented the cause of the colony. It was a good cause, and he knew full well the character of the false representations that had been dis seminated. He referred first of all to the charter under which Connecticut had so abundantly prospered. He showed, that, while those who enjoyed its privileges had stood sturdily for their rights, they had never for a moment for gotten their loyalty to the English throne. Even when wrong had been clone them, they had been steadfast in meet ing every royal command. To the charge that the courts were irregular and unjust, Sir Henry replied, that, in every case of appeal to the crown, their decisions had been approved." To the bitter complaint of Governor Dudley that the col- 1705.] ASHURST DEFENDS THE COLONY. 105 ony had refused to furnish money and men when he called for them, it was shown that they had done all that the crown had commanded, and this was all that could be required of them under the charter. The defence of Sir Henry turned the tide of royal sympathy towards Connecticut. It was decided that the charges should be sent to the governor of Connecticut, and that all communications, both on the part of the colony and of Dudley and Cornbury, should be sent under seal, and certified. The court evidently was impressed with the fact that there had been a great many false reports set afloat in an irresponsible way. This action was a blow to the machinations of Dudley and Cornbury. Connecticut was only too glad to state the real facts in the case. She had nothing to conceal, but many things which she was proud to bring to the attention of the queen and 'her councillors. Instead of declining to aid in the protection of her neighbors, she had then, and also in the preceding year, from five hundred to six hundred men in actual service, four hundred of them having been employed for the most part in the defence of Massachusetts and New York. To clinch the argument iu behalf of her loyalty to the general welfare of the colonies, the letter of Governor Dudley was enclosed, in which, only a year before, he had thanked Connecticut for her prompt and generous aid. One of the principal charges brought against the colony by Dud ley, was that of unjust treatment of the Mohegans in tak ing away their lands. The truth was, that great care had been taken to deal with this friendly tribe with' scrupulous honor.2 The representations of John Mason and other aggrieved parties had, however, deceived the queen and her council to such an extent, that a commission was selected to look into the matter, and Governor Dudley was named as one of its members. Having been appointed president of the court, he called a meeting of the members at Stonington, Aug. 23, 1705. After a partial hearing of only a single 106 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. |_170s- day, and in the face of a protest from a committee sent to act in behalf of Connecticut, and with no evidence before them except that of interested persons, they pronounced judgment. A large tract was given to Owaneco, the Mo- hegan chief, both in New London and Lyme, besides the whole of Colchester. Upon a further hearing of Owaneco and other complainants, the court represented to the queen that extensive tracts of land north of New London had been unlawfully taken from the Mohegans, and the tribe in many ways unjustly treated. It was a severe trial to the patience of the citizens of Connecticut to suffer from accu sations that were so unjust. Owaneco had always been treated kindly, and the government had paid liberally for the land it had purchased. At the time New London received its patent, between four and five thousand acres were reserved for the use of the Mohegans. The court adjourned until the following spring, but this proved to be its last meeting. Information was sent to Sir Henry Ashurst by a committee appointed by the General Assembly. The proofs were so strong in favor of the col ony, that the queen appointed a commission of review, that decided in favor of Connecticut. Nearly seventy years passed, however, before the case was entirely settled. » John Alltn, secretary of Con- became governor, and Treat took the necticut, for thirty -three years, died Nov. second place. «, 1696. Mr. Ailyn was a man of great 2 The controversy with the Mohegan energy and force of character. His wide Indians is thus stated by Dr. Palfrey : acquaintance with the men and affairs of " Major John Mason, conqueror of the his times gave him a peculiar influence Pequots, had, in behalf of the colony, in in the political management and conduct 1659, bought of the sachem Uncas cer- of the colony. His pen was ever ready tain lands, which the colony, in its turn, to assert the rights of Connecticut, and had conveyed to the English proprietors. there was little done in the long years His grandson, of the same name, associ- while be held office in which he did not ating with himself some other disaffected act a prominent and honorable part. persons, pretended that both the Mohe- Governor Treat was elected governor gans and Major Mason'B heirs had been year after year until 1698. He then asked overreached and wronged by the colonial to be relieved, on account of the infirmi- authorities, who, as they alleged, had oc- ties of age; and Fitz John Winthrop cupied more land of the former than they 1705.J THE MOHEGAN CONTROVERSY. 107 had bought, and had' taken to tbemselves the benefit of a purchase made by Major Mason ou his private account. For the sake of peace and the credit of magna nimity, the government offered to the -chief Owaneco, who represented the In dians, to pay them again for the land. But MaBon and his. friends interfered, resolved toobBtruct any accommodation." Mason went to Englaud with this com plaint against the colouy for extortion from the natives, and it was at his insti gation the queen appointed a commission to investigate the matter. 108 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. T1706. CHAPTER XIX. 1706-1717. PUBLIC EDUCATION. FROM the earliest settlement of Connecticut the sentimen prevailed among the people, that, next to the interests of religion, the prosperity of the community depended upon the school. As early as 1648 the Assembly passed a law pro viding for common education. Every town containing fifty families was required to sustain a good school, where reading and writing should be " well taught." A grammar school was established at each county-seat, and large tracts of land were appropriated for their permanent support. Great attention was given to the matter of family instruc tion. The selectmen were required to see that the children and servants of every home were taught to read, and ques tioned on matters of religion once a week. Bibles and books were furnished the destitute at public expense, and a fine of twenty shillings was imposed for the neglect of these duties. For many years, contributions were sent annually for the support of the college at Cambridge. The purpose was early formed, however, of founding a college within the New- Haven colony. An effort was made in this direction in 1654. It" was at this time that Mr. Davenport interested Mr. Hopkins in the educational needs of the colony, and re ceived from him the donation that became an endowment of" the grammar school established in 1659, and that still flour ishes under his name. As the number of voting men desiring 1707-08.] YALE COLLEGE FOUNDED. 109 a liberal education increased, the matter of the college was more and more agitated. As the result of sundry deliber ations, ten ministers, who had been selected to act as trustees, met at Branford in 1700. They here founded the college by the contribution of some forty volumes, each saying, as he presented his books, " I give these books for the founding of a college in this colony." This was the grain of mustard-seed from whence has grown Yale University with its wonderful history. The college was first opened at Saybrook in 1701, but in 1716 was removed to New Haven. In September, 1718, the name of Yale College was given by the trustees to the school, in honor of the benefactions of Elihu Yale of London, who had recently held the position of Governor of Madras. During the short time that the college remained at Say brook,1 a convention of ministers and laymen, representing a large proportion of the churches, met at the commencement, in 1708, and adopted. a confession of faith and certain rules of ecclesiastical order known as the . Saybrook Platform. The first churches formed in Connecticut were congrega tional in polity ; and this convention was called, not only to bring these independent churches into closer fellowship, but also to provide for the more regular assembling of councils of advice. The close relation in which the churches stood to the State is illustrated in the fact, that, after the report of the Saybrook convention had been received by the Assem bly, they proceeded to ratify its doings by a formal vote.2 Governor Fitz John Winthrop8 died in 1707 ; and Gurdon Saltonstall, pastor of the church in New London, was elected in his place. Governor Saltonstall was a man of command ing presence and great executive ability, and his adminis tration of affairs was marked by energetic action and wise foresight. Connecticut continued to prosper in all that per tained to her domestic affairs, but she was called upon again and again to make costly sacrifices of life and treasure in the 110 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1709-13. French and Indian wars. These wars are known in history as King William's War (1689), Queen Anne's War (1702), King George's War (1744), and '-The Old French and Indian War" (1755 to 1763). In these conflicts, continued through so many years, Connecticut realized that it was being decided as to whether the French or the English should con trol the Western Continent. We have already noticed the part which the colony acted in King William's war. When hostilities were again re newed, soon after the ac cession of Queen Anne, Connecticut was not in clined to respond to the- demands of Dudlej*. who was thoroughly detested by the people. Governor Saltonstall, as soon as he entered upon his office, inaugurated a more active policy. In the fruitless campaign of 1709. Con necticut furnished both men and money, and in the following year sent three hundred men and five transports to join the expedition that captured Port Royal. The following year the colony responded, with its accustomed alacrity, in fur nishing troops and provisions for the army and fleet that. under the charge of Admiral Walker and General Hill, met with disaster and failure. The expense incurred in these expeditions led to the circulation of the first paper money ever issued by the colony. These bills of credit were secured with such care and financial skill that they scarcely depre ciated at all, and the people found them a very convenient medium of exchange. A long and vexatious controversy over the Massachusetts boundary was amicably settled in 1713. The line was run EARLY FRENCH WARS. 1713.] POPULATION AND TRADE. Ill by commissioners appointed by both parties ; and, in the final decision, Connecticut received over one hundred thousand acres that Massachusetts had laid claim to. This land was sold for six hundred and eighty-three pounds currency, mak ing the price about six farthings an acre, and the money given to Yale College. The boundary question with Rhode Island still remained open. The tidings of the Peace of Utrecht was received with great joy by all the colonies. The draft upon their resources had been continuous and severe. Connecticut, to be sure, had been more fortunate than her neighbors. The town of Simsbury had alone been destroyed, and that was burned after the inhabitants had found a place of safety. The seeds of religious training, moral habits, and educational advantages, sown in the hearts and homes of the people, had produced a harvest of character that was enjoying the bless ings of the prosperity that attends upon industry, moralitj', and mental enlightenment. The population of the colony in 1713 was probably be tween twenty-five thousand and thirty thousand. Thirty- eight towns sent forty delegates to the Assembly. There were four counties (Hartford, New Haven, Fairfield, New London), and the militia consisted of a regiment of a thou sand men from each county. Considerable trade was carried on with Boston, New York, and the West Indies. The only articles exported to Great Britain were turpentine, pitch, tar, and furs. Horses, pork, beef, and cattle were sent to the West Indies, audin return they received rum, sugar, molasses, and cotton-wool. The entire shipping of the colony consisted of two small brigs and twenty sloops. There was but a single clothier, and all that he could do was to full the cloth ; and most of that which was manufactured was worn without shearing or pressing. Twice during the year the Assembly met ; but every thing was conducted upon so simple and economical a scale, that the entire expense 112 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1714-15. of government did not exceed probably thirty-five hundred dollars. The accession of George the First to the throne of Eng land found Connecticut on the flood-tide of a prosperity that continued for many years with little to check its course. Such days are uneventful in historic incidents, but pleasant to recall. The older towns, like swarming hives, sent out company after company to lay the foundations of new towns, until the valleys and forest wilderness on every side began to "bud and blossom as the rose." The fathers and mothers who had first settled the colony rested from their earthly labors, but their children proved worthy of the inheritance they had received. During the year following the accession of the House of Hanover, a bill was again brought into Parliament to repeal the charters of all the colonies. This attack was largely instigated by English merchants, who began to fear lest the growth of manufactures, fostered by the independent action of the colonies, might lessen their trade. Through the ener getic and wise action of Jeremiah Dummer, the king gave a favorable decision in behalf of the colonies ; and those who were jealous of the growth of industries in America, had to rest content with the declaration of the House of Commons, "that the erecting manufactories in the colonies tended to lessen their dependence upon Great Britain." The alarm of these English manufacturers and merchants did not abate. In 1731 they sent a petition to Parliament, and the Board of Trade were ordered to inquire and report regarding the matter. With the busy hum of industry that now fills the State, we can but smile as we read a part of this elaborate report, that among other things says, "It were to be wished that some expedient might be fallen upon to direct their thoughts from undertakings of this nature : so much the rather, because these manufactures, in process of time, may be carried on in greater degree, unless an early stop be put to their progress." 1717.] DEATH OF GOVERNOR TREAT. 113 The war stirred up by Rasle, a French Jesuit, who had gained a commanding influence among the Penobscot In dians, caused Massachusetts much anxiety and suffering. Connecticut declined to have any thing to do with the conflict beyond sending a company of fifty men to protect her border. The venerable and beloved Governor Treat,4 full of years and honors, died in 1710. 1 Vale College was not removed from Saybrook without earnest opposi tion. Even after the consent of the Assembly was secured, the sheriff, when he came to take the books that belonged to the college, found the house sur rounded by men determined to resist him. Having forcibly entered the build ing, he took the books, and kept them under guard that night. In the morning he found the carts, that had been pro vided to carry them to New Haveu, broken, and the horses turned loose. Having secured new means of convey. ance, they started for New Haven, but found some of the bridges broken ; and, before they reached their destination, many of the books were missing. The excitement gradually died away; and within a few years, harmony was re stored, both in the colony and the board of trustees. 2 Appended to this law was this provision, " That nothing herein shall be intended or construed to hinder or prevent any society or church that is or shall be allowed by the laws of Ibis government, who soberly differ or dis sent from the united churches hereby established, from exercising worship and discipline in their own way, accord ing to their conscience" (Conn. Col. Rec, v. 87). 3 Frrz John Winthrop, Bon of Governor John Winthrop, was born in Ipswich, Mass., 1638. He received his education in England. He accepted a military commission under Richard Cromwell, but on the restoration re turned to Connecticut. He served In King Philip's war, and was a member of Governor Andros's council. In 1690 he was appoiuted major-general, in com- maud of the Canada expedition ; and in the controversies that grew out of this unfortunate campaign, he retained the confidence of Connecticut. He was sent to England in 1694, as the agent of the colony, and discharged his duties with such faithfulness, that the Legislature made him a present of twenty-five hun dred dollars. He was elected governor of Connecticut, and continued in this office uutil the time of bis death. Like his distinguished father, he was a man of considerable scientific attainments, and was honored by being elected a member of the Royal Society of England. Of unblemished character and pious life, his name is worthy of the high place it occupies in the annals of colonial times. * Robert Treat waB born in Eng land in 1622. When a lad he came to this country with his father, who was among the firBt planters of Wethersfield. Soon after this he removed to Milford; and, although but a youth of eighteen, he was chosen to aid in surveying and laying out the landB of the new town. In 1661 he was elected a magistrate, and con tinued to -serve in this office until 1664, when he declined to serve further under the existing Btate of affairs. He was an earnest advocate of the union of the colonies; and it waB to a great degree owing to his influence that Milford with drew from the jurisdiction of New Haven, and joined its fortunes to Con- 114 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. necticut. His warm friendship for Win throp, and sympathy with his plans, were shown in his efforts to forward them. In 1675 he was appointed colonel of the Connecticut troops. During King Philip's war, he won honorable dis tinction for military skill and bravery. Again and again he saved the border towns of Massachusetts from deBtruc- tion, and proved equal to every emer gency. In 1676 he was elected deputy- governor, and governor in 1683. He held this position for fifteen years with distinguished success. Warmly sympa thetic in his feelings, Governor -Treat was also possessed of an excellent judg ment, keen discrimination, and know I edge of men. The hospitalities of his home were open to all, and his benevo lence without stint. Beloved by those who knew him, and honored as a man of fearless courage and Christian char acter, he died at the advanced age of eighty-eight. LIFE OK THE PEOPLE. 115 CHAPTER XX. LIFE OF THE PEOPLE. AT this point in our narrative, let us recall the every-day life and surroundings of the people. The temporary log huts which the first settlers built for shelter, were soon replaced by substantial frame houses. These structures, while devoid of ornament or architectural beauty, were well fitted to the wants of the self-reliant and industrious people who dwelt within them. The huge chimney, standing in the centre of the house, was built of stone, and, where it passed through the first floor, measured about ten feet in diameter. The front door opened into a hall which contained the prin cipal stairway. On each side were two large rooms used as parlors, but one or both of them were almost always fur nished with beds to meet the requirements of a hospitality that was unstinted aud constant. The great kitchen in the rear of the chimney was the living-room of the family. Here they cooked and ate their food, and in winter gathered about the capacious fireplace with its iron crane and hang ing-kettles, and oven at one side. Stoves were an unknown luxury ; and in some of the houses of the more wealthy planters, the fireplaces were numerous. At first the roofs of their dwellings were covered with thatch, but they soon learned that shingles were far better. The floors were of thick oak boards fastened with wooden pins. The sides of the rooms were plastered, but the joists and floor above were exposed to view. In the parlors, the side next to the chimney was wainscoted, and the wide panels were from 116 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. the largest trees of the forest WHITEFIELD HOUSE. The windows were made of small, diamond-shaped pieces of glass, set with lead ; and the frame was hung upon hinges that opened outward. Farm houses were usually built near a spring, which supplied the water for domestic use as well as for the cattle. If a well were dug, the water was drawn by the aid of a " well- sweep," some of which may still be found in almost every rural community. A few of the houses were built of stone. Of these, the house of the Rev. Mr. White- field of Guilford, built in 1639, is still standing, and is the oldest house iu the United States north of Florida.1 The majority of the early frame houses were built with a long, steep roof on the rear side ; but this style, known as the " lean-to," was succeeded by the gambrel or hipped roofed houses, of which many still remain. Although the size and expensiveness of these houses varied in accordance with the wealth and position of their owners, they were all marked by the qualities of simplicity, solidity, and neatness. For a period of half a century and more after the settlement of the colonies, the household furniture, as a rule, was rude and scanty. The floors were bare of carpets ; and excepting the bedsteads, which were placed in almost every room, the most conspicuous piece of furniture in the house was the tall case or " chest " of drawers, that usually stood in the parlor. There were a few wealthy planters who had tapestry-hangings in their apartments, and enjoyed the lux ury of carpets and other imported articles ; but in most houses, even up to the time of the Revolution, the furniture LIFE OF THE PEOPLE. 117 was plain and substantial. Sun-dials served in the place of clocks, which were scarce and dear. Pewter and wooden dishes were used instead of china, which was kept for ex traordinary occasions. Almost every well-to-do family had more or less of handsome silver, which was seldom taken from the place where it was hoarded with scrupulous care, and handed down as heirlooms from generation to generation. The table was plainly but abundantly supplied. Indian meal was cooked in various ways, and eaten with molasses. Vegetables were used in large quantities, the turnip being more of a favorite than the potato. Meat was abundant ; and, before tea and coffee came into use, beer brewed after the English fashion was the common drink. With the growth of or chards, cider took the place of beer, and a generous supply of New-England rum was to be found on the side-board of every family. The disastrous effect of this habit was checked none too soon by the discus sions in the early part of this century that entirely changed the opinions and attitude of the best people on this subject. The family mealswere generally eaten in the great kitchen, where the food was cooked. At the end of this room, pew ter platters, porringers, and basins, when not in use, were displayed on open shelves ; and other utensils of tin and brass hung against the wide panels of the wainscot.2 It was in this room that the social life of the people appears in its most pleasant forms. Here it was that neighbors gathered in the long winter evenings about the great fireplace, and cracked nuts, or busied their hands in making brooms and other articles, while the merry laughter of children mingled with the story-telling of the elders. At first very few of the colonists settled upon isolated HANGING-LAMP. 118 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. farms, but grouped themselves in little village communities. The church, the block-house, the school, the variety store, and blacksmith's shop were the centre from which the village- streets radiated. Here it was that the life of the people pulsated in its common interests. Each town was a little republic in itself. The habit of industry prevailed among all classes. There was no room for idlers ; and a shiftless, indolent person was regarded with contempt.8 While the men toiled upon the farms, the women were busy at their COLONIAL HOME. spinning-wheels, or engaged in household duties. The pros perity that in time smiled upon our thrifty forefathers, was won at the cost of unremitting toll. Large families were the rule ; and the sons were early taught some trade as well as the management of the farm, and the daughters received a practical training in the conduct of domestic affairs. It is difficult for us to realize how simple and quiet were the social conditions of those early days. The steain-eno-ine, the telegraph, the newspaper, and modern postal facilities, were then unknown. LIFE OF THE PEOPLE. 119 New Haven was a way-station in the monthly mail-trip that, after 1672, was made between New York and Boston. This service, however, was quite irregular until Benjamin Franklin made a tour of the colonies, and made more perfect arrangements. The first newspaper in New Haven, called "The Connecticut Gazette, " was founded in January, 1755, but discontinued from lack of patronage in 1 762. Three years after, it was' revived by Benjamin Meeom, who gave notice that he had secured local correspondents, and had sent for " three kinds of English magazines, the ' Monthly Review of Books,' and one of the best London newspapers." He was confident that "these, with American intelligence from Nova Scotia to Georgia, and from Canada," would give his readers a " Stock of Momentous Materials." It was not until about the middle of the eighteenth cen tury that carriages and wagons were used by a few wealthy citizens in the larger towns. The first pleasure-carriage ever seen in Litchfield was brought there by Mr. Matthews, the English mayor of New York, who was confined in that town as prisoner-of-war in 1776. The people did not take kindly to this luxurious way of travelling, and the owner of the first chaise in Norwich was fined for riding in it to church. Ox-carts and sleds were used in farm-work, and in cann ing produce and supplies to market ; but journeys for pleas ure or business were made on horseback. Almost every family kept a horse ; and, in riding, the women and children sat behind on a pillion. Common furniture, and household and farm utensils, were made by the farmer and his sons ; and the clothing of the family, from dressing the flax to PRINTING-PRESS. 120 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. cutting the cloth, was almost universally the handiwork of the women. The men wore homespun ; and the women made their dresses, for ordinary service, of coarse, strong linen. Great pride and care were taken in providing more elegant and elaborate clothing for Sunday use. The men on that day donned cloth coats and beaver hats, and the women appeared in carefully preserved silk or brocade.4 The hair for a long time was powdered, and worn, by the women, in a simple braid ; but this fashion was followed by an extreme, in which the locks were combed over a cushion of horse-hair, so that it would often be a foot above the crown . During the reign of Charles II., wigs were very fashionable, both in Old and New England ; and it was not un common to see boys dressed in short wig surmounted by a three - cornered GENT IN BOOTS. clothes, wearing hat. 1 The "White field House was built of stone from a ledge Bome eighty rods distant. Atwater, in his History of the New-Haven Colony, says, "The Whitefield house differed from the typi- cal New-England dwelling, both in the material of which it was built, and in its interior arrangements. Houses were usually supported, not hy walls of stone, but by frames of heavy timber. White oak was a favorite wood for this purpose, and some of the larger pieces were considerably more than a foot square. Mr. Whitefield, though he was u man of wealth, had no more apart ments in his dwelling than the average New-England planter. It is not easy to tonjecture where he had his study, nor where he lodged his ten children, some of whom were nearly or quite adult when he came to Guilford. His house Beeras small for the requirements of his family and of his calling, and surpris ingly small in contrast with that of the minister of New Haven. Mr. Davenport had but one child; but there were thir teen fireplaces in his houBe, while in Mr. Whitefield's there were but five." There were many who thought the New-Haven people were extravagant in building such " fair and stately houses." 8 A letter written in 1780 hy the Rev. Mr. Trowbridge of Southington, to his recently wedded wife, gives an idea of the household furnishing late in the cen tury : " I have purchased," he sayB, " a LIFE OF THE PEOPLE. 121 clock, brass kettle, iron pot, coffee-mill, pair of flats, pair of brass candle-sticks, brass andirons, and looking-glass; so I hope we shall be able, on the whole, to Bet up housekeeping with some little decency." In a postscript he adds, " A warming-pan I can borrow for the next winter." 3 At Hartford, New Haven, and New London were houses of correction, " for suppressing and punishing of rogues, vagabonds, common beggars, and other lewd, idle, dissolute, and disorderly per sons, and for setting them to work." They were punished by putting fetters or shackles upon them, and by moderate whipping, not exceeding ten stripes at once, ..." to be inflicted at their first coming in, and from time to time in case they be stubborn, disorderly, or idle, and do not perform their task, and that in good condition." 4 The ordinary dress of the people was more picturesque thau in these days. The doublet, as an outer garment, w;w universally worn by the men, and was often of red or other bright color. The waistcoat was worn beneath the doublet, and was made of cotton by the poorer classes: those who could afford it, often used silk. The sleeves were slashed, in order to display the arms. In Massa chusetts, as early as 1634, there was a law enacted against "slashed apparel, immoderate great sleeves, long wigs, gold, silver, or thread lace, knots of rib bon, double ruff or cuffs." Like other laws of the sort, it was virtually a dead letter as far as any special enforcement was concerned. As a text for the Puri tan preachers, it was very earnestly and frequently inculcated. 122 HISTOKY OF CONNECTICUT. CHAPTER XXI. SOCIAL DISTINCTIONS. — MARRIAGE CUSTOMS. — FUNERAL SERVICES.— NEGRO SLAVERY. AMONG the early settlers of Connecticut, a large propor tion of those known as ' ' planters ' ' were descended from the landed gentry of England. In many cases they traced their ancestry in a noble line from the time of William the Conqueror, and it is not strange that pride of birth con tinued to exert a peculiar influence in the social life and customs of the colony. Titles were used spariugly, and with careful discrimina tion. Only those who had possessed landed estates in Eng land, the younger sons of the nobility and the sons of baronets and knights, were addressed in writing with the title of "Esquire." The more common title of honor was "Master" or "Mr." Among those who received this mark of distinction were clergymen, and planters of good families, and those sufficiently well-born who had enjoyed the advan tages of a liberal education. This appellation was seldom bestowed upon young men of whatever rank. "Sir" was a title employed in a limited sense to designate young gentle men who were students in college. The sons of men like Governor Winthrop or Governor Treat, when at home during their vacations, would be greeted by old companions as Sir Winthrop or Sir Treat. Those who, by thrift and force of character, won a worthy position in the community, were called "Goodman" and " Ooodwife." Military titles were in high favor, and recog- SOCIAL DISTINCTIONS. 123 -nized with becoming deference. Prior to 1654 the highest military office in the colony was captain, and John Mason of Pequot fame was the only one who bore this title. When in after-years he visited the militia of the different towns, bearing the insignia of his rank as major, he was " gazed at by the boys and girls of the settlement with eyes of wide wonder, as a man to be reverenced, but not approached." Ecclesiastical titles were highly esteemed, but the clerical prefix of Reverend was not employed in early colonial times. Ministers were recognized as Mr., Pastor, Teacher, or Elder. The legal and medical professions had but scant recogni tion iu these early days. The doctor picked up what little knowledge he possessed from personal association and study with an older practitioner. His success depended upon his natural skill and tact in dealing with people, and a wise sympathy in the suggestions and notions of the good house wives, who felt that the art of healing was a part of their domestic duties. The lawyers fared hard. No mention is made of them in the public records of the times, except in the statute which, having mentioned rioters, scolds, drunkards, and other evil doers, provides that " common barrators, which frequently move, stir up, and maintain suits of law in court, or quar rels and parts in the country, shall give security for their good behavior, or be sent to the common gaol." It was not uutil late in the eighteenth century that Connecticut lawyers depended upon their profession alone for a living. During Governor Talcott's administration, the attention of the As sembly was called to the fact, "that many persons had taken upon them to be attorneys at the bar, so that quarrels and lawsuits were multiplied, and the king's good subjects disturbed." It was enacted that there should be "allowed in the colony, eleven attorneys and no more ; namely, three in Hartford County, and two in each of the others." This law was. however, soon repealed. 124 HISTOKY OF CONNECTICUT. Long before the Revolution, society had fallen into certain- lines and orders that sharply defined personal influence and position. This order followed the gradations of gentlemen, yeomen, merchants, mechanics, and servants. The position of yeoman was everjr way honorable. Some of them bore the title of master, and were elected to fill important offices of trust. The educated class, however, formed the real aristocracy of society ; and it was not until after the Revo lution that their commanding influence began to wane. At the head of this aristocracy stood the clergy. While a few men of .wealth, birth, and personal strength of char acter, held commanding positions, and officers who had gained military renown were highly esteemed, there was no class of men who occupied as unique and powerful a vantage-ground of influence as the ministry. " The ministers of the Puritan emigration," says a recent historian, "were men of birth, education, and breeding. Many of them had been driven from the pulpits of the English Church, and all possessed the sternest courage and. deepest convictions. They were, without exception, leaders- in every way among the people ; formed the strongest class- in the community, and were bold, vigorous, intolerant, able men, who set their mark indelibly upon the early institutions of New England. In accordance with their views, the laws were framed ; by their opinions, much of the public policy was directed ; for them the college was founded, and they alone were thought worthy of the highest education. To them the people looked up with a voluntary reverence, and with profound awe ; while from their pulpits, they wielded an authority, and exercised a power, which was simply over whelming " (Lodge). The Lord's Day began at sunset on Saturday. At this moment all unnecessary work ceased, and the time was passed with strict religious observance until sunset of the following day. Sunday evening was given to recreation and. MARRIAGE CUSTOMS. — FUNERAL SERVICES. 125 social conversation and visiting. This was the time when the young men were in the habit of visiting the Puritan maidens without fear that parents or guardians would be displeased, if they were worthy. The marriages that resulted from these visits were solemnized by a magistrate. If a clergy man officiated, he was obliged to secure a special permit. Weddings in early colonial days were usually celebrated •quietly at the home of the bride. With the increase of wealth, there was a marked change in this respect. Not only were the banns proclaimed in the church, but a general invitation was given from the pulpit to attend the ceremony. Friends and neighbors were entertained with lavish hospital ity at the bride's house. On the wedding- day, muskets were fired ; and those who attended the ceremony, marched in pro cession to the bride's home. The wed ding-feasts lasted sometimes for two or „K|m,, ,,,.,.,, three clays. At a grand wedding in New London, on the day after the marriage ninety-two ladies and gentlemen, it is said, proceeded to dance ninety- two jigs, fifty-two contra-dances, forty-five minuets, and seventeen hornpipes. Marriages were usually consummated at a very early period of life, many girls becoming wives at sixteen and seventeen. The early settlers made the final offices of respect to the dead as simple as possible. This custom changed in time, and, while the religious rites were brief, the obsequies were performed with much pomp and state. The grave was dug by friends, and, after the service, was also filled by their hands. Leading men of the community were selected as pall-bearers ; and besides a general distribution of scarfs, gloves, and rings, a feast of baked meats and drink was pro vided. This extravagance was carried so far that it was the custom in some of the towns to supply scarfs and gloves * on the burial of a pauper. 126 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. It seems strange to think of Connecticut as a slave- holding State, but such was the case in colonial times. There are men still living who met in their childhood with persons who had seen a cargo of slaves placed in the old jail at Middletown, and afterwards sold at auction. At the time of the Revolution, several prominent citizens in this thriving village of about one hundred families were sea- captains engaged in the slave-trade. This business was very profitable for many years. Vessels going out to the West Indies .carried horses, hoops, grain, and other articles, and on the return trips brought cargoes of Guinea negroes. They seem to have been treated kindly, as a rule ; and the characteristics that mark the race to-day were prominent then. Captive Indians, as well as negroes, were held for service- in families ; and the colonial authorities enjoined a strict care- in the training and religious instruction of these bond-ser vants. Soon after the Revolution, steps were taken to bring about a gradual emancipation of slaves on the ground that ilTwas not profitable to keep them. The conscience of the people evidently was not troubled in those days over the sin 7of slavery.2 1 The almanac of Dr. AndrewElliott latto Boys or men, from 14 to 24 years of discloses the fact that in thirty-two years age. Inquire of the printers, New he received twenty-nine hundred pairs of ffaven. May 9, 1779." "To be Sold, a gloves at funerals, weddings, and bap- Mulatto Slave, about 21 years old, is- tisms: of these he sold about six bun- healthy, strong, and active; well ac- dred and forty dollars* worth. quainted with all kinds of farming busi- 2 Advertisements like the follow- ness, and can work at shoemaker's trade. ing were frequent after the publication For further particulars, inquire of Ed- of newspapers began : " Wanted to pur- ward Barker, of Branford, or th& ohase immediately. Two Negro or Mu- Printers hereof." THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF THE PEOPLE. 12T CHAPTER XXII. THE RELIGIOUS LIFE OF THE PEOPLE. — SABBATH OBSERVANCE. — SOCIAL PLEASURES. THE story of Connecticut in colonial days would be incom plete indeed that did not make mention of the religious life of the people and their observance of the sabbath. The men and women who laid the foundations of our com monwealth were exiles from the land of their birth for con science' sake. ' ' Freedom to worship God ' ' was the joy aud privilege of hearts that sought above all else to know and do His will. In a rude building of logs, often but a barn, the early settlers gathered on sabbath morning at the beat of a drum or the sound of a horn ; for nearly a hundred years passed away before bells were in general use. As soon as the peo ple were able to do so, they built churches with the square tunnel roof, which, still later, were improved by the addition of a steeple. For many years, especially in the outlying towns, savages lurked near the villages ; and Sunday, when all were gathered in the church, was a time of peculiar dan ger. The minister at the desk was often armed, all the men in the congregation were armed, and sentinels were posted at the doors, while others kept watch outside. After this danger passed, the physical discomforts suffered by these earnest and devout worshippers were many. There was no way provided for heating the churches, and the doors were thrown open to let in the sun. Ministers often preached in their overcoats, with a muffler about the neck, and mittens 128 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. upon their hands. In severe winter weather the women car ried heated stones in their muffs, and, later, little hand-stoves ; while the men drew bags over their feet to keep them warm. The exercises were lengthy, continuing sometimes for hours. As better churches were built, pews took the place of the hard benches. The seating of the congregation was a matter of great importance. Below the pulpit sat the elders and deacons : while in the body of the church, the men were ranged on one side, and the women on the other, according to age, rank, and social condition. In the back seats or in the gallery were placed the children or negroes ; and " behind all the tithing- men, with long staves tipped with brass, with which they rapped unmercifully the heads of slumbering or disorderly men or boys ; while for delinquents of the fair sex, they con tented themselves with brushing their faces with a hare's foot appended to the rod. Strict discipline was always ob served, and any tendency to fall asleep was promptly checked." 1 In singing, the verses were given out by a leader, a line at a time, and chanted by the whole congregation, who did not know half a dozen different tunes. This singing " by rule," says a historian of those days, " sounded like five hundred different tunes roared out at the same time." This system of organized discord met with resistance ; and a reform was begun about 1700, to substitute singing by note for singing by rule, but this led to a prolonged struggle. As late as 1773, when the new singing was introduced into the church in Harwinton, Litchfield County, one of the deacons arose, and left the church, crying, " Popery ! Popery ! " Because "the evening and the morning were the first day," they commenced their observance of the Lord's Day on Saturday at sunset.2 At this hour the busy housekeeper had arranged to lay aside all work, and a peculiar quiet reigned throughout the community and every home. Family SABBATH OBSERVANCE. 129 worship was generally followed by the religious instruction of children and servants. On sabbath morning every one went to church. Families living at a distance came pre pared to spend the entire day. The elders and children rode on horseback, ancT the young people walked. In summer ¦ MEETINU-HOUSE OP THE SEVENTEENTH CENTL'KV. weather, it was a common custom for them, as a matter of economy, to go barefoot until near the church, when they would put on the shoes and stockings they had carried in their hands. Many of those who resided at a distance, spent the inter mission between the services in what were called " sabbath- 130 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. day houses." 8 These houses were small log or frame structures, having a single or double room with a fireplace, and furnished with a bench, a few chairs, and a table. Here the family and other friends gathered to eat their lunch', and warm their chilled hands and feet. Days of public fasting and prayer were frequent, and family worship was a part of the home life. Strict discipline was enforced in all that pertained to the social and public affairs of the community. Respect for parental authority was universal, and the rules of a strict morality were en forced in the conduct of business. In New Haven a certain John Meigs, a currier and tanner, put such poor leather on the market, that he was brought into court to be punished for his offence. In giving judgment, the court said, " In a single pair of shoes, several evils appear ; such as contempt of court, continued unrighteousness, and other similar evils ; and how many shoes he had made and sold of such faulty materials, and so loaded with evils, the court say they know not." The cobbler soon after left the colony. We should gain a very wrong impression of the old times, if we thought of our Puritan ancestors as always wearing long faces, never smiling, or enjoying innocent pastimes. On the contrary, their social life was marked by many fes tive days. Six times in a year the whole military force of the plantation was called out. These general training-days brought together the old people, women and children, as spectators of the military exercises and athletic games that followed. "The enjoyment which they experienced in watch ing the manoeuvres of the soldiers, and the games of cudgel, backsword, fencing, running, leaping, wrestling, stool-ball, ninepins, and quoits, was enhanced by sharing the spectacle with the multitude, meeting old friends, and making ac quaintance with persons of congenial spirit." Election days were times of general gathering. "On these days the pil lion was fastened behind the saddle ; and the good wife rode SOCIAL PLEASURES. 131 with her good man to the seat of government, to truck some of the yarn she had been spinning, for ribbons and other foreign goods, as well as to gather up the gossip of the year. On such occasions a store of cake was provided beforehand, and ' election-cake ' is consequently one of the institutions received from our fathers " (Atwater). Thanksgiving was the great festal day of the year. In its general features and spirit, it is observed now very much as in colonial times. It was the day when children and orand- children gathered in the old homestead with joy ous greetings. The table fairly groaned be neath the good things that had been provided by the noble mothers and daughters, who had reason to be proud of their skill in preparing all kinds of appetizing dishes. The -male mem bers of the family were faithful in their attend ance upon the service of public worship in the morning, but the rest of the day was filled with home festivities. The gift of com was especially remembered. The injunc tion of an old Puritan minister was common. " Of all other things on the table you may eat, but of the Indian pudding you must eat." It was of this dish that Joel Barlow, the famous Connecticut poet, wrote these lines : — "Ye Alps audacious, through the heavens that rise To cramp the day, and hide me from the skies, I sing not you. A softer theme I choose, A virgin theme, unconscious of the muse, But fruitful, rich, well suited to inspire The purest frenzy of poetic fire. A PORTRAIT WHICH BELONGED TO THE EATON FAMILY. 132 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. I sing the sweets I know, the charms I feel, My morning incense, and my evening meal, The sweets of Hasty Pudding." 1 Sleeping in church was evi dently a besetting sin in those days, when a large part of the congregation were accustomed to an active outdoor life, that must have made it very difficult for them to sit through the long-drawu- out services without physical drowsiness. But their consciences were tender re garding the reverence and atteution that was due the service of the Lord's house. Cotton Mather, in his accouut of the death of Thomas Hooker, says, (t Some of his most observant hearers noticed an astonishing cloud in his congregation, the last Lord's Day of his public minis try, when he administered the Lord's supper among them ; and a most un accountable heaviness and sleepiness, even of the roost watchful Christians of the place, not unlike the drowsiness of the disciples, when our Lord was going to die, for which one of the elders re buked them. When those devout people afterwards perceived that' this was the last sermon and sacrament wherein they were to have the presence of their pas tor with them, 'tis inexpressible how much they bewailed their inattentive- ness to his farewell dispensations; and some of them could enjoy no peace in their own souls, until they had obtained leave of the elders to confess before the whole- congregation, with many tears, that inadvertency." 2 This custom was observed until within the memory of those now living. Dr. Bushnell, in his Age of Homespun, tells a story of his boyhood, when he was refused a load of apples which he had gone to buy on Saturday, because the good neighbor, on consulting the sun, thought he would not be able to measure and load the fruit before the strict sabbath began. ;! Rabbath-day house*. Dr. W. C. Fowler, In his History of Durham, gives this entertaining description of these unique structures: "These houses were from twenty to twenty-five feet in length, and from ten to twelve feet iu breadth, and one story high, with a chimney in the middle, dividing the whole space into two rooms, with a partition between them, for the use of two families, who united in building the house. The fur niture consisted of a few chairs, a table, plates and dishes, some iron utensil, it may be, for warming food which had been cooked. Besides the Bible, there was sometimes a book on experimental religion, like Baxter's Saints' Best, or Allein's Alarm. On the morning of the sabbath, the mother of the family, with provident care, put up her store of comforts for the dinner, substantial or slight fare, as most convenient, a bottle of cider almost of course. The family then set off from their home in a large two-horse sleigh, or on saddles and pillions. They stopped at the sabbath- day house, kindled a blazing fire, and then went forth to shiver in the cold during the morning services. At noon they hurried back to their warm room. After they had taken their meal, and by turns drunk from the pewter mug, thanks were returned. Then the ser mon came under review, from the notes takeu by the father of the family; or a chapter was read from the Bible, or a paragraph from some favorite author, the services concluding with prayer or singing. After again visiting the sanc tuary, the family would return to the sabbath-day house, if the cold was severe, before they sought their home. The fire was then extinguished, the door wan locked, and the house remained undis turbed during the week.'* THE EVOLUTION OF THE TOWNS. 133 CHAPTER XXIII. THE EVOLUTION OF THE TOWNS. IN number, the men and women who laid the foundations of the Connecticut and New-Haven colonies were less than the emigrants that are now landed at Castle Garden twice or thrice a week by some steamer from Liverpool or Hamburg. We have, however, seen that these early settlers were providentially the pioneers of one of the most remark able emigrations that history records. The story of this emi gration carries us back to England, and the struggle for civil and religious freedom that culminated in the Revolution of 1642. For ten years after the landing of the Pilgrims, the emi gration exclusive^ confined to Massachusetts was small. About 1630 the tide increased, and it is estimated that within the next ten years about twenty thousand persons came to New England. At the breaking out of the Revolu tion, that gave ascendency to Puritan power in England, the emigration almost entirely ceased. After the first companies came, and settled in the Connec ticut valley, and in the neighborhood of New Haven, they received but few accessions by emigration. The growth of the population of Connecticut, for nearly two hundred years, was from this parent stock. The result is, that, even now, almost every child in the State, whose ancestors were living in Connecticut in the early part of this century, may trace its ancestry back to some one in the little handful of people who settled the New-Haven and Connecticut colonies. 134 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. The growth of the tree illustrates the historic development of the Commonwealth. The two colonies, whose life was soon united, may represent the trunk, and the half-dozen towns that formed them the first branches, of the sturdy sap ling. As the growth of the tree develops fresh buds, and they form new branches, so the advancing and vigorous life of the early colonial towns put forth new shoots as the years passed by. Let us select the history of two or three towns, in differ ent parts of the State, to illustrate this process of evolution. The beautiful valley that lies a few miles west of Hartford early attracted attention, and in 1640 some of the leading families that had come in Mr. Hooker's company commenced a settlement upon the meadows bordering the Tunxis River. The land was purchased of the Indians, and divided among the eighty-four proprietors. The town was incorporated in 1645 under the name of Farmington, and was about fifteen miles square. Since this period seven new towns have been taken from this territory, — Southington, Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Avon, Plain ville, and New Britain, within whose limits has sprung up the busy and prosperous city of the same name. In 1657 some of the inhabitants from Farmington, on a hunting excursion, wandered away from home as far as the Naugatuck Valley. They here discovered what they thought was a mine of black-lead. They purchased the right from the Indians to work it, and the deed they received included the land within eight miles of the hill from which the lead was to be taken. This territory covered the present town ships of Plymouth, Harwinton, Thomaston, Litchfield, and other towns. The mine did not prove a profitable invest ment, and no settlement was made in the Naugatuck Valley until sixteen years had passed away. In 1673 the meadow- lands at Mattatuck (Waterbury) attracted the attention of some of the inhabitants of Farmington, and they asked the THE EVOLUTION OF THE TOWNS. 135 Assembly to appoint a committee to view them, and report upon the expediency of locating a plantation there. The committee reported that they thought Mattatuck could sustain a population of thirty families. Sundry citizens were appointed to regulate and establish the settlement ; but the breaking out of King Philip's war retarded the work, and it was not until 1677 that the pro prietors came with their families. The first site, known to this day as the "Town Plot," was laid out on the ridge of the hill, about a mile west of the present city of Waterbury. A building-lot of eight acres was given to each settler. The labor of drawing the hay from the meadows up the steep hill soon decided them to build in the valley ; and they chose the location now covered with the homes and busy industries of the beautiful and thriving city of Waterbury, with its thirty thousand inhabitants. The early settlers looked upon the river as only " an obstruction and peril." A recent local historian quaintly says, " In the result, Mattatuck, like most of the manufacturing towns of New England, has been saved, as was Noah and his family, * by water7 rather than by land." The families that first made their home in Waterbury suf fered very much for want of a grist-mill. They had to carry all of their corn to Farmington, a distance of twenty miles, to be ground. The committee appointed by the State granted thirty acres of land to whoever would build and keep up a mill. These terms were accepted by Stephen Hopkins of Hartford, who built a mill, in 1680, on Mill River, where one has stood until the present day. This matter of securing mill privileges caused a great deal of trouble to the frontier towns. The first householders of Woodbury had no flour or meal except what they could get from Stratford, where they formerly lived. Even on wedding occasions, the principal dishes at the dinner were bean-porridge for soup, bread made of pounded corn, and an enormous plate of pork and 136 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. beans. The first set of mill-stones brought into the place, about 1674, were so small that they were carried from Strat ford on the back of a horse. The story of the settlement of the charming valley in which lie the villages of Woodbury and Southbury, gives another reason that sometimes led to the founding of new towns. For a long time, there had been a bitter dispute in the church at Stratford, over what was known as the " Halfway Cove nant " system of church membership. Each party chose a pastor, and an effort was made to keep peace by dividing the services of the Lord's Day between them ; but this plan did not work well. Governor Winthrop finally advised the weaker party, with their pastor, the Rev. Mr. Walker, to choose a tract of land, and make a new plantation. This was in 1672. Thirteen years before this, an exploring party, visiting the valley of the Pomperaug, were solicited by some Derby Indians to purchase the adjoining country. The deed given at the time of purchase covered a terri tory as large as Litchfield County. No use was made of the land until Mr. Walker's party decided to settle in the valley. At the May Assembly, in 1672, " liberty to erect a planta tion at Pomperoage " was granted. The original signers to the covenant to found a new town at Woodbury were but seventeen. Before they left Strat ford, they adopted articles of agreement. Only as many persons were to be admitted to the plantation as could be comfortably accommodated. All public expenses, civil and religious, were to be borne in proportion to their home-lots, the largest of which was twenty-five acres, and the smallest ten. A large tract of land was set apart for the preaching of the gospel, and also " a parsell of land for ye Incourigiug a Schoole, y' learning may not be neglected to children." The first shelter of the settlers was made of evergreen trees ; but by the time the cold weather set in, they had built rude log huts. Before the winter was over, their supply THE EVOLUTION OF THE TOWNS. 137 of food gave out ; and some of the men went to Stratford, a distance of thirty miles, with hand-sleds, and drew them home laden'with provisions. In 1674 the town received the name of Woodbury. Another illustration of the way new settlements sprung up takes us into the eastern part of the State. In 1675, Joshua, the son of Uncas, the famous Mohegan sachem, by his last will, gave to Captain John Mason, and fifteen others, the tract containing the town of Windham, from which Mans field and Canterbury were also afterwards set off. In May, 1686, the main street of Windham was laid out, and lots surveyed for the proprietors. The first person who dug a cellar, and, with the help of his servant, raised a house, was Lieutenant John Cates. He held a commission under Cromwell ; and when Charles II. came to the throne, he fled to this country for safety. He first landed in Virginia ; but from fear of capture, he came to Norwich, and then sought this retired spot. Windham was made a count3T-seat in 1726. The formation of new towns continued until most of the land within the bounds of the State was taken up. That much of this real estate was considered of little value, is illustrated in the disposal that was made of the territory now included in the town of East Lyme. This tract was first re served for the Indians ; but in time the Legislature granted a petition giving it to New London and Lyme, but without determining a dividing line. New London proposed to take three miles in width, and leave one to Lyme. Lyme made a similar proposal to New London. Rather than be to the trouble of going to Hart ford with their dispute, they agreed to settle their title to the land in controversy, by a wrestling-match between two champions to be chosen by each for this purpose. The victory turned in favor of Lyme, and that town held the controverted tract until the town of East Lyme was formed. 138 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. During the past eighty years, as the centres of popula tion have increased, the old towns have been divided and subdivided, as in the case of Saybrook, from which Essex, Chester, Westbrook, and Old Saybrook have been set off since 1836. 1714.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 139 CHAPTER XXTV. 1714-174a PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. THE condition of society in Connecticut at this period was exceptionally happy and prosperous. The prayer of her people seemed realized, " that peace and unity might be con tinued among them, and that they might have the blessings of the God of peace upon them." Habits of frugality and industry were joined with rectitude of character, and devout religious life and feeling. The affairs of the Commonwealth were wisely and economically conducted by tried and faith ful men. Thoughtful care was taken of the unfortunate poor, of soldiers who had returned from captivity, and of others suffering from mental and physical disabilities. To describe the condition of Connecticut in these years, as Bancroft has said, " is but to enumerate the blessings of self- government, as exercised by a community of thoughtful freeholders, who have neither a. nobility nor a populace. How dearly it remembered the parent island, is told by the English names of its towns. Could Charles II. have looked back- upon earth, and seen what security his gift of a charter had conferred, he might have gloried in an act which re deemed his life from the charge of having been unproductive of public happiness. In a proclamation, Connecticut, under its great seal, told the world that its days under the charter were 'halcyon days of peace.' Time, as it advances, may unfold scenes of more wealth and wider action, but not of more contentment and purity." 140 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1714, '21. Intelligence having been received of the death of the Queen and the accession of the Elector of Hanover (George I.) to the English throne, Connecticut at once sent an ad dress of congratulation to the new king. The prosperity of these days is seen in the rapid growth of the towns and the increase of population.1 The occupation of the people was mostly agricultural, but there was considerable shipbuilding at different points along the Sound. Hartford, Wethers field, and Middletown on the river ; and Stonington, New London, New Haven, and other towns on the coast, — 'had. FIRST STATE HOUSE IN HARTFORD. (Begun in 1719; occupied in 1720.) vessels engaged in fishing, and carried on quite a brisk trade with the West Indies. A copper mine was opened in Sims- bury ; but, like other ventures of the kind in after-years, it- did not prove profitable. The excavated mine at Simsbury was used for a long time as a State prison. After the adoption of the Saybrook Platform, the power of the clergy was increased ; and the Assembly at different times called attention to the state of religion in the colony, and the necessity of a more rigorous enforcement of the laws regarding sabbath-breaking, and the sins of lying, swearing, and intemperance. Some trouble w^as caused by a sect. known as Rogerenes, that flourished mostly in the neighbor hood of New London. While their doctrines were ob- 1724, '27.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 141 noxious to their neighbors, the principal annoyance came through the indecencies of dress and behavior that marked the more than eccentric action of this peculiar people.2 Their irregularities probably prompted the passing of a law by which a fine of twenty shillings was imposed upon per sons absenting themselves from their "lawful congrega tion," and assembling for worship in private houses. Governor Saltonstall died in 1724.3 For sixteen years he had performed the duties of his office with vigor and ability. The removal of the college from Saybrook to New Haven, and questions of ecclesiastical order, had required rare tact and wisdom on his part. But in these matters, as well as those that pertained to the civil welfare of the colony, Governor Saltonstall had proved master of the situation. Joseph Tal- cott was elected as his suc cessor. During his term, which also continued for sixteen years, the history of Connecticut is a J GOVERNOR SALTONSTALL. record of peaceful prosperity. " The general courts came and went year after year, made necessary and wholesome laws, kept the finances sound and pure, and free from the paper contagion, encouraged their college, looked after their rights in England, and carried ou a steady, frugal government, which was probably one of the best the world has ever seen " (Lodge). During the administration of Talcott, new towns still con tinued to be rapidly settled.4 When the order came to pro claim King George II. , the governor called a special session of the Legislature, and an address, earnest in its expressions of loyalty, was sent to the king.5 At the same time, the governor was instructed to forward to the agent of the colony in England a reply to a complaint, which it was understood 142 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1727, '41. that John Winthrop, nephew of the late governor, had brought before the king's council. Winthrop said that he had been unjustly treated by the courts of the colony in the division of his father's estate. He claimed that the colonial law which allowed daughters to receive real estate in the distribution of the property of an intestate person, was in violation of the law of England. The question was one of grave importance to the colony, as it involved the legality of titles to landed property from the earliest settlement. The king's privy council was inclined to the opinion that the law of Connecticut would not hold ; and the Assembly, hav ing received an order overruling the action of the courts in the case of Winthrop, proceeded to put him in possession of the land which he claimed. Connecticut would not accede to the decision of the privy council, although a doubt was thrown upon the title of property in the settlement of intes tate estates. Twenty years after, the colonial law was finally sanctioned by a decision of the council. There seemed to be so much uneasiness in England over the possible development of industries in the colonies, that it was thought best for the governor to assure the Board of Trade that they had not " by any premium encouraged auy manufactory in this colony." This was true at this time; but it was not long before liberal bounties were offered for the production of silk and hemp, and for manufacturing "canvas, duck, and fine linen cloth." During the last ses sion of the Assembly in which Governor Talcott served, Acts for the regulation of the militia, and " for the encour agement and better supporting of the schools," were passed. Upon the death of Governor Talcott, in 1741, Jonathan Law, who had been lieutenant-governor during his entire term of office, succeeded him. The stable character of the people proved itself in the way they treated those whom they placed in positions of trust. A faithful and efficient public servant was seldom removed from office. 1739, '44'.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 143 The peace policy of Robert Walpole, the great English prime minister, gave the colony rest for many years from the French wars that had proved so serious a drain upon its resources. This condition of affairs was changed by the breaking out of hostilities between England and Spain in 1739. The colonies were required to furnish four regiments to join the British force at Jamaica. Connecticut at once called for volunteers, for whom she provided transports and food until they arrived at the island. Of the fifteen thou sand seamen and twelve thousand soldiers gathered there under the command of Admiral Vernon, four thousand were from the colonies. Thwarted in the endeavor to intercept a French fleet, and defeated in an attack upon Carthagena, they sailed for Cuba. Havana was easily taken, but the scourge of 3'ellow-fever proved more terrible than any enemy. Of the thousand stalwart men who had enlisted from New England, not one hundred returned. From the opening of hostilities, France had been in full sympathy with Spain; and on the 4th of March, 1744, she made a formal declaration of war against England. The New-England colonies were thoroughly aroused at the im pending sense of danger. The French still held Canada and Cape Breton, and claimed all of the vast interior region from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the mouth of the Mississippi. If they could make this claim good, it is easy to understand that the colonists felt that the security of the strip of coun try which they held along the Atlantic coast would be con stantly endangered. Louisburg, on Cape Breton Island, at the entrance of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, was the strongest fortress on the American continent, and well termed " the Gibraltar of North America." It was the central station from which the French privateers and men-of-war sailed, that hovered all along the New-England coast, and seized upon sailing and trading vessels. This was ruinous to the maritime interests 144 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1744. of the colony. Nova Scotia had come into the possession of the English in 1713, but this province was again threatened by the French. Canso was surprised and taken ; and the same fate probably would have overtaken Annapolis ( Port Royal) , had it not just before been re-enforced by troops from Massachusetts. There was a common feeling throughout New England, that Louisburg must be captured at all hazards. Having waited in vain for aid from England, some of the leaders in military and civil affairs began to discuss the possibility of accomplishing this work without assistance from the mother country. Governor Shirley of Massachusetts was especially active in these negotiations. He did all that he could to learn the exact condition of the fortress, and its preparation in case of a siege. Having urged the home government to send sloops-of-war to guard Annapolis, with the view of protecting the provincial troops while besieging Louisburg, he then made known his plans to the General Court. The matter was earnestly debated for several days. All were agreed as to the danger that menaced the colonies as long as this stronghold remained in the hands of the French ; but the difficulties which confronted them in carrying out the plan suggested seemed so great, that, upon the final vote, the measure was lost. The matter before long was agitated in other quarters. Some of the leading merchants and most influential citizens petitioned the Court to revive and pass the bill. A com mittee of investigation was appointed, and, after the consid eration of the report, the measure was carried by a single vote. From this point the tide of general enthusiasm began to rise. Despatches were at once sent to the different colonies, soliciting their assistance. All but New England declined to engage in the hazardous enterprise. Connecticut immedi ately proceeded to raise her quota of five hundred men. Roger Wolcott, the lieutenant-governor, was appointed 1745.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 145 commander-in-chief of the Connecticut forces. Within a few days ample supplies were gathered, and the troops em barked. Before the close of April, a gallant little army of four thousand New-England men, under command of Colonel Pepperell of Massachusetts, had arrived at Canso, Nova Scotia. To the great joy of the provincial soldiers, Commo dore Warren, who, at the last moment, had been ordered by the home government to assist Governor Shirley in this expe dition, sailed into the harbor with three ships-of-war, and the same day was joined by another from Portsmouth. Without delay the army embarked, and, under convoy of the fleet, sailed for Louisburg Harbor. The garrison were taken completely by surprise, as the}' saw the transports beating into the bay. The governor at once sent a company of his best troops to oppose the landing of the English. In the skirmish that followed, their commanding officer was taken prisoner ; and those who were not killed or wounded, fled, and left the enemy to effect an easy landing. The following morning a detachment of four hundred men, under cover of a range of hills, marched to the north-east side of the harbor, to within a mile of the general battery. During the progress of their march, they had set fire to the houses and stores along the way ; and the dense volume of smoke hid their movements, so that the enemy was at an entire loss as to their numbers and strength. Panic-stricken with the belief that the whole army was approaching, they threw their powder into a well, and deserted the battery. With exultant hearts the little band of provincial soldiers hastened forward, and took possession of the guns without the loss of a man. The work of reducing the fortress was still before them. In order to get their guns in position, they had to drag them a distance of two miles. A deep morass stretched part of the wav ; and as oxen and horses sank too deep in the treach erous bog to permit of their use, the men were compelled, under cover of the night, to drag the heavy guns, mortars, 146 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1745. and timbers to the place where they erected the temporary batteries. It was an herculean task, but they did not falter ; and in less than twenty days they had prepared five fascine batteries. Meanwhile the fleet was not inactive. By a shrewd manoeuvre, the "Mermaid," a forty-four-gun ship in command of Captain Douglas, captured the "Vigilant," a French sixty-four-gun ship. The loss of this vessel with her abundant stores, and five hundred and sixty men, was a heavy blow, and hastened the final victory. Four days after the " Vigilant" had struck her colors, two other ships joined the English fleet. The garrison within the fortress was disheart ened. The western gate of the town was broken down, and breaches were visible. The only battery that com manded the town, and could defend it against ships, was in ruins. On the 15th of June the officers of the garrison asked for a cessation of hostilities, that terms of capitulation might be arranged. This was granted, and on the 17th of June " The Gibraltar of North America " was surrendered to England. The provincial troops were determined to push the siege, although they had suffered very much from exposure and hardships. For their sake the final surrender came none too soon. It was a remarkable victory, and its intelligence car ried joy into every New-England home. It was a terrible blow to the French power in North America, all the more disheartening and severe because it was unexpected. Of the five thousand colonial troops who had taken part in the expedition, eleven hundred were from Connecticut. The effect of this victory was to encourage England in the determination to wrest from France her provinces in the New World. France in the following year planned a campaign for the retaking of Louisburg and the punishment of New Eng land. The large and well-equipped fleet that set sail for the shores of North America was scattered and disabled by 1748.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 147 storms ; pestilence swept away the men ; its commander and his successor died suddenly, and nothing was accomplished. It is not strange c that the colonists felt that a protecting Providence through mysterious ways had broken the power of the enenry, and turned them away from their shores. In 1748 a congress convened at Aix-la-Chapelle to consider terms of peace that should restore tranquillity to the dis tracted nations of Europe. England once more was at peace with France and Spain, and their possessions in the New World had rest from the horrors of war for a little season. 1 At the time of the Revolution of 1688, and the deposition of Andros, Con necticut had twenty-eight towns. With in thirty-seven years twenty-two were added; viz., Danbuvy (1693), Lebanon (1697), Colchester and Durham (1699), Voluntown (1700), Mansfield and Can- . terbury (1703), Hebron (1704), Killingly (1708), Coventry and Ridgefield (1709), Newtown (1711), East Haddam,Pomfret, and New Milford (1713), Asbford (1714), Tolland (1715), Stafford (1719), Litch field (1721), Willington and Bolton (1720), and Somers (1726). In 1726 Windham County was formed of the eleven towns in the north-eastern corner of the colony. 2 The founder of this strange sect was John Rogers of New London. Hold ing the views of the Seventh-Day Bap tists, they added notions of their own, both eccentric and immoral. 3 Saltonstall, at the time he was elected governor, was pastor of the Con gregational Church in New London. His close relations with Governor Fitz John Winthrop and other prominent men had given him great influence in public affairs. A born leader, and gifted with marked business ability, he was recognized as perhaps the most learned lawyer in the colony. Winthrop leaned upon him as his principal adviser, and it is not strange that at his death he was chosen his successor. Palfrey (Iliet New Eng., vol.iv. p. 495) speaks in these terms of the administration of SaltonBtall : "Its wisdom and vigor moulded the senti ments of a transition period; and no man memorable on the bright roll of Connecticut worthies did more to estab lish for her that character which was in dicated by the name, appropriated to her through many generations, of ' the land of steady habits.' " 4 Between the years 1726 and 1739 the following towns were established: Somers, New Fairfield, East Haddam, Union, Barkharastead, Colebrook, Hart- land, Winchester, New Hartford, Tor- rington, Kent, Goshen, Canaan, Salis bury, and Cornwall. c It was ordered that the celebration which had taken place at Hartford, be repeated at New Haven ; " that the troops in the county of New Haven, five of the oldest foot-companies in the town of New Haven, and two foot-companies iu Milford, attend that day's service; that a treat of thirty pounds be made for their refreshment; that a quarter of a pound of powder be delivered to each sentinel; that a. sufficient quantity of powder be provided for discharging three of the great guns; . . . that the Bheriff provide ten pounds of candles for illuminating the court-house; . . . and also, that he procure a barrel of good wine, at the charge of the colony, for refreshment of the Assembly." 148 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1748. CHAPTER XXV. 1748-1755. PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. THE peace of Aix-la-Chapelle was followed by a cessation of hostilities between England and France that con tinued for nearly ten years. It was the brief lull before the breaking out of a more furious and decisive struggle for the control of North America. Vigorous and united in its inde pendent government, Connecticut prospered abundantly. New towns were settled, and old ones increased in popula tion and wealth. The life of the people was earnest and thoughtful ; and the interests of religion, morality, and edu cation were nourished with jealous care. While peace and prosperity reigned within her borders, the people of Connecticut were fully alive to the progress of events that linked their destiny with that of the other colo nies in the struggle against the French. The military spirit was kept alive by the frequent gatherings of the train-bands for exercise ; and in almost every home-circle, there were those who could tell a story of personal adventure in the wars that had so frequently called for volunteers. From the settlement of the colony, a militant disposition was fostered by necessity ; and the blood of the hardy sons of the fathers who first subdued the wilderness, possessed a martial straiu that was easily stirred to heroic action. It was now seen that France was seeking with consummate skill to gain imperial power in North America. Having 1748-54.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 149 secured a firm foothold in Canada and Louisiana, the French claimed the whole country west of the Alleghanies. From the Great Lakes to the mouth of the Mississippi, they were busy erecting a line of forts and trading-posts, and furnish ing them with materials of war. The English Government realized that something must be done to stay the progress of the French in their plan to hem in and confine the colonies to a narrow strip of country along the Atlantic coast. An English colony was planted in Nova Scotia ; and at the begin ning of the war that soon broke out, the original French settlers were driven from the peninsula. The sad story of their exile from their Acadian homes is told by Longfellow in his poem of "Evangeline." In 1749 the city of Halifax was founded, under the direc tions of Lord Halifax, then at the head of the British Board of Trade. A company, also of English noblemen and mer chants, with some Virginia planters, formed an association to occupy a part of the beautiful valley of the Ohio. Al ready the French governors of Louisiana and Canada had given orders that all English settlers and merchants should be driven from the valleys of the Ohio and the Mississippi. The flames of the last great struggle between these nations for the control of North America were kindled at several points. From the shores of Lake Erie a force of twelve hundred men drove the English settlers from their colony on the Ohio, and built Fort Duquesne where the city of Pitts burg now stands. This commanding position had been selected as the site of an English fort by a young Virginian planter, and some work had been done upon it when it was seized by the French. The same youthful officer was or dered- not long after to make the attempt to dislodge the enemy, but it proved a hazardous and unavailing effort. This was the beginning of the military career of George Washington. The French had gained a wonderful influence over most 150 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1754. of the Indian tribes, and this was a great help to them in carrying out their projects of conquest. Fortunately for the English, the powerful Iroquois tribes, who lived west of the Hudson River, still continued friendly to them, and hostile to the French. In 1754, under instructions from the home government, a convention of delegates from the colo nies met at Albany to make a treaty with these friendly tribes, known as the " Six Nations," and to form a union for self-defence. The twenty-five colonial delegates first met a hundred and fifty Indian chiefs, and made a treaty with them. Then Benjamin Franklin, who had been influen tial in calling the convention, proposed a plan of union. The Philadelphia editor and printer, who was to link his name and fame so closely with the new nation that was to rise in the near future, was successful in gaining the approval of a majority of the convention to his plan. The three representatives from Connecticut — William Pitkin, Roger Wolcott, and Elisha Williams — did not al together favor this scheme of union, and so reported when they returned home. It would have been strange had they done so. With unfaltering determination the colony had always resisted every attempt to lessen the control of its charter government. They were more than willing to do their share in the common defence, but they did not pro pose to give the management of their affairs into other hands. They were suspicious that this plan, that created a council with a head appointed by the crown, with power to make general laws, and raise money iu all the colonies for the defence of the whole, might prove an entering- wedge that would finally destroy their charter government. More than this, they argued that the attempt to carry ou a defensive war along so extended a frontier under the management of such a council as was proposed, would be impracticable and dangerous. The plan of union met with opposition in other directions, and was given up. A bill 1755.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 151 was then introduced into Parliament by Lord Halifax, that provided for an assembly of the governors and one or two delegates from each colony with authority to direct the mili tary force, and draw the money for their expense from Eng land, which should afterwards be repaid by taxes on the colonists. This project met not only with the earnest pro test of Connecticut, but of all the colonies. The bill was dropped, but the discussion which it aroused was the stirring of thought and opinion that culminated in the war of the Revolution. Meanwhile the gifted Marquis of Montcalm, who was now governor of Canada, had united the French strongholds of Duquesne at the head waters of the Ohio, of Niagara near Lake Ontario, and of Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain, by a chain of smaller forts. The British ministry saw that the question of uniting the colonists for their common defence, taxation, and control by the home government, must be de ferred, and active measures taken to resist the encroachments of France "in the great interior of America. A campaign was marked out ; and it was decided that an expedition in command of General Braddock should march against Fort Duquesne, while another should make an attack upon Crown Point. Efforts at the same time were to be made to wrest Niagara from the enemy. About the middle of January, General Braddock embarked for Virginia with fifteen hundred troops. In the early spring, the governors of the colonies met the English general in council, and it was agreed that the campaign against the French should be earnestly sustained. The ill-fated attack of Braddock upon Fort Duquesne, in which he was slain, and the remnant of his little army saved from utter destruction by the skill of his young staff -officer, Colonel Washington, caused great excitement, both in Eng land and the colonies. This crushing defeat was the work of Indian allies, and taught the British that warfare on American soil was very different from that upon the open 152 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1755. battle-fields of Europe. The French, elated with ' this vic tory, were now in possession of all the region west of the Alleghanies ; and scenes of massacre and pillage filled the hearts of many with dismay and fear. The colonists dreaded the horrible tactics of Indian warfare, and the influence the French had gained over them, more than all else. Preparations had already been made to push the campaign against the enemy in their stronghold on Lafce Champlain. 611 100 THE FRENCH WAR. Connecticut raised a thousand men to join the provincial army that was to proceed to Crown Point, and the governor was authorized to enlist five hundred more troops if they were needed. William Johnson of New "York was made commander-in-chief of the army ; and the New-England troops were placed in command of Phineas Lyman of Con necticut, who had been appointed major-general. Before the end of June an army of six thousand men was gathered at Albany, together with a large body of Mohawk Indians, under Hendrick their sachem. 1755.J PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 153 General Lyman, with the main part of the troops, marched along the banks of the Hudson, as far as the "carrying- place," fourteen miles south of Lake George. Six weeks were consumed in building a rude fort at this point to pro tect the military stores, and provide a safe place of retreat if the army was compelled to fall back. It was late in August before an advance was made to Lake George. Before they were scarcely settled in their new camp, Indian runners brought tidings that the enemy in large numbers was advancing from Ticonderoga, by South Bay, to Fort Edward. This important post was held by five hundred troops from New York and New Hampshire. Word was sent to them of their danger. While on the alert, awaiting the movements of the enemy, a courier brought news to General Johnson that they were on the march, and within a few miles of Fort Edward. It was decided at once to send a thousand men, under the command of Colonel Williams of Massachu setts, and Colonel Whiting of Connecticut, with the Mohawk warriors, to intercept the enemy. It was the design of Dieskau to march against Fort Ed ward ; but the guides took a false route, and he found after a four days' march that they were on the road to Lake George. His Indian allies refused to attack the fort, but were willing to go against the army at the lake, whom they supposed were without artillery or defences. Mean while the troops in command of Colonel Williams had marched but a short distance, in the early morning, ou their way to relieve Fort Edward, when they were discovered by the French scouts. Dieskau at once ordered his entire force to lie in ambush, and surround them. Even the wary Mo hawks were caught in the snare, and did not suspect the pres ence of the enemy until a flame of deadly fire burst from the muskets hidden in the forest thickets. Colonel Wil liams, Hendrick the Mohawk chief, and other brave officers and men, were killed upon the spot. 154 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1755. With great presence of mind, Nathan Whiting of New Haven, the next officer in command, rallied the panic- stricken troops. Among the most efficient of his aids was Israel Putnam,' who had recently received a commission of lieutenant from the Legislature of Connecticut. The first fatal volley of musketry had been heard at the camp, and the preparations for defence were hastened. Two or three cannon were drawn up from the shore of the lake. The wagons and baggage were placed inside a rude breastwork of trees. As the retreating companies came into the camp, they took the strongest position they could, and waited the onset of the enemy. It had been the purpose of Dieskau to rush forward, and open fire as soon as possible. The ¦cowardice of his Iroquois allies delayed the attack. It was about noon when the battle commenced. Johnson was slightly wounded early in the action, and the chief command fell upon Lyman. Under his directions " the New- England people kept up the most violent fire that had as yet been known in America." No sooner did the enemy begin to retreat, than the English leaped over their breastworks, and pursued them on every side. Of the two thousand men in the attacking force, seven hundred lay dead upon the field. Nearly all of the French regulars perished. Dieskau was discovered danger ously wounded, a short distance from the camp, and while attempting to get his watch, was again shot, by a soldier who thought he was reaching for his pistol. The unfortunate officer was carried to England as a prisoner-of-war, and was afterwards liberated, but never fully recovered from his wounds. The victory gained upon the shores of Lake George en couraged the northern colonies to respond to the call that had already been made for Te-enforcements. Connecticut raised two regiments, and sent them forward at once. She now had between two and three thousand men in active 1755.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 155 service. Johnson proved unequal to the opportunity. Afraid of a sudden attack of the enemy, he allowed them to in trench themselves at Ticonderoga. While re-enforcements poured in from New England eager to advance, he busied the troops in building Fort William Henry, near Lake George. The autumn passed without any forward movement ; and when winter set in, the Connecticut militia returned home. In recognition of his services, General Johnson was made a baronet, and Parliament voted him five thousand pounds ; while the brave and gifted General Lyman, * who had really saved the day at Lake George, received no reward. Governor Shirley, at the head of the expedition against Niagara, did not get beyond Oswego. The news of the •defeat of Braddock led so many of his boatmen to desert, that he was unable to transport his soldiers and material of war across the lake. Having erected two small forts commanding the entrance of the harbor, he left a force of seven hundred men to garrison them, and with the rest of his army returned to Albany. Thus far the chain of French fortresses had not been broken at a single point ; and, owing to a lack of vigorous action and co-operation on the part of the southern colonies, their borders had been the scene of many cruel massacres. 1 Israel Putnam was born January purchased by the State and made a 7, 1718, in Salem Village, now Danvers, public park, won for Putnam an early Mass. About 1739 he removed to Con- reputation for undaunted pluck and necticut, having purchased land in Pom- courage. The incident occurred in the fret, where he made his lifelong home. winter of 1743-43. The story of the The capture of the wolf in the wolf-hunt found a place in the early rocky den in Pomfret, which, with some school readers, and some of the pictures of the surrounding land, has been which illustrated it are very quaint. 1 Phineas Lyman was born in Dur- England, seeking to get a tract of land ham in 1716. After graduating at Yale ¦ along the Mississippi from the govern- College, he was admitted to the bar. As ment. A tract in the vicinity of Natchez commander-in-chief of the Connecticut was granted to the company of which forces in the French war, he proved him- he was agent, in 1774. He took over a self a brave and capable military leader. company of emigrants, but died, soon In 1762 he was at the head of the colo- after reaching- this country, in West nial troops in the expedition against Florida. Havana. From 1763 to 1774 he was in 156 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1756. CHAPTER XXVI. 1756-1757. PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. BOTH France and England realized that the struggle upon which they had again entered would be sharp and de cisive. Formal declaration of war was made in the spring of 1756. Previous to this the colonial governors had met at New York, and marked out a vigorous campaign. It was decided to raise a larger army than before, and renew the attack upon Crown Point and Niagara, while the southern colonies were to make another attempt to seize Fort Du quesne. The colonists were encouraged by the evident de termination of the home government to give them a larger measnre of aid. The Earl of Loudon was sent to take the command-in- chief of the army, while acting as governor of Virginia. Governor Shirley was removed, and General Abercrombie appointed in his place. With her usual enthusiasm, Con necticut responded with double the number of men called for ; and two thousand well-equipped troops were soon ready and eager for action. The campaign that opened with every promise of success proved a failure through the culpable inefficiency of the Eng lish commanders. Abercrombie did not reach Albany until midsummer, and even then the army of ten thousand men gathered there remained inactive. Tidings came that Fort Oswego was besieged by Montcalm ; but relief was not 1757.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 167 sent in time to save it from the French, who secured not only a large supply of military stores, but took sixteen hun dred prisoners-of-war. General Winslow, with seven thou sand men, had proceeded to Lake George, impatient and anxious to march against Ticonderoga and Crown Point. There is little doubt that the colonial general could have taken these fortresses had the British officers allowed him to advance. Orders were given, however, by the Earl of Lou don, that the campaign should be pushed no farther for the season ; and most of the provincial army returned home to spend the winter. The discussions around the firesides of Connecticut homes in these days were far from complimen tary to British valor and generalship. The feeling was strong that it would be better to stay at home, and abandon the campaign, if all their sacrifice and effort were to come to naught by the stupid interference of titled incompetency. The humiliation of this worse than fruitless campaign was keenly felt in England, and every preparation was made to prosecute the war with vigor as soon as the spring opened. In May a fleet of fifty transports, with six thousand regular troops on board, sailed from Cork for America. This fleet, with eleven ships of the line, arrived at Halifax early in July. The colonies had already raised their quota of soldiers, and Connecticut was prepared to send double the number of men required of her. The disappointment was wide-spread when it became known that the chief object of the expedi tion that demanded the aid of the colonial troops, was the capture of Louisburg. Even this plan was finally given up, for the delay of the English commanders enabled the French to re-enforce this stronghold with almost as many soldiers as the British could lead against it. The withdrawal of troops from the vicinity of Lake George .gave an opportunity for an aggressive movement against Fort William Henry, that Montcalm hastened to seize. The English general, Webb, whose halting, timorous spirit had 158 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1757. been shown in the campaign of the previous year, was still in command of the colonial and regular forces, having head quarters at Fort Edward. A few days before Montcalm reached Lake George, with an army of about eight thousand men, General Webb ordered Major Israel Putnam of Connecticut, with two hundred men, to escort him to Fort William Henry. This young officer already gave promise of a distinguished career, and had received at the last session Of the Assembly a gratuity of fifty Spanish milled dollars for extraordinary service and good conduct "in ranging and scouting " in the vicinity of Crown Point. The English general did not suspect the approach of the enemy, or he would hardly have allowed Putnam to go down the lake to learn what he could of the condition of things at Ticonderoga. With three whale- boats manned by eighteen volunteers, the fearless colonial major proceeded up the lake until he discovered a party of men ou an island. Quietly leaving two of the boats to fish at a safe distance, he hastened back to the fort with the tidings. The general was in a tremor of excitement, and it was only after the most earnest pleading that he allowed Putnam to return for his companions. Passing the spot where the men were still fishing, as if no other business was on hand, he pushed still farther on, and by the aid of his field-glass saw a large army in motion upon the shore of North-west Bay. While intently watching their movements, several canoes filled with Indians had come near enough to discharge their arrows. Not until these shafts were flying thick about him did Putnam dash through the midst of them, and, with the now alert fishing-party, return to the camp. It was evident that the enemy were marching upon Fort. William Henry. General Webb at once prepared to return to Fort Edward. "I hope your excellency does not intend to neglect so fair an opportunity of giving battle should the enemy pre- 1757.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 159 sume to land," said Major Putnam, who believed that an easy victory could be won, if the troops were concentrated at the fort. " What do you think we should do here? " was the reply of the dismayed English general. The following day General Webb returned to headquarters, and sent Colonel Moore with his regiment to re-enforce the garrison. A few hours after their arrival, Montcalm landed his troops, and opened the siege. Monroe sent messenger after mes senger to Fort Edward, asking for assistance. The force under General Webb was increased by the arrival of Sir William Johnson with his troops, but he did nothing for the relief of the beleaguered fort. Putnam and Johnson urged the frightened and irresolute general to allow them to go to the aid of Monroe. Permission was finally granted ; and the provincials, with Putnam's rangers, started with glad hearts to relieve the garrison. They had advanced about three miles when a messenger overtook them, with orders to return to Fort Edward. Already an Indian scout had carried word to Montcalm that a large body of troops were on the way to re-enforce the garrison. The French general at once pre pared to raise the siege ; but when he learned that for some reason the re-enforcements had turned back, he renewed the attack with fresh vigor. Colonel Monroe, who had fought bravely in hope of receiving aid from day to day, saw that he could not hold out longer ; and having received a letter, advising him to surrender, from the inefficient, if not cow ardly, officer, who might so easily have relieved him, he made the best terms possible with the enemy. The treaty was in every respect favorable, but it was violated in the most horrible manner. The Indians who fought under Montcalm stripped the English of every article of personal property they could lay their hands upon. But they were not satisfied with pillage, and with savage atro city began an indiscriminate massacre of men, women, and 160 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1757. children, the incidents of which are horrible in the extreme. While the English fled towards Fort Edward, the blood thirsty savages followed them, until they were finally driven off by the soldiers of Montcalm. As we read the terrible story of the massacre of Fort William Henry, our indigna tion is kindled against the weak and incompetent general, who might so easily have saved from defeat the brave men within the garrison, and rescued the helpless women and children from the tomahawk of savages. The surrender and massacre upon the shore of Lake George carried sorrow into every part of the northern col onies. The feeling against the English officers was in creased ; but they realized the threatening danger, and were determined to stay the further advance of Montcalm. Con necticut, in a few days, raised, and sent into the field, five thousand men, in addition to those she had already fur nished. The English army at Albany and Fort Edward soon numbered some twenty thousand men. With this army, and the large body of provincials that were ready for action, Webb accomplished nothing. 1758.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 161 CHAPTER XXVII. 1758. PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. NOT only in North America, but elsewhere, disaster and defeat had overtaken the armies of England in the struggle with France. It was a dark hour, but the genius of a single man was soon to bring about a turn in the tide of affairs that proved the ability of Great Britain to regain and hold a victorious position under wise guidance. The quali ties that caused the royal and aristocratic class to dislike William Pitt, made him the idol of the people. Uncorrupti ble and fearless, his far-reaching mind grasped the situation ; and his patriotic spirit and indomitable energy aroused a public feeling that enabled him to rescue England from the perilous condition into which the nation had fallen, through the weakness of those who had the direction of civil and military affairs. " I want to call England," he said, as he entered upon office, " out of that enervate state in which twenty thousand men from France can shake her." With joy the people recognized the voice of a true leader, and met his call with eager response. One of the first of his official acts was to remove the incompetent Earl of Loudon. The same ship that brought word of this welcome change, carried letters from Mr. Pitt to the colonies. The letter addressed to Connecticut was read at a special meeting of the Assembly called at New Haven on the 8th of 162 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1758. March, 1758. Its words were admirably fitted to stir the hearts of the liberty-loving and strong-willed men who lis tened to it. They were in full sympathy with the spirit that animated its sentiments, and the address aroused intense enthusiasm. The suggestion was made in the letter, that the New-England colonies, together with New York and New Jersey, should raise twenty thousand men. Connecticut had already been over-generous in giving of her life and treasure, but this call was answered b}T a vote to raise five thousand men, — one-quarter of the whole number asked for. Boun ties were offered to every volunteer, and provision was made for the equipment and supply of this large body of troops. In February a British fleet sailed for Halifax, consisting of one hundred aud fifty-seven sail, and fourteen thousand soldiers. On the 28th of May they left Halifax for Louis burg,- and dropped anchor in that harbor on the 2d of June. Admiral Boscawen was in charge of the fleet, and General Amherst was in command of the land forces. After a siege that continued until the last of July, the garrison of five thousand men was surrendered, with all its munitions of war. While these events were in progress, the troops from Con necticut and other colonies had joined the army under General Abercrombie, and were eager to march against Ticonderoga. • « On the fifth day of July, nearly sixteen thousand men, the best-equipped army that had thus far been gathered in Amer ica, embarked at the southern lauding of Lake George, and in the evening rested at Sabbath-day Point. An hour before midnight they again started on the march for Ticonderoga. Their guides proved inefficient ; and the columns marched as well as they could, with confused and broken ranks, through the thick underbrush. They had proceeded about two miles, when the right centre, led by the gallant Lord Howe, acci dentally met the advanced guard of the French, who, in at tempting to get back into their own camp, had lost their way, 1758.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 163 They at once opened fire upon the English ranks, although they numbered but a handful of three hundred men. Lord Howe, against the advice of Major Putnam, who stood by his side, pushed eagerly forward. He was shot at the very beginning of the skirmish, and expired immediately. The British regulars, unaccustomed to fighting in the woods, and dismayed by the death of their leader, might have been routed but for the prompt and cool action of Putnam and other colonial officers, who rallied their men, and soon put the enemy to flight. The death of Lord Howe was universally lamented. He had won the esteem and affection of the colonial soldiers by his affable and courteous manners, and gained their confidence as a brave and able officer. Having spent the following night in the forest, Abercrom bie in the morning ordered the troops to return to the land ing-place. The next day he sent his chief engineer to reconnoitre the French lines. He reported, contrary to the judgment of several of the New-England officers, that their works were of flimsy construction. Abercrombie decided to make another movement forward, and storm the fort that very day. Halting, himself, at a spot about two miles from Ticonderoga, his brave and impatient troops hurried towards the fort. The retreat to the lake-shore, after the skirmish in which Lord Howe was killed, had given Montcalm every opportunity to intrench his forces to the best advantage. Abercrombie, with a strange ignorance of the situation, had left his artillery at the shore of the lake, and pushed forward his infantry, with the regulars at the front. With fixed bayonets the English attempted to rush through the lines of the enemy. The French opened with a murderous fire that swept away platoon after platoon of the English, while they were almost entirely protected by their intrench- ments, and the screen of fallen trees. The colonial troops might have been effectively used, could they have been permitted to follow tactics to which they 164 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1758. were accustomed : as it was, the Connecticut troops did val orous duty as sharp-shooters ; and Major Putnam, who acted as aid, showed both skill and discretion. After heavy losses, that numbered many of the sons of Connecticut, the army withdrew to a safe distance. Putnam and other officers urged Abercrombie, who still remained at a safe distance, to bring forward his artillery, and make another attack ; but, instead of attempting any further effort, he beat a hasty retreat. The contempt and indignation of the provincial army was more deeply stirred than ever against the incom petent general at their head, In the familiar talk of the camp, he was seldom mentioned by the name of General Abercrombie, but was spoken of as "Mrs. Nabbycrombie." The capture of Fort Frontenac b}r Colonel Bradstreet of Massachusetts, the surrender of Fort Duquesne to General Forbes, and the splendid achievements of Amherst and Wolfe at Louisburg, only strengthened the conviction of these brave men, that, but for the incompetence of their general, victory, and not defeat, would have crowned their efforts. In the month of August, Major Rogers and Major Put nam, with six hundred men, were sent on a scouting expedi tion to the vicinity of Ticonderoga. Finding that the French were aware of their movements, they decided to return to Fort Edward. The first night they pitched their camp on the banks of the Clear River. The following morning, Major Rogers foolishly tested his capacity as a good marks man by indulging in a shooting-match with an English officer. As Putnam predicted, the firing gave the enemy knowledge of their camping-place. Five hundred men in command of Marin, the famous French scout, lay in ambuscade a short distance away, and fell upon the right division of the Eng lish soon after they had commenced their march. Putnam quickly rallied his men for the attack, and the Connecticut soldiers fought bravely. Rogers, whose indiscretion had brought them into danger, kept at a safe distance. In the 1758.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 165 midst of the fight, an Indian rushed towards Putnam, whose musket missed fire. Springing upon him with uplifted tom ahawk, the athletic warrior, with frenzied strength, made him prisoner, and bound him fast to a tree. For a time he was exposed to the fire of both parties ; at last, after escaping injury from the bullets, some of which passed through the sleeves and skirts of his coat, he was approached by a young Indian brave, who amused himself by hurling a tomahawk as near his head as possible without hitting it. A French officer came up, and pointed a musket at his heart ; but it missed fire. Putnam claimed protection as a captive, but the only answer of the brutal soldier was a blow upon the mouth with the heavy end of his gun. The enemy finally retreated ; and Putnam, stripped of his clothing, and loaded with packs, was forced to march over the rough paths for many miles without halting. Every out rage that Indian cruelty could devise, added to his suffering ; and he carried through life the scar of a tomahawk-blow given without provocation. After several days, the Indians made a halt ; and Putnam soon suspected their purpose. Stripping him of the few articles of Indian dress that had been given him in place of his own, they bound him fast to a tree, and piled dry branches about him in a circle. With horrible incantations they completed their preparations, and then set fire to the brush. A sudden shower extinguished it. Again it was kindled ; and as the fire touched the quivering flesh, the Indians gave wild yells of delight. With thoughts of loved ones whom he would never meet again, and the solemn realities of the life upon which he was about to enter, he be came insensible to pain, and calmly waited the end. But his earthly work was not yet done. Guided by the cries of the savage band, Marin, the leader of the French and Indian scouts, rushed through the circle of flame, and unbound the half -dead captive. He was taken to Ticonderoga, where he had an interview 166 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1758. with Montcalm, who ordered him to be sent to Montreal. The capture of Fort Frontenac led to an exchange of pris oners, and Putnam was set at liberty. Upon the pages of the colonial records of Connecticut, there is a " Memorial of Israel Putnam of Pomfret," setting forth, that being taken prisoner, and carried to Canada, he suffered much hardship, and was obliged to spend about sixty guineas for his neces sary support, and asking that this sum be refunded him. In answer to this petition, the Assembly ordered that seventy pounds lawful money be paid the said Putnam. But this brave officer was not the only one whose story is full of romantic interest and hairbreadth escapes. It was in the stress of these severe experiences that men were being trained to fight the battles that should win the independence of a new nation. 1759. | PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 167 CHAPrER XXVIII. 1759-1763. PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. THE repulse of Abercrombie by Montcalm at Ticonderoga was a great disappointment. The colonies that had re sponded so generously in the supply of men and material for the campaign, again felt that all of their efforts had been frustrated by the incompetence of the English general. The energetic policy and wise guidance of Pitt did not fail elsewhere. The capture of Louisburg had given control of the whole province of Cape Breton ; and George Washing ton, at the head of a gallant company of colonial soldiers, from Pennsylvania and Virginia, had taken Fort Duquesne. Encouraged by these victories, Pitt decided upon an ag gressive campaign, that, if successful, would expel the French from Canada, and the country about the great lakes. When the General Assembly of Connecticut met, on the 8th of March, 1759, a letter was read from the British prime minister, in which, with his accustomed frankness and elo quence, he unfolded his plans, and asked their assistance. There was no lack of loyal and hearty response to this letter, but many thought it would be impossible to raise and equip the number of soldiers called for. The ranks of the strong men who had already gone forth from the colony had been sadly depleted by death, and others were no longer fit for service. The burden of debt was falling with crushing weight upon the people. It was necessary to send five thou- 168 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1759. sand soldiers into the field, if they did all that Pitt asked of them. The words of any other man would have aroused but little response : as it was, many felt the demand laid upon them was beyond the resources of the colony. The earnest plea of Governor Fitch finally overcame every objec tion ; and the Assembly, at its meeting in May, decided to levy the full number of troops. By the end of May the provincial army had joined the forces of General Amherst at Albany. In July the English general began the march towards Crown Point, over ground that was sadly familiar to the Connecticut troops. Mont calm realized that it would not now do for him to run great risks at any distance from Quebec, the stronghold of the French power. A handful of men might repulse a general like Abercrombie, but he knew that Amherst was an officer worthy to lead the brave men who were anxious to wipe out the record of past incompetence and defeat. Follow ing the orders of Montcalm, the French troops did not op pose the march of the English, but withdrew behind the fortifications of Ticonderoga. After a brief cannonade, that did but little execution, the enemy blew up their magazine, and retired to Crown Point. General Amherst at once sent forward his light rangers in pursuit ; and without making any resistance, the English troops were permitted to take posses sion. The French, however, were unwilling to leave the country. Thirty-five hundred men strongly fortified Isle- aux-Noix, and four large armed vessels were on Lake Cham plain. General Amherst did not think it safe to advance towards Quebec until the enemy were driven from the lake. Under his direction, Captain Loring built a sloop of sixteen guns, and a large raft to carry six cannon. Meanwhile the army was busily employed in repairing the forts at Ticon deroga and Crown Point. It was a summer of fatiguing work for the Connecticut troops ; but they endured it with brave hearts, thankful that at last they had won the strono-- 1759.J PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 169 holds of the enemy. After the sloop and raft were launched, an attack was made upon the French ships, and two of them destroyed. One of the prominent actors iu this enterprise was Israel Putnam, now lieutenant-colonel of the Fourth Connecticut Regiment. While these almost bloodless victories were being won, Fort Niagara was besieged and taken by Sir William John son. But the great and final triumph of this remarkable campaign was the capture of Quebec. An expedition under General Wolfe, a young soldier of thirty-three years, whose genius Pitt had discerned, entered the St. Lawrence, and anchored below the city. Unable to draw Montcalm from the inaccessible heights bordering the river, it seemed as if there was nothing for him to do but to retire, and leave the country in the enemy's hands. He had learned of a narrow path by which it was possible to reach the summit of the Heights of Abraham, overlooking Quebec. In the silence and darkness of the night, the long line of boats dropped down the river, to the spot where this narrow path was to be found. As the boat bearing Wolfe and other officers moved along the stream, in the solemn hush of the hour, he repeated the stanzas of Gray's " Elegy in a Country Churchyard," and as he closed, quietly said, " I would rather be the author of that poem than take Quebec." At the head of his brave soldiers he guided the way up the narrow path, where two men could not go abreast. The morning found them upon the heights. Montcalm, with rash courage, made an attack, which the English easily repulsed. Wolfe ordered a charge against the French lines. While leading his men in this onset, and at the very moment of vic tory, a ball pierced his breast, and he fell mortally wounded. " They run," said the officer who held the dying general in his arms. "Who run?" he faintly asked. When told it was the French, he replied, " Then, I die happy." The capture of Quebec, and the submission of Canada 170 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1760. after Montreal was taken by Amherst in 1760, effectually broke the power of France in America. In the campaign of 1760, Connecticut again furnished her full number of five thousand men. The glad tidings of victories that made the year 1759 memorable in English history, infused new courage into the hearts of the colonists. Among the heroic sons of Connecticut who were with Amherst when Montreal sur rendered, we find the names of Major-General Phineas Lyman ; Colonels, Nathan Whiting, David Wooster,1 and Eleazer Fitch ; Lieutenant-Colo nels, Nathan Payson, Joseph Spencer, James Smedley, and Israel Putnam. The characteristic courage and genius of Putnam found oppor tunity to do good service. After Amherst had entered the St. Lawrence from Lake Ontario, he found two armed vessels pre pared to contest his passage. The English were in open boats, and the channel was so narrow that they would have been ex posed to a deadly fire in attempt ing to pass the French ships. Putnam, with a thousand men, undertook to get them out of the way. With a picked crew of old comrades, he led the long line of boats. A beetle and some wedges were the strange weapons that he proposed to use in fastening the rudders of the French vessels, and ren dering them useless. By his orders, the men were stripped naked to their waists ; and as they silently, but with sinewy strength, rowed their boats near the ships, the commander of one, in his alarm, ran it aground, and the other struck her colors without firing a gun. The way was now clear until they reached Isle Royal, GENERAL DAVID WOOSTER. 1761.] PERIOD OF THE LAST FRENCH WARS. 171 where the river was commanded by a fortress of consider able strength. While the English general was undecided as to the best plan of attack, Putnam made a suggestion that was at once acted upon. As usual, it involved great risk on his own part. A number of boats were fitted with a net work of stout sticks on each side, that were bullet-proof, and afforded a screen for the men within. A plank, twenty feet in length, was provided for each boat, and fixed so that it could be raised or lowered with ropes. This was to serve as a sort of scaling-ladder, when the boats were run against the sides of the rude earth and wood works of the fortress, that was close to the water. As soon as his preparations were completed, Putnam at once advanced ; but in this case, the very novelty of the attack .struck terror to the hearts of the enemy, and they surrendered without the slightest re sistance. The occupation of Montreal by General Amherst, early in September, was the virtual conquest of Canada. Days of public thanksgiving were celebrated throughout New England, and Connecticut sent congratulations to his Majesty on the various triumphs of British valor. The war was not yet over. In the spring of 1761 Pitt asked for two-thirds the number of men that Connecticut had furnished in the previous year. The main purpose of this campaign was to put in order all of the' forts and mili tary posts that had fallen into the hands of the English. The service was arduous, if not dangerous, and was cheer fully performed. At the close of the campaign of 1761, most of the regulars, with a large body of provincial troops, embarked for the West Indies, where they were met by a fleet from Great Britain. One thousand men were from Connecticut, in command of General Lyman, and next under him was Lieutenant-Colonel Putnam. The transport that carried Putnam, with five hundred men, was overtaken by a storm that drove them upon the rocks off the coast of Cuba. By means of a rude raft, the men were safely landed. 172 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1763.. After the storm had abated, they were taken on board an other vessel, and carried to Havana. The climate proved more fatal than the dangers of ambuscade and battle. Only a little remnant of the brave men who had come from Connecticut lived to return. With the peace of 1763 the last of the French wars came to an end. Connecticut, iu proportion to her population, had furnished more men, and given of her treasure more freely, than any other colony. The eight years in which this struggle was prolonged proved a school of stern discipline, that was to prepare for a greater conflict in the near future. 1 David Wooster was bom atStrat- oga early in 1775, and the same year he ford, 1711, and graduated at Yale Col- was appointed brigadier-general in the lege in 1738. He was captain of a sloop- Continental Army. He succeeded Mont- of-war at the siege of Louisburg, and gomery in Canada, and was mortally was a brigadier-general in the campaign wounded at Ridgefield, in a skirmish. of 1758-60. He was one of the first to with Tryon, after the burning of Dan- suggest the expedition against Ticouder- bury. 1764.] THE STORY OF THE STAMP ACT. 173 CHAPTER XXIX. 1764-1765. THE STORY OF THE STAMP ACT. THE war of the Revolution was not a sudden Uprising. The causes that finally led the colonies to take up arms against the mother country, may be traced back to their early history. It was the struggle of a liberty-loving people against the tyranny that sought to dictate and govern them without regard to their consent or will. At the close of the French, war, the loyalty of the colonies to the mother country was still strong in sentiment and feeling. Had the policy and views of Pitt prevailed in the councils of Great Britain, this might have continued. He was wise enough to see that a people who had contended so vigorously for their rights in times of weakness, would not submit to arbitrary control now that they were conscious of their growing strength. The accession of George III. placed a king upon the Eng lish throne who had neither the wisdom nor desire to follow the advice of the great statesman of whose power he was jealous. He determined to impress upon the colonists a sense of dependence upon the royal will, and enforce a system of direct taxation. King George and his advisers claimed that it was no more than just that America should be taxed to pay a portion of the enormous debt that had been partly incurred in the defence of the colonies. But this plea was only a pretext for carrying out plans that would 174 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1764. have destroyed their independent existence, and placed all of their interests at the mercy of the king and his counsellors. The colonists did not object to raising money to be used for the common welfare, but they were unwilling to be taxed by a Parliament in which they had no direct representation. It was in the spring of 1764 that Lord Grenville brought before the House of Commons a plan of taxing the colonies. The House advised the passage of an Act requiring that all deeds, receipts, and other legal documents, should be written FIRST STATE HOUSE IN NEW HAVEN. (Begun in 1763; occupied in 1764.) or printed on stamped paper ; this paper to be sold by tax- collectors, and the money to be paid into the royal treasury. King George, and many prominent leaders in official power, would have been glad to destroy the colonial charters, and give the control of the colonies into the hands of military officers. Lord Grenville was wise enough to see that any extreme measures of this kind would be disastrous ; but he thought the Stamp Act would meet with but slight opposi tion, and afford the needed financial relief. He little under stood the temper of the colonies. When the news reached New England of the proposed law, Connecticut was the first to take action in regard to the matter.1 A committee was ap- 1765.] DISCUSSION OF STAMP-TAX. 175 pointed to assist Governor Fitch in preparing a protest. This paper was sent to Richard Jackson, the agent of the colony in England, with directions to " firmly insist on the exclusive right of the colonies to tax themselves, and on the privilege of trial by jury." Jared Ingersoll was sent to London to aid Jackson in the effort to secure the rejection of the obnoxious bill. Being asked by one of the secretaries of the treasury to give his views regarding the proposed measure, he made answer in a letter in which he said, " The people think, if the precedent of a Stamp Act is once established, you will have it in your power to keep us as poor as you please. The people's minds, not only here, but in the neighboring provinces, are filled with the most dreadful apprehension from such a step taking place ; from whence I leave you to guess how easily a tax of that kind would be collected. ' ' Farther on he writes, " As for your allied plan of enforcing the Acts of trade and navigation, and preventing smuggling, let me tell you that enough 8BITI8H STAMP would not be collected here in the course of ten years to defray the expense of fitting out one, the least frigate for an American voyage ; and that the whole labor would be like burning a barn to roast an egg. ' ' In homely, blunt terms like these, the freemen of Connecticut warned the British ministers of the folly of attempting,, by arbitrary and unjust measures, to fill the royal treasury. ! When Mr. Ingersoll reached England, in the winter of 1764, he found the Stamp Act already drawn, but was successful in securing a revision of some of its worst fea tures. While the bill was under discussion, the cause of the colonists did not lack eloquent advocates. The reply of Colonel Barre to Townshend, one of the crown ministers, was a masterpiece of impassioned eloquence. In February, 1765, 176 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [l765. the Stamp Act passed through both Houses. Illness pre vented Pitt from raising his voice in protest against this unjust proceeding. " When the resolution was taken to tax America, I was ill and in bed," he afterwards said. "If 1 could have endured to be carried in my bed, so great was the agitation of my mind for the consequences, I would have solicited some kind hand to have laid me down on this floor, to have borne my testimony against it." The English Government understood very well that the colonies were earnestly opposed to the Stamp Act, but they had no thought of the storm of wrath and resistance which it would arouse. It was a surprise to many of the leaders of public affairs in America. Franklin, who had with great zeal and wisdom represented the interests of colonial rights in England while the bill was under discussion, after its pas sage saw no other way open than to quietly submit. Gov ernor Fitch and Jared Ingersoll, with other prominent citizens who had done all in their power to oppose the scheme of taxation that struck a deadly blow at the liberties of the colony, counselled submission. They mistook the feeling of the people. During the two years that the Stamp Act had been under discussion, there was but little manifestation of public interest. They were unwilling to believe that Eng land would do so great a wrong. These days of waiting proved but a calm before a furious storm. When the pas sage of the Act was known, the colonies were stirred as never before. Connecticut was among the first to give ex pression to the fixed determination to resist what she consid ered an act of outrageous tyranny. The clergy were still the leaders of public opinions, and they were united in de nunciation of the great wrong.2 Societies were organized under the name of " Sons of Liberty," the secret purpose of which was to resist the Stamp Act by violent measures, if necessary. This powerful organization spread rapidly through the northern colonies, and did efficient service. 1765.] THE STAMP ACT REPUDIATED. 177 Public meetings were held in every part of the colony to protest against the offensive law, and many of the towns went so far as to authorize their clerks to receive and record deeds and other legal documents without regard to the Stamp Act. Newspapers and pamphlets, filled with paragraphs of keen satire and bold denunciation, were scattered everywhere. Copies of the Act were carried in processions, and buried with derisive funeral ceremonies ; and caricatures of the British ministers were openly circulated with defiant bold ness. Governor Fitch still thought it the best and prudent course to sustain the law. This opinion was not shared by all of his council. When the proposition was made to take the oath, Colonel Trumbull refused to witness the ceremony, and, rising, indignantly left the room, followed by a majority of those present. Mr. Ingersoll, who had done all in his power to oppose the bill, after its passage decided to accept the position of stamp agent for Connecticut. Franklin urged him to take the place, and no one doubted his motives in accepting it. The people of Connecticut, however, were not pleased with this action. They did not propose to pay stamp-duties, or allow one of their citizens to act as an agent of. the odious law. Ingersoll in vain attempted to conciliate his fellow-townsmen of New Haven, and show them that it was for their interest to buy the stamps. He was visited by a crowd of citizens, who inquired impatiently if he would resign. " I know not if I have power to resign," was his evasive reply.3 He promised, however, if he received any stamps, to reship them, or leave his doors open so that the people could do as they pleased with them. Not long after this, a company of the " Sons of Liberty " from Norwich, New London, Windham, Lebanon, and other towns, started out on horse back, with eight days' provisions, determined to find the stamp-master, and compel him to resign. He had set oat 178 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1765. for Hartford, accompanied by Governor Fitch, to attend the Assembly that was soon to open. On the way they were met by two men with peeled clubs, who stated that a large com pany were not far away. The governor ordered them to return, and tell their associates to disperse. To his surprise, they refused to do so. " We look upon this," they said, "as the cause of the people: we will not take directions from any one." They withdrew after Ingersoll sent a mes sage that he would meet them at Hartford. The day on which the Assembly was to open, Ingersoll resumed his journey alone. He had reached a point two or three miles from Wethersfield when four or five men ap peared, and soon after an escort of thirty persons. They rode on in silence until they saw the road before them filled with a crowd of five hundred stalwart men on horseback, each bearing a ponderous peeled club in imitation of the baton carried in those days by officers of the peace. Two militia officers in full dress headed the procession, and three trumpeters awoke the echoes with their blasts. The com pany rode two abreast, and with military courtesy opened ranks to receive Mr. Ingersoll. Having reached Wethers field, they demanded his resignation. " Is it fair," he re plied, " that the counties of New London and Windham should dictate to all the rest of the colony?" — " It don't signify to parley," they answered : " here are a great many people waiting, and you must resign." — " I wait," he said, " to know the sense of the government." He was allowed the privilege of entering a house near hy, but the doors were carefully guarded. He managed to send word to the governor and the Assembly of his situation, and hoped to receive relief. For three hours he was able to keep off the people by evasive proposals. "This delay," said some of them, " is his artifice to wheedle the matter along till the Assembly shall get insnared in it." The impatient crowd outside was growing more angry, and threats of violence 1765.] INGERSOLL'S RESIGNATION. 179 were freely uttered. Durkee, the leader of the Sons of Lib erty, finally came to the house where Ingersoll was waiting in hope that the crowd would disperse, and gave him warning that he could " keep the people off no longer." The stairway and hall were filled with stalwart men, whose faces showed their determination. "The cause is not worth dying for," said the intrepid man, who would never have flinched had he not felt that after all this band of earnest men were in the right. A formal resignation was given him to sign, which reads as follows : — " Wethersfield, Sept. 19, 1765. "I do hereby promise, that I never will receive any stamped papers which may arrive from Europe, in consequence of an Act lately passed in the Parliament of Great Britain ; nor officiate as stamp-mas ter or distributer of stamps, within the colony of Connecticut, either directly or indirectly. And I do hereby notify to all the inhabitants of his Majesty's colony of Connecticut (notwithstanding the said office or trust has been committed to me), not to apply to me ever after, for any stamped paper; hereby declaring that I do resign the said office, and execute these presents, of my own free will and accord, without any equivocation or mental reservation. " In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand. " J. Ingersoll." After he had signed his name, the crowd cried out, "Swear to it ! " He begged to be excused from taking an oath. " Then shout ' Liberty and Property,' " said the now good- natured company. To this he had no objection, and waved his hat enthusiastically as he repeated the words. Having given three cheers, the now hilarious party dined together. By this time they were ready to start for Hartford with a thousand horsemen in the ranks. The highway was crowded with people curious to see the strange procession. Having reached the Capitol, Durkee drew up his cavalry four abreast, and, while the trumpeters blew their loudest blasts, they formed around the court-house in a semicircle. Ingersoll ao-ain read his resignation as stamp-officer, and shouted 180 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1765. "Liberty and Property." With three exultant cheers the crowd quietly dispersed to their homes. Colonel Putnam was a prime mover in this affair, but was unable to be present when it was carried out. Not long after, he was commissioned to wait on Governor Fitch, and inform him of the sentiments of the people. The following dialogue is said to have passed between them : — Governor. " What shall I do if the stamped paper should be sent to me by the king's authority ? " Putnam. " Lock it up until we shall visit you again." Governor. " And what will you do then ? " Putnam. " We shall expect you to give us the key of the room in which it is deposited; and if you think fit, in order to screen yourself from blame, you may forewarn us, upon our peril, not to enter the room." Governor. "And what will you do afterwards ? " Putnam. " Send it safely back again." Governor. "But if I should refuse admission ?" Putnam. " Your house will be levelled with the dust in five minutes." While the colonies were in these vigorous ways expressing their determination to resist the execution of the unjust law, Pitt, now Earl of Chatham, with others, was unwearied in his efforts to secure its repeal. This was accomplished in just a year from its passage. The J03' throughout New Eng land found expression in days of thanksgiving, and various public demonstrations. 1 At the October session of the Login- 2 In Connecticut, says Bancroft, " the lature, an elaborate paper waB adopted, Calvinist ministers nursed the dame of which, in counectiou with a full and just piety and civil freedom. Of that vener- statement of the services of the colony able band, none did better service thau iu the war with the French, argued that the American-born Stephen Johnson, "charging stamp-duties, or other inter- pastor of the First Church of Lyme." nal duties, by authority of Parliament, 3 The town-meeting, after electing would be such an infringement of the Ilogcr Sherman as the representative of rights, privileges, and authorities of the New Haven, by public vote " earnestly colonies, that it might be humbly and desired Ingersoll to resign his stamp- firmly trusted, and eveu relied upon, office immediately." The answer he that the supreme guardians of the Ijber- made was, " I shall await to see how tics of the subject would not suffer the the G-eneral Assembly is inclined." same to be done." 1768.J THE REPEAL OF THE STAMP ACT. 181 CHAPTER XXX. 1766-1775. THE PEOPLE OF CONNECTICUT REPEL THE ACTION OF PARLIAMENT. THE joy over the repeal of the Stamp Act was short-lived. The doctrine that Parliament was ' every where supreme, had been more strongly asserted than ever. At the time the obnoxious bill was suppressed, they declared that they had a perfect right " to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever." The Stamp Act was gone, but others still continued in force that in principle were the same. A year or two passed in comparative quiet. Broken in health, the Earl of Chatham was unable to contend in Parliament for the rights of America as he had once done. The bitter hatred of the king, who already looked upon the colonists as "rebels," and the active efforts of Lord Grenville and others, soon created irri tation, and aroused the old feeling. Among those who saw that a crisis was approaching that might result in the separa tion of the colonies from the mother country, was Jonathan Trumbull, the respected and beloved deputy-governor of Connecticut. He expressed the opinion, that, if " methods tending to violence should be taken to maintain the depend ence of the colonies, it would hasten a separation." The attempt, under what was known as the Meetiug Act, to quarter British troops in New York at the expense of the colonies, was unsuccessful. As a punishment for their dis obedience, Parliament suspended the legislative powers of 182 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1769-73. New York. Not long after, a Revenue Bill was passed, laying port-duties on wine, oil, and fruit from Spain and Portugal, and on glass, paper, lead, colors, and tea. The opposition to these measures was so great at the commercial centres of New York and Boston, that soldiers were sent to both cities to keep the people quiet. The excitement, how ever, did not decrease. Early in 1769 a British sloop-of-war was stationed near New Loudon to watch vessels entering and leaving the port, and see that the revenue laws were not violated. This did not prevent considerable smuggling. While Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia were the prominent points of active disturbance, Connecticut was eager and ready to unite in every plan suggested for the common welfare and union of the colonies. The British ministry were alarmed at the re bellious and defiant attitude of the colonists, and promised to repeal the duties on every article except tea. This did not satisfy the people ; for they well understood, as long as one tax remained, they had gained nothing. In no colony was the agreement more faithfully kept not to use imported articles than in Connecticut. The women with earnest pur pose encouraged by their personal industry this determination. The spinning-wheel did active duty in their dwellings, and " homespun " clothing was the badge of patriotism worn by rich and poor. Committees of inspection were appointed, to see that the agreement not to use imported goods was sacredly kept. The discovery of unfaithfulness was enough to ostracize the culprits, whatever might be their position. During the years 1771 and 1772, the popular sentiment in favor of active resistance increased. In December, 1773, some English ships laden with tea were sent to Boston. The citizens were determined that it should never be landed upon their wharves. They did not propose to have a taxed article forced upon them. We need not repeat the story of the dis cussions that were finally brought to au end by a party of 1774.J THE BOSTON PORT BILL. 183 Bostonians, who, in the disguise of Indians, boarded the ves sels, and flung their contents into the sea. It was the act of a mob ; but the colonies understood the spirit that had prompted it, and generally approved it. When the news reached England, the king exulted in the opportunity that now offered of crushing the rebellious spirit of the Americans, and bringing them into full subjection to the royal authority. " The die," he wrote his minister, Lord North, " is cast. The colonies must either triumph or submit." "If we take the resolute part," he sagely re marks, "they will undoubtedly be very meek." Even this narrow-minded and stubborn specimen of royal incompetence soon realized his mistake. In the beginning of 1774 a bill was introduced into Parliament to punish riotous Boston by closing its port against all commerce. At the same time the charter of Massachusetts was altered. The Crown was here after to choose its council ; and the governor was not only to nominate the judges, but had the right to send all persons charged with a share in the recent disturbances, to England for trial. The blow struck at the liberties of Massachusetts was felt by all the colonies as if directed against their own life. If Parliament could cancel the charter of Massachusetts, and destroy the trade of her great seaport town, how long had they reason to expect that they would escape the same fate ? The British Government could not have done more to hush the jealousies of the colonies, and unite them for their com mon protection. The town-meetings of Connecticut that had so vigorously denounced the Stamp Act, again gathered to express their abhorrence of the action of Great Britain towards Massachusetts. Sympathy for their sister colony took a very practical form. Almost every town sent dona tions to Boston for the relief of the poor. Two hundred and fifty fat sheep were sent from Windham ; and besides money, wheat, and corn, Norwich sent a flock of three hundred and 184 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1774. ninety sheep. Other towns were equally liberal and thought ful. Letters were sent from these little republics to their brethren in Boston, breathing sentiments of lofty patriotism and earnest purpose. The day when the law took effect was observed in Hartford as a. day of public mourning. The town-house was draped in black, and the bells tolled all day. Early in September news was received that Boston had been attacked, and several citizens killed. Before the rumor could be contradicted, it was estimated that twenty thousand men were on their march for Boston. The country was in deed ripe for revolution. As soon as the passage of the Boston ' ' Port Bill ' ' was announced, steps were taken to call a convention of dele gates from the colonies. All of the legislatures, save that of Georgia, sent representatives to this Congress, which assem bled in Philadelphia on the 4th of September. Eliphalet Dyer, Roger Sherman, and Silas Deaue were in attendance from Connecticut. Massachusetts meanwhile took a defiant and rebellious stand. Disregarding the orders of the royal governor, its Assembly met as usual, and voted arms and ammunition to the militia. The Congress at Philadelphia, under the influence of the delegates from Virginia, passed resolutions that were moderate and conciliatory in tone. This was an encouragement to those in England who were anxious to avert open hostilities. Chatham once more raised his voice for peace. In consultation with Franklin, he intro duced a bill providing for the repeal of the Acts which the Americans deemed unjust and oppressive. The troops were to be recalled, and the decision left to a colonial Assembly as to the ' way in which they might contribute towards the payment of the public debt. "It is not cancelling a piece of parchment," he said, "that can win back America: you must respect her fears and her resentments." The conciliatory measure of Chatham was rejected by the Lords ; and a similar measure, introduced by Edmund Burke 1775.] THE BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 185 into the House of Commons, met the same fate. War was inevitable. Boston was full of British troops, and a skir mish between a party of English soldiers and the militia at Lexington opened the long struggle. The General Assem bly was in session at Hartford when news came of this battle. It was not a surprise, and there were many who rejoiced that the trial of arms had begun. The time was ripe for Connec ticut men to carry out a plan that should win a substantial victory at the very beginning of the war. This plan was to surprise and seize Fort Ticonderoga. A number of wealthy gentlemen borrowed the money from the Colonial Treasury that was necessary to defray the expenses of the expedition. Sixteen chosen men proceeded to Berkshire, and, having laid the matter before some of the leading citizens, gained the aid of a re-enforcement of about forty soldiers. Proceeding to Bennington, they were there joined by Colonel Ethan Allen, Seth Warner, and not far from one hundred volunteers. The little army in command of Colonel Allen reached the shores of Lake Champlain, opposite Ticonderoga, towards evening on the 9th of May. There were but a few boats at their disposal, and the entire night was consumed in getting the officers and eighty- three of the men across the lake. The boats had been sent back to bring over the rear-guard in command of Colonel Warner, when Colonel Allen saw that the morning would soon break, and that no time could be lost if they surprised the sleeping garrison. Without waiting longer, he drew up his forces in three ranks not far from the walls of the fortress. "I now propose," he said, "to ad vance before you, and in person conduct you through the wicket-gate ; for we must this morning either quit our pre tensions to valor, or possess ourselves of this fortress in a few minutes ; and inasmuch as it is a desperate attempt, which none but the bravest of men dare undertake, I do not urge it on any contrary to his will. You that will undertake voluntarily, poise your firelocks." 186 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1775. Every soldier brought his musket to position. In silence Colonel Allen advanced to the wicket-gate. A solitary sen tinel snapped his fusee. Allen rushed towards him, and across a covered passage-way into the parade-ground within the fort. In a moment he had formed the ranks of his men facing the barracks in which the soldiers of the garrison were sleeping. The sentries within had given the alarm ; and one of them made a pass at an officer with his bayonet, a,nd slightly wounded him. Allen raised his sword to kill him at a blow, but changed his purpose, and gave him a cut on the side of his head. The sentinel threw down his gun, and begged for his life. Allen granted the petition, and de manded where the commanding officer slept. The sentry pointed to a flight of stairs leading to rooms above the bar racks. Running up the steps, he shouted at the entrance, "Come forth instantly, or I will sacrifice the whole garri son ! " The astonished commander, iu his night-dress, came to the door to discover the source of this strange summons. Confronted by the massive form of the colonial leader with drawn sword, he stood trembling and speechless. "Deliver me the fort instantly," said Allen. " By whose authority? " inquired the British officer. " In the name of the great Jehovah and the Continental Congress." Captain de la Place was inclined to make further parley ; but Allen interrupted him with a threatening flourish of his sword, and a demand for the instant surrender of the fort. This was immediately done, and orders were given that his men should parade without arms. A bloodless victory had been won in the, name of the Continental Congress several hours before that body had held its opening session. Colonel Warner with the rear-guard did not reach the fort until after its surrender. Without delay he hastened with one hundred men to Crown Point. This fortress was held by a small garrison of twelve men and a single officer, and yielded at once. 1775.] THE CAPTURE OF TICONDEROGA. 187 The fall of Ticonderoga was an important conquest, the ¦credit of which must fall to Connecticut.1 The money to defray the expenses of the expedition was furnished from her treasury. The plan of the campaign was suggested by her citizens. Both Allen and Warner were natives of Litch field County ; and among the bravest of the band of Green- Mountain Boys whom they led, were many from the same beautiful hill-country. Lieutenant Crampton, who entered the fort by the side of Allen, was a native of Litchfield, and resided there most of his life. At least one-half of the band of eighty-three men who " poised their firelocks," and fol lowed their intrepid leader in this memorable assault, were natives or inhabitants of Woodbury. In 1775 Connecticut sent a thousand men to garrison Ticonderoga and Crown Point. Of this number one hundred and fifty were from Woodbury ; and Colonel Hinman, having command of these important forts, was from the same town. 1 Bancroft says of the taking of aged by an expreBe messenger to raise Ticonderoga, " The great deed which, men chiefly in the New-Hampshire in the mean time, was achieved in the grants. On the morning of the 1st of North, was planned in Connecticut, and May, the party, which had grown to the executed at her cost. Parsons of that number of sixteen, left Salisbury. At ¦colony, ou his way to Hartford, crossing Pittsfield, in Massachusetts, the Counec- Arnold, who was bound for Massachu- ticut party were joined by John Brown.. setts, obtained of him an account of the the young lawyer of that village, by state of Ticonderoga, and the great num.- Colonel James Easton, and by volun- ber of its brass cannon. At Hartford, on teers from Berkshire. At Bennington the 27th of April, Parsons, taking as his they found Ethan Allen, who sent the advisers Samuel Wyllys and Silas Deane, alarm through the hills and valleys of with the assistance of three others, pro- Vermont; and on Sunday, the 7th of jected the capture of the fort; and, with- May, about one hundred Green-Moun- out formally consulting the Assembly or tain boys, and near fifty soldiers from the governor and council, they, on their Massachusetts, under the command of own receipts, obtained money from the Eaeton, rallied at Castleton. Just then public treasury, and on the 28th sent arrived Arnold with only one attend- forward Noah Phelps and Bernard Ro- ant. He brought a commission from mans. The next day Captain Edward the Massachusetts Committee of Safety, Mott of Preston, chairman of the Con- which was disregarded; and the men necticut committee, followed with five unanimously elected Ethan Allen their associates. Ethan Allen was encour- chief." 188 HISTOIiY OF CONNECTICUT. [1776. CHAPTER XXXI. 1775. THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. rpHE news of the battle of Lexington spread like wildfire. -L As soon as the intelligence reached Governor Trumbull,1 he sent a messenger to Israel Putnam, directing him to come at once to Lebanon. It was early morning, and Putnam was working in the field when this word came to him. Giving hurried directions to his ser vants, he hastened home, and, mounting his horse, rode away ,£5y at full speed. After a brief interview with the governor, he immediately started for Concord, with the assurance that troops would at once be jonathah trumboll. sent after him. This veteran of sixty years kept his saddle for eighteen hours, riding all night, and arriving at Concord at sunrise the next morning. The Connecticut militia were rapidly recruited, and the little parties that first hurried for ward were soon joined by larger and better equipped com panies. Putnam was stationed at Cambridge, and in a short time the ranks of his regiment were more than full. The General Assembly took active measures, and ordered that one-fourth of the militia should " be forthwith enlisted. 1775.J THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 189 equipped, accoutred, and assembled for the safety and de fence of the colony." Six regiments were thus raised; and David Wooster, Joseph Spencer, and Israel Putnam were appointed as general officers. By the first of June, ten thousand veteran troops, the flower of the British army, held the harbor and city of Boston. Day after day re-enforcements poured into the colonial camp at Cambridge. When brought together they presented a motley appearance in their homespun dress and equipments : but a large proportion of these men were not raw recruits ; they had performed valiant service in the French wars, and understood the serious nature of the business they had taken in hand. About fifteen thousand men soon gathered at Cam bridge. Of this number, three thousand were from Connecti cut. On the 27th of May, General Putnam,2 in charge of ,; v a skirmishing party on Hog "A O f J & ISRAEL PUTNAM. Island, was attacked by a large body of British marines, who crossed over from Boston. They were supported by two vessels-of-war and some smaller boats. Putnam had but two diminutive pieces of ordnance ; but he was an excellent gunner, and handled his ordnance in a very effective manner. The firing con tinued after dark; and one of the vessels ran aground, and was abandoned by her crew. Putnam the next morn ing gave orders to board her ; and, after taking what they could find of value, she was burned. The Ameri cans did not lose a single man in this skirmish, but the enem}- reported the loss of nearly a hundred killed and Tvounded. This successful action increased the desire of the troops at ¦Cambridge to meet the enemy. The veteran general, Ward, 190 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1775. who held the chief command, did not favor a forward move ment. Putnam, Prescott, and other officers, were of a differ ent mind. A plan suggested by Putnam was finally adopted. The battle of Bunker Hill followed on the 17th of June. Some days previous to this, Putnam had marched a company of troops from Cambridge to Charlestown, in order to gain a better knowledge of the neighborhood, and select the best place for throwing up intrenchments. Having returned to the camp, arrangements were at length completed ; and on the 16th of June, Colonel William Prescott was ordered to proceed to Charlestown in the evening, with a detachment of about a thousand men,8 and take possession of Breed's Hill. The name of this gifted and brave officer has most frequently appeared in history as the central and prominent figure in this important engagement. There is no need of disparaging the part he acted ; but the impar tial testimony of many facts gives the first place in com mand and leadership on that memorable day, to Israel Putnam. A narrative of the battle of Bunker Hill that does not give prominence to the part he acted in it, fails to recognize the moving and guiding spirit in its eventful scenes.4 After reaching the heights above the then thriving village of Charlestown, Prescott and Putnam held a consultation with Colonel Gridley, a veteran military engineer ; and orders were given to fortify Breed's Hill, a little below Bunker Hill, and nearer the harbor. While the breastworks were being thrown up, an officer in command of some Connecticut and other troops, was sent down to watch the movements of the enemy. Putnam remained upon the hill, aiding and directing in the building of the redoubt ; while Prescott, with one of his aids, was seeking to learn if the British were aware of their movements. The droning cry of the sentries upon the ships, "All's well," assured them that the enemy were sleeping in ignorance of the position the Americans had taken- 1775.] THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 191 With the breaking of the morning, the British officers opened their eyes in astonishment, as, by the aid of their field-glasses, they saw the outlines of the breastworks that had been thrown up during the night. A battery of heavy guns was mounted on Copp's Hill, and at once opened fire. This cannonade was the signal that ushered in the hostilities of the eventful day. The heat was oppressive ; and the men, suffering from their exhausting all-night labors in the trenches, begged for some thing to eat and drink, and expressed their anxiety that fresh troops should be sent to relieve them. Putnam was already on the way to Cambridge, to urge the sending of re-enforcements ; and Prescott did all he could to encourage the brave men about him, and allay their fears. General Ward was firm in his conviction that the main body of the British army would march on Cambridge, and for this reason hesitated to send additional troops to Charlestown. But for his hesitancy and failure to give the aid he might have done, the colonial army might not only have defeated the British, but have held the heights of Bunker Hill after the battle. It was noon before the British troops embarked from the wharf at Boston. Both Putnam and Prescott were busy in directing the movements of their men, and preparing for the attack of the enemy. The gallant Captain Knowlton, with a company of Connecticut men, had taken what proved to be an important position, and, following the orders of Putnam, had thrown up a rude breastwork of grass and fence-rails.5 The Connecticut troops at Cambridge were eager to march, and sent a request to General Ward, asking the privilege of following their beloved leader. This was not granted, and others had to act the heroic part in which they earnestly desired to engage. As yet no works had been erected upon Bunker Hill. Putnam felt that it was absolutely necessary to fortify this spot, and, in spite of the remonstrance of Prescott, sent a 192 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1775. body of men to throw up a. redoubt. Again he started for Cambridge, to hurry up the promised re-enforcements Having received the cheering word that the New-Hampshire troops, under Colonel Stark, were on che way from Medford, he hastened Dack to meet them. Sending a part of the force to assist in throwing up the intrenchment on Bunker Hill, he ordered Stark, with the rest of his men, to join Captain Knowlton. By this time General Ward was satisfied that the main attack of the British was to be made upon the heights of Charlestown ; but he still kept some of the best regiments in Cambridge, and it was too late for those that were sent forward to give the aid they might have done at an earlier hour. The battle was commenced late in the afternoon by the British artillery, who opened a heavy fire upon the works on Breed's Hill. Prescott was in command at this point, and ordered his men to lie behind the earthworks, and not expose themselves. Putnam, mounted upon his white horse, was in every part of the field, now directing the still unfinished work on Bunker Hill, giving orders to Stark and Knowlton at the rail-fence, and again, in stormful passion, arresting an officer who showed signs of cowardice. The British columns had formed, and were ready to march up the hill. Under cover of a furious cannonade, directed at the redoubt, they moved forward. Putnam was at this moment looking after the works on Bunker Hill : ordering the drums to beat to arms, he hastened to join Prescott at the redoubt below. Biding along the line, he gave strict commands that not a gun should be fired until the order was distinctly given. " Powder," he said to the men, " is scarce. Don't fire until you can see the whites of their eyes. Fire low. Aim at the handsome coats — pick off their commanders." There was no experienced gunner in the line ; and Putnam dismounted, and assisted in getting the few pieces of artillery in position. He sighted the guns himself; and, while the 1775.] THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 193 ammunition lasted, they did fatal execution. When the British columns were about eight rods from the American lines, the order was given to fire. The front rank was swept away, and nearly every officer on the advance line was killed by the terrible volley. Every shot had told. The blaze of muskets from the redoubt and rail-fence poured another deadly fire into the now staggering and dismayed columns. The veteran troops, with true English courage, rallied again and again. After General Pigot on the left had ordered a retreat, General Howe still stubbornly held his ground. At length he was forced to retire, and a shout of victory ex pressed the joy of the Americans. Many of them wished to pursue the British, and were only restrained by their offi cers. Re-enforcements from Cambridge had reached the neck of land leading to the heights where the battle was raging : this point was swept by the enemy's artillery, and the men did not dare to proceed. In vain did Putnam ride back and forth to assure them that there was little danger : only a portion had courage to follow him. While the British were re-forming their broken ranks, Put nam hastened to Bunker Hill to secure the assistance of some troops still there : they proved skulkers, and neither threats nor commands availed to make them do their duty. General Howe, having re-organized his troops, again marched up the hill. They were permitted to come within six rods of the American line before the order was given to fire. As before, the aim of these veteran marksmen was deadly, and sent the columns reeling backwards. After a thousand men, the flower of the British army, had fallen, they slowly retreated towards the shore. General Clinton, who had been watching the battle from Copp's Hill, crossed over to the place where the British troops were trying to make a last rally ; and a new plan of attack was ordered, and the columns again moved forward. Putnam saw that he must have re-enforcements and a fresh 194 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1775. supply of ammunition if he held his position. It was at this moment that three companies from Connecticut, in com mand of Captains Chester, Clark, and Coit, crossed the Neck, and advanced up the hill. With them was Major Durkee of stamp-act fame. Unfortunately, some of the colonial troops sent forward from Cambridge were demoral ized by the sight and sound of the battle, and refused to do their duty. Worst of all, the brave men within the redoubt had only a few charges of powder left. When these were expended, they still attempted to hold their ground ; but it was impossible. With sad heart Prescott sounded the re treat. The brave, noble-hearted, and gifted Warren, who, notwithstanding his rank as general, had gone into the battle as a volunteer, was reluctant to forsake the field. While slowly retreating, he was struck in the head by a bullet, and fell lifeless. As the Americans fell back, Putnam called to them to rally, and make another stand against the enemy on Bunker Hill ; but their ammunition was spent, and the brave men could only retreat. The Connecticut troops, that had just arrived on the ground, were eager for service ; and Putnam ordered them to cover the retreat as far as possible. With steady aim they fired volley after volley into the British ranks. The enem}', having gained possession of the redoubt, were now pressing forward in pursuit. A murderous fire com pletely routed the right wing of the American lines : the left wing still remained firm, but was soon forced to retire. All that could be done was to conduct the retreat as successfully as possible. While the army was hastening from the heights which they had held with such stubborn courage, the re-en forcements from Cambridge, for which Putnam had pleaded so earnestly, came in sight : it was too late to save the field from falling into the hands of the enemy. Nevertheless, the battle of Bunker Hill was a victory for the Americans. Twice they had driven back a force three times as great as 1775.] THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 195 their own, the pick and flower of the British army. With comparatively small loss on their part, one-quarter of the enemy had fallen dead or wounded upon the field. Not until their ammunition was exhausted, did they retreat a single step. " Are the Yankees cowards?" shouted the hardy sons of New. England, as the British troops staggered and re treated before their fearful volleys of fire. Men learned that da}- that valor and strength was the common inheritance of those in whose veins ran English blood. It is said, that^ when-Washington heard of the battle, he asked, "Did the militia stand fire?" When told that they reserved their own until the enemy were within eight rods, he quietly said, " The liberties of the country are safe." 1 Governor Fitch, on account of bie and Commander-in-chief at the engage- Tory sentiments and actions, lost favor rnent on Buncker's Hill, near Boston, in the eyes of the people. He was sue- 17 June, 1775. Published as the Act ceeded, in 1766, by William Pitkin. He directs by C Shephard, 9 Sept., 1775. held the office for three years, when London." Jonathan Trumbull was elected (1769). s The position held by Knowlton 2 Putnam had been appointed briga- was about two hundred yards in the dier-general in the Connecticut militia. rear of the breastworks. The posts of Of the soldiers of the colony, several the two-rail fence were set in a low hundred were under his command at stone wall that extended clown the hill Cambridge, and a part were with Spencer toward the Mystic. By building a at Roxbury. temporary fence in front, and filling the 3 Thomas Knowlton of Ashford space with new-mown hay, they made u commanded two hundred Connecticut breastwork for a short distance It was men in this party. here that Putnam met Warren, and of- 4 An engraving published iu London, fered to give the command into his hands, three months after the battle, has at the as Warren was a major-general, and he foot these words: "Israel Putnam, Esq., but a brigadier. Warren declined the Major General of the Connecticut forces, responsibility. 196 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1775. CHAPTER XXXII. 1775-1776. WASHINGTON AT CAMBRIDGE. BEFORE the battle of Bunker Hill, the Continental Con gress, in session at Philadelphia, had recognized the army at Boston as the national army, and voted to raise ad ditional troops in all the colonies. On the very day the memorable battle was fought, the Congress, upon the rec ommendation of the New-England delegates, unanimously chose George Washington commander-in-chief of the Ameri can forces. At the same time, Artemas Ward and Charles Lee were elected major-generals ; and when news came of the battle of Bunker Hill, Israel Putnam and Philip Schuyler received a like honor. Washington arrived at Cambridge early iu July. His fame as a brave and capable officer had already spread far and wide, and the Continental army gave him a hearty wel come. His first great task was to bring order .and system out of the mixed and tangled condition in which he found affairs. In this work he was at once struck with the effi ciency of Putnam. " You seem to have the faculty," he remarked to him one day, "of infusing your own industri ous spirit into all the workmen you employ." When the message from the Continental Congress, giving their reasons for taking up arms, reached Cambridge, Putnam ordered his division to parade on Prospect Hill, and there listen to its reading. As soon as it was ended, all of the troops shouted 1775.] INVASION OF CANADA. 197 three times the word, " Amen : " at this moment, as a signal- gun was fired, a beautiful flag, that had just come from Con necticut, was unfurled, and floated in the breeze. On one side, in letters of gold, were the words, "An Appeal to Heaven;" and on the other, the armorial bearings of the colony, with the shield and its three vines symbolizing knowledge, liberty, and religion. Under the watchful eye and guidance of Washington, the army was soon brought into a condition of order and discipline. The difficulties that he had to face in other directions were very great. The food furnished was poor and scanty, and there was only powder enough to supply a few rounds of ammunition. This lack was the source of grave anxiety to Washington. In the following winter an officer wrote, " The bay is open. Every thing thaws here except old Put. He is still as hard as ever, crying out for ' Powder, powder ! ' Ye gods, give us powder ! ' ' This scarcity was one of the chief reasons why Washington did not attempt to take Boston. While he kept the British army of ten thousand men cooped up in the city, an important movement was made on Canada. In this raid, which finally met with repulse before Quebec, Con necticut soldiers and officers acted a prominent part.1 The troops that first enlisted did not expect to be away from home for any great length of time. They had hoped that the war would be short and decisive in gaining a recog nition of their rights and liberties. It is not strange that the toil and sufferings of camp-life led them to desire to return as soon as possible to their comfortable homes and pleasant farms. The term of service of the Connecticut troops expired about the first of December, and few of them were inclined to re-enlist. This was a source of deep regret and anxiety to Washington. The desire to return home on UNION FLAG. 198 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1776. the part of some of the men was so great, that they left the lines before their time was out. This action was keenly felt by Governor Trumbull, who expressed his "grief, sur prise, and indignation." Most of the troops consented to remain until the 10th of January. By this time the General Assembly had met, and taken prompt measures to fill the places of those who had returned. It was voted to raise and equip one-fourth of the militia of the colony, and the estates of persons guilty of aiding or informing the enemy were confiscated. Towards the close of February the British prepared to evacuate Boston. After they left the city, their ships lay for ten days in Nantasket Roads ; and Washington was doubtful as to their destination. For this reason he sent at first only a few regiments to New York. The rest soon fol lowed, marching to Norwich, where they embarked in sailing- vessels. The work of completing the fortifications that had been commenced by General Lee, was given to the care of Gen eral Putnam. Washington set out for New York April 4, meeting Governor Trumbull at Norwich. A large body of Connecticut militia did good service in throwing up intrench- ments on Staten and Long Islands. Their term soon ex pired ; and they felt, as the spring opened, that it was neces sary for them to return home and look after their farms. Again Washington wrote to Trumbull, that he should be very anxious unless a picked body of men were organized, and ready to march from Connecticut at a moment's notice. The weary years that followed proved with what alacrity the summons of danger was answered again and again. The leaders of public opinion in Connecticut were among the first to recognize that the course of events had made it impossible for them to hope longer to retain their allegiance to the British throne.2 On the 14th of June, at a special session of the Assembly, it was unanimously resolved, '• that 1776.] DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 199 ROGER SHERMAN. the delegates of this colony in General Congress be, and they are hereby, instructed to propose to that respectable body, to declare the United American Colonies free and independent states, absolved from all allegiance to the king of Great Britain, and to give the as sent of this colony to such declara tions." On the 4th of July the Congress in session at Philadelphia adopted the Act that was the beginning of the history of a new nation. " We," they said, " the representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, solemnly publish and declare that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States." The delegates from Connecticut who signed this immortal paper were Roger Sherman,3 Samuel Huntington,4 William Williams,5 and Oliver Wolcott.0 The Declaration of Independ ence was received throughout Connecticut with many mani festations of public rejoicing. The patriotism of the people found energetic expression in the equipment of the militia, and preparing powder, car tridges, and other articles, for their use. An incident of the times illustrates the enthusiasm and spirit with which the women engaged in this work. Au equestrian statue of King George III. stood for some years on Bowling Green, in New- York City. It was made of lead, richly gilded to OLIVER WOLCOTT. 200 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1776. resemble gold. On the night of July 11, 1776, it was overthrown by a company of the Sons of Liberty. As lead was scarce, the statue was broken iu pieces, and transported to Litchfield for safe keeping. General Wol- cott, who had returned home from Philadelphia, built a shed in an apple-orchard near his house, in which his leaden majesty was melted into bullets. This labor was per formed by some of the most prominent ladies in the vil lage. A careful account, iu the handwriting of Oliver Wolcott, that is still preserved, shows that over forty-two thousand cartridges were made by these loyal women. On the 5th of August Governor Trumbull wrote a letter to Washington, at New York, in which he said, " Knowing our cause righteous, I do not greatly dread what our numer ous enemies can do against us." Washington in his answer informed the governor fully of the weakness of his army, and said, "To trust in the justice of our cause without our own utmost exertion would be tempting Providence." Trumbull at once called together his Council of Safety. Five regiments had already gone forward from the counties near New York. Nine regiments more were ordered to march; and to those not enrolled iu any train-band, the governor said, " Join yourselves to one of the companies now ordered to New York, or form yourselves into distinct companies, and choose captains forthwith. March on : this shall be your warrant ; may the God of the armies of Israel he your leader ! " Leaving the grain half gathered in the fields, the farmers of Connecticut departed from their homes, and hastened to the scene of action.7 1 Canada was invaded in the sum- diet Arnold. They united in an attack mer of 1775 by troops led by Schuyler upon Quebec, but were repulsed, and and Montgomery. Wooster joined Mont- Montgomery was killed. The chief com. goroery, and took part in the capture of mand now fell upon Wooster, under the the fort in Chambly where 168 prisoners most disheartening conditions. His re- were sent to Connecticut. On Nov. 12 lations with Schuyler were unhappj, and Montreal was taken. Here they were led to accusations against bis patriotism joined by troops in command of Bene- that were investigated by Congress, and SIGNERS OF DECLARATION. 201 declared groundless and unjust. In the spring of 1776 the Americans were driven out of Canada, and it remained a Diitish province. In the autumn of 1775 (Sept. 30) a British man-of-war gave chase to a small American vessel, and probably would have taken her if she had not taken refuge iu Stonington Harbor. The en raged English captain opened fire on the town, and wounded one citizen. Many houses were damaged, and he Beized two small sloops and a schooner loaded with molasses. 2 In May, 1776, formal action was taken, by which the people were released from their allegiance to the crown. At the October session of the Assembly it was enacted, " That the ancient form of civil government, contained in the char ter from Charles the Second, King of England, and adopted by the people of this State,, shall be and remain the civil Constitution of this State, under the sole authority of the people thereof, in dependent of any King or Prince what ever. And that this Republic is, and shall forever be and remain, a free, sov ereign, and independent State, by the name of the State of Connecticut." 3 Roger Sherman was one of the most remarkable men of his times. He was but nineteen years of age when the death of hie father brought upon him the entire care and support of a large family. Having removed to New Mil ford from Stonington, in 1744, he worked at his trade as a shoemaker until he en gaged in mercantile pursuits with a brother. Gifted with a naturally strong and active mind, he made the beBt use of limited advantages. Pursuing the study of law in his leisure moments, he became so proficient, that he wa6 ad mitted to the bar in 1754. The following year he was sent to the Legislature, and not long after appointed judge of the county court of Litchfield County. Re moving to New Haven, in 1761, he con tinued in this office, and was elected treasurer of Yale College, from which institution he received the degree of A.M. He was a member of the State Senate at the time the Stamp Act wj.s passed, and took a position of fearless courage in opposition to this and other measures of oppression on the part of the mother country. From this time on, he was a recognized leader. He was one of the most influential members of the First Continental Congress, and was appointed one of the committee that diaughted the Declaration of Iudepeud- ence. His services were invaluable dur ing the war; and after its close, he was a prominent delegate in the Convention of 1787, that framed the present Constitution of, the United States. After the organiza tion of the government, he was elected a member of the Houbc of Representa tives, from which he was soon promoted to the Senate, iu which otEce he was continued during the remainder of his life. When New Haven became a city, he was elected mayor, and held the posi tion until his death, July 23, 1793, in the seventy-third year of his age. 4 Samuel Huntington was born at Windham, July 2, 1732. He was a studious lad, and, while working on his father's farm, commenced the study of law. He had gained a good practice in his native towu before he removed to Norwich, at the age of twenty-eight. In 1774 he was appointed an associate judge of the Superior Court, and the following year was sent to the Conti nental Congress. His reputation was such that in 1779 he was appointed to succeed John Jay as president of the Congress, then the highest office in the nation. Impaired health compelled him to resign this position, but he again took a seat in the Co.ngress of 1783. The next year he was appointed chief jus tice of the Superior Court; and in 1786 he was elected governor of the State, in which office he continued until his death, Jan. 5, 1796. Governor Huntington was a devoted and sincere Christian, beloved and esteemed by all who knew him. Thoughtful and wise in judgment, he- 202 HISTORY OF CONNKCTfCUT. possessed a will that was strong and vigorous iu carrying out the purposes he formed. Few men have served their day -and generation with more consistent faithfulness. !"' William Williams. The grand father and father of Mr. Williams were both clergymen, and the latter was for more than half a century pastor of the Congregational church and parish of Leb anon. His distinguished son was born iu this town, April 18, 1731. Having gradu ated with honor from Harvard College, he commenced the study of theology with his father. The Freucb war called for volunteers; and he entered the ranks under his relative, Colonel Ephraim Wil liams, who was killed near Lake George. Upon his return home he entered upon mercantile pursuits in his native town. He held the position of town clerk for nearly fifty years, and was chosen as a representative in the General Assembly for the long period of forty-five years. As a delegate to the Congress at Phila delphia, he earnestly advocated the Dec laration of Independence; and during ¦the war, his time and fortune were em ployed to further the cause of colonial freedom. After a long and useful life he died, Aug. 2, 1811. G Oliver Wolcott was born in Windsor, Nov. 26, 1726. lie graduated at Yale College in 1747, and the same year received a captain's commission, and with his company marched to the northern frontier. During the time he was connected with the army, he rose step by step until he became a major- general . 0 n his retu rn home, after studying medicine for a time witn his uncle, Dr. Alexander Wolcott, he was ap- pointed sheriff of the recently organized county of Litchfield. In 1775 Wolcott was elected as one of the delegates from Connecticut to Congress, and was in earnest sympathy with his colleagues in the signing of the Declaration. Upon his return home he waB appointed a member of the Council of Safety by GovernorTrumbull.and was put in com mand of the detachment of Connecticut militia that marched to the defence of New York. After the battle of Long Island he again resumed his seat in Con gress. In 1776 he aided in sending a large body of recruits to General Put nam, then on the Hudson River, and . took command himself of a force thai joined General Gates at Saratoga. IK- was with the army at the time of the cap ture of Burgoyue and his troops. In the summer of 1779 he was in command of a division of militia, and acted promptly in defending the State at the time of the British invasion under Try- on. General Wolcott waB elected lieu tenant-governor of Connecticut in 1786, and was re-elected every year until 1796, when he was chosen governor. lie con tinued in this office uutil the time of his death, Dec. 1, 1797. 7 The General Assembly at the De cember session (1776) formed the militia of the State into six brigades. David Wooster and Jabez Huntington were appointed major-generals; and Eliphalet Dyer, Gurdon Saltouslall, Oliver Wol cott, Erastus Wolcott, James Wads worth, and Gold S. Silliman, brigadier- generals. The followiug persons had previously been appointed colonels: Charles Webb, Philip B. Bradley, Jede- diah Huntington, Fisher Gay, Comfort Sage, John Douglas, Samuel Selden, William Douglas, John Chester. Dur ing this year Connecticut sustained uo less than five drafts. 1776-1 WAK OF THE iiEVOLUTION. 203 CHAPTER XXXIII. 1776-1777. BATTLE OF LONQ ISLAND. ON the 24th of August, Israel Putnam, second in rank to Washington, took command of the forces on Long Island.1 The British army of twenty thousand men, under General Howe, was supported by more than four hundred ships and transports. The Americans did not number over eight thou sand. Early on the morning of the 27th, the British began their movement towards the American lines from three dif ferent directions. The battle proved a series of skirmishes at several points, in which the Continental troops were far outnumbered. They fought bravely, but were compelled to retreat. Washington, as soon as he saw that the enemy did not purpose to attack New York, repaired to Long Island ; but the day was already lost. The Connecticut militia did nobly, but it was impossible for the Americans to stand against the overwhelming numbers of the British. Putnam has been accused, both of rashness and incapacity in this battle. He may not have shown any special strategic ability, but under the circumstances it is difficult to see how he can be blamed for the disasters of the day. On the night of the following day, the army, under the directions of Washington, crossed the East River to the New- York side. " Considering the difficulties," wrote General Greene, " the retreat from Long Island was the best effected retreat I ever read or heard of." 204 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1776. Washington was very anxious to gain information regard ing the numbers and position of the British forces. Colonel Knowlton was requested to find some one who would accept this service. In answer to his appeal, Captain Nathan Hale of South Coventry was the only officer who offered to under take the hazardous enterprise. Having received his instruc tions from Washington , in a private interview, he made his way across the Sound to Huntington Ba}', and within a few days secured the desired information. After visiting the British camps on both sides of the river, he made his way back to Huntington, where he was expecting to meet the party who were to take him across to the Connecticut shore. Seeing a boat approaching that he supposed was coming for him, he walked down to the water's edge to wait for it. It was too late for him to turn and escape when he found that it was in charge of British marines. He was taken on board the guard- ship that was near at hand, and conveyed to New York. When brought before General Howe, Captain Hale frankly confessed that he was an American officer and a spy. He did not expect mercy, and with calm, fearless spirit, awaited the verdict. The decision soon came that con demned him to be hung at daybreak of the following morn ing. These brief hours, it would seem, might have been given to him for preparation for death, and the sending of his last messages of affection to those he loved. But this was not permitted. During the night he was treated with barbarous cruelty. His request for the use of a Bible to read was dis regarded with sueers, and the letters he wrote to his mother and other friends were torn in pieces before his eyes. His heroic spirit did not for a moment fail him. Calm and dig nified in bearing, he ascended the scaffolds and with unfalter ing voice said, " I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Thus died Nathan Hale. History has no story of faithfulness unto death more sublime in its, heroism than this. 1776.] NATHAN HALE. 205 Attractive in person, and winning in his manners, Captain Hale was beloved by a large circle of devoted friends, who mourned. his untimely end. Nor were his graces of mind less than those of his person. Yale College had crowned him with academic honors, and his teachers prophesied for him a career of eminent success and usefulness. At the breaking out of the war, he was principal of the Union Grammar School in New London. Feeling that it was his duty to enlist in the service of his country, he asked to be J0$. ^ *lW i ~ _J1I1^B& BIRTHPLACE OF NATHAN HALE. released from his engagement, and his request was granted. The parting from his pupils was full of tender interest, as with words of earnest counsel he offered a prayer, and, taking each one by the hand, bade them an affectionate farewell. From the position of lieutenant he was soon promoted to be captain. He had seen but little active service when he re sponded to the call from which others shrank because of its dangers. Death came to him in its most terrible and cruel form ; but, conscious of the rectitude of his action, he met his fate without fear. His name deserves the monumental tribute soon to be erected by the citizens of his native State.2 206 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1776. After anxious consultation with Congress, Washington decided that it was best to retire from New York, and in trench his forces upon the heights north and east of the city. General Howe, suspecting this movement, sent troops up the river to intercept him. They landed at Kip's Bay, about three miles north of the city ; aud the truth of history must admit that the Connecticut troops, with others stationed there, proved shamefully recreant to their duty. At the sight of the moving columns of well-drilled British soldiers, they were seized with panic, and fled, while Washington vainly sought to rally them. Meanwhile the troops in the city were march ing out under the direction of Putnam. Had the British officers at once followed up their advantage at Kip's Bay, it would have been difficult for them to make their escape. On the following morning, Sept. 16, Colonel Knowlton, with a party of volunteer rangers, most of whom were from Connecticut, advanced through the woods to reconnoitre the enemy's line. He was soon discovered b}- the British general, who sent a force to meet him. A discharge of musketry gave warning of a sharp skirmish. Washing ton at once sent re-enforcements to the relief of Colonel Knowlton, who advanced, and made an attack upon the ex posed flank of the enemy's line. The fighting was at close range ; and in the thick of the conflict, pierced by several bullets, Knowlton, at the head of his men, fell mortally wounded. Inspired with the determination to avenge the death of their beloved leader, they fought with desperate courage until the enemy were driven back. The loss of their brave and able commander was deeply deplored. General Washington, in his orders the day after he fell, spoke of him as " the gallant and brave Colonel Knowlton, who would have been an honor to an}' country." On the 1 2th of October an advance was made by General Howe for the purpose of cutting off Washington's retreat. In this he was disappointed ; and the American forces fell 1776.] FORT WASHINGTON SURRENDERED. 207 back in good order to White Plains, leaving a garrison to hold Fort Washington. At White Plains, after some severe fighting, Washington again fell back to a position on high ground, near at hand, that was so strong that the British general did not dare to attack him. Returning to the upper part of Manhattan Island, Howe made an assault upon Fort Washington, and compelled its surrender after heavy losses. Iu the garrison of twenty-six hundred men, who were made prisoners of war, were many from Connecticut. They were treated with inhuman cruelty. Crowded together in miser able quarters, they suffered from the want of food, water, and fresh air. Disease, famine, and brutal treatment ended the life of large numbers. Those who survived, told a story of almost incredible suffering. It was a dark hour in the history of the people that had declared but not achieved their independence. The fall of Fort Washington made it impossible to hold Fort Lee, and the Hudson was open to the British. The American army was reduced b}' the return to their homes of many of the militia who had enlisted for a short time. The British gen erals were elated by their success, and anticipated a speed}' end of the conflict. In the midst of these depressing cir cumstances, Washington stood calm and undismayed. Con fident that the British would soon march in the direction of Philadelphia, he left only a few troops on the shore of the Hudson above New York, and with the main body of his army started for New Jersey. No sooner had Washington left his encampment than he was followed by Lord Corn- wallis. The American army was now reduced to a little remnant of three thousand men. While they continued their retreat, in sight, most of the time, of the pursuing enemy, Washington sent messages in every direction, calling for more troops. The country was thoroughly alarmed. Con gress deemed discretion the better part of valor, and was preparing to leave Philadelphia. In this dark hour Tram- 208 HISTORY OB1 CONNECTICUT. [l777. bull stood undismayed, and said for Connecticut and himself, "We are determined to maintain our cause to the last ex tremity." Determined to strike a blow that would help to restore the confidence of the people as well as his army, Washington crossed the Delaware, above Trenton, on Christmas night, and attacked a body of several hundred Hessians posted there. The surprise was complete. General Rail, their commander, was mortally wounded ; and after a sharp and desperate charge of the Continental forces, they surrendered. Nearly a thousand men, with a large number of guns and cannon, were taken. Eight days later the battle of Princeton was fought, and the regiments left there by Cornwallis com pletely routed. The enemy had been driven from every post it had occu pied in New Jersey, except Brunswick and Amboy ; and Philadelphia was once more safe. The army spent the win ter at Morristown, and there was little fighting for several months. During the following summer, the English fleet and .array sailed from New York, and appeared in the Chesapeake. Washington hastened to meet it, and the battle of Brandy- wine was fought. The Americans were forced to retire, and the British advanced towards Philadelphia. After a sharp attack on the enemy at Germantown, Washington withdrew to Valley Forge, and Lord Howe occupied Philadelphia. The memorable victory of the summer of 1777 was won in the north, — a victory in which Connecticut soldiers acted an honorable part. The English general, Burgoyne, with eight thousand men and a large number of Indians, came down from St. John, New Brunswick, with the purpose of attack ing Albany, and cutting off New England from the other colonies. Ticonderoga was taken ; and General Schuyler, who was in command of the northern department, fell back to Fort Edward. The country was filled with alarm at the progress of the British, and re-enforcements began to pour in 1777.] BORGOYNE S SURRENDER. 209 to the American camp. Burgoyne was delayed after his vic tories Dy the bridges having been destroyed, and the roads obstructed. The tide began to turn, and in several skir mishes the advantage was with the Americans. A battle was fought on the 19th of September, in which the Ameri cans sadly crippled the British force. On the 7th of October Burgoyne again advanced, and, after a hard fight, was driven back in disorder to his camp. The following day he retreated towards Saratoga ; and on the 17th of October his army of more than five thou sand men laid down their arms, and were sent as prisoners of war to Boston. Among other Connecticut offi cers who acted a worthy part iu this memorable campaign, was Captain Moses Seymour of Litchfield, who commanded a company of cavalry. During the night that followed the last battle between Gage and Burgojne, Captain Seymour watched with a British officer who had been severely wounded, and carried from the field. As he entered the room, the officer eagerly inquired of him as to the fate of the day. When told that the British had been defeated, he remarked, " Then, the contest is no longer doubt ful : America will be independent. ' ' The prophecy of the dying soldier was to become the truth of history. When the BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE REVOLUTION. 210 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1777, tidings of the surrender of Burgoyne reached England, many of her leading statesmen lost hope of saving the colo nies ; and this great victory hastened the alliance by which France gave her aid to America. ' While the army was at New York, experiments, under the eye of Put nam, were made with an invention of David Bushnell, a native of Westbrook, that failed to accomplish what was desired, only by a combination of un fortunate circumstances. Mr. Bushnell, while a student at Yale, in 1771, sug gested the idea of attacking » vessel underneath the water, and constructed a submarine boat capable of this service. " It was a boat," Bays Colonel Henry L. Abbott of the United-States Army, *f so constructed as to be capable of be ing propelled at any depth below the surface of the water, and of being ele vated or depressed at pleasure; to this was attached a magazine of powder, designed to be secured by a screw to the not torn of a ship; when the magazine should be disengaged from the boat, cer tain machinery waB to be set in motion, which would cause it to explode at any desired time. Fultou simply improved upon and developed Bushnell's offensive machines, but be originated the method of operation now known as defensive torpedo warfare; and Samuel Colt, by introducing electricity as the agent for. igniting the charges, rendered It possible to perfect both classes of torpedoes. To these three men we owe more than to any others the inauguration of this new and important mode of maritime war fare, which, by strengthening the hands of the weak, has done, and is doing, much to justify the sentiment inscribed by Fulton upon the titlepage of his first treatise upon torpedo warfare : ' The Liberty of the Seas will be the Hap piness of the Earth.' " Bushnell called his torpedo-boat " The American Tur tle." In December, 1777, he set afloat, in the Delaware River, some torpedoee in kegs, that demolished one British ves sel. The fright they caused is celebrated in Hopkinson's poem, "The Battle of the Kegs." 2 Captain Hale was twenty-one years of age at the time of his death, Sept. 22, 1776. The tradition that Hale was dis covered in the British camp, and betrayed by a Tory relative, is not accepted by Stuart, Lossing, and others, who have made special investigations as to the truth of the story. Rev. Edward E. Hale, D.D., a kinsman of Captain Hale, believes the tradition to be false. The bikthday of Nathan Hale (June 6, 1755), was chosen as the date of the bi-centennial of the town of East Haddam, celebrated in 1900. The little school- house in which Hale taught after graduating from Yale College was presented to the Connecticut Society Sons of Revolution by the New York Sons of Revolution. The house was moved to a plot of ground on a bluff overlooking the town and the river. Ex-Governor Bulkeley purchased some of the surrounding land and gave it to be «tred for and opened to the public as the Nathan Hale Memorial Park. 1777.1 THE WAR IN CONNECTICUT. 211 CHAPTER XXXIV. 1777. BURNING OF DANBURY. HAVING followed the fortunes of the American army during a part of the year 1777, let us now recall the story of less important events, but of great local interest in the history of Connecticut. Lord Howe, before leaving New York, determined to de stroy a quantity of military stores that he had been informed were deposited at Danbury. For this purpose a detached corps of eighteen hundred men, and a small number of dra goons, were put in command of Governor Tryon, who had been appointed a major-general of provincials. The vessels in which they embarked from New York cast anchor in Saugatuck Harbor • late in the afternoon of the 25th of April. Under the guidance of two Tories they started for Danbury. They marched about eight miles that night, and encamped in the limits of the present township of Weston. On the following morning they resumed their march, meet ing with no opposition until they began the ascent of Hoyt's Hill, near the village of Bethel. At this point a solitary horseman appeared at the top of the hill, and looking back, as if an army were close at hand, he rose in his stirrups, and, waving his sword, exclaimed in a voice of thunder, " Halt the whole universe! break off by kingdoms!" General Tryon commanded his men to halt, and sent out two detachments 212 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1777. on the right and left to reconnoitre, and at the same time got two of his field-pieces in position. The scouts soon re turned with the report that the only person in sight was the horseman whose shout had disturbed them, and who was now making good his escape. The troops reached Danbury in the afternoon. Soon after entering the village, four young men in the house of Major Starr were rash enough to fire upon the English infantry, who at once pursued and shot them. The bodies were thrown into the house, which was immediately set on fire. • The work of pillage and destruction now commenced in earnest, and large quantities of public stores were removed to the street and burned. The soldiers drank so freely of liquor which they found in one of the buildings, that many of them were in a condition of beastly intoxication. The next morning was the sabbath, but Tryon gave orders to continue the work of firing the dwellings and business places of all persons except those who were known to be loyal to the king. The Congregational church, the largest and most expensive building in the place, was burned to the ground, with a large portion of the homes and stores of the village. The houses that escaped the torch of the British soldiers were marked with a white cross, to signify that those who owned them were Tory sympathizers.- Having finished the work of destruction that left innocent women and children without food or shelter, the enemy hur ried from the town. By this time the militia of the neigh boring towns were gathering, with the venerable General Wooster as their leader. Arnold and Sullivan, with four hundred men, had come from the Hudson by a rapid march. Although Tryon returned by another route, he found himself confronted by the Connecticut troops at Ridgefield. With a little company of two hundred men, Wooster hung on the rear of the British. While cheering his men by word and action, he fell at their head mortallv wounded. At a point 1777.] THE FIGHT AT RIDGEFIELD. 213 farther on, in the village street, Arnold threw up a barricade, and bravely held his position until it was turned. His horse was shot under him, and a soldier advanced upon him with fixed bayonet ; but he quickly extricated himself, arid, drawiug his pistol, shot his assailant, while he escaped unhurt. That night the British lay on their arms about a mile south of the village. At daybreak on Monday they hurried towards the Souud, and only escaped another encounter with the Connec ticut men by fording the Saugatuck River, and running to a: high hill a half-mile away from where their vessels lay, off Norwalk. Congress voted money to build a monument to Wooster ; and, at the request of Washington, Arnold was made a major-general, aud also given "• a horse caparisoned as a token 6f their approbation of his gallant conduct." It was not until the British troops were embarked, and sail ing towards New York, that they felt safe from the attacks of the Connecticut militiamen. In a short time these pa triots retaliated in another way. Learning through General Parsons that a large quantity of military stores had been gathered at Sag Harbor for the use of the British army, Return Meigs of Guilford determined to destroy them. He secured a few whale-boats, and sailed from Sachem's Head on the 23d of May with one hundred and seventy men. About midnight they reached a point on the Long-Island shore some four miles from Sag Harbor. Just as they were pre pared to seize the guard who were in charge of the military store, the alarm was given, and a schooner that was near at hand opened a brisk fire. Colonel Meigs at once began an attack, in which most of the guard were taken prisoners. He destroyed ten loaded transports, aud burned one vessel of six or eight guns, besides destroying a large amount of hay, grain, and merchandise. At two in the afternoon, twenty-four hours from the time they started, they reached Guilford with ninety prisoners, and without the loss of a single man. An elegant sword was given to Meigs by Con- 214 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1777. gress in recognition of his bold and successful raid ; and Washington promoted Sergeant Giunings for special merit in the part he acted in this expedition. The Continental army in 1777 was divided into three de partments. The first division, consisting of the troops south of the Hudson, was under Washington ; General Schuyler commanded the northern department; while the third, under General Putnam, was stationed in the Highlands of the Hud son. When tidings came of the taking of Ticonderoga by Burgoyne, Washington ordered two Massachusetts brigades in the Highlands to join the forces of General Schuyler ; and after Lord Howe sailed from New York, he ordered one of the Connecticut brigades, and one from Rhode Island, to come to Pennsylvania. This left Putnam with a single Connecticut brigade and a New- York regiment. Having established his headquarters at Peekskill, he did all that he could to protect life and property from the barbarous raids of the British soldiers, who still remained in New York. Governor Tryon was very anxious to take Putnam as a captive, and was lavish in his promises of reward to any one who would accomplish this purpose. In spite of Putnam's vigilance, a Tory officer by the name of Palmer found his way into the American camp, but was detected, tried, aud condemned as a spy. Tryon used every effort to save the life of the prisoner. In a letter to Putnam he threatened direst vengeance in case of any harm befalling one of the king's commissioned officers. The reply of the American general was characteristic, aud read as follows : — " Sir, — "Nathan Palmer, a lieutenant in your king's service, was taken in my camp as a spy. He was tried as a spy, he was condemned as a spy, and you may rest assured, sir, he shall be hanged as a spy. I have the honor to be, etc., ISRAEL PUTNAM. Hrs Excellency, Governor Tryon. P.S. — Afternoon. He is hanged." 1777.J FORT MONTGOMERY SURRENDERED. 215 The arrival of fresh troops at New York from England made Putnam feel uneasy. With a single brigade in the field, and only a regiment at Fort Montgomery, he could do but little if the British forces were to march against him. He wrote to Washington, but he could do nothing more than authorize him to call out the militia. On the oth of October, Sir Henry Clinton, with three thousand men, sailed up the Hudson, and moved towards Fort Montgomery. The courier who was sent from the fort to Putnam, with a letter asking for re-enforcements, proved to be a Tory renegade, and did not deliver it. Climbing the mountains in the rear of the fort, the British troops made a vigorous assault. Putnam by this time was aware of the situation, but the brave men whom he sent from his camp could do nothing in the face of so large an army. At evening the fort was surrendered, after most of the garrison had contrived to escape. Before the close of the year, Putnam, under the directions of Washington, selected a site for a new fort. The place chosen was West Point ; and during the month of January the first Connecticut brigade, in command of General Par sons, threw up the first embankment of the fortifications, of what was afterwards called the " American Gibraltar." The army at Valley Forge passed a winter of great suffer ing ; but the tidings of the alliance with France came just before the opening of spring, and revived the hope and courage of Washington and his soldiers. The British' evacuated Philadelphia on the 18th of June, and, having crossed the Delaware, marched in the direction of New York. Washington at once started iu pursuit, and overtook them at Monmouth Court-House. The battle fought at this place opened favorably for the Americans, but General Lee's disobedience of orders threw the troops into confusion. Washington, after a stormy scene with the recreant officer, stopped the retreat, and repulsed the British ; but the victory was not decisive. The French fleet had arrived off Sand}* 216 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1778. Hook ; but Admiral D'Estaing, believing that there was not sufficient water to admit his entrance to the harbor of New York, sailed for Newport. This place was held by a British force of six thousand men, under General Pigot. General Sullivan was directed to co-operate with the French fleet, and a call was made upon Connecticut for militia to aid in this enterprise. On the 10th of August, the American army, ten thousand strong, landed on the north side of the island. By an unfortunate misunderstanding, Sullivan advanced sooner than the French admiral expected ; and in the interval of delay, Lord Howe, with the English fleet, appeared off the harbor. D'Estaing attempted to draw the British into battle ; but they avoided him, and a storm scattered both fleets. When the French ships returned, their admiral decided to sail for Boston for repairs. Sullivan was determined to fight, and advanced on the 29th of August against the enemy. His troops fought well, but after a sharp contest were driven back. The retreat to the main land was safely effected ; but the Americans felt, that if the French had co-operated with them, as promised, they could easily have driven the British from the island. The year was one of care and anxiety throughout Connecti cut. The Legislature was almost constantly in session ; and besides the troops that were raised to recruit the general army, a large number of men were sent to defend the towns along the coast. Every thing in the power of the State was done to meet the expenses of the war, and do justice to her soldiers ; but the depreciation of the Continental currency was already the cause of great suffering and loss. A Rev olutionary soldier, Elisha Mason, who died at Litchfield in 1858, in the one-hundredth year of his age, often related the story of his experience after having been paid off in Conti nental currency. After his discharge he started homeward from the Hudson. Having spent the night at Danbury, he attempted to settle his bill with the money he had just re- 1778-79. ] THE ENCAMPMENT AT EECDING. 217 ceived for his army services. This was refused, although he offered bills to the amount of forty dollars for his food and lodgings. As his wages were but eight dollars a month, he thus proposed to give the amount he had received for five months for his keeping for a single night. Mr. Mason was finallj' compelled to pawn his rifle to satisfy the demands of the landlord. This incident of personal experience illus trates a form of loss and suffering that put the patriotism of the people to the severest test. Late in the autumn of 1778, General Putnam removed his army from White Plains and Peekskill, to Redding. ' While here, the soldiers suffered so much from the want of proper food and clothing, that some of the more restive spirits persuaded the Connecticut brigades to plan a march to Hart ford, and demand redress of the Legislature. They were actually under arms for this purpose when Putnam galloped up to the camp. His earnest words soon brought them to their senses ; and when he gave orders for them to shoulder arms, and march to their regimental quarters, they obeyed promptly, and with good humor. In February, Governor Tryon, at the head of a strong detachment of British soldiers, left his quarters at Kings- bridge, and marched for Horse Neck, intending to destroy the Salt Works in that neighborhood. Horse Neck was an outpost of Putnam's forces ; and the day Governor Tryon started on his raid, the Connecticut general chanced to be there. A scouting-party, sent out by Putnam, came in sight of the enemy at New Rochelle : they retired to Rye Neck, and here they were seen in the early morning, and attacked CONTINENTAL money. H18 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1779. by the British. Captain Watson, with his little band of thirty men, defended himself as best he could while retreating to Horse Neck. Putnam had here gathered what forces he could muster, and planted a cannon on the brow of the hill near the meeting-house. He held the enemy in check for some time with his solitary field-piece ; but finding that he was far outnumbered, he gave orders for his men to retire through a swamp, and form on a hill some distance away. Lingering until the enemy were close at hand, and finding himself almost surrounded, he gave spurs to his horse, and plunged at full gallop down a precipitous hill in front of him. This declivity was so steep that it was furnished with more than a hundred stone steps to accommodate those who climbed it. The British dragoons did not dare to follow. One of the shots that was fired at him, passed through his hat ; Dut he escaped safely, and soon rallied a body of militia, and returned to Horse Neck. * Finding that the enemy were on the way back to New York, he started in pursuit, and succeeded in taking about fifty prisoners, besides an ammu nition wagon, and a baggage wagon filled with plunder, which Putnam was able to restore to the rightful owners. 1 Putnam Memorial Park, In the 2 " A granite boulder monument town of Redding, is an interesting illus- bearing a tablet and inscription, was tration of the private and civic gifts that placed in 1900 on the historic hill to mark in recent years have sought to preserve the locality of Putnam's remarkable feat. and commemorate places of historic in- The memorial emphasizes with vivid re- terest. The Park covers the site of the ality that although, on the one hand, the camp occupied by the soldiers whom exploit has been disputed by some writers Putnam commanded in the winter of of Revolutionary events, aud on the other 1778-79. A monument has been erected hand, has been romantically exagger- by the State. Near by are blockhouses ated in story-books and in numberless and log houses in imitation of those that quaint drawings, paintings, and prints, were built for the use of the camp, and a still Putnam's ride is well authenticated, long double line of stones in heaps marks and can continue to be a favorite tale the places where the fireplaces stood in concerning the intrepid hero.— Livlngs- the rude huts. ton's Israel Putnam, pp. 392-393. J778.] WYOMING. 219 CHAPTER XXXV. 1778-1779. THE SETTLEMENT OF WYOMING. IN the charter given by Charles II., the bounds of Con necticut included all of the territory from Narragansett Bay to the Pacific. As the Dutch had before this taken possession of the territory of New York, Connecticut did not seek to establish any right to that country, but claimed the lands lying west of it. A beautiful valley on the upper waters of the Susquehanna had attracted the admiration of adventurous explorers ; and a company was formed to pur chase and settle this spot, where Nature had been so lavish in her charms. A band of men from Connecticut visited •the Wyoming Valley in 1762. They returned home, and the following spring brought their families with them. They were rejoicing in the fruits of an abundant harvest, when, on the 15th of October, they were startled by an Indian war-whoop. In the attack that followed, twenty men were killed and scalped. The rest of the settlers fled to the mountains, and after many hardships found their way back to Connecticut. In 1769 a much larger company started for Wyoming, having received special encouragement from the colonial authorities. By this time three officers with several men had taken possession of the valley, under a lease from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, by which they agreed to establish au Indian trading-house, and defend the country from foreign intruders. This was the beginning of a conflict 220 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1778. of rights, which was not settled until 1786, when the dis puted territory was given to Pennsylvania, and Connecticut received a valuable tract of land in Ohio that was afterwards known as the Connecticut Reserve. There were frequent encounters between the Pennsylvania authorities and the Connecticut settlers up to the time of the Revolution. When the war broke out, many of them enlisted in the ranks of the Continental army. This left the settle ments in a more defenceless condition ; but abundant harvests were gathered, and in the spring of 1778 a large amount of grain was furnished for the army. About this time it was rumored that the British and Indians were preparing to in vade the valley. The news was confirmed in several waj-s, and the frightened settlers sent word to their friends in the army to return home at once. All but two of the commis sioned officers from Wyoming resigned, and hastened home ward to protect their families. Congress delayed to send help until it was too late. While the enemy were concen trating their forces, the women and children fled from their homes to the rude forts that had been built at several points. The work of death soon commenced. A number of settlers in the upper part of the valley were murdered while laboring in their fields, and two of the forts in that neigh borhood were given up'. The brave sons and daughters of Connecticut refused to surrender at the bidding of the British commander, and they determined to attack the enemy. On the 3d of July their little army, under Colonel Zebulon Butler, consisting of hardly more than three hundred per sons, began their march up the river. The British rangers and their Indian allies at first pretended to retreat ; but as the villagers of Wyoming advanced, and opened fire, they were suddenly attacked by a party of savages in their rear, who sprang from their ambush, and threw them into con fusion. A horrible massacre followed, and only about sixty of the brave band of Connecticut men escaped death. More 1778.] MASSACRE AT WYOMING. 221 than one-half of all the able-bodied men in the valley had been killed. When the tidings of the terrible defeat reached their families, near at hand, many of the helpless women and children fled to the forests, and others sought refuge in Fort Wyoming. Pen cannot picture the sufferings and sorrows of the heart-broken band of widowed mothers and their fatherless children, who found their way back to Con necticut through th'e wilderness. In a single company, there were about a hundred women and children, with only one man to guide or aid them. Those who fled to the forts, after their surrender, were in many cases murdered with fiend ish cruelties. Among the saddest incidents of these terrible days was the unnatural hate that made the Tory sympathizers, among the settlers, guilty of the most inhuman actions to wards their neighbors and nearest relatives. It was not long before a fort was again built in the valley, and a few Connecticut families returned to their old homes. Again and again the Indian war-whoop startled them, as some fatal shot sped on its way. As the days went on, and life and property became more secure, the- number of settlers increased. After the Revolution, the old controversy between Connecticut and Pennsylvania broke out anew, and continued until the final decision that made the beautiful valley of Wyoming a part of the latter Common wealth. The song and story that recall the tragedies of its early settlement will always associate its hills and vales with the history of Connecticut. Towards the close of 1778 the most active movements of the war were taking place in the South. Colonel Campbell, in command of two thousand British troops, landed in Geor gia, and captured Savannah. The colony again came under English rule ; but her borders were the scene of terrible civil strifes between the strong Tory class, and the brave patriots whose hearts and lives were consecrated to the cause of freedom. With the exception of New York, there was no 222 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1779.. section where the Tory party was as powerful as in the South. They were to be found everywhere ; and some of the most bitter and violent lived within the bounds of Con necticut, but the vigilant watch that was kept over them gave them little opportunity for mischief. The Connecticut Tories had a hard time in many ways, and the general feel ing of the people against them was such that their lives and property were not always safe. In the South their number- was so great that they often came into open conflict with their patriot neighbors. While the centre of the war had shifted a long way from New England, Connecticut was not left in peace. The raid which Governor Tryon made in the latter part of February, 1779, as far as Horse Neck, was followed during the sum mer by frequent incursions along the shores of the Sound. On the 5th of July the British fleet from New York cast anchor off West Haven, having on board some three thou sand troops, in command of Tryon. About fifteen hundred of the force landed at sunrise, and marched towards New Haven. A little company of militia and citizens rallied, and stationed several field-pieces at the bridge leading to West Haven. They held their position with such determination that the British general decided to make a long circuit of several miles, and enter the town by the Derby road. They did not accomplish this without being harassed by a con tinual fire from the militia. Meanwhile the other division of the British troops, com manded by Governor Tryon, had landed on the east side of New-Haven Harbor. The fort at Black Rock -was soon taken, but the little garrison of nineteen men made good their retreat. After the enemy entered the town, the soldiers robbed the inhabitants of every thing they could lay their hands upon. Some families lost nearly all their houses contained, and suffered for the want of food and clothing. Early on the following morning the enemy unexpectedly and. 1779.] TRYON'S RAID. 223 quietly withdrew to their boats, taking with them a number of citizens as prisoners. Twenty-seven Americans had been killed, and nineteen wounded. Among the citizens who joined the militia in their attempt to defend the town was the venerable Dr. Daggett, ex-President of Yale College. He was captured near Milford Hill, and treated in a most das tardly manner. Having beaten and robbed him, he was driven at the point of the bayonets of insulting soldiers for several miles, until his strength was exhausted. From New Haven the British fleet sailed for Fairfield. They landed on the morning of the 8th of July, and, after plundering the village, kindled a conflagration before sun down, that did not cease until most of the dwellings, churches, and other buildings, were burned to the ground. The crackling of the flames, mingled with the " cries of dis tressed women and helpless children," made the night terri ble. From Fairfield the British marched to Green's Farms,. and destroyed a large amount of property. Crossing the Sound, the enemy remained in Huntington Bay until the 11th of July. They then sailed for Norwalk, and destroyed the entire village, with the exception of a few houses belong ing to Tories. Before this time Washington had learned of the raid along the defenceless coast of Connecticut ; and he directed General Parsons, then in command at the High lands of the Hudson, to hasten thither. In command of a small body of Continental troops, and a considerable force of Connecticut militia, he reached Norwalk a few hours after the British had landed there. He was unable to prevent the destruction of the town, but harassed the enemy in many ways, who soon after returned to Huntington Bay, and from there returned to New York. On the 15th of July, General Anthony Wayne made a brilliant assault upon Stony Point, on the Hudson, and cap tured the fort with five hundred men, besides cannon and supplies. The British had erected a fort at Lloyd's Neck, 224 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [l77» on Long Island, and garrisoned it with about five hundred soldiers. Again and again companies from this fort had crossed over to the Connecticut shore, and plundered de fenceless homes. Major Tallmadge, honored with the special confidence of Washington, determined to destroy this stronghold of the enemy. On the night of the 5th of September he embarked near Stamford with a picked body of one hundred and thirty men. He reached Lloyd's Neck near midnight, and, quietly landing his men, made an attack upon the fort, that took the garrison completely by surprise. They at once surrendered, and before morning were landed in Connecticut as prisoners of war. Washington planned an, attack on New York, and called for twelve thousand militia from Connecticut. When this project was finally given up, the militia were disbanded, and the army, under the commander-in-chief, went into winter quarters at Morristown, N.J. During a brief interval of quiet, in the autumn, General Putnam visited his home at Pomfret. In December he started to join the army. He was overtaken by illness, and compelled to stop when he reached Hartford. The disability proved permanent ; and from this time until his death, on the 29th of May, 1790, he was compelled to retire from active service. The personality of few men has filled as prominent a place in the history of Connecticut as that of Israel Putnam. Honest, brave, and generous in spirit, he was the embodi ment of energy, and possessed a presence of mind fertile in expedients, that made him a grand leader in hazardous enterprises. His brilliant military services duriug the French wars prepared him to act the part he did in the battle of Bunker Hill. The exhausting labors of that day, no doubt, hastened disabilities, incident to advancing years, that made him less efficient in further active service. Honored and be loved, the closing years of his life were spent in the quiet of his home, where he was often visited by old comrades in arms, 1780.J WASHINGTON AT HARTFORD. 225 CHAPTER XXXVI. 1780-1781. WASHINGTON AT HARTFORD AND WETHERSFIELD. THE year 1780 was one of great depression and anxiety to those who were at the head of American affairs. Sir Henry Clinton, with an army of eight thousand men, sailed from New York, and after a stormy passage reached Georgia in the latter part of January. Sending to New York for additional troops, he advanced towards Charleston, where Lin coln was in command of the Continental army. The British fleet passed Fort Moultrie in safety, while Clinton attacked the city from the land side. On the 12th of May, Lincoln surrendered, and the town fell into the hands of the enemy. Clinton soon returned to New York, leaving the British army in command of Lord Cornwallis. At the North, there had been great suffering in the American camp during the winter, and the general outlook was dark and discouraging. The action of France brought new hope.1 Early in July, Ad miral de Ternay, with a squadron of ten ships-of-war, con voying a detachment of about six thousand men in command of Rochambeau, arrived in the harbor of Newport. On the 18th of September, Washington left his headquarters at Tappan on the Hudson for Hartford, attended b}- Lafayette and Hamilton. Here, in the presence of Governor Trum bull and other officers, he held his first interview with the French general. The meeting was one of mutual satisfac tion and pleasure. The progress of Washington through 226 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [|781. the towns of Connecticut called out throngs of people who expressed their regard in every possible way. The chil dren even pressed about him, and called him their father. Turning to the French aid who had accompanied him a day's journey on his return, he said, " We may be beaten by the English in the field ; it is the lot of arms : but see there the army which they will never overcome." On reaching the Hudson, Washington repaired to West Point, and there learned of the treachery of Benedict Ar nold. The story of the treason of this wretched man, and the capture aud hanging of Andr6 as a spy, is one of the most familiar and tragic of Revolutionary times. Physi cally courageous, and intellectually gifted, Arnold was un principled, and cowardly at heart. The honorable service rendered in behalf of his country in the early part of the war, is lost in the dark record of shame and blood that has made his name a synonyme for all that is base and contempt ible in human conduct. The capture of Charleston, the treason of Arnold, and a condition of affairs in the American camp that required all of the wisdom and skill of Washington to keep the troops from breaking into open revolt, proved to be the darkness brood ing over the horizon just before the morning of victory and deliverance. On the 21st of May Washington again came to Connecticut, and met Rochambeau at Wethersfield, where they arranged the details of the campaign that ended in the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Before that victory was won; Connecticut suffered in a most distressing manner at the hands of the miserable traitor who had been born upon her soil. Arnold had been sent by Sir Henry Clinton to Virginia with a small body of British soldiers. Among other das tardly acts, he burned the city of Richmond. Washington had arranged a plan by which he hoped to capture the inso lent traitor. The advance of Cornwallis broke up this de» 1781.] ARNOLD ATTACKS NEW LONDON. 227 sign, as the English general sent Arnold back to New York. Clinton ordered him to make an attack on New London. There is reason to believe that the work was undertaken at the suggestion of Arnold. His boyhood had been spent in the neighborhood, and he knew that the place was compara tively defenceless. It was his purpose to enter the harbor in the night, and destroy the stores, merchandise, and ship ping gathered there, before the militia could have time to rally. Owing to contrary winds, the British fleet did not reach the mouth of the Thames as soon as they expected ; aud it was ten o'clock on the morning of the 6th of Septem ber, before Arnold was able to land his troops. They were sent ashore in two divisions. Eight hundred were landed on the Groton side of the river, under command of Lieutenant- Colonel Eyre ; and nine hundred, led by Arnold, landed on the western, or New London, side. By this time the alarm had been given, and every possible preparation made to defend the town. While panic-stricken families were seeking shelter in the woods near at hand, an effort was made to save the shipping by cutting the vessels loose, aud sending them up the river. For a time the wind and tide were ad verse, but later in the day some of the most valuable ships were saved. Colonel Ledyard, in command of the forts, having done all in his power to call out the militia, and give the neighboring towns warning of the situation, decided to repair to Fort Griswold, and there make as strong a stand as he could against the enemy. As he started to cross the ferry at New London, he remarked to the friends who had gathered to wish him success, " If I must lose to-day honor or life, you, who know me, can tell which it will be." Arnold, after landing his troops near the lighthouse, marched at once in the direction of Fort Trumbull. This fortification was then but a rude and imperfect breastwork mounted with a few cannon. Following the orders of 228. HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1781. Colonel Ledyard, the little garrison of twenty-three men, in command of Captain Shapley, did not attempt to defend the place against the detachment of soldiers that Arnold sent to dislodge them. Having -fired a single volley, they spiked the guns ; and withdrawing in good order, they embarked in whale-boats,- crossing the river so near the British ships that seven of their number were wounded by musket-shots from their decks. Arnold's progress was contested at two or three points by some skirmishing parties, but they could do but little ; and the traitor soon found himself in the streets of the beautiful and prosperous seaport village with which he had long been familiar. Almost in sight of his birthplace, and amid the scenes of boyhood memories, he gave orders to kindle a conflagration that soon reduced to ashes the most valuable part of the town. Before this he had received information that led him to suppose that Fort Griswold could be easily taken ; and he had sent a messenger to Colonel Eyre, order ing him to march forward, and begin an attack. After en tering New London, Arnold found that the fort held so strong a position that he sent another officer to countermand his. first order. The officer arrived a few minutes too late. For the second time Colonel Eyre had sent a flag and a summons for the surrender of the fort, with the added threat, that, if it became necessary to storm the works, "martial law should be put in force." " We shall not surrender, let the consequences be what they may," was the answer of Colonel Ledyard. The enemy having formed in solid columns, under cover of the hills that protected them from the guns of the fort, moved forward with a quick step. A small party of the garrison from the outside fired a single round at the approaching columns, and then retired within the fort. Colonel Ledyard gave orders that not a gun should be fired until the enemy were at close range. The first shot did such execution, followed, as it was, by 1781.] PORT GRISWOLD. 229 volley after volley, that the British officers, with great dif ficulty, were able to rally their men. Colonel Eyre was seriously wounded, and carried from the field. Major Mont gomery, at the head of his detachment, gained the redoubt on the east side of the fort, and, having taken possession of the ditch, attempted to ascend the rampart. This was quite high, and strongly guarded by projecting pickets. The only way the soldiers could get up, was by climbing upon eacli other's shoulders, and then wrench away the pickets, or '¦:i'':1f|F;?;: | j s =r _ 1 1_ ^ -:.,..= BPSKii ,^$$Mm0^^M GROTON MONUMENT. struggle up between them. No sooner was a head thrust above the rampart, than it became a target for some musket within the fort. In spite of the deadly fire, the enemy finally succeeded in gaining the rampart, and silencing the gun that swept its heights. The}- now sought to enter the fort with fixed bayonets, but were met by the main body of the garri son, some of whom were armed with long, sharp spears, with which they fought desperately. Unaccustomed to this sort of weapon, the British soldiers hesitated to advance, until Major Montgomery threw himself at the front, and urged them 230 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1781. on. At this moment he was mortally wounded by a spear- thrust ; and his enraged men, with hoarse cries of vengeance, rushed forward. The little band of patriots were unable to resist their overpowering numbers. They swept every thing before them, and, quickly forcing the gate, crowded within the fort, uttering yells of exultation. As soon as the enemy had broken down the gate, Colonel Ledyard saw that further resistance was useless, and ordered his men to throw down their arms. They obeyed ; but the British still continued to fire upon them from the ramparts, while others were stabbed with bayonets. Captain Shapley and his little company, ignorant of the surrender, still held the south-west bastion. The British now turned the cannon of the north bastion upon them. Few escaped the murder ous fire. The south gate was now open ; and, as the other division of the British force marched in, they fired by pla toons upon the unresisting garrison. "Who commands this fort? " called out the British officer now in command. " I did, sir; but you do now," said the gallant Ledyard, as he advanced, and presented his sword. The brutal officer no sooner received it, than he plunged it into his breast. Colo nel Ledyard fell on his face, and instantly expired. Those of the garrison who witnessed this horrible murder saw that they need not look for quarter. Rallying about the body of their dead commander, they fought until one of the British officers, sickened by the terrible carnage, cried out, " Stop! stop ! my soul caunot bear such destruction." Eighty-five men lay dead in the fort ; and of the sixty wounded, only a few survived. Having hastily buried their dead, and removed their wounded to a place of safety, the British prepared to blow up the fort. Before firing the train, they carried some of the most severely wounded among the Americans upon boards, and placed them in an ammuni tion wagon, and ordered a company of twenty men to draw them down to the shore. The lull was so steep that the 1781.] FORT GRISWOLD. 231 loaded wagon soon gained a momentum beyond the control of the soldiers. Dashing down with increasing speed among the rocks and other obstructions, it finally struck the trunk of an apple-tree near the river's edge. Some of the wounded men were instantly killed by the shock, and all were more or less injured. The village of Groton was set on fire before the enemy embarked at sunset, but they waited in vain for the explo sion that was to demolish the fort. They had laid the tram carefully ; but it was extinguished by Major Peters, who rushed into the fort as soon as the British left. 1 Silab Deane, a Dative of Connecti- other parties with whom he was unfor- cut and a graduate of Yale College, was tunately connected, he was recalled from associated with Benjamin Franklin on Europe, and held responsible for their the committee which negotiated the acts. After a vaio attempt to recover Treaty of Peace with France. He was a his position, and embittered at the wrongs man of brilliant qualities of mind, and he felt he had suffered, he returned to did a service for his country in bringing Europe, where he died in poverty. In to a conclusion difficult negotiations that the light of history, the name of Silas for various reasons met with scant rec- Deane is revealed as that of a gifted ognition. Through the misconduct of statesman, but unfortunate man. 232 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1781-83. CHAPTER XXXVII. 1781-1799. CONNECTICUT AT THE CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTION. S~ CARCELY a month had passed, after the burning of New London, and the massacre of the brave defenders of Fort Griswold, when events occurred that brought the war to a close, and secured the independence of the United States. The successes of Lord Cornwallis in the South were checked by the movements of the American army, under command of General Greene. Compelled to fall back on Virginia, Cornwallis intrenched his forces at Yorktown. Washington saw his opportunity, and hastened to strike the decisive blow. The French fleet appeared at the mouth of the Chesa peake Bay at the same time Washington, by rapid marches, arrived in front of Yorktown. Cornwallis found himself hemmed in on every side. Escape was impossible ; and, on the 18th of September, seven thousand British soldiers laid down their arms. This victory virtually ended the war. Foi a year or more, there was some fighting in the South ; aud the cities of New York, Charleston, and Savannah remained in the hands of the enemy. On the 3d of September, 1783, a treaty was made at Paris, between the English and Amer ican commissioners, by which the independence of the col onies was acknowledged, and the United States of America became a nation. Early in November the Revolutionary army was disbanded. In proportion to her population, Connecticut had furnished 1783.] JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 233 more men in the great struggle for independence than any other colony. Massachusetts alone sent a larger number into the field. Among the noble men who stood at the head of military and civil affairs in Connecticut during the Revo lution, the name of Jonathan Trumbull will always be fore most. The intimate friend of Washington, he proved TRUMBULL HOUSE AND OLD WAR-OFFICE, LEBANON. eminently worthy of the honor that was placed upon him, as the governor of the State for a period of thirteen years. At the close of the war, he asked to be relieved of the burden and care of official duties, and retired to his ancestral home in Lebanon, where he died, August 17, 1785. The character of Governor Trumbull was of the noblest type. Profoundly religious in sentiment and feeling, his .moral convictions were strong and clear. Under the enlight- 234 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1783. eminent of Divine truth, he sought to have a conscience void of offence towards God and man. He cherished the prin ciples of civil and religious liberty received from his fathers, and upheld them with unfaltering loyalty and courage. His vision was clear and far-reaching, and at the same time calm and steadfast. The words and opinions he expressed, before the breaking out of the war of the Revolution, proved pro phetic ; and in the darkest hour of the struggle for freedom, he was undismayed and hopeful. Grave in manner, but .gentle and courteous in all the relations of life, he won the love of his fellow-men, and held their respect and confidence by his moral courage and discriminating judgment. Blest with a vigorous constitution, he toiled unceasingly. There was no sacrifice too great for him to make in behalf of the cause of freedom. Every other purpose and ambition was subservient to the spirit of patriotism, that burned with a pure and holy flame in his bosom. The relations of Governor Trumbull and Washington were those of close and intimate friendship. Washington leaned upon him as his right arm. " Let us consult Brother Jona than," he would say, when any difficult matter was under consideration. The remark became so common, that, in a spirit of pleasant appreciation of the Connecticut governor, he would playfully say, when referring any matter to Con gress, "Let us consult Brother Jonathan ;"' and it was in this way the nation itself, in familiar phrase, was named " Brother Jonathan." In the darkest period of the Revolution, Trumbull never lost hope for a moment. He believed that it was the will of God that the colonies should gain their independence ; aud in that faith, he found strength in every hour of adversity. At a time when the war was drawing to a close, he writes, "In a series of marvellous occurrences during the present war, he must be blind who doth not see the divine ordering thereof." 1784.] JONATHAN TRUMBULL. 235 In the autumn of 1784 the venerable governor of Connec ticut, rejoicing in the victory that had given peace and liberty to a new nation, asked the people to release him from further service. For more than fifty years he had been in public life. In a touching farewell address to the Legislature, he said, " Contemplating with pleasing wonder and satisfaction, at the close of an arduous contest, the noble and enlarged scenes which now present themselves to my country's view, TRUMBULL TOMB, LEBANON. and reflecting at the same time on my advanced stage of life, — a life worn out, almost, in the constant cares of office, — I think it my duty to retire from the busy concern of public affairs, that, at the evening of my days, I may sweeten their decline, by devoting myself with less avocation, and more attention to the duties of religion, the service of my God, and preparation for a future and happier state of exist ence ; in which pleasing employment I shall not cease to remember my country, and to make it my ardent prayer that 236 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1787, Heaven will not fail to bless her with its choicest favors." In this farewell address, he urged upon the people the neces sity of granting to the National Government clearly defined powers, sufficient for all the purposes of that union that could alone assure their strength and happiness. The few months of life that still remained to this beloved and honored servant of the people were spent in congenial employments at his home in Lebanon. His death was universally la mented; and Washington, in a letter to his son,1 said, "A long and well-spent life in the service of his country places Governor Trumbull among the first of patriots. ' ' At the close of the Revolution, it was soon evident that a stronger govern ment was necessary than the league formed by the colonies in 1777, and under which they had acted during the war.2 A convention was called, to meet in the State House at Phila delphia, in May, 1787. The delegates appointed from Con necticut were William S. Johnson,3 Oliver Ellsworth,4 and Roger Sherman. The convention was presided over by Gen eral Washington ; and among the gifted men who took active part in the important deliberations, few exerted a greater in fluence by their counsel than the representatives from Con necticut. They were the earnest advocates of a federal, as opposed to a more concentrated and central, form of govern ment. After long, and often exciting, debates, the present Constitution was adopted on Sept. 17, 1787. Although it " has proved, in its working, a masterpiece of political wis dom," it met with much opposition before it was accepted by all of the States. Connecticut was among the first to ratify the Constitution. At a convention which met in Hartford, Jan. 3, 1788, Oliver Ellsworth opened the debate with an address of groat ability ; and on the 9th of January the Constitution was- accepted by an overwhelming majority.5 Before the close of the year 1788, thirteen of the States had agreed to it, and it went into effect, George Washington was chosen the first. 1789-95.] THE WESTERN RESERVE. 237 OLIVER ELLSWORTH. New towns were. President of the Republic, and John Adams as Vice-Presi dent. The conduct of public affairs was attended with many difficulties. The debts incurred during the war pressed heavily upon the people, and it was some time before the relations of the Govern ment with the leading nations of Europe were satisfactorily adjusted. The In dians were still troublesome upon the frontier, and American ships suffered from the attacks of pirates from the coast of North Africa. Gradually affairs changed for the bet ter, and Connecticut rejoiced with her sister States in the dawn of days of re newed prosperity and peaceful industry.6 organized, laws passed for the encouragement of manufac tures, and arrangements made for the sale of the Western lands that had been reserved by the State in their cession to the United States. These lands were situated in the northern part of the present State of Ohio,. and contained about three and a half millions of acres. In 1792 the Legislature granted five hundred thou sand acres of the western part of this tract to citizens of Danbury, Fairfield, Norwalk, New London, and Groton, to indemnify them for the loss of property caused by the burning of the towns at the hands of the British during the Revolution. The rest of REV. SAMUEL SEABURV, D.D. ^ ^^ ^ ^ jQ j,^ {qi twdve hundred thousand dollars ; and the Legislature directed that it should.be held as a permanent fund, the interest of which should be annually distributed among the several school- societies, of the State, according ,tp the list of voters and. 238 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1797. the taxable property in each.7 Under careful management, this fund has increased until it is now more than two millions of dollars. The people of Connecticut were ardent admirers of Washington, and in sympathy with the principles and policy which he represented. Party spirit ran high throughout the ?States ; and upon the retirement of Washington, at the close of his second term, John Adams was elected President, by a small majority, over Thomas Jefferson, the leader of the party that then had but a small following in Connecticut. After Adams had been President but a short time, France refused to receive the ambassadors sent by the United States. The war-cloud passed, and a treaty was made with Napoleon Bonaparte in 1800. The death of Washington (Dec. 14, 1799) caused a feeling of universal sorrow, and commem orative services were held in every part of Connecticut. 1 Jonathan Trumbull (son of the governor) was born in Lebanon, March 26, 1740, and graduated at Harvard Col lege in 1759. During the Revolution, until 1778, he was a paymaster in the array, and was then appointed secretary and first aid to Washington, in whoBe family he remained till the close of the war. He was chosen a member of Con gress in 1789, and elected Speaker of that bcdy in 1791. He represented the Staje iu the Senate for one year, and from 1798 until his death (Aug. 7, 1809) was governor of the State. 2 Congress requested the eight Slates north of Maryland to convene at New Haven iu January, 1778. Their deliberations only showed how difficult were the questions to be solved. At the instance of Massachusetts, a convention was held in Hartford in 1780, which ad vised a convention of all of the States at Philadelphia, and also suggested an impost as a source of revenue. In the letter written by Governor Trumbull at the close of his official service (1784), he called earnest attention to the views expressed by "Washington in his Fare well Address, aud urged " that the grant to the Federal Constitution of powers clearly defined, ascertained, and under stood, and sufficient for all the great purposes of union, could alone lead from the danger of anarchy to national hap piness and glory." The Legislature, m 1784, favored the impost on commerce; and Noah Webster, then living at Hart ford, wrote au article, in which he said that provincial attachments should be made subordinate " to the general inter est of the continent : as a citizen of the American empire, every individual has a national interest far superior to all others." " The wide-spread movements of 1786 for the issue of paper money," says Bancroft, " never prevailed in Con necticut. The people, as they were frugal, industrious, and honest, dwelt together in peace, while other StateB were rent by faction." 3 William Samuel Johnson was born at Stratford, Oct. 7, 1727, and gradu- BISHOP SEABUKY. 239 atcd at Yale College in 1744. He was frequently elected representative to the General Assembly, and was a member of the Stamp-Act Congress in 1765. He was in England in 1766 as the agent of the colouy, and remained there until 1771. After his return he was chosen one of the judges of the superior court. During the war he held <* conservative position. In 1787 he was elected a United-States senator, and the same year was chosen president of Columbia Col lege. He held this position until 1800, when he retired to Stratford, where he died, Nov. 14, 1819. * Oliver Ellsworth was born in Windsor, April 29, 1745. Graduating at Princeton College in 1766, he began the Xiractice of law at. Hartford. Rapidly gaining distinguished eminence in his chosen profession, he was elected a dele gate to Congress in 1777, and in 1784 was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut. He took a prom inent part in the convention that framed the Constitution of the United States, and, on the organization of the Govern ment, was elected a member of the Sen ate. In 1796 Washington nominated him to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Having discharged the duties of this, high office for five years, with great ability, he ac cepted the appointment of Minister to France. The decliue of his health com pelled him to return home, but he was again honored with a seat in the councils of his native State. He was appointed Chief Justice of the Superior Court, but declined the office, and soon after died, Nov. 26, 1807. Judge Ellsworth was a man of rare accomplishments and emi nent legal ability, and his life and char acter that of an exemplary Christian. 5 "Connecticut was the first of the New-England States that ratified the new Coustitution. Two of its delegates to the National Convention (Roger Sher man and Oliver Ellsworth) sent Sept. 25. 1787, a copy of the Constitution to Samuel Huntington, then governor of the State, who was its zealous friend. At the middle of October the Legisla ture called a State Convention, to which were elected men of the highest standing in the Commonwealth, — legis lators, judges, clergymen, etc. The Convention assembled in the State House at Hartford, and immediately adjourned to the North Meeting-house, where the Constitution was read in the presence of a multitude of people, and debated, sec tion by section, with open doors. No- vote was taken until tbe whole had been thus read and debated. When, on the 9th> of January, 1788, a vote waB taken, one hundred and twenty-eight spoke for the- Constitution, and only forty against it, — a majority of more than three to one. The decision was received with delight by the people " (Benson J. Lossing) . G As soon as peace was restored, the Episcopal clergy of Connecticut and New York held a meeting in that city, and on the 21st of April, 1783, made unanimous choice of Samuel Seabury, D.D., as the first bishop of the diocese- of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Dr. Seabury was descended from an old colonial family, and, after graduating at Yale College, studied theology in Eng land, and was ordained by the Bishop of London in 1753. After his election as Bishop of Connecticut, he sailed for England. The fact that it was necessary that a candidate for Episcopal conse cration should take the oath of allegiance to the king, and, of obedience to the Archbishop of Cauterbury, interposed serious difficulties. With the advice of the clergy, Dr. Seabury sought in Scot land the consecration denied him in England. The ceremony took place at Aberdeen, Nov. 14, 1784. Bishop Seabury died in New London, Feb. 25, 1796. « Since 1820 the income of the fund has been divided among the towns ac cording to the number of children in each. between four and sixteen years of age. 240 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1800. CHAPTER XXXVIH. 1800-1817. CONNECTICUT AT THE DAWN OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. rnHE population of Connecticut in 1800 was two hundred -I- and fifty-one thousand. Hartford, New Haven, New London, Norwich, and Middletown had been incorporated as cities in 1784. At that time New Haven was a scattered village of a little over three thousand inhabitants. The public square, that has long been the pride of the city, was unfenced, and crossed and recrossed by wagon-ruts, and overgrown with bushes and weeds. The most elegant part of the city was at the edge of the harbor ; and it was thought doubtful if the streets would ever be paved, on account of the great expense. The population of Hartford, as late as 1810, was only about four thousand. Commerce was the main source of its wealth, derived, to a great extent, from its trade with the AVest Indies. Thomas Jefferson was elected President in 1800, and served two terms (1801-1809) . He was the leader of the party that sympathized with France rather than England in the war between those nations. Both nations had forbidden all trade with the other, and claimed the right to seize any vessels engaged in "such trade. The result was that American ves sels were liable to be captured, and, their crews imprisoned. More than this, the English claimed the right to search American vessels to discover if there were any British sea- 1812,] WAB DECLARED. 241 men on board, and take them if found. The feeling against England was intense, and in 1807 Congress decided to cut off all trade with that country. For this purpose an " em bargo " was laid which forbade American vessels leaving American ports. This Act met with bitter opposition from the authorities of Connecticut. They felt that the remedy applied in this case was worse than the disease. "We maintain," they said, in resolutions passed by the Assem bly, " that the right freely to navigate the ocean, was, like our soil, transmitted to us as an inheritance from our fore fathers ; and the. enjoyment of this right is secured to us, as a free and sovereign State, by the plighted faith of the United States." The continuance of the " embargo" was ruinous to the commercial interests of the State. The distress was so great, and the sense of unjust treatment so keen, that the Assem bly felt called upon to advise a spirit of patience, in the ' ' hope that the General Government would soon abandon a course of measures so distressing to individuals, so debasing to the national spirit and character, and so inefficacious for the protection of the rights and honors of the United States." On the 18th of June, 1812, the United States declared war against Great Britain.4 The people of Connecticut looked upon the war as unnecessary, and were not slow in express ing their opinion in regard to the matter. As a State, they were still acting under the old colonial charter ; and it seemed but natural, that, as the men of an earlier generation con tended for their rights against the usurpations of royal author ity, they should again assert those rights, whichthey thought were endangered by the action of the national authorities. Now that war was declared, the Assembly, having uttered its protest, authorized the quartermaster-general to purchase 11 additional arms and artillery." Two regiments of in fantry and other troops were ordered to be raised, subject only to the order of the commander-in-chief of the militia. 242 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1813-14. This led to a serious difference with the National Government in answering the call for troops to be under the command of officers of the regular army. Governor Griswold * declined to comply with this call, and his action was approved by the Assembly. The Government at Washington did little to protect the seacoast of Connecticut ; and the defence of the property, both of the United States and of the Commonwealth, de volved upon the militia, who responded with alacrity to the summons that again and again required their service. Lieutenant-Governor John Cotton Smith2 was elected, in 1813, to fill the place made vacant by the death of Gov ernor Griswold. During the year the coast was blockaded for some time by British ships-of-war cruising in the vicinity of New London. In June two United-States frigates aud a sloop-of-war, in attempting to reach the sea by way of Long-Island Sound, were turned back by the British squadron, and sought refuge in New-London Harbor. It was thought that the enemy might follow them ; and, fearing lest an attempt would be made to capture the shipping in the harbor, they were taken several miles up the Thames River, and a large body of militia stationed in the city, and other available points, in command of General Williams. On the evening of April 7, 1814, two or three ships of the blockading squadron anchored at the mouth of the Connecticut. The old fort at Saybrook Point was without a garrison, and the enemy met no opposition in sending two launches and four barges up as far as the present village of Essex. Wind and tide were against them, and they did not reach their destination until almost morning. Warning of their approach had hardly been given when a party of marines came ashore, and, breaking open stores and houses in search of ammunition, set fire to a large amount of valuable shipping. 1814.] BOMBARDMENT OF STONINGTON. 243 Before noon they started for Saybrook ; but by this time a considerable body of militia had gathered on a neighbor ing height, and did the best they could to impede their progress by the fire of a few small pieces of artillery. Previous to this attack, the attention of the war depart ment had been called to the necessity of placing a garri son in the fort at Saybrook ; and it was felt that the neglect to do so had resulted in the serious loss of prop erty sustained at that time. In answer to the call of the President, in the summer of 1814, for the organization of a large body of troops, to be held in readiness for imme diate service, Connecticut enlisted her quota of three thou sand men, and stationed them at points within her borders most exposed to danger. On the 9th of August two British frigates, a bomb-ship, and brig appeared off the harbor of Stonington. Com modore Hardy sent word to the town officers that he pro posed to open fire, and destroy the place, after allowing one hour for the removal of the inhabitants and their effects. The fort on the Point was at once occupied by a little party of volunteers ; and other militia companies were stationed at different places on the shore, where breastworks had been thrown up. Word was sent of the impending attack to General Cushing at New London, but he thought it was only an attempt to draw off his forces from Fort Griswold ; and he ordered a single regiment to march to Stonington, while he strengthened his own position. The bombardment commenced early in the evening, and was continued until midnight, but did very little injury. At daylight of the following morning the barges from the ships drew up on the east side of the village, and commenced firing rockets at the buildings. The Stonington volunteers dragged one of their guns into position, and, after sinking one of the barges, compelled the others to retire. About sunrise the bomb-ship "Terror" and the brig-of-war again 244 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1814. commenced throwing shells into the town, and discharging rockets. The militia did not desert their post, but gallantly manned their guns, while others extinguished the fires that were kindled by the rockets. Their ammunition was soon ex hausted, and they had to wait until a fresh supply came from New London. The powder arrived before noon ; and, again nailing their colors to the staff, they opened fire from the fort with such effect, that the brig, to avoid being sunk, cut her cables, and retired. After continuing the bombardment until the third day, Commodore Hardy sent a flag on shore. He promised that if Mrs. Stewart, the wife of the British consul at New London, should be seut on board his ship, and a pledge given that no more torpedoes would be set afloat to annoy his ves sels, he would cease firing on the town. A curt reply was returned, that they asked no favors of him beyond what the rules of honorable warfare required. The ships again opened the bombardment, and continued it until the next day, when they set sail for their old quarters off New London. A large amount of property was injured aud destroyed, but not a single life was lost during the attack. Massachusetts was no less anxious and alarmed than Con necticut at the defenceless condition of her seacoast. A letter was prepared, and sent through her authorities, both to Connecticut and Rhode Island, asking them to appoint dele gates to meet with those of other States to deliberate upon the dangers that threatened them in connection with the war. The object of this gathering was " to devise, if practicable, means of security and defence which may be consistent with the preservation of our resources from total ruin, and adapted to our local situation, mutual relations and habits, and not repugnant to our obligations as members of the Union." The Legislature was in session when this letter was re- 1814-15.] THE HARTFORD CONVENTION. 245 ceived. It met with a cordial response on the part of the most able members of that body, and led to the call of the famous convention which met at Hartford, Dec. 15, 1814. The seven delegates who represented Connecticut were men eminent in ability and character.8 In the partisan excitement of the times, their motives were misconstrued, and their loyalty to the Union called in question. There is no doubt that they were earnestly opposed to the war, but their action was prompted by the belief that the fail ure of the Government to provide for the protection of the New-England seacoast made it necessary for them to devise plans for their mutual safety. The charge of disloyalty is fully met by the frequent assertion on their pai't that they desired to recommend only such measures for the safety and welfare of the States they represented as were ' ' consist ent with their obligations as members of the national Union." In January, 1815, a special session of the Legislature was called by the governor. His excellency was requested to appoint two commissioners, who should at once proceed to Washington, and seek from the Government authority by which Connecticut might provide for the defence of her own territory, and that a part of the taxes might be used for this purpose. Tidings of peace soon after put an end to the questions that had so seriously distracted the minds of the people. The Hartford Convention had been composed of Federalists ; and the general feeling of alarm throughout the country, which that meeting caused, did very much to break up the Federal party. ] Roger Griswold was the son of tative to Congress. President Adams Governor Matthew Griswold. Born in nominated him to be secretary of war in Lyme, May 21, 1762, he graduated at his cabinet, but he declined Luc position. Yale College iu the class of 1780. Hav- In 1807 he was appointed a judge of the ing acquired a high reputation as an ad- Superior Court, and iu 1811 was elected vocate at the bar, he was elected, when governor of. the State. His administra- but thirty-two years of age, a represen- tion was cut short by his illness and 246 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. death which occurred at Norwich in October, 1813. 2 John Cotton Smith was born in Sharon, 1765, and graduated at Yale, 1783. He was for several years a repre sentative of Connecticut in Congress, and was appointed judge of the Supreme Court, 1809 ; lieutenant-governor in the same year, and governor 1813-18. Gov ernor Smith was a gentleman of the old school, a ripe scholar, and a devoted Christian. His later years were occupied in the care of his ancestral acres in the town of Sharon, and dispensing the hos pitalities of his beautiful home. 3 The delegates* from Connecticut were Chauncey Goodrich, John Tread- well, James Hillhouse, Zephaniah Swift, Nathaniel Smith, Calvin Goddard, and Roger Minot Sherman. * The most famous naval victory of the war — the capture of the British frigate Guerriere — was won by Commo dore Isaac Hull, in command of the United States frigate Constitution. Commodore Hull was a native of Derby, and in early life was a seaman in the merchant service. He was made a lieu tenant in the U. S. navy in 1798, and after serving with credit in the war with Tripoli, he received the commission of captain in 1806. His brilliant services are a notable part of the history of the war of 1812. After peace was declared, he commanded the U. S. squadrons in the Pacific and Mediterranean, and was one of the board of naval commission ers. Many articles once in the posses sion of Commodore Hull are preserved in the rooms of the New Haven Colony Historical Society. Thomas McDonough, known as the "Hero of Champlain," because of his victory on Lake Champlain over the English fleet in 1814, lies buried in the old cemetery in Middletown. He was born in Delaware (1783), but was a citi zen of Connecticut by adoption. He died while on his return from the com mand of the TJ. S. squadron in the Med iterranean, Nov. 16, 1825. He was a man of noble Christian character, and greatly beloved in private life. ADOPTION OF THE PRESENT CONSTITUTION. 247 CHAPTER XXXIX. 1818-1860. ADOPTION OF THE PRESENT CONSTITUTION OF CONNECTICUT.— THE GROWTH OF PHILANTHROPIC ENTERPRISES. — TEMPERANCE. — THE ANTI- SLAVERY AGITATION. CONNECTICUT continued to conduct its affairs under the charter of 1662, even after it became one of the States of the Federal Union. Civil and ecclesiastical forms and in stitutions had been developed and fostered by its provisions that were very desjr to most of the people. In time, how ever, a strong feeling was aroused against some of the old methods of conducting affairs. From the founding of the Commonwealth, Congregational churches had been formed in every town, and were a part of their organic life. These churches were directly favored by legislation, and every voter was taxed for their support. With the increase of the number and influence of those who preferred to connect themselves with other denominations, the sentiment gained in strength that all sects should be put upon a footing of equality before the law. This, in connec tion with questions of public policy that were agitated during the war of 1812, kindled a fierce flame of controversy. The triumph of the party that desired a change was followed by the adoption of the present constitution in 1818. This con stitution enacts that " no preference shall be given by law to any Christian sect, or mode of worship." Provision is made for the election and appointment of distinct legislative, ex ecutive, and judicial officers. The governor must be thirty 248 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. years of age or over, and is chosen .biennially. His veto may be overcome by a majority in each House. The Legis lature consists of. a Senate of twenty-four members, and a House of Representatives according to towns. Every town incorporated before 1785-, and since 1874 if of five thou sand inhabitants, has two members, and every other town one. All elections are by ballot, and every voter must be able to read any article of the United-States Constitution. The judicial power is vested in the following courts : a supreme court of errors, consisting of a chief and four asso ciates ; a superior court, consisting of six judges, together with the five of the court of errors. These are all chosen by the Assembly for eight years, and become disqualified after the age of seventy. There are inferior courts in certain cities aud boroughs, with judges chosen biennially by the Assembly.1 In 1873 Hartford was made the sole capital. The early records of Connecticut bear testimony to the spirit of Christian philanthropy that dwelt in the hearts of the people. Unceasing efforts were put forth to Christian ize and educate the Indians.2 The worthy poor were never allowed to suffer, and every possible provision was made for those disabled in body and mind. It is not strange, there fore, that, in the humanitarian and missionary movements that sprung up in the early part of this century, some of the most fruitful philanthropic and Christian enterprises of modern times should have first been organized on Connecticut soil.3 The American Asylum at Hartford, for the education and instruction of the deaf aud dumb, was the first institution of the kind opened in the United States. The story of its founding begins in the home of Dr. Cogswell, an eminent physician of Hartford. A deaf-mute little girl in his family, by her sad disability, joined as it was with a lovable dispo sition and interesting character, called forth the tender solici tude and sympathy of a large circle of friends. GROWTH OF PHILANTHROPIC ENTERPRISES. 249 Among them was the Rev. T. H. Gallaudet. He found that there were others suffering in the same way, and his heart and mind became deeply interested in their welfare. Already general interest had been aroused to such an extent that it was decided to establish a school, and send some one abroad to acquire the art of teaching deaf-mutes. Dr. Gallaudet was selected for this work. In May, 1816, the in stitution was incorporated by the Legislature with an appro- AMERICAN ASYLUM FOR THE DEAF AND DUME priation of five thousand dollars. Dr. Gallaudet returned to' America in August of the same year, accompanied by Laurent Clerc, a deaf-mute pupil of the Abbe' Sicard. Both individuals and churches responded liberally to the appeal for funds to carry on the school. Within a few years all of the New-Eng land States made arrangements for the instruction of their in digent deaf-mutes at Hartford ; and in 1819 Congress voted a grant to the institution of lands, the sale of which formed a fund of over three hundred thousand dollars. The record 250 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. of the institution under Dr. Gallaudet and his successors has been one of eminent usefulness and success. The school now has a corps of fifteen trained and experienced teachers, who are qualified to employ the best methods in use in teaching deaf-mutes. Two devote their time to instruction in articulation and lip-reading. The basis of instruction, however, is the sign-language, which long experience has proved to be the most rapid and sure means of impart ing instruction to all deaf-mutes, and the only means by which a large part of them can be reached. Articulation and lip-reading are taught to such pupils as show aptness in acquiring them- The income of the institution, in con nection with the provisions made by the State, enables the children of the poorest parents to avail themselves of its blessings. During recent years the State has opened the doors of the noble Asylum for the Insane at Middletown, and the Reform School for Boys at Meriden, and the Industrial School for Girls at Middletown, giving evidence of the care which the people of Connecticut are ready to give those in distress and need of help. The sale and use of intoxicatiug drink was the source of trouble from the founding of the colony. Drunkenness was a crime punished at the discretion of the court by stocking, fining, or, more generally, whipping. Laws were passed for bidding sales to incapable or irresponsible persons, as Indi ans, minors, and drunkards. Such a resort as the modern liquor-saloon was unknown. Tavern-keepers were allowed to sell to their guests, and the inhabitants of the town might buy liquor of them for use elsewhere ; but they were forbidden to " sit drinking and tippling " in these public-houses. The number of taverns was limited to the needs of travel, and there was seldom more than one or two in a village. At the time of the Revolution, and for many years after- TEMPERANCE. 251 wards, the usages of society permitted the general use of ardent spirits in the homes of the people and on festive occa sions. Cider and New-England rum, distilled from molasses, were the favorite beverages. Early in this century the dis astrous effects of this custom began to attract attention, and well it might. The appetite kindled by the use of in toxicating drink had already brought poverty and misery into multitudes of homes. In many cases the sons of hon ored sires had become miserable drunkards, and their ances tral acres had fallen into the hands •of strangers. Even at the ordination and in stallation of ministers, the enter tainment of guests was thought incomplete if a supply of various kinds of liquor was lacking. Soon after Lyman Beecher was settled as pastor in Litchfield (1810), he attended an installation of a neigh boring minister, where the prep arations for the comfort of those in attendance, " besides food, was a broad side-board covered with decanters and bottles, and sugar, and pitchers of water." "There," says Dr. Beecher, "we found all the various kinds of liquors then in vogue. The drinking was apparently uni versal. There was a decanter of spirits also on the dinner- table to help digestion, and gentlemen partook of it through the afternoon and evening as they felt the need ; and the side-board, with the spillings of water and sugar and liquor, looked and smelled like the bar of a very active grog-shop." The tide of public sentiment in religious circles soon began to turn strongly against the custom that made such scenes possible. Attention was called to the evils of intemperance LYMAN EEECHEB. (From Autobiography by permission of Harper Brothers.) 252 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. hi ministerial and other conventions, and in a few years a wonderful change was wrought. Dr. Beecher preached a series of six sermons on intemperance, that were widely read, and did much to carry forward a movement that swept with great power through the State and the nation. A full history of the cause of temperance in Connecticut would recall the names of some of the noblest men and women that have ever labored for the welfare aud rescue of those in danger from the accursed traffic that is still the most terrible and insidious enemy that assails the life of the com monwealth. , v "-> > I , - Connecticut was one of the first colonies to pass a law against the slave-trade. This wasdone in 1769. The main cause of the final abolition 01 slavery in the State, was the fact that it became unprofitable. In 1784 the Legislature passed an Act declaring that all persons born of slaves, after the 1st of March in that year, should be free at the age of twenty-five'. Most of those born before this time were grad ually emancipated by their masters, and the institution of slavery had almost died out before 1806. Iu the revival of philanthropic sentiment and effort that marked the early years of the century now drawing to a close, a strong feeling was aroused against allowing the svs- tem of slavery to be introduced into the new States and Terri tories. (In 1819, at the time the slave-power was seeking to gain bora-Missouri and Florida, there was anJntense anti- slavery agitation in many parts Of Connecticut. I New Haven recorded its verdict in resolutions that declared that the ex istence of slavery was an evil of great magnitude, and that it was the solemn duty of the Government to prevent, bv all constitutional means, its extension. This was the beginning of discussions that formed the staple of political arguments, and expressed different views of public policy that contended for victory, within party lines, until the shot on Sumter THE ANTI-SLAVERY AGTTATION. 253 united the people in the determination to sustain the Union at whatever cost of blood and treasure. About 1830 the subject was broached of founding a college in New Haven for the education of colored persons. This aroused bitter opposition ; and the feeling of race-prejudice ran so high, that in 1833 the Legislature passed3n_AcJL-l>y, which it was made penal to establislTscliools in the common wealth for the instruction of negroes from other "SHESSS^ It is^cTTFRcul't for the present generation to conceive how intense was the agitation of the public mind in the great anti-slavery controversies that preceded the civil war.5 ] The victory of the party opposed to the Federalists, and its result, as affect ing the relatiou of the Congregational -churches to the State, was a source of great sorrow and anxiety to those who were attached to the old order of things. 7)r. Lyman Beecher, pastor at the time of the Congregational church in Litch field, in his autobiography says, " It was as dark a day as ever I saw. The injury done to the cause of Christ, as we theu supposed, was irreparable. For several days I suffered what no tongue can tell, for the best thing that ever happened to the .State of Connecticut. It cut the churches loose from depeudence on State support. It threw them wholly on their own resources and on God." 2 The Rev. Eleazar Wheelock, pastor of the Congregational church in that part of Lebanon now known as Columbia, in 1743 received, into a school taught by him, a Mohegan Indian named iSamBon Occum. This lad afterwards be came a famous preacher. Mr. Wheelock devoted his attention to the education of Indian youth, and founded a school that received generous support, both at home and abroad. 3 The American Board of Com missioners for Foreign Missions was first organized at Farmington, Sept. -5, 1810. * This law was passed to break up a school in Canterbury_:__MlfiF PmH^rj^p Crandall was at the head of a prosperous bcEooI for young ladies Jn^JJbajt^nJaGfi^. wrien a respectable colored^girjjjji laa*?,- asked for admission. After some hesi tation she was admitted as a member of the school. The other pupils at once left, aud there was great excitement in the community when it be^rae__k.uojyji_ that Miss Crandall purposed to open a school for the education of colored girls. About six weeks after tbepassage of this law, which was celebrated in Canterbury by the ringing of the church-bell, and firing of cannon, Miss Crandall was confined in the county jail for a day, when bonds were given for her appear ance before the Court. The decision was adverse to her claims, and the school was given up. In 1886 the attention of the State was called to this case, in the granting by the Legislature of a small pensiou to this teacher, still living, at an advauced age, in Kansas. 6 Leonard Bacon, D.D., who died in New Haven, Dec. 24, 1881, took an active part in the anti-slavery reform. During his long and honored pastorate in connection with the First Church in New Haven, he was recognized as a leader in. his denomination; and his voice and pen were potent instruments in creating and guiding public opinion. 254' HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [i860. CHAPTER XL. 1860. CONNECTICUT IN THE CIVIL WAR. THE "irrepressible conflict" of opinion that had long agitated the country over the institution of slavery reached a crisis in 1860. In the Presidential election of that year, four parties contended for the victory. John C. Breckinridge was the candidate of the Southern Democrats, who declared that Congress ought to protect slavery in the Territories, if a slave-owner took his slaves there. The ma jority of Northern Democrats were unwilling to accept this view ; and they nominated Stephen A. Douglas on a plat form which declared, that, while they believed that the people of each Territory ought to control the institution of slavery in that Territory, they were willing to abide the decision of the Supreme Court. The American party represented many excellent citizens from both sections of the country, who de plored the possibility of war, and urged measures of peace. The Republican party, whose candidate was Abraham Lin coln of Illinois, declared that it was the right and duty of Congress to forbid slavery in the Territories. As soon as the election of Lincoln was made certain, prominent Southern leaders prepared to carry out their threats of secession from the Union. At a State convention held in Charleston, Dec. 20, 1860, South Carolina was de clared independent of the United States ; and before the close of January, 1861, five other States had taken the same action. 1861.] CONNECTICUT IN THE CIVIL WAR. 255 . After-events were to prove how critical was the condition of affairs. Even while the Southern States were passing ordi nances of secession, and their public men were doing all in their power to break up the Union, it was difficult for the North to realize that this action would culminate in a conflict of arms. It still seemed as if the stormful passions of those who were plotting the destruction of the nation might ex haust itself in words and action that would be recalled before there was an open collision with the National Government. In the spring of 1860, William A. Buckingham, the Re publican candidate, had been elected governor of Connecticut. A man of keen vision, well-balanced mind, and mature judgment, he early recognized the true condition of affairs. On the 17th of January, 1861, while Congress was still spending the time in talking over proposals for compro mise, he issued a proclamation, in which he declared that ' ' when reason gives way I to passion, and order yields to anarchy, the civil power must fall back Upon the governor Buckingham. military for support, and rest upon that arm of national defence." On his own responsibility he ordered the purchase of equipments for five thousand men„ and urged the militia companies to fill their ranks, and " be ready to render such service as any exigency might require." The opinion of the majority of the voters of Connecticut, on the great question which now agitated the minds of the people, was shown, a little later, by the re-election of Gov ernor Buckingham. By this action the}- declared for the maintenance, by force, of "the supreme and perpetual au thority of the National Government." Seven of the Southern States had renounced their allegiance to the Union, and seized upon the national property within their domain. Saddest of 'all, many of the ablest men of the South, who were opposed 256 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1861. to the principle of secession, felt that it was their duty to go with their States, when the majority favored this action. Under these distressing circumstances Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated President, at Washington, ou the 4th of March. His inaugural address was a profound and tender plea for the preservation of the Union, addressed to those who were plotting its destruction. Ho was still hopeful that the dark clouds that brooded over the nation might pass In words of touching eloquence he closed by saying, " We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break, our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battle-field and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the ) tetter angels of our nature." Not then, but to the children of another generation, and the veterans of the most terrible conflict ever waged between men of the same blood, were these words to prove a message of prophecy. Let us rejoice tha the story of those dark and eventful times can be told in the light of these days of peace and united strength. " The rebels are firing on Sumter." Only those who were then living in the North, and old enough to realize the situa tion, can understand the excitement and feeling that stirred the hearts of the people, that April morning. The time for discussion was past, and in an hour men who had held the most diverse opinions were united in the white-heat of :i flame of patriotism. The sons of Connecticut knew now how their fathers felt when tidings came of the battle of Lexington. The life of the Nation had been assailed. The hour had come when men must do their duty, and in that hour the tide of loyal feeling and determination rose with a strength that swept every thing before it. Doubt and fear, gave way to the rallying cry, " The Union, it must and shall be preserved ! " 1861.] CONNECTICUT IN THE CIVIL "WAR. 257 This was on Saturday. The next day was a battle-Sunday all over the State. News had already reached the larger towns of the surrender of Sumter. Prayers, sermons, con versation, all dwelt upon the one theme that pressed upon every heart. The call of President Lincoln for seventy-five thousand volunteers met with an eager response. War-meet ings were held in almost every city and town throughout the State, and hundreds of earnest men expressed their willing ness to enlist. The old flag was greeted everywhere with tumultuous enthusiasm, and every allusion to the principles and history it symbolized touched a chord of sympathy that vibrated with intense feeling. The attempt on the part of a few persons to defend the action of the seceding States met with indignant and threatening remonstrance. The lot of a Tory in the war of the Revolution was more comfortable than that of a Connecticut secessionist. Work and action gave relief to the intense feeling of the hour. From farm, workshop, office, and school, there came a response to the call of the Nation that soon more than filled the quota of the State. Men who had never been recognized for their liberality now vied with those of the most generous disposition in their gifts. Women laid aside every other task to prepare clothing for the volunteers. With tearful eyes but brave hearts they encouraged their husbands, sons, and brothers to enlist, and bade them God-speed as they went forth to the service of their country. The sons and daughters of Connecticut, in the war for the Union , proved worthy descendants of the fathers and mothers of 1637 and 1776. Within a month from the first call for volunteers, three regiments had been sent forward to Washington ; and it is estimated that within this time "not less than two thousand men from Connecticut enlisted in other States, or the regular army or navy," More men offered their services for the campaign of three months than were desired, and a large 258 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1861. number of companies that had been formed in different parts of the State were disbanded. At the request of the War Department, Governor Buckingham now made good his promise to raise two regiments to be enlisted for three years. The first of these regiments, known as the Fourth, left Hart ford for the front on Monday, June 10. One of the com panies was called the Wesleyan Guard, and was composed almost entirely of students from the Wesleyan University at Middletown. The Fifth Connecticut, ,in command of Orris S. Ferry,1 was soon recruited, and ready for service. Let us now follow the fortunes of the regiments that had already left the State. The First sailed from New Haven, and reached Washington by way of the Chesapeake and Potomac. It was the first thoroughly equipped regiment that entered Washington, and received a cordial welcome and many compliments from President Lincoln and General Scott. Within a few days GENERAL O. S. FERRY. J the Second and Third Regiments arrived at the Capitol, and pitched their tents near the First, at Glen- wood, about two miles north of the city. Early in June they left their pleasant camping-ground, and crossed the Potomac to join the half-dozen regiments that formed a picket-line beyond Alexandria, iu Virginia. They were lo cated at the extreme front, and were constantly on the alert from fear of a sudden attack. Daniel Tyler, the colonel of the First Connecticut, an able professional soldier, was placed in command of the first and largest division of the troops now gathered at the front. On the 16th of July, General Tyler led his division, with the Connecticut brigade in advance, towards Centreville. This was on the direct overland road to Richmond, and about 1861.] CONNECTICUT IN THE CIVIL W.V1I. 259 thirty miles from Washington. A short distance farther on, the road was crossed by a little stream called Bull Run. It was in this neighborhood that the brigade sent forward by General Tyler encountered a division of Con federate troops, in command of General Longstreet. After a short skirmish, the Union soldiers held the ford. General Tyler was anxious to push the battle the follow ing day, but his advice was not heeded. This delay proved of great advantage to the Confederates. Ou the morninsr of July 21, McDowell ordered the advance of the Union army, and in the early part of the day the troops under Beauregard were driven from their position. In the after noon the Confederate army was re-enforced with a fresh division that arrived from the Shenandoah Valley in com mand of General Joseph E. Johnston. Before the renewed and vigorous advance of the euemy, the Union army be came panic-stricken, and fled in confusion towards Wash ington. The rout of the army was a surprise to the Connecticut troops ; and until they were caught in its tumultuous power, they stood in their places, ready to obey orders. They tired the first shot in the morning ; and when defeat came in the evening, they were the last to leave the field. In the retreat they covered the rear of the army, and again and again faced about, and fired well-directed volleys into the ranks of the enemy, as they pressed upon them. The day after the battle they occupied their old camping- grounds, and from there were ordered to Fort Corcoran. The time for which they had enlisted soon expired, and they returned home to be mustered out. Nearly all of the men re-enlisted ; and five hundred or more of their number, at one time and another, held commissions in the ami}'. Three became major-generals, four brigadier-gen erals, and over eighty were appointed field and staff officers. Among the brave men who had already laid 260 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1861. down their lives for the country, Ellsworth,2 Winthrop,8 and Ward4 were by birth and heritage linked with the life and his tory of Connecticut. 1 Orris S. Ferry was a brave and efficient officer, and rose to the position of brigadier-general. He was elected United-States senator in 1867, and served in that capacity until his death, in 1875. General Ferry was an able lawyer; and, even after the disabilities of disease fastened upon him, he discharged the duties of his high office with eminent faithfulness. A true Christian gentle man, his comparatively early death was mourned as a public loss. 2 The grandfather of Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth, killed at Alexandria, May 24, 1861, was sexton of the Center Church, in Hartford, for a quarter of a century. 3 Theodore Winthrop, killed at the battle of Big Bethel, June 9, 1861, was born in New Haven, in 1828. After graduating at Yale College, he travelled extensively. He was admitted to the bar in 1855; but he preferred literary pur suits, and gave promise of great ability as a writer. He was a direct descendant from John Winthrop, the early governor of Connecticut. * James Harmon Ward was born in Hartford, in 1806. He bad gained dis tinction in the navy, and early in the spring of 1861 was put in command of the Potomac flotilla. In an attack upon a rebel battery at Matthias Point, June 27, 1861, he was mortally wounded. Captain Ward was buried with military honors in Hartford. 1861.] CONNECTICUT IN THE CIVIL WAK. 261 CHAPTER XLI. 1861. SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE. THE defeat at Bull Run taught the people of the North a needed lesson. They had failed to appreciate the strength and resources of the South. They did not realize how firm was their resolve to break away from the Union, and found an independent government, with slavery as its chief corner-stone. Whatever opinion might be held regarding this action, there was no denying the fact that the seceding States were determined to resist to the last extremity the further authority of the United States. The Union could alone be preserved by conquering the South. The loyal North did not falter. The great majority of the people of Connecticut were united in the determination that the rebellion must be crushed at whatever cost of blood and treasure. The efforts that were made in a few places to express sympathy with the action of the South, met with ah indignant remonstrance that proved the general spirit of loyalty to the Union. Enthusiastic war-meetings not only gave vent to the spirit of patriotism that surged through every community, but gathered volunteers in such numbers that within a month six regiments were organized. The Fifth, admirably equipped, had hastened to the front a week after the repulse at Bull Run. The death of General Lyon,1 killed (August 10) while leading his troops in the battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri, 262 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1861. made a deep impression upon the people of his native State. Quiet and unassuming in manner, noble and unselfish in character, uncompromising in loyalty, and brave in action, his name is worthy of an honored place among the sous of Connecticut. During the summer and early autumn, the work of enlist ment for three-years' service went rapidly forward ; aud the ranks of the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Regiments were filled. Late in October, the Sixth and Seventh Connecticut, with regiments from other States, embarked at Annapolis for South Carolina. The expedition, in command of General T. W. Sherman and Admiral Dupont, was delayed for several days at Fortress Monroe. After putting out to sea, the fleet was scattered by a severe storm, and two of the transports were sunk. On the 7th of November, a naval battle, by the ships in command of Dupont, resulted in the capture of Port Royal. The Connecticut troops were the first to land, and they also made the earliest advance from Hilton Head. This was the beginning of the distin guished military career of Alfred H. Terry, then colonel of the Seventh Regiment. A special session of the Legislature in October authorized the further raising of troops ; and before the close of the year the First Light Battery and the First Battalion of Cavalry had been mustered in, and three more infantry regiments were organized. Early in November, 1861, the Eighth, Tenth, and Eleventh Connecticut sailed from Annapolis as a part of the expedi tion under Burnside. After man}- delays and disasters, they entered Pamlico Sound, and prepared for the attack on Roa- GENERAL NATHANIEL LYON. 1862.] CAPTUKE OF UOANOIvE ISLAND. 263 noke Island. On the 7th of February, 1862, the gun-boats bombarded the fort ; and during the night the troops effected a landing. In the advance, Colonel Russell 2 of Derby was killed while leading his regiment under a heavy fire. A month later, at the battle of Newbern, both the Tenth and Eleventh suffered severely ; and in April, the Eighth acted a foremost part in the capture of Fort Macon. At the siege of Fort Pulaski, and at the various points to which they were ordered in this campaign, the Connecticut troops never flinched in the face of danger, and endured many, and often unnecessary, hardships with a spirit of patience, and even cheerfulness, that elicited the highest praise. 1 Nathaniel Lyon was born in that part of Ashford which is now Eastford, July 14, 1819. He graduated at West Point in 1841, and was engaged in active service during the wars in Mexico and Florida. For many years he served in KaDsas and on the frontier. At the out break of the Rebellion, in 1861, he was iu command of the arsenal at St. Louis, and dispersed a party of secessionists col lected by Jackson, the governor of Mis souri. Soon after this, he defeated a force of rebels at Booneville, June 17, 1861. He now received his commission as brigadier-general, and on the 2d of August won another victory over the Confederates near Springfield, Mo., and a week later fought the battle of Wil son's Creek, where he was shot and in stantly killed. 2 Charles L. Russell was born in the parish of Northfield in the town of Litchfield in 1828. When but a lad, his parents removed to Derby; and he was living in that place when the war broke out. He was among the first to enlist, and was selected by Colonel Terry as adjutant of the Second, who made special mention of his gallantry in the fight at Bull Run. In the summer of 1861 he raised a company for the Tenth, and was soon promoted to the colonelcy. His death was lamented by a wide circle of friends.Albert W. Drake took command of the Tenth after the death of Colonel Russell. Colonel Drake, in connection with Joseph R. Hawley, started the first volunteer company that was raised in the State. He died of disease at his home in South Windsor, June 5, 1862. . 264 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1862. CHAPTER XLII. 1862. BATTLE OF CEDAR MOUNTAIN. IN following the fortunes of the Connecticut regiments connected with the Arnry of the Potomac, a volume would be required, if the history were written fully. The record of the First Heavy Artillery in this eventful year would tell the story of the Peninsula campaign with its high hopes and grievous disappointments ; and the hard rides of the Con necticut battalion of cavalry would take us into the wild scenery of the mountains of West Virginia, and give us varied incidents of danger in raids and skirmishes among the bushwhackers. Late in May the Fifth Connecticut fought in the battle of Winchester for the possession of the Shenandoah Valley. Obliged to retreat before superior numbers, General Banks no sooner received re-enforcements than the Fifth was again upon the march. On the 9th of August the battle of Cedar Mountain opened with a fierce artillery-fire. Towards sun set the order was given to charge a battery on the right front. This duty fell to Crawford's brigade, with which the Fifth was connected. In the face of a murderous fire they pushed bravely forward, but without avail. All of the field-officers were either killed * or made prisoners ; and all the other offi cers, except five, were wounded. In the summer of 1862 the tide of battle turned strongly in favor of the South. Again with earnest words Governor 1862.J CALL FOR TROOPS. 265 Buckingham called for a response to President Lincoln's proclamation asking for three hundred thousand volunteers for three-years' service. The fervor of patriotic feeling was kindled anew, and within forty-five days over eight thousand men had enlisted. The exigencies at the front were of such N X S T OfammbersV forfollc BATTLE-FIELDS OF THE CIVIL WAR. a nature that another call was sent from Washington for three hundred thousand men for nine months. This made it necessary to raise seven additional regiments in Connecticut. While the stir and excitement of regimental organization were going on at home, there was the gathering of contending forces upon the upper Potomac. The first of August found the Eighth and Eleventh Connecticut leaving Newport News 266 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1862. on the way North. After spending a mouth at Fredericks burg on picket-duty, there came tidings of the defeat of Pope at Manassas ; and they were ordered with other troops to march for Washington. The}' embarked at Acquia Creek Sept. 3, and reached the city at nightfall. The army of Lee was advancing rapidly northward, and McClellan at once started in pursuit. In these columns were the Eighth and Eleventh, besides two new Connecticut regiments, the Fourteenth and Sixteenth, that had but just reached Washington. The Confederate army, finding itself hard pressed, had taken a position along Antietam Creek near Sharpsburg. On the morning of the 17th of September the battle began in which the troops of Connecticut suf fered greater loss than in any other during the war. Two of the regiments, the Fourteenth and Sixteenth, had never before been under fire, and were un familiar with military tactics ; but the fearful ordeal of that eventful day was a test of heroic manhood in which few CfENERAL JOSEPH K. F. mansfield. failed to do their duty. Early in the action Colonel Kingsbury 2 of the Elev enth was mortally wounded ; and before nightfall no less than a hundred and thirty-six Connecticut men lay dead on the field of strife, and four hundred and sixty-six were suffering from wounds. In many a Connecticut home is still tenderly cherished the memory of brothers and friends who lost their lives at Antietam.8 In this list stands most prominent the honored name of General Joseph K. F. Mansfield.4 At the battle of Fredericksburg (Dec. 13) the Fourteenth and Twenty-seventh were the Connecticut regiments that took the most active part in the fierce struggle that ended in 1862.] ANTIETAM AND FREDERICKSBURG. 267 the defeat of the Union forces.5 While their comrades in the Army of the Potomac were , passing through these eventful experiences, those who had joined the expeditions in the South were not. exempt from arduous and often dangerous duty. At the battle of Kinston Bridge, in North Carolina (Dec. 14), of the three hundred and sixty-six officers and men of the Tenth Connecticut who were in the engagement, one hundred and six were killed or wounded. 1 Major Edward F. Blake of New Haven was born in 1837. Graduating at Yale, in 1858, he commenced the study of law. In October, 1361, he was ap pointed adjutant of the Fifth, and soon proved himself an accomplished soldier. He was soon promoted to the position of major. In the battle of Cedar Mountain -he led the left of the regiment, and was instantly killed just as he had taken the flag from the hands of a fallen color- bearer. Lieutenant Henry M. Dutton was a son of Ex-Governor Dutton of New Haven. He graduated at Yale in 1857, and afterwards commenced the practice of law at Litchfield. Enlisting as a private, he received a commission as lieutenant, for his services in recruiting. His death was the cause of great sor row in the regiment, of which he was a special favorite. 2 Colonel Henry W. Kingsbury was a graduate of West Point, and won distinction for his services during the Peninsula campaign. 3 Captain John GRiswoLDof Lyme was a graduate of Yale, of the class of 1857. Just before his death he said to a friend, " I die as 1 have ever wished to die, —tor my country. Tell my mother that I died at the head of my company." Captain N. S. Manross of Bristol graduated at Yale in 1850. After study ing in Europe, he was connected as a scientific expert with a mining company m New York. In 1861 he accepted the position of professor of chemistry and botany in Amherst College. While spending a vacation in Bristol, he was urged to take the command of a com pany from that town. Professor James A. Dana said of him, "His death iB a great loss to the scientific world." 4 Joseph K. F. Mansfield was born in New Haven, Dec. 22, 1803. His par ents, while he was quite young, removed to Middletown; and through the influ ence of his uncle, Colonel Jared Mans field, then surveyor-general of the United States, he was admitted at West Point in 1822. Having graduated with honor, he was first- employed as engineer in New-York Harbor, and then in the con struction of Fortress Monroe and Fort Pulaski. At the breaking out of the war with Mexico, he was chief engineer on General Taylor's staff. He built Fort Brown, opposite Matamoras, and had command of the forces at that point. The fort was besieged by the Mexicans, but was held after a gallant defence. At the battle of Monterey, Mansfield led a division, and was seriously wounded. The battle-field of Bueua Vista was se lected by him, aud the batteries stationed under his direction. These distinguished services were recognized by promotion to be colonel in the regular army. He was appointed inspector-general by President Pierce, and he was engaged in the duties of this office prior to the breaking out of the Rebellion. He was aware of the real condition of affairs, and was not sur prised at the breaking out of the war. On account of his age and long service, 268 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. his friends advised him to retire from the array; but his reply was, *' I owe my country ev.ery hour that remains of my life; and in such a struggle as is now endangering her existence, I can not, and shall not, refuse to answer her call." He was put in command of the defences about Washington; and all of the forts around the city were engineered by him, and built under his direction. Mansfield was for a time in charge at Newport News, and from here was transferred to the command of Banks's corps. He reached the army at Sharpsburg the night before the battle. The following day, after the repulse of Rickett's divis ion, Mansfield placed himself at the head of his troops, aud was leading them gal lantly forward, when he fell mortally wounded. A noble Christian gentleman and soldier, the country mourned his death. 6 The Eighth, Eleventh, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and the Twenty-first, met with slight losses. 1863.J CONNECTICUT IN THE CIVIL WAR. 269 CHAPTER XLIII. 1863. BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE. IN the spring of 1863, the monotonous barrack-life of the winter was broken by the stir of military movements. Hooker was now in command of the Army of the Potomac, and the troops were eager and ready to commence the march towards Richmond. Five Connecticut regiments were with the mighty host of ninety thousand men that late in April crossed the Rappahannock, and, by forced marches, within a few hours faced the army of Lee at Chancellorsville.1 The result of the terrible conflict was again disastrous to the Union army. Some one had blundered, and the hoped-for victory proved a veritable slaughter of as brave a body of men as ever faced death on the battle-field.2 In June, Lee, with an army numbering seventy thousand men, moved up to the Shenandoah Valley ; while Hooker placed his army of one hundred thousand men in a position to protect Washington. The purpose of Lee to again invade the North was soon evident. Crossing the Potomac at Har per's Ferry, the Confederate hosts marched through Mary land, and entered Pennsylvania. The Union forces followed close after them in command of General George B. Meade ; and when Lee's army turned from Chambersburg towards Philadelphia, they were confronted by the Army of the Potomac. On the afternoon of July 1, the conflict opened. During the three days in which the struggle continued, the 270 HISTOKY OF CONNECTICUT. [l863' Connecticut troops were often under the hottest fire.8 Their number was not large, for their ranks had been sadly thinned at Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville ; but, in the army that won the victory upon the battle-field of Gettys burg, none acquitted themselves more nobly than this band of veterans.4 The spring and summer of 1863 was an eventful period in the history of the Connecticut regiments stationed in the South. During the month of February, General Banks took command of the forces at Baton Rouge, and preparations were made for an assault on Port Hudson, twenty-five miles up the river. There were many vexatious delays, and the troops passed through severe and trying experiences during the months of April and May. The battle of Irish Bend5 (April 14) was followed by sharp skirmishes and hard marches. Port Hudson was invested on the 24th of May ; and three days after, an advance was made, and the works stormed. The assault proved the heroic quality of the men engaged in it, but the stronghold still remained in the hands of the enemy. In the attempt that was made, a few days later (June 14), to break through the Confederate lines, the Connecticut regi ments held exposed positions, and suffered severely. On the following day (June 15) General Banks called for a storming-column of a thousand men. The soldiers of Con necticut took the lead in this perilous enterprise. At his own request, Colonel Henry W. Birge was assigned the command ; and his old regiment, the Thirteenth, furnished one-fourth of the entire number of this forlorn hope. Day after day these men were under arms, ready at any moment to make the assault ; but the surrender of Port Hud son, on July 8, relieved them from their perilous position. The " storming-column " were the first to enter the captured fortress, " led by Colonel Birge to the music of a Connecticut band, and under the folds of a tattered Connecticut Mas." 1863.] ANDERSONVILLE. 271 While their comrades were rejoicing at the fall of Vicks- burg and Port Hudson, and the victory at Gettysburg, the Connecticut regiments near Charleston were passing through severe experiences. The arduous toil of building batteries, and mounting heavy cannon, on the sand-hills overlooking Morris Island, was followed early in July by a series of assaults, and the siege ending in the capture of Fort Wagner. The names of Terry, Rodman, Hawley, Chatfield,6 and others, came into prominence during this campaign, for skill in leadership, and bravery in action. Not less worthy of mention were the men in the rank and file, who never faltered in the hour of duty. The only brigade of Connecticut regiments in the service, that in command of General Edward Harland of Norwich, spent the summer months near Portsmouth, Va. Early in the autumn, orders came that scattered these troops in differ ent directions. The Sixteenth was sent to Plymouth, N.C. ; and in the following April, while defending its position against overwhelming numbers, it was captured, and the en listed men taken to Andersonville. Here, for nearly a year, they suffered the horrors of this infamous prison-pen.7 While the soldiers in the camp and field were passing through their varied experiences, they were generously re membered by kind friends at home. There is no chapter in the history of these sad years more tender and beautiful than that which records the gifts and services of the various or ganizations, that labored in every way to add to the comfort of those in camp, and to alleviate the condition of those suf fering in the hospitals from wounds and disease. A further call during the year for men to fill the depleted ranks of regiments at the front, made it necessary to resort to a draft. This aroused a bitter feeling among those who did not favor the war, and Governor Buckingham took active measures to quell any hostile demonstrations. Before the year closed, many of the regiments, whose term of service 272 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1863. had expired, returned home, and received a hearty welcome. A large portion of these men re-enlisted, and, after a brief veteran furlough, again left their homes, to join the army. 1 The Fifth and Twentieth in the Twelfth Corps, the Fourteenth and Twenty-seventh in the Second Corps, and the Seventeenth in the Eleventh Corps. * The Twentieth lost one-third of its number: twenty-seven officers and men were killed, sixty-two wounded, and one hundred and eight taken prisoners. Those who were taken prisoners in this and other regiments, were exchanged within a few days. 8 The Fifth, Fourteenth, Seven teenth, Twentieth, and Twenty-Beventh were in the battle of Gettysburg, and also the Second Battery. * The Seventeenth lost more than half its number. Twenty were left dead on the field, eighty-one were wounded, and ninety-seven taken prisoners. Lieu tenant-Colonel Douglass Fowler of Nor walk was struck down while leading his men in a gallant charge, and sleepB iu an unknown grave on the battle-field. The Benior captain of the regiment, James E. Moore, was among the killed. He was a color-bearer in the war with Mexico, and greatly beloved by his com pany. The Twenty-seventh went into the battle with only seventy-four men : of these, eleven were killed, and twenty- four wounded. Lieutenant - Colonel Henry C. Merwin fell in the assault of July 2. He was a brave and efficient officer. B At Irish Bend, the Thirteenth and Twenty-fifth suffered heavy losses. The latter regiment was under fire for the first time. Among the killed waB Sam uel S. Hayden of Windsor Locks, "a brave, tender - hearted, conscientious, Christian patriot." 6 Colonel John L. Chatfield was wounded while leading bis regiment (Sixth), and died a few weeks after at his home in Waterbury. One of the first to raise a company at the beginning of the war, he developed remarkable gifts as an officer. 7 A large portion of the prisoners at Andersonville from Connecticut, as well as other Stales, never left the place alive. Of those who survived, but few escaped the effects of weakness and disease caused by lack of wholesome food aud water. About the first of June, 1863, over two hundred Connecticut men were brought to Andersonville among the prisoners captured from Butler's army. 1864.] CONNECTICUT IN THE CIVIL WAK. 273 CHAPTER XLIV. 1864. BATTLES OF DRURY'S BLUFF AND COLD HARBOR. SIX of the veteran regiments of Connecticut that had been engaged in service on the South-Atlantic coast, were ordered, in the spring of 1864, to join the army in command of General Butler.1 The purpose of this expedition was to ascend the James River, to a point near Petersburg, and attack Richmond on that side. Early in May, General But ler's force, numbering thirty thousand men, embarked on transports, and followed gun-boats up the James River. They landed at City Point and Bermuda Hundred 2 without opposition. Within a few days, movements were made in the direction of Richmond, in which the Connecticut troops took an active part, and were engaged in several sharp skirmishes. The battle of Drury's Bluff opened on the morning of the 16th of May; and the Union forces, after a brave resistance, were compelled to retire. The heroic conduct of the men, and the ability shown by General Terry in handling his division, and also by Colonel Hawley, who commanded a brigade, were recognized in every direction. The casualties of this fruit less campaign fell heavily upon the Connecticut regiments ; but they fully sustained, under the most trying circumstances, the reputation they had already won.3 During these spring days the Army of the Potomac, in command of Grant, had commenced its march through the 274 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1864. Wilderness. The story of this hand-to-hand combat be tween the armies of the North and South is one of the most terrible in the annals of war. In the cavalry skirmishes that were made in advance, the First Connecticut bore a gallant part. It was a company of this regiment that opened the battle of Spottsylvania, in which the Fourteenth Infantry was also actively engaged. On the second day of the battle (May 9), while surveying the ground to find a good position to post his troops, Major-General John Sedgwick ' was in stantly killed by the bullet of a sharp-shooter. In his death, not only his native State, but the entire country, mourned the loss of a great leader. A gradu ate of West Point, he early won dis tinction for meritorious conduct during the Mexican war. When the Rebel lion broke out, with unswerving loyalty he did all in his power to sustain the Union . As commander of the famous Sixth Corps, he rescued the army from destruction at Fair Oaks, and major-general john at Antietam was twice wounded while SEDGWICK. ,,,-,. , . . rallying and holding his men in the thick of the conflict. No sooner were these wounds healed, than he again stood at the head of the brave men who idolized their beloved general. At Chancellorsville his com mand not only stormed and held the heights of Freder icksburg, but almost saved the fortunes of that ill-fated day. It is not strange that Lincoln and those about him felt that Sedgwick was the man for the hour. Modest, and distrustful of his own ability, he twice declined the com mand of the Army of the Potomac. Few men have been more beloved than was this great soldier by those who knew him best. Lion-hearted, but gentle in spirit, he was always kind, and considerate of the feeliugs of others. Energetic, and courageous in action, his keen vision and cool judg- 1864.] BATTLE OF COLD HAKBOK. 276 ment made him a grand leader of men upon the battle field. After the struggle at Spottsylvania Court-House, Grant, by light attacks in front, and at the same time pushing a large part of his force to the left, and thus getting in the rear of Lee's army, forced him to retreat to a new position. By the 1st of June, Grant had worked his way down to the Chiekahominy, and the Confederate army was inside the main defences of Richmond, the centre of which was at Cold Harbor. The Second Connecticut Artillery, that had gained the reputation of being one of the best-equipped and best-drilled regiments in the service, was soon to prove its strength in battle. By a forced night-march, it had crossed the Pa- munky River, and joined the Union army, now within fifteen miles of Richmond. To them was assigned the head of the brigade of veterans who were ordered to attack the enemy at Cold Harbor, who held the line in front of the breastworks . hidden behind a thicket of woods that could only be ap proached by crossing an open plain several hundred yards in width. Late in the afternoon (June 1) the command was given to charge ; and the regiment, fourteen hundred strong, with fixed bayonets, sprung forward. They were under a terri ble fire, but they did not falter. The enemy were driven back from their first line, but within the second line they were sheltered by a strong abatis of pine-boughs. This arrested the forward movements of the two battalions that were leading ; and they were now not only under the musketry-fire of the rebel infantry, but also of the guns in the intrenchments, not more than five rods distant. Colonel Kellogg, who was in advance of the line, fell dead, pierced by a dozen bullets.6 It was impossible to stand against such a fire ; and as best they could, the brave men crept back to cover, where the other battalions were 276 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. [1864. lying, leaving nearly half their number dead or wounded on the field. The next morning the position of the Union forces were strengthened ; and the Second advanced, and occupied the line from which the enemy had retreated.6 During the night (June 2), preparations were made for a general assault along the whole front of six miles. Before five o'clock in the morning the line was in motion, and within twenty minutes the Union forces were repulsed with a fearful loss of life. The Eighth, Eleventh, and Twenty-first Connecticut were in the charge with General Smith's Corps. Colonel Steadman, who led a brigade in this assault, in a let ter written at the time, said, "We formed in the woods in solid columns. I gave the command ' Forward ! ' We started with unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets. I was the first to enter the open field, and see the enemy's lines, -¦- a curve. I bade farewell to all I loved. It seemed impossible to survive that fire; but I was spared, while the officers of my staff, who followed me closely, were struck down. We reached a point within thirty yards of the enemy's main works ; but the fire was too murderous, and my men were repulsed. We left the woods with two thousand men : in five minutes we returned, six hundred less." This vivid narrative of the repulse at a single point tells the story of what was passing in those few moments all along the line. The Fourteenth was not in this des perate charge ; but during the six previous weeks since leaving winter-quarters at Stony Mountain, it had lost nearly half its number in the battles of the Wilderness. The attempt to break through the defences of Richmond on the north and east was given up ; and Grant determined GENERAL u. A MAN. 1864.] SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 277 to move his army across the James River, and attack the city from the south. This movement was successfully accom plished, and the army swung around until it was in front of the fortifications at Petersburg. The attempt to carry this position by surprise was a failure. The summer months, during which the siege was in progress, were marked by con stant casualties, and many of the brave sons of Connecticut lost their lives.7 1 These regiments were the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Tenth, Eleventh, and Twenty -first. 2 Bermuda Hundred is at the ex tremity of the peninsula formed by the James and Appomattox Rivers. 3 Colonel Arthur H. Dutton was mortally wounded May 26. Graduating at West Point in 1861, he was placed on the staff of General Mansfield. He was afterwards put in charge of the defences at Fernandina, Fla., where he received his appointment as colonel of the Twenty first Connecticut. He won much credit as chief of staff, and at the time of his death commanded a brigade. * John Sedgwick was born in Corn wall, Sept. 13, 1813. After graduating at West Point, in 1837, he served through the Seminole war, and was promoted for gallant action during the war with Mexi co. In 1860 Major Sedgwick was engaged in the construction of Fort Wise, near Pike's Peak. He took an earnest stand for the Union cause, and was appointed to succeed Robert E. Lee as colonel of the Fourth Regular Cavalry. 5 Elisha S. Kellogg was born in Glastonbury in 1824. He had been trained amid experiences that bad de veloped a somewhat rough exterior, but was a born soldier, and won a reputation as one of the best officers in- the army. a Among other officers and men of the Fourteenth who lost their lives at Cold Harbor was Captain Samuel Fisks of Madison. A graduate of Amherst College, at the time of his enlistment he was pastor of the Congregational church in Madison. He had already become known, not only as a devoted and suc cessful minister, but as «* brilliant and witty writer. His letters written in field and camp, gathered in a volume entitled "Dunn Browne in the Army, "are among the most graphic pictures we have of army life. Captain Fiske was struck. down while leading his company. On the morning of his death he said to his sister, " To-day I shall get ray marching- orders : well, I am ready." 7 Thomas F. Burpee of Rockville, who succeeded Colonel Dutton in com- mand of the Twenty-first, was mortally wounded at Cold Harbor, June 9, while going his rounds as brigade officer. Col onel Burpee was a quiet, earnest Chris tian man, faithful in all the duties of life.. General Griffin A. Steadman. This gallant young officer, after having escaped death in many perilous scenes, was mortally wounded before Peters burg, Aug. 5. His noble qualities of head and heart commanded universal re spect; and his promotion was won by arduous service, in which he had shown both courage and military ability. 278 histokj: of con:n.e *b f.<\XL- 316 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. CHAPTER L. WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY. THE early history of the Methodist-Episcopal Church in the United States is full of romantic interest. Very few of the evangelistic preachers who kindled the flame of spiritual WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, MIDDLETOWN. fervor that swept over every part of the country in the open ing years of this century, had received the advantages of a liberal education. The quickening of the religious life, how ever, soon developed in the best and strongest minds among them a desire for intellectual discipline aud knowledge. This interest increased with the rapid growth of the denomi- WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY. 317 nation, and the opening of preparatory schools in New England led to the discussion of plans for founding a college in the same section. The vacant buildings of a once flourishing military school at Middletown were offered for sale at an almost nominal sum. A casual suggestion that they might be purchased for the use of the projected institution, resulted in a serious agitation of the plan. Further competition for the location of the college led the owners of the property to deed it free to the Methodist conferences inter ested in the matter, with the under standing that an endowment fund of forty thousand dollars should be raised. Nearly eighteen thousand dollars of this amount was promptly ^subscribed by citizens of Middle- town. In May, 1831, the State granted the college a charter ; and in the following autumn its doors were ¦opened to students. Previous to this, Wilbur Fisk, principal of the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Mass., had been elected president of the university. Dr. Fisk was a man of rare piety and beautiful character, and his administration of the college was marked by great prudence and ability. At the death of Dr. Fisk, in 1839, Stephen Olin was elected president. Dr. ¦Olin had won a national reputation as a preacher of wonder ful power and eloquence. Ill health, unfortunately, made it impossible for him to do what he wished for the college ; but he was able to improve its financial condition, and his name and influence were helpful in many ways.1 He was succeeded in 1852 by Augustus W. Smith, who had been connected with :the institution since its foundation. At this time the raising WILBUR FISK, D.D. 318 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. of an endowment fund of nearly one hundred thousand dol lars, placed the college upon a stronger financial basis.2 Upon the resignation of Dr. Smith, in 1857, Joseph Cummings was elected president. Great material improve ments were made under his administration. A substantial and elegant library building was opened in 1868. The beautiful Memorial Chapel, erected in memory of those students and alumni who fell in the war for the Union, was dedicated in 1871. During the same year, the Orange Judd Hall of Natural Science, built at a cost of one hun dred thousand dollars, was opened for use. It contains a well-furnished chemical laboratory, and a fine museum of natural history.3 Dr. Cummings was succeeded in 1875 by Cyrus D. Foss, D. D., who filled the office with marked success. Dr. Foss, having been elected one of the bishops of the Methodist Church, resigned in 1880. For several years the presidency was held by J. W. Beach, D. D., who was succeeded by Bradford P. Raymond, LL. D. Wesleyan University has been fortunate in the character and ability of the men who have filled her chairs of instruction. While the college is vitally connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, it has never been in spirit or teaching a sectarian institution. The original intention of the founders to make it a uni versity in fact as well as name, has not been realized, and has long since been abandoned; but as a college, it stands in the front rank. The standard of scholarship is high, and the course of instruction is fitted to develop a broad and liberal culture. 1Dr. Olin, when first elected, - The endowment of the college was unable to assume the duties is upwards of $6,000,000. of the office on account of ill a The Museum was arranged health. He resigned in 1841; and under the direction of Professor - Nathan Bangs, D.D., was elected W. X. Rice, LL.D., whose reputa- to the presidency. Dr. Bangs ac- tiou as a scholar and instructor cepted the position with reluctance, has brought honor to the institu- and in the following year (1842), Hon he has so faithfully served. as the health of Dr. Olin had im proved, resigned, that he might take the office. TRINITY COLLEGE. 319 CHAPTER LI. TRINITY COLLEGE. IN 1819 the Rev. T. C. Browned, D.D., a graduate of, and for more than ten years a tutor and professor in, Union College, was elected bishop of the Episcopal Church in Con necticut. The purpose to found a college, to be under the ^'— '¦--¦¦- - ' ":.i>- •""JSBsigBlBS ' ACT ¦> "r- .^. -TTT — . - .-' TRINITY COLLEGE, HARTFORD. direction of his diocese, ripened early in the mind of Bishop Brownell ; and in May, 1823, Washington, now Trinity, Col lege, was chartered by the State. The charter provided that an endowment fund of thirty thousand dollars should be secured. Over fifty thousand dollars was immediately sub scribed ; and, as most of this came from Hartford, it was decided to locate the college in that city. The first buildings were erected on the site now occupied by the State Capitol. 320 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. Dr. Brownell was elected president in May, 1824. The course of study was made somewhat elective ; and those who desired to follow a partial course for not less than two years, were given an English diploma. This new feature proved attractive, and the college had a fair number of students from the time it was opened. During the seven years that Bishop Brownell was at the head of the institution, the endowment fund was increased, and a good library obtained. The pressure of his other duties made it necessary for him to resign, in 1831. Nathaniel S. Wheaton, then rector of Christ Church, Hartford, was elected his successor. He was ¦especially successful in improving the financial condition of the college. With lavish generosity he gave of his own pri vate means, and his taste and care did much to beautify the college-grounds. Dr. Wheaton accepted the rectorship of Christ Church, New Orleans, in 1837, and Silas Totten was elected presi dent. Dr. Totten had been for four years the professor of mathematics and natural philosophy. During his admin istration of eleven 3rears, a third dormitory building, named Brownell Hall, was erected, a number of scholarships en dowed, and the name of the institution changed from '• Wash ington " to Trinity College. In 1848 Dr. Totten resigned, and John "Williams was 'Chosen to the presidency. Dr. Williams was in the early prime of a noble manhood, the promise of which was nobly 'ulfilled in all the offices which he was called to occupy. He was the first graduate of the college chosen to administei its affairs. Under his direction a Theological Department was opened, which led to the establishment of the Berkeley Divinity .School, organized in 1854, and located in the city ¦of Middletown. The election of Dr. Williams as assistant bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut, in 1851, soon made it necessary for the college to seek a new president. Daniel R. Goodwin, a TRINITY COLLEGE. 321 graduate of Bowdoiu College, was elected to this position, and discharged its duties for seven years. In 1860 Samuel Eliot, professor of history and political science, became the president; and, after four years of service, be was suc ceeded by John B. Kerfoot, who within two years resigned, to accept the bishopric of Pittsburg. During this period of frequent changes, the college was placed upon a stronger financial basis by the gifts of many of its friends. Abner Jackson, a graduate of the college in the class of 1837, was elected president in 1867. Under his administration, the number of students increased, and the college received a legacy of sixty thousand dollars from Mr. Chester Adams of Hartford. In 1871 the city of Hartford voted to offer a site to the State for the erection of a new Capitol. A proposition to purchase the college-grounds for this purpose met with much opposition, and was twice rejected by the trustees. The sale was finally made, and the city paid six hundred thou sand dollars for the land. A new site was bought, contain ing about seventy-eight acres, a mile south of the old campus. Dr. Jackson died in 1874, and Thomas R. Pynchon was elected to the presidency. Under his direction, the plans were completed for the beautiful buildings now used by the college. He was succeeded in 1883 by the Rev. George Williamson Smith, D.D. Dr. Smith resigned in 1903, and Dr. Flavel S. Luther, who had been connected with the col lege for many years, was elected president. Trinity College is a worthy representative of the Episcopal Church, under whose care it has prospered, and gives promise of increasing usefulness. 322 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. CHAPTER LII. CONNECTICUT IN THE LIFE OF THE NATION. FROM its earliest settlement, the history of Connecticut is the history of a republic. The Constitution adopted by the freemen of Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor, in 1639, expressed the will of an independent commonwealth. All power proceeded from the people, and they swore alle giance alone to the government of the State they had founded. No company of men did more in laying the foun dations upon which the superstructure of our national insti tutions have arisen, than the Puritan fathers of Connecticut. Patient, faithful, God-fearing, they built even better than they knew. But their work was no accident. They were alert and quick to seize every favorable opportunity to strengthen their position as a free commonwealth. This secured the charter that bestowed upon them such ample privileges and freedom, that it remained the law of the State long after its separation from the mother country. The wise administration of affairs that gave Connecticut, in the colonial period, her "halcyon days of peace," was marked by able statesmanship. The prosperity that smiled upon the thrift and industry of her people did not make them blind to the law of life that united them to sister colo nies. In the long struggle of the " French wars," they realized the vital interests which were at stake. They felt that the supremacy of the English race iu North America must be secured at all hazards. Their freedom, with the civil and religious privileges they enjoyed, was the birth- CONNECTICUT IN THE LIFE OF THE NATION. 323 right of English blood and English history. To preserve this heritage, no sacrifice was too great. It was for this they fought, and not for the glory of England or the enlarge ment of her bounds. The victory of Wolfe on the Heights of Abraham prepared the way for the birth of a new nation. A stupid king, by his narrow-minded and coercive policy, not only aroused the indignation of the colonies, but opened the eyes of many to the possibilities of an independent national life. The feeling STATE CAPITOL.1 of attachment for the mother country that had been cher ished through many generations, was lost in the fervor of patriotic zeal that burst from the hearts of the people. Their allegiance to the English crown was a sentiment ; their love of free institutions strong as life. The part borne by Connecticut in the war of the Revolu tion will ever be remembered as a bright chapter in the his tory of the great Republic that was then started on its career. When peace was declared, and the independent States with their conflicting interests were called upon to face the prob lem of forming a Union that should make a nation, the 324 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. statesmen of Connecticut acted a foremost part. "Her dele gation to the convention," says Bancroft, " was thrice remarkable : they had precedence in age, in experience from 1776 to 1786 on committees to frame or amend a constitu tion for the country, and in illustrating the force of religion in human life." It is safe to say that no two men in the convention that framed the Constitution of the United States, exerted a greater influence than Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth. At a critical juncture, when the debate had fallen into an almost hopeless difference of opinion, these men took the lead, and suggested compromises that were finally adopted, and have proved essential to the very life of the Constitution in its practical working. In the century that has past since the adoption of the Con stitution, Connecticut, through her educational institutions and industrial activities, has exerted a marked influence upon the life of the nation. From the ranks of her citizens have arisen men who have been recognized as leaders of opinion aud conscience in the great moral conflicts that have agitated the minds of the people. When, in the progress of events, the long and bitter struggle of the slave-power for national supre macy culminated in rebellion, there was no State in whicli the issues of the conflict were more clearly recognized than in Connecticut. The feeling that fused the will of men of all parties in a common purpose did not spring from hate or excited passion. They loved their State, and were as jeal ous of their local rights as the citizens of South Carolina ; but they believed that the life of the State was dependent on the life of the nation. It was this conviction that prompted the sacrifice of life and treasure in the conflict that destroyed slavery, and proved the strength of the underlying princi ples upon which rests the superstructure of our free institu tions. There remains the mention of one other way, of peculiar CONNECTICUT IN THE LIFE OF THE NATION. 325 interest, in which the life of Connecticut has entered into the life of the nation. Within five years after the first set tlement of the valley of the Connecticut, the tide of emigra tion from the mother country to New England almost entirely ceased. Very few came to enlarge the number of the colonists. But they were a hardy race, and the popula tion for more than a century doubled once in twenty years. From this natural increase, new towns were settled, until, at the period of the Revolution, most of the land within the bounds of the State had been taken up. According to thfc charter of King Charles, the limits of the colony extended westward from Narragansett Bay to the Pacific Ocean. It was under this authority that Connecticut pioneers laid claim to the beautiful valley of Wyoming, and commenced a settlement there as early as 1763. Before peace was formally declared, at the close of the Revolution, the State, following the example of other commonwealths, gave up her charter-claim to all land west of New York, with the exception of six million acres in what is now the north western part of Ohio. It was not long before the stream of emigration began to flow into this new country. The number that left the State, and found homes in this "Western re serve," was so great that it was known as " New Connecti cut." The ancestral ties that still connect this portion of the great Commonwealth of Ohio with the " Land of Steady Habits," are strong and vigorous in mutual respect and affection. There are those still living who recall the inci dents connected with the emigration of parties, usually neighbors and friends, who had decided to settle in what was then known as the " Far West." Nothing illustrates more strikingly the change that has been wrought in modes of conveyance than the picture of the heavy covered wagons of these early emigrants moving slowly along the rough roads, and consuming days and weeks in reaching a destina tion that is now arrived at within a few hours. The welfare 326 . HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. of those who thus went forth from the land of their fathers was tenderly remembered in the public prayers of the village minister, and the farewells of separating friends were spoken as if they were the last. Connecticut takes a just pride, not only in the record of the families who did so much in the settlement of Ohio and Western New York, but also in the part her sons have acted in the history and development of the States and Territories of the West. The influence she has in this way exerted upon the life of the nation has been incalculable. A brief reference to the ancestry of the men, who, in the last quarter of a century, have been nominated and elected to fill the highest office in the gift of the people of the United States, well illustrates this influence. In the little company that settled the town of Windsor in 1635, Matthew Grant was an active and prominent citizen. One of his descend ants, Noah Grant, then living in Coventry, joined the expe dition against Crown Point in 1755, and was killed in the same j-ear. The Colonial Records preserve the memorial of his distressed widow, who asked the relief of the Assembly in settling the insolvent estate of her husband, that she might secure the small amount that was due him for wages while in the service. This soldier, buried in an unknown grave, left two sons. One of them, named for his father, served with distinction as a captain in the war of the Revolution. He was the grandfather of Ulysses S. Grant, the victorious leader of the Union armies, and for eight years President of the United States. In the Presidential election of 1864, the Democrats nomi nated General George B. MeClellan, whose grandfather was a prominent citizen and beloved physician in the town of Woodstock. In the story of the Revolution, on page 209, an incident is told of Captain Moses Seymour of Litch field. It was his grandson, Ex-Governor Horatio Seymour of New York, who was nominated as the candidate of CONNECTICUT IX THE LIFE OF THE NATION. 327 the Democratic party in the Presidential campaign of 1868. In 1682 George Hayes settled at Windsor. His son Daniel was captured by the Indians about 1712, and taken to Canada, whence he was ransomed by the General Assembly, which appropriated " seven pounds to be paid out of the public treasury " for this purpose. He afterwards made his home in Simsbury. His son Ezekiel removed to New Haven, where the first Rutherford Hayes, grandfather of the future President, was born. In the election of 1876, that was finally decided by an electoral commission, another ex-governor of New York, Samuel J. Tilden, was the nominee of the Demo crats. His ancestor, Daniel Tilden, a native and resident of Lebanon, raised a company of volunteers on receiving news of the battle of Lexington. At the battle of Trenton he commanded the company in which James Monroe served as lieutenant. Years afterwards, when President Monroe vis ited Connecticut, he was a guest in the home of his old commander. In 1790 John Tilden, the grandfather of Gov ernor Tilden, removed to New- York State, and settled in the town which was named New Lebanon in honor of his old Connecticut home. We close this record with the name of Grover Cleveland, twice President of the United States, whose grandfather, William Cleveland, was a respected citi zen of Norwich. Connecticut has reason to be proud of the character and services of the distinguished men and women who have been born upon her soil, and also of those whose ancestry identify them with her history. This heritage of influence is pleasant . to dwell upon, because it is a beautiful tribute to the family and home life of earlier days. That life was based upon Christian instruction and faith. The discipline of toil, with its variety of tasks, developed vigor of body and mind : and the conditions of society gave room for the exercise and growth of personal character and influence. 328 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. Those who have helped in making the history of Connec ticut worthy of remembrance, learned the lesson of obedi ence and faithfulness in youth, and in maturer years walked in the way of God's commandments. 1 Hartford has been the sole capital since 1875. The erection of the present Capitol commenced in 1872, and it was completed in 1878, at a cost, including the land, of $3,100,000. Of this amount the city of Hartford contributed $1,100,- 000, and the State $2,000,000. It is built of marble, and for beauty of design, and harmony ot proportions, is universally conceded to be one of the finest public buildings in the country. The Honor able A. E. Burr, who was the efficient chairman of the committee who had In charge the erection of the Capitol, has given the following history of the State Houses that preceded it : — " The first General Court was held in Hartford, in April, 1636. The meeting house of the First Congregational Society had a court chamber, where the General Court was held In 1720 the first State House was finished. It was a wooden structure, 74 by 30 feet in size, standing on Court-House Square. It had front and side entrances, and was occupied till 1796. That building was partly burned during the celebration of peace in 1783. Ite cost was £750, the town of Hartford paying £250. "The next State House in Hartford, and the third built by the State, was the structure now known as the City Hall on State-House Square, the foundations of which were laid in 1792, the buildiog being occupied by the State in May, 1796. Its cost was $52,4,80, of which the town of Hartford paid $3,500, and the county of Hartford $1,500. Our present State constitution was adopted in that building in 1818. General Lafayette, and Presi dents Monroe, Jackson, and Grant, in their visits to Hartford, were received within its walls. " The second State House was built in New Haven, on the green, fronting Temple Street, in the year 1763. It was of brick, in appearance like a large-sized three-story dwelling-house. The first floor was for bails and a dining-hall on great occasions. The Senate aud House met on the second floor. It was removed in 1830. "The fourth Stale House was built on the New-Haven Green. It was fin- = ished in the year 1830, and was of brick and stucco, of the Ionic, or Greek, order. Ithiel Towne was the architect. It cost the State $41,500. When the single capi tal was adopted, the State presented this building to the city of New Haven. The iaat evasion pf the General Assembly neid In it ww iu 1S74." PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF CONNECTICUT. 329 CHAPTER LIII. BOUNDARY-LINES AND PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF CONNECTICUT. A GLANCE at the map of Connecticut shows irregulari ties in the boundary-lines of the south-western part of the State, and a curious oblong notch, about midway on the northern line, that are reminders of some of the boundary- disputes that caused so much trouble in colonial times. The agreement regarding the western boundary, after New York came into the possession of the English in 1664, held until Feb. 23, 1685, when a new one was ratified and signed at Milford by the governors of the two colonies, Thomas Don- gan and Robert Treat. The line than accepted . has at different times been rectified and straightened, but other wise has remained unchanged. The old claim of New York was recognized, that Connec ticut was not to come nearer the Hudson than twenty miles. This gave the town of Rye to New York. The Rye people were so displeased at this, that they refused to abide by the decision, until the line was confirmed by the king in 1700. A survey, made in 1725 and 1731, was again carefully rec tified by New York in 1860. The boundary thus established was accepted by both States in 1878 and 1879, and confirmed by Congress in 1880-81. When Connecticut was first settled, it was known that the south line of Massachusetts, according to her charter, ran west to the Pacific Ocean, " from a point three miles south of the most southerly branch of Charles River." 330 HISTORV OB" CONNECTICUT. Where this line would cross the Connecticut River was un known. When Mr. Pynchon settled Springfield (Agawam), he at first supposed that the land there was within the juris diction of Connecticut. In 1642 Massachusetts employed two surveyors, Woodward and SaffeVy, to run a line between the two colonies. Having fixed upon the point of departure on Charles River, they took passage in a sailing-vessel which brought them up the Connecticut. They decided that the line, according to their measurements of latitude, ran a short distance above Windsor. The Connecticut authorities were unwilling to accept the wild guess of the ignorant surveyors, whom they ironically called, " the mathematicians." The settlers of Suffield and Enfield, being under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, were in constant trouble with Windsor and Simsbury over their ill-defined bounds. Connecticut made surveys of the line in 1695 and 1702, which proved beyond a doubt to her people that Massachusetts had en croached several miles upon her territory. Both colonies appealed to the crown, but finally agreed upon a compro mise in 1714 that placed the boundary about as it now runs. Enfield, Suffield, and Woodstock were still supposed to be north of the line, and remained under the authority of Mas sachusetts. Careful surveys showed that these towns were really south of the line, and in 1749 Connecticut granted their request to be received under her care. Massachusetts •did not abandon her claim to these towns until 1804. In 1822 and 1826 the line was run as it is at present. The history of the singular indentation, where the line bounds Grauby and Suffield, is given by Barber as follows : " It appears that the bounds of Springfield were not defined with much accuracy in this section : the bounds at the north west point of the indentation, however, appear to have been clearly defined. The western bounds of Springfield, in which part of Suffield was included, were supposed, but errone ously, to extend to this point. A Mr. Moore, living on the PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF CONNECTICUT. 331 tract in question, was knowing to the facts in the case. Having received a warning to a militia-training, he refused to appear, denying that he was within the jurisdiction of Connecticut." The case was carried to the General Assem bly, who examined the facts, and, evidently not thinking the land worth disputing over, left it to the control of Massa chusetts. During the colonial period, Connecticut and Rhode Island were in a chronic condition of dispute over the eastern boundary. Reference has been made elsewhere to these •discussions. It was often the case, as far as the argument of the opposing parties were concerned, that the description given at one time by Rufus Choate was true, that "The commissioners might as well have decided that the line between the States was bounded ou the north by a bramble- bush, on the south by a bluejay, on the west by a hive of bees ill swarming-time, and on the east by five hundred foxes with firebrands tied to their tails." Happily, the year 1887 has seen a formal settlement of all questions ; aud the good people of Rhode Island and Connecticut can afford to smile over discussions that once caused so much hard feeling. The area of the State is 4,750 square miles. The surface is broken and diversified by the ranges of hills that cross it from north to south. The soil of the well- watered intervales that lie between these hills is rich and productive. The upper valley of the Connecticut is especially fertile, and adapted to agriculture. In the hilly regions, the soil is broken by rocks, and filled with stones, that make it difficult to cultivate ; but it is frequently the case, as in the north western part of the State, that the best dairy-farms are on the elevated plateaus. It is in this section that the highest land is found, several points having an altitude of more than two thousand feet. The most westerly range of hills, extending along the Housalonic River, is a continuation of the Green Mountains. 332 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. Geologically, the rocks iu Connecticut, outside of the sand stone basin,1 are metamorphic, and generally highly crys talline. Some of them are probably Archaean, but to what extent no one knows. Much of the western part of the State, Dana has shown to be Lower Silurian. Ridges of trap are numerous through the centre of the State. As a rule, these trap ridges have a steep western face, and a gentle eastern slope. This is due to the trap being generally not in dikes, but in sheets intercalated between the strata of the eastwardly dipping sandstones. Granite of superior quality is quarried in Windham, New Haven, New London, and Litchfield Counties ; and the brown sandstone from the famous Portland quarries is shipped in large quantities to every part -of the country. The mica schist slabs, taken from the quarries at Haddam and Bolton, are in demand for curb-stones and other purposes ; and there are valuable quarries of marble in Litchfield County. In early colonial times, there is evidence that many of the settlers hoped to discover rich mineral deposits. The public records for the year 1651 preserve a letter from John Win throp, that was presented to the Court, and met with so favorable a reception, that it was ordered that if he should discover " any mines of lead, copper, tin, or other minerals," he should " forever enjoy the said mines, with the lands, wood, timber, and waters within two or three miles of the said mine," provided that it was not within the bounds of a town already set off, or where the Court might judge it best " to make a plantation." Iron-works were started near New Haven as early as 1665. Winthrop was interested in the setting up of the bloomary and forge at the outlet of Saltonstall Lake. The ore was- brought from North Haven ; and the owners were given the privilege of cutting, on the common land,2 all the wood they needed for making charcoal. They were further encouraged. by the Court held in Hartford, May 13, 1669, which ex- PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF CONNECTICUT. 333 erupted them from " paying country rates for seven years next ensuing. ' ' Even this aid did not save the enterprise from failure. We find nothing further about iron in the records until May, 1722, when the Court encouraged Eben- ezer Fitch and others to erect a mill not far from Hartford, to slit and draw out iron rods for nails and other purposes. They enacted that any other parties who might attempt to set up a rival mill within a period of fifteen years, would be liable to pay a penalty of ten pounds per month to Mr. Fitch and his company. About 1731 attention was called "to the value of the iron ore to be found in the north-western part of the colony. The first forge was erected by Thomas Lamb, at what is now known as Lime Rock, as early as 1734. This was the beginning of the mining of the famous Salisbury iron.* The furnaces here and elsewhere furnished the material for a household industry that occupied the spare hours of the farmers and their sons in making light articles for domestic use, and nails which were manufactured in quantities sufficient to be exported. About 1705 copper was discovered in Simsbury, and not long after in Wallingford. The mines opened at Simsbury (now in East Granby) were worked by different proprietors with little success.3 In 1760 an English company was formed, that undertook to mine the ore, and send it to England. The two vessels that the}' first loaded with ore were both lost : this and other disasters discouraged the company, and they abandoned the undertaking.4 In more recent years, a copper-mine in Bristol was worked at a large expenditure of capital ; but, like the other ventures, it proved unprofitable.6 Agriculture has taken out of the soil of Connecticut the best returns in wealth. For over one hundred and fifty years, from the settlement of the State, nearly every one was engaged in farming. The lack of coin as a medium of * See page 294. 334 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. 1/ exchange, made it necessary to pay in kind ; and this custom gave a peculiar and tangible value to every product of the soil. The land-holding farmers, whose homes clustered in the village-streets, represented, as a body, the strongest and most influential class of citizens. The development of indus trial pursuits has wrought great changes, but agriculture still holds a strong position. Not far from 45,000 persons occupy and till over 30,000 farms, that represent an investment of about $1-25,000,000. There is reason for congratulation, that there never has been a time when the interests of agriculture in Connecticut were receiving more intelligent direction than at the present. 1 The sandstone basin extends along the Connecticut River as far south as Middletown, and thence south-west ward to New Haven. 2 The lands belonging to the towns were usually distributed among the first settlers by mutual agreement or by lot. Home-lots in the village, and outlying plots of arable and meadow lands, were proportioned in size to the amount con tributed by the " planters " to the com mon stock. No sales could be made to outside parties without the consent of the General Court, and the land that was not taken up by individual proprietors belonged to the town. The privilege of using these " common lands " for pastur ing, or other purposes, was decided for a time by the town-meetings. As they became more valuable, the descendants of the original proprietors laid claim to their management. Out of this asser tion of rights, there arose very bitter dis putes aud law-suits, that created political differences that aroused great party- feeling. 3 The so-called " Granby coppers " were coined in 1737-38, from metal taken from this mine. The copper was so pure that these coins were sought after to make jewellers' alloy, and for this reason they are very scarce. The Simsbury mine furnished material for the first United-States coinage. 4 After the mining ceased, iu 1773, the colony used the buildings at the mouth of the mine, aud some of the excavations beneath, for a State prison. The cells were in the galleries not over sixty feet beueath the surface. Notwith standing the horrible description given by Peters, it is asserted, ou good author ity, that the health of the prisoners was not seriously injured by sleeping in these underground chambers. Quite a number of Tory offenders were incarcerated here in Revolutionary times, and did not find it a delightful place of residence. New- gate prison was established as a perma nent State prison in 1790, and was used for this purpose until 1827. 5 Limestone, lead, silver, barytee, hydraulic lime, feldspar, and other min erals, are found in different parts of the State. Part II Connecticut in Recent Years 1872—1922 S. S. SCRANTON COMPANY HARTFORD, CONN. Copyright, 1922 E. B. Sanford CHAPTER I. RELIGIOUS LIFE AND CHURCH GROWTH. WE have seen in previous chapters that the founders of Connecticut, and the leaders of civic affairs in colonial times, were Christian men of deep religious con victions. The motto they adopted, on the State seal, expressed their confidence that the Divine power that had aided them in planting a commonwealth in the new world, would continue to sustain it. This faith was the great central fact in the life of the pioneer homes of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The story of Connecticut has its beginnings in the history of the English people before and after the Revolu tion of 1660. This ancient commonwealth shares in the fruitage of that wonderful upheaval in thought and life that resulted in the leadership and achievements of Puri tanism. Wot the Puritanism of caricature and false de nunciation, but the moral, intellectual, and religious awakening of a virile people from whose loins sprang the genius of Milton and Shakespeare, the political states manship of Hampden and Cromwell, and the religious guidance of John Robinson and the great leaders of the Reformation Era. Lord Macaulay was by no means a partisan lover of Puritan strictness and austerity, but the great historian was constrained to make the asser- 337 338 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. tion that the men who bore this name, were "the most remarkable body of men, perhaps, the world has ever pro duced." When Charles I dissolved the Parliament that in 1630 had failed to secure the constitutional rights for which Hampden, Pym and John Milton had contended, ' the dream of a land in the West, where religion and liberty could find a safe .and lasting home,' became the hope and purpose of the choicest spirits that had battled and suffered in the contest that, later on, found in Oliver Cromwell its heroic and successful leader. Under the Charter that Charles granted for the establishment of the colony of Massachusetts, there began in 1630 that i great emigration of Puritan life that was to have a fore- Hn||B most part in laying the foun- 8k\ 4* dations of New England, and later on, giving unquestioned leadership in' the struggle for independence that opened the way to the union of the colonies in the United States. " These emigrants," says the historian, John Richard Green, " unlike the earlier colonists of the South, were not ' broken men,' adventurers, bankrupts, criminals; or simply poor men and artisans, like the Pilgrim Fathers of the Mayflower. They were in great part men of the professional and middle classes; some of them men of large landed estate, some zealous clergymen like Cotton, Hooker, and Roger Williams, some shrewd London lawyers, or young scholars from Leonard Bacon INFLUENCE OF CLERGY IN COLONIAL DAYS. 339 Oxford. The bulk were God-fearing farmers from Lin colnshire and the eastern counties. They desired in fact ' only the best ' as sharers in their enterprise ; men driven forth from their fatherland not by earthly want, or by the greed of gold, or by the lust of adventure, but by the fear of God, and the zeal for a godly worship. But strong as was their zeal, it was not without a wrench that they tore themselves from their English homes. ' Farewell, dear England ! ' was the cry that burst from this first little company of emigrants as its shores faded from their sight. ' Our hearts,' wrote the elder Win- throp's followers to the brethren whom they had left behind, ' shall be fountains of tears for your everlasting welfare, when we shall be in our poor cottages in the wilderness.' " The earlier chapters of this history tell the story of the work and character of the founders of Connecticut. In this list of University graduates, successful tradesmen, astute lawyers and trained farmers, Thomas Hooker, the pastor of the First Church of Christ in Hartford, stands first. The historians of the United States give him the high place of honor as the earliest seer and prophet of the democratic principles that are the corner stones of our great Republic, and the States that in their united life sustain it. In the progress and development of Con necticut in colonial days, the clergy of the " standing order," pastors of the community churches that were legally supported by the towns in which they were organized, were the most influential leaders not only in religious, but civic and educational affairs. Following the Revolution of 1776 and the " critical period " in American history, this influence was more and more shared by other professions; while the sturdy tillers of 340 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. the soil, whose brains and activities had made the land of " steady habits " bud and blossom as the rose, held the balance of power and influence. The Puritan heritage of Connecticut is one of which all its citizens of every nationality may well be proud. A study of the volumes that give the genealogical record of these descendants of the Puritan founders and " planters " of our ancient commonwealth, is a wonderful revelation of the influence which the sons and daughters of these pioneer mothers and fathers have exerted in the upbuilding of the State, the nation, and the world. Following the Revolution, in the later years of the eighteenth century, religious conditions in Connecticut were at a very low ebb. A student in Yale college at this period, affirms that one class were nearly all infidel in opinion, and called each other Voltaire, Rousseau, and other free thinkers. It was a sad aftermath of the strenu ous and distressing years in which the States were finding the way of Union. The dawn of the nineteenth century witnessed a turn in the tide. Under the presidency of the first Timothy Dwight, Yale College again became a fountain of spiritual life. From its halls went forth men who were to be leaders of American Christianity. The adoption of the present Constitution in 1818 cut the Congregational churches of Connecticut loose from the State both in control and support, and placed the churches, of all denominations, on an equal footing. In these years of quickened religious interest and philan thropic activities, Connecticut bore full share and honor. In the home of Dr. Porter, pastor of the Congregational church in Farmington, The American Board of Com missioners for Foreign Missions that now girdles the globe with its activities was organized in 1818. Later on the CLERICAL LEAKERS. 341 American Missionary Association was founded under Connecticut leadership. Men of national reputation were pastors of its churches. Leonard Bacon in New Haven, Lyman Beecher in Litchfield, Stephen Olin in Middle- town, John Williams, the beloved and honored Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church, were men of out standing influence far beyond the bounds of the State in which they lived. In the years before and following the war for the Union, Connecticut churches were served by a group of men who exemplified the highest ideals and traditions of pulpit eloquence and intellectual power, known in the history of The Commonwealth. The work of Henry Ward Beecher was outside the State of his birth and boy hood; but Horace Bushnell,1 the Litchfield farmer's son,. who won world wide recognition, spent his entire life in the State he so dearly loved. Not only was he a great theologian and preacher but an earnest patriot and public- spirited citizen. The prosperity and adornment of the city, that was the scene of his labors from early man hood, was a source of constant solicitude. He was a pioneer discoverer of the possible use that might be made of that section of Hartford, now crowned by The Capitol of the State. Bushnell Park is rightly named. On the walls of the church he served so faithfully, a mural Tablet having a marble relievo of his head bore this in scription: In memory of his Great Genius, His Great Character and His Great Services to Mankind. During the later years of Dr. Bushnell's pastorate he welcomed to Hartford a group of younger ministers who in many ways caught his spirit and became recog- ¦See page 298. 342 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. nized leaders in the religious and civic life of the State and city. Nathaniel Burton, a Connecticut boy, born in a Methodist preacher's home, was a man of great in tellectual power, a word painter of singular beauty and genius; Joseph Twichell, born in Southington, and graduating at Yale, of which institution, for many years, he held a unique place as its most widely beloved alumnus, came to his Hartford pastorate from an Army chaplaincy where he had won high regard for the rare qualities of character, heart and brain, that marked his pastoral labors in the years in which he was an honored leader both in Hartford and throughout the State. None knew • Joseph Twichell but to love him. The impress of his life and inspiring thought still con tinues in a multitude of Con necticut homes and hearts. Edwin Pond widely bounds writer choice Parker was beyond the parish as a composer of Joseph Hopkins Twichell known of his and the and beautiful hymns that have found a high place in the ministry of spiritual song. Both Dr. Parker and Dr. Twichell were for many years influential members of the corporation of Yale Uni versity. THEODORE T. HUNGER: JOSEPH ANDERSON. 343 Theodore Thornton Munger, pastor of the United Con gregational church in New Haven from 1886 until near the close of his life, won wide reputation as a writer and leader of conservative liberal religious thought and inter pretation. During the years in which Joseph Anderson was pastor of the First Church in Waterbury his position in the community was one of com manding influence. A scholar of rare attainments, a fluent writer, ^keenly alert in all his intellectual processes and keep ing abreast with the results both of scientific and historical research, he was a model preacher, teacher and citizen. His research work in the History of Waterbury gives him a place among the men and women who have labored diligently in preserving the local history of our Connecticut towns and cities. Space forbids the mention of the scores of trained and successful ministers who in the last half century have guided the spiritual activities of the Commonwealth whose founders were largely the Oxford and Cambridge graduates who organized the first community Congrega tional Churches, — men who had in the old world sac- JOSEPH ANDEHSON 344 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. rificed place and preferment rather than prove false to. their convictions. They were indeed the " sifted wheat," of a generation that have in the passing centuries been followed by truth loving, spiritually minded, consecrated men as their successors. It is difficult for the present generation to understand the intense feeling that characterized the the ological controversies in Con necticut in the early and middle years of the nineteenth century. The Autobiography of Lyman Beecher, in its ac count of his Litchfield pastor ate, gives us an intimate, inside view of the discussions that divided the Congregational ministers of the State into hostile camps over doctrinal opinions regarding original sin and election, of which Nathaniel W. Taylor, of Yale Divinity School, was the eloquent exponent. " The New Haven Theology " found a doughty opposer in Bennet Tyler, a Yale classmate of Dr. Taylor. Out of this controversy came action that resulted in the establishment of the Theological Seminary at East Wind sor, removed to Hartford in 1865. Dr. Tyler was the first in the line of distinguished scholars and theologians, that have presided over this institution that has developed under the presidency of Chester D. Hartranft and William Edwin Pond Parker YALE DIVINITY SCHOOL. 345 William Douglas Mackenzie D. Mackenzie into one of the leading schools for minis terial and missionary training in the United States. The Berkeley Divinity School at Middletown owed its establishment largely to the efforts of Bishop John Williams, whose eloquence as a pulpit orator gained him national recognition. Samuel Hart, Dean of this School for many years, was deeply in terested in the history of his native State and made helpful contributions to its archives. Yale Divinity School dates back in its beginnings to the founding of the great University of which it is a part. The names of Timothy Dwight, Nathaniel W. Taylor, Leonard Bacon,1 George P. Fisher, Samuel Harris and many other distinguished scholars and writers have brought honor and world wide influence to this ancient seat of theological and Biblical in struction. The present Dean of the Divinity School is Charles R. Brown, a preacher and writer of national repute. The Church life of Con necticut, in the last half century, has been a record of healthful growth and prosperity. Since the middle years 'See pages 253, 389. John Williams 346 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. of the nineteenth century, when the tide of emigration first set in from Ireland, the Roman Catholic Church has had a remarkable development, especially in the cities of this State. It is a source of congratulation that as the tide of life from Ireland, Italy and Poland has mingled with the native population, devoted and trained priests of the Roman Communion have been ready to care for their spiritual and moral welfare under the leadership of Bishops of the high quality of John J. Nilan. We close this chapter with a brief reference to activi ties in the interest of Christian unity and the federation of Protestant Church forces that are bright with promise. Religious toleration was an unknown word in the vocabu lary of the colonial founders of New England. They had no use for a " Liberal theology." They set up orthodox standards and insisted that those who did not accept them were heretics and not worthy to be tolerated. When the impact of the great Wesleyan revival began to touch the life of Connecticut, through the fervent appeals of Jesse Lee and other itinerant preachers, Congrega tional ministers from their pulpits denounced them as the " Devil's recruiting sergeants." A Roman Catholic was looked at askance, and even as gentle spirited a minister as Thomas Robbins, in his diary under date of January 28, 1810, writes, " The Universalist fellow preached here last evening and attended meeting in the forenoon. I think he is despised." All this has changed. For the last half century and more, the relations between the pastors and people of the Protestant denominations have been fraternal and for the most part cordial. The small groups gathered in societies by the early saddle bag itinerants of the Methodist Episcopal Church have METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 347 grown, especially in the cities, into large and influential churches. Some of their pastors have become leaders of national reputation. Dr James M. Buckley, for many years editor of the Christian Advocate in New York, was pastor for eight years in Stam ford. Dr. Buckley was per haps, in his day, the most in fluential man in the M. E. Church. While pastor of the First M. E. Church in New Haven, William V. Kelley was elected editor of the Methodist Review, a position which he held for nearly thirty years with marked ability. At the last General Conference of this great denomination, a former pastor of the church in Bristol, Dr. E. G. Richardson, was elected Bishop. The Baptist Churches of Connecticut have enjoyed the ministry of men of exceptional ability, some of whom have become widely known for their pulpit eloquence and scholary acquirements. To-day the Protestant denomina tions of the State are banded together in a Federation of Churches that manifests to the world their oneness in Christ, and their, desire to work together and plan to gether in matters of common interest. This linking of forces has come about within the last half century. Dur ing the years in which Henry Clay Trumbull 1 was James Monroe Buckley 'Born in Stonington June 8, 1830. Eminent as a Biblical scholar and editor. 348 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. Secretary of the Connecticut Sunday School Union, his attention was called to the deplorable conditions exist ing in many rural communities where sectarian rivalries and propaganda had established churches beyond the need of their population, unable, in some cases, when the population had decreased, to support a local ministry. Many churches were in a mor ibund if not dying state. With his wonted zeal Mr. Trumbull brought about the calling of a Conference at the Centre Church in Hartford in 1867. A goodly number were present at a meeting presided over by Governor Buckingham. It was, however, attended almost exclusively by Congregation alists. The pastors of other were still shy of invitations looking to Henry Clay Trumbull denominations united action. In this meeting the writer of these lines made his first address in behalf of Christian unity and Church Federa tion. How marked is the change that has come in recent years, when officially appointed representatives of the Baptist, Congregational, Methodist Episcopal, Presby terian, Protestant Episcopal and Universalist Churches meet to consider their common responsibility in philan thropic, social, and civic activities. The spirit of Federa tion is bringing together weakened denominational groups in some of the rural towns and developing strong com munity churches. FEDERATION OF CHURCHES. 349 One of the forerunners in this movement was the late Professor Alfred T. Perry, of the Hartford Theological Seminary, who afterwards was called to the presidency of Marietta College in Ohio. He was the founder of the Hartford Federation of Churches, the first of many hundreds that have since been organized. In the action that brought about the organiza tion of the Connecticut Fede- William North Rice ration of Churches, Professor William North Rice of Wes- leyan University was the leader. During the half century of his labors as a teacher of geology, years in which he won national and international recognition as a scientist, he had become deep ly interested in the cause of Christian unity, and the need of cooperation that would eliminate waste of resources and make the Protestant de nominations more effective in their Church work. Under the presidency of Rockwell H. Potter, D. D., pastor of the First Church of Christ in Hartford, this State Federa tion of Christian forces is illustrating the benefits and helpfulness of that spirit of unity and cooperation that is drawing the churches in every part of the United Rockwell H. Potter 50 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. SHEr.r.OD Soule States into closer fraternal relations. In this work of unifying and making more effective the Christian forces of the State, Sherrod Soule, for many years the Secretary of the Connecticut Home Missionary Society, the oldest missionary society in the United States, has taken an active part. Mr. Soule has long been recognized not only as a lover of Connecticut history but its teacher through the lectures he has given in ¦ every part of the State. Azel W. Hazen having rounded out a fruitful and honored pastorate of nearly half a century as leader of the First Church of Christ in Middletown, still continues his work, as in many years past, 'as the efficient president of the Middlesex County Historical Society. In his history of the church, he so long served, Dr. Hazen has paid tribute to the memory and services of a rare group of men and women whose lives were spent in this beau tiful Connecticut valley, town and city. Hymnology has long had a recognized place not only as an inspirer of spiritual emotion and thought but as an Azel Washburn Hazen CONNECTICUT HYMN WRITERS. 351 expression of the essential unity of all the followers of Christ. In this blending of spiritual song, sons and daughters of Connecticut have had a leading part. The hymns that sprang out of the inspired genius of Dwight, Bacon, Pierpont, Hastings, Parker, S. Dryden Phelps, and Harriet Beecher Stowe have literally surrounded the world with their melody. Very recently Yale University conferred the high honor of Doctor of Divinity upon Arthur Goodenough, pastor for fifty years of the country church in Torringford. That parish was the birthplace of Samuel J. Mills.1 Dr. Goodenough was a worthy representative of many devoted and cultured men, who have occupied places of retired service in Connecticut in a spirit of faithfulness, that has crowned their lives with the love and respect of the hearts and homes that have enjoyed their ministry. 'Samuel J. Mills, born at Torringford (1783). Alter graduating at Williams College, he entered Andover Seminary and with Adoniram Judson and others he joined in a plea for foreign mission work that led to the founding of the American Board (A. B. C. P. M.). His life was eminently useful. CHAPTER II. EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF CONNECTICUT. THE pioneer fathers of Connecticut, when they founded its towns, planted the school by the side of the church. The progress and development of the Public School system of the State and the origin of her colleges and great University is a story of fascinating interest.* With the increase of popula tion, and the influx of an im migration representing almost all of the nationalities of Europe, the problem of caring for the education of the chil dren of these homes has been a perplexing one. Under the direction of Charles D. Hine [ | the work inaugurated by ^Jflfrjy- ^H Henry Barnard and Birdsey Jm mJtit Jm BB| G. Northrop developed, in albert b. Meredith many directions, along lines inaugurated by educational leaders in every part of the country. Since Albert B. Meredith entered upon his work as Commissioner of Education in 1920, a new era of progress has opened. A graduate of Wesleyan University, and with a record of success as Commissioner of Schools in •See pp. 302-321. 352 CONNECTICUT HISTORY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 353 New Jersey, Mr. Meredith is proving his eminent qualifi cations for the important place he now occupies. The Public School System of Connecticut is developing along lines that may be summarized as follows: First of all a careful selection of teachers and insistence upon their pro fessional training. The standard of admission to Normal Schools as now planned requires four years of high- school work. Opportunity is afforded for the improve ment of teachers through Summer School Courses, Teach ers' Institutes, Reading Courses, and careful supervision in methods of instruction. The physical education of the children is looked after in a systematic way, and pro vision is being made for pupils who are handicapped mentally or physically. The privilege of a high-school education is now the right of every Connecticut boy and girl. The cost of this training is a town expense, and if given in a school outside (he limits of the home residence, includes trans portation and tuition. During the years of Mr. Hine's administration the plan of the Rural Supervision of Schools was developed. This involves careful profes sional supervision and has resulted in better courses of study and great improvement in the work of the teachers. In recent years progress has been made in the develop ment of trade education. This expense is borne by the State. Under the guidance of the State Board of Education the future is bright with promise, and good results arc already following from these wisely devised plans. We venture to inquire, Has not the time come to give a larger place in the curriculum of our schools to the study of the history of Connecticut? A good beginning has been made in the requirement that calls for the examination of 354 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. supervisors of schools in this history. Ought not teachers to have, a fair knowledge of the founding and history of the State designated by Dr. Bushnell as " the most beautiful " in the world's record ? How many teachers in our schools know the source of our American Consti tutional life? How many could pass even a cursory examination on the significance of the part acted by Connecticut in the French and Indian wars? Could many of them give the names of the Connecticut men upon whom Washington leaned and who were recognized leaders in the " critical period " that preceded the Union of the States? How many could name, without consulting histories, the inventors of the cotton gin, the first submarine, and the engine that first utilized steam in running a steamboat; all of them Connecticut men? Possibly they could name the town where the greatest pulpit orator, one of the greatest theologians of the nineteenth century, and the novelist whose books were translated into many languages and had a wider circulation than that of any other American writer, were born and spent their childhood. Could these teachers point on the map to the spot where the boy was born and reared whose " soul is still marching on," and whose name is world wide in its strange fame ? How many know that the foundations of Yale University were laid by a little group of Congregational ministers and that a little company of Methodist preachers were the founders of Wesleyan University, while a Protestant Episcopal clergy man did a like service in the founding of Trinity College ? How many high-school teachers could give the name of the general buried near his birthplace, in a secluded valley among the Litchfield County hills, who was offered the command-in-chief of the army of the Union in the dark- MORAL TEACHING IN SCHOOLS. 355 est hour of the Civil War, but declined because he felt that he was better fitted to fill the position of a Corps Commander, the place he occupied with such distinguished honor up to the hour when the fatal bullet of a sharpshooter struck him down? We ask the question of experienced teachers : Is there any better or easier way to teach children the lessons of history, and especially United States and English history, than by a careful study of their home State ? The boy, girl, or adult who has a good knowledge of Con necticut history will soon be interested in tracing that history in its relation to the nation and the world. If the study of our State history was undertaken in a systematic way in our schools, a generation would grow up, less ignorant of our Colonial and Revolutionary history than many to-day who wear the insignia of mem bership in various Chapters of Sons and Daughters of the Revolution and Sons and Dames of Colonial Wars. Knowledge is better than pride of aristocracy and birth. But it is for a higher reason we make this plea for the study of Connecticut history in our public schools. A leader of American thought and action, recognized far be yond the limits of his own State, asks and replies to this question : " Why are the second and third generations from the low breed of Europe " (and some of our native population might be included), "living under our eco nomic conditions and educational advantages, still pro ducing a breed so little improved that the ballot is almost as dangerous as dynamite in their hands ? " " Somewhat," he says, " not entirely, it is our fault. We spend billions to educate these children of the immi grant, but we neglect to teach them the important things that good citizens should know. We teach them the facts 356 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. but too often neglect the truth. The truth which every American should know is, What is good conduct? What acts are social and what antisocial? Why is a dishonest official an enemy of society? Why is it wrong to con sider a public office a ' private snap ? ' Why is a tip a misdemeanor and a bribe a felony? Why is the public service corporation a traitor when it resorts to illegal technicalities to evade a contract? " These are simple things, not hard for a child to understand. They are as easy of comprehension as an arithmetic lesson of the fifth grade. They are much simpler than many things taught in the seventh and eighth grades and vastly more important than much that is taught the child in high-school. Education may not quicken the intelligence, perhaps, of a dull mind, but it will clarify certain conceptions of right and wrong and put the child upon a higher moral plane." We commend these words to the consideration of Connecti cut parents and teachers, with the query, Is there any better way of inculcating lessons of character and high moral ideals than by the study of history made by men like Thomas Hooker, Jonathan Trumbull, Roger Sherman, William A. Buckingham, Joseph Hawley, Simeon E. Baldwin, and the long line of noble men who have filled chief places in the ministry, the law and the public offices of the State in whose record we find so many reasons for grateful thanksgiving? Courtesy G. P. Putnam'i Henry Barnard CHAPTER III. HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING. YALE UNIVERSITY. Tn a former Chapter1 a concise sketch has been given of the origin and progress up to 1886 of Yale University, Wesleyan University and Trinity College.1 Since that time the years have marked a striking advance in the resources and influence of these institutions. During the thirteen years of the presidency of Timothy Dwight, grandson of the Presi dent after whom he was named, Yale more than doubled her resources. The School of Music was estab lished in 1894. The Univer sity came to its present great development under the effi cient administration of Arthur Twining Hadley (1899-1921). The loosely related depart ments were then co-ordinated into a working and united body. Special attention was given to graduate and professional education. In 1900 the Yale School of Forestry was founded through the generosity of the family of James W. Pinchot. The Yale Bicenten- nialj held in 1901, called the attention of the State and Nation to the work and influence of the great College and University that has so long been the pride of Connecticut. Theodore Dwight Woolsey2 'See pages 309-321. SO 2See pages 313, 357 389. 358 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. Arthur Twining Hadley Early in 1921 the Yale Corporation, aided by the counsel of Dr. Hadley and other members of the Faculty and Alumni, elected James Rowland Angell as its Presi dent and he has entered upon his work under the most happy auspices. A graduate of Michigan University, of which his father was for half a century its honored Presi dent, winning reputation as a teacher both in the University of Minnesota and of Chicago, he brings to his office rare qualifications of training and experience. The endowment of the Uni versity has reached the great sum of over twenty-six mil lions. Little did the group of Congregational ministers who, out of meager resources, gave a few books to aid in founding Yale College, im agine that from their humble seed sowing there would spring this wonderful harvest of ma terial resources ! The great be quest of John W. Sterling (Class of 1864) and generous gifts from John D. Rockefeller, John D. Sloane, the Hark- ness and Vanderbilt families of New York City, and many others donors, have both aided the endowment and com- James Rowland Angell WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY. 359 pleted some of the most beautiful buildings ever erected in recent years for University purposes. Best of all, enlarged resources command professional services that place Yale in the forefront of the Universities, not only of the United States, but of the world. WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY. Wesleyan University will in another decade celebrate the Centennial of its founding. In its early years a large proportion of its graduates entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To-day, as in other colleges, other professions are largely represented. During the last half century Wesley an, founded under a charter entirely free from sectarian bias or control, has come to a recog nized place of leadership and influence among the smaller colleges of New England. Williams, Amherst, Brown and' Wesleyan are linked to gether, not only in athletic and literary contests, but in educational ideals and scholar ship. Under the administration of Bradford P. Raymond (1888-1907) the. resources of the college were very much increased; but it has been during the presidency of William Arnold Shanklin that the endowment and prop erty of less than three millions has increased to more than twice this amount. The working staff of the college numbers half a hundred, and the roll of students is kept within the limits of five hundred. Wesleyan has been especially fortunate in having on its teaching staff, during Champlin Studio William Arnold Shanklin 360 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. the last fifty years, men like Wilbur 0. Atwater, Caleb T. Winchester and William North Rice, who, both as instructors and writers, have left an abiding impress on their day and generation. The usefulness of the college, situated on one of the most beautiful sites of the Con necticut River valley, was never greater and its outlook for the future more bright with hope. TRINITY COLLEGE. The stately group of buildings erected since 1878 for the use of Trinity College, after the sale of its original site on Capitol Hill, is on a bluff having a magnificent outlook and not far away from the spot where two of the few Connecticut victims of the- witchcraft delusion were hung. The beautiful homes in this vicinity and the dignified Halls of the College make a setting in strange contrast to the scene of the bleak winter day when the tragedy of superstition oc curred in 1662. In brief, the history of Trinity has been told in another Chapter1. The administration of George Wil liamson Smith (1883-1903) was one of advancement. The gifts of Charles H. Northam and others largely increased the endowment and its building equipment. Under the presidency of Flavel S. Luther (1904-1919) Trinity gained in its student enroll ment and scholarship requirements. With his retirement in 1919, Remsen B. Ogilby, a graduate of Harvard and 'See pages 319-321. Remsen B. Ogilby CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. 381 the Cambridge Theological School was called to the presi dency, under happy auspices. In celebrating its centen nial (1922), Trinity can look back over historic years in which the hopes of its founders have been abundantly realized. CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. The Connecticut Agricultu ral College, founded at Storrs in 1879, is filling a place of increasing importance. As the centre from which information regarding farming in all its de partments is disseminated, it is exerting a wholesome and help ful influence. The picturesque tract of six hundred acres, on which the college buildings are situated, is becoming more and more a model farm and experiment station. Its summer Schools give opportunities for a large number to enjoy their benefits, and some of the graduates of the college are prominent farmers of the state. The present head of the College is Charles L. Beach, a graduate of the Univer sity of Wisconsin and a former professor in the agricultural department of the University of Vermont. Storrs is already an institution of national repute. Charles L. Beach Benjamin T. Marshall 362 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. CONNECTICUT COLLEGE FOR WOMEN. Since the doors of this institution were opened in 1911 it has proved its need for furnishing the highest type of college training to the young women of the State. Under the presidency of Benjamin T. Marshall, a graduate of Dartmouth and Columbia, it is becoming the pride of New London and winning the favor of the State. The late Morton F. Plant gave one million dollars towards its endowment in 1911. Connecticut-born men have acted a remarkable part in the development of higher schools of learning in every section of the United States. Eleazar Wheelock1 was the founder of Dartmouth College, which entered upon its present period of expansion and national influence under the presidency of William J. Tucker, born in Griswold ii 1839. Samuel Kirkland, born in Norwich in 1741, was the founder of Hamilton College. It was under the presidency of Eliphalet Nott (born in Ashford June 25, 1773) that Union College came to its place of commanding influence. William Samuel Johnson (born in Stratford in 1696) was a leading founder of Columbia University. Abraham Baldwin (born in Guilford in 1754) secured the charter of the University of Georgia, gave forty thousand acres towards its endowment and was its first president. Laurens P. Hickok, distinguished for his writings on psychology and moral science and as president of Union College, was a native of Danbury. John J. Owen, remembered by several generations of students as the author of Greek college text books, and for many years connected with the faculty of the College of the City of New York, was born in Colebrook. Heman Humphrey, for twenty-three years (1823-45) president 3See parre 253, COLLEGE PRESIDENTS. 363 of Amherst College, was born in Wesj: Simsbury in 1779. Julius H. Seelye, professor for a long time of mental and moral philosophy and president of Amherst for fifteen years, like his brother L. Clarke Seelye, the beloved and honored president from the opening of Smith College until 1910, was born and nurtured in a Christian home in Bethel. Connecticut has given three presidents to Williams College: Ebenezer Fitch, born in Norwich, and presi dent from its founding for fifteen years; Edward S. Griffin, a native of East Haddam (1821-26), and Franklin Carter, born in Waterbury (1881-96). Charles G. Finney, the world distinguished revivalist and president of Oberlin (1835-54), was born in Warren, Aug. 29, 1792. Israel A. Andrews, son of a pastor of the Congregational church in Cornwall, became president of Marietta College in Ohio, and was later followed by a Connecticut man whose memory and faithful ministerial service are still cherished in Hartford homes, Alfred T. Perry. The first president of Beloit College was Andrew Chapin; and Edward Beecher, the eldest son of Lyman Beecher, occupies the same place in the history of Illinois College. Jared Sparks the famous professor of history and president for four years of Harvard University, was born in Willington May 10, 1789. — In later years this remark able list contains the name of Daniel C. Gilman (born in Norwich July 6, 1831) whose work in connection with the organization and development of Johns Hopkins, and the previous presidency of the University of California, has given him a unique place among distinguished educators. The same is true of Cyrus Northrop, born in Ridgefield, September 30, 1834. As editor of the New Haven Palladium and Professor of English literature at Yale he won high honor, but his national reputation 364 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. rests upon his work in the presidency of the University of Minnesota. Last, but not least, we mention the name of Mary E. Woolley, born in South Norwalk, July 13, 1863, and since 190Q president of Mt. Holyoke College, an institu tion that under her leadership has gained rank among the best in the country. In the mid years of the nineteenth century the academies and private schools of Connecticut did a notable work in the education of the sons and daughters of the thrift and culture-loving homes of the State. The bare mention of the Staples Academy in Fairfield; the Bacon Academy in Colchester; and the Goshen Academy in Goshen, recalls a most important chapter in the educational life' of Connecticut. The famous Brace and Pierce Schools for young ladies in Litchfield, and in later years, the more widely known school, founded by Miss Porter in Farmington, were institutions of a very high order. Similar schools have sprung up in all the larger cities ; forerunners of Smith, Wellesley, Bryn Mawr and the recently founded Con necticut College for Women at New London. Many of the private schools for boys, largely devoted to the work of preparation for college, have gained a national repu tation. Among the best known Horace Dutton Taft are the Gunnery School at Washington, named after its eminent founder, Frederick W. Gunn, and the Taft TEXT BOOK WRITERS. 365 School of Watertown, founded by the youngest of the family of Taft brothers whose fame has gone out to the ends of the earth through presidential, legal, editorial and educational leadership. The Hotchkiss and Taconic schools in Lakeville, the Bulkley School in Meriden, The Curtis school in Brookfield, the Mystic English and Classical School, the Westover School in Middlebury, the Gilbert School at Winsted, St. Margaret's in Waterbury, and Westminster School in Simsbury, with others on private foundations are doing a great work. The Loomis Institute at Windsor with its endowment of over a million dollars is already a power in the educational life of the State. In addition to the great work that the teachers of Connecticut schools have accomplished in their class rooms, mention should be made of the influence they have exerted in the preparation of text books that have been circulated by the millions from the days of Noah Webster down to the present time. In this list we find the names of Emma Hart Willard, Catherine Beecher, and Wilbur Fisk Gordy, a graduate of Wesleyan University, whose historical text books at the present time are winning the highest commendation. CHAPTER IV. POLITICAL AND CIVIC LIFE. Citizenship under a democracy, affording full freedom of thought and moral action, is the heritage of all re sponsible adults having their homes in the bounds of the State. Politics of the baser sort has often been a source, in Connecticut, as elsewhere, of evil influence. The stain and slime of disgraceful polit ical trickery has frequently discolored records that, as a whole, have been of a high character. Going back to the days fol lowing the Civil War, we note a decided change for the better in the conduct of political or ganizations. Votes are no longer' bought in the open. The will of the people is more directly exercised by the indi vidual voter. The ballot in the hand of women of the State is a step towards higher ideals and a check on evil counsels in party management. It is fortunate that the two political groups, that con trol in the local and State elections, are so evenly balanced in numbers that political leaders are forced to place in nomination for important offices, the best men in their Joseph R. Hawley 366 GOOD CITIZENSHIP. 367 Frank B. Brandegee respective parties. The result is, that in the last half century, Connecticut as a rule, has been represented by Senators, Governors, and members of Congress, who were men of the highest character; men who had won success in professional and business life and commanded the respect of the communi ties in which they lived. Good Governors, with their appoint ing power, have seen that the best qualified men in the State were named to fill vacancies in the Judiciary and other responsible positions. This has been true also of the working Commissions and Trusteeships of Institutions whose management is so vitally related to the welfare of the Commonwealth. While politicians, good, bad, and indifferent, have laid their plans and sometimes ac complished their selfish de signs, they have learned that Connecticut ballots quickly bring to naught any attempt i to foist inferior men into III places of large responsibil- k.*>mMm i ity. The same condition George P. McLean nolds true as to selfish> partisan attempts to secure undue privileges of any kind. It is, however, a lamentable 368 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. fact that so little attention is given in the schools to the teaching of the fundamental principles of good citizenship. Here is an open door of opportunity for patriotic societies to spend less of their time and money on mere social functions and give more attention to securing and advancing efforts, through schools and higher institutions of learning, having for their aim the lifting up and inculcating the duties of a citizenship worthy of Colonial and Revolutionary fathers and mothers. Since the days when Joseph R. Hawley, crowned with laurels won in the war for the Union, was elected to fill the Governor's Chair, we recall a roll of men representing the choicest fruitage of Connecticut training and success. Christian men, in their profession, they have exemplified the worth of character and illustrated the truth that industry and well-trained brains, based on the rock bed of right moral conduct are still the open door through which men, often born under adverse circumstances, come to highest honor in the State and the Nation. We do not remember one of these men of power and influence that has achieved his place, without unceasing toil and moral up rightness in reputation. At Washington the State has been served in later years by men like Joseph R. Hawley and Orville H. Piatt. In his last administration, President Grover Cleveland called a Connecticut business man and financier, Daniel Nash Morgan1, to fill the responsible place of Treasurer of the United States. When the first edition of this history was printed Phineas C. Lounsbury* was Governor. He was succeeded 'Mr. Morgan, born in Newtown August 18, 1844, is the most dis tinguished descendant of Thomas Sanford, one of the planters of Mil ford, (1639). Other kinsmen in this line are Henry S. Sanford, born in Woodbury June 15, 1823, minister to Belgium in Lincoln's adminis tration ; Irving Bacheller, the novelist ; Elias B. Sanford born in West brook, June 6, 1843. 2See page 287. GOOD CITIZENSHIP. 369 by Morgan G. Bulkeley (1889-93) ; afterwards a Senator (1905-1911) and prominent as a leader in the building up of the Insurance or ganizations, that have given such national reputa tion to the city of Hartford. Luzon B. Morris (1893- 95) was a New Haven lawyer, honored and be loved as a man of the highest integ rity and character. 0. Vincent Coffin (1895-97) an es teemed business Gunn man, spent his life in Middletown where he was a leader in ecclesiastical, social, and intellectual activities LorrinA. Cooke (1897-99) was a splendid representative of the men that have often come to leadership from the rural sections of the State. George E.Lounsbury (1899-1901), in The Memorial Tablet to Orville H. Piatt Placed by E. H. Van Ingen, Esq., i! Memorial Library, Washington the Conn. A Bertram Pegram, Sculptor 370 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. O. Vincent Coffin partnership with his brother, built up a great industry at South Norwalk, and mindful of his civic responsibility won distinction. George P. McLean (1901-1903), a Simsbury farmer's boy, graduating from Yale in 1904, came rapidly to political preferment. Elected Senator of the United States in 1911, he has received recognition from the Senate on Committee work of the highest order. The same is true of his associate Frank B. Brandegee (Yale 1885), elected Senator in 1905 and re-elected in 1921. As a member of the Commit tee on Foreign Relations his labors have been arduous. Both of these men have a well won reputation for faithful attention to their exacting duties. As a speaker Senator Brandegee is forceful, and often eloquent in the utterance of his convictions. Connecti cut owes a debt of grateful appreciation to these men who have been her able represen tatives at Washington during Daniel Nash Morgan1 trying historic years. ¦See page 368. STATE GOVERNORS. ( 211 Abiram Chamberlain, Governor in 1903-1905, was a man of sterling worth of character and charming per sonality. Henry Roberts (1905- 1907) is known as a lover of history and biography and a special student of political economy. Rollin S. Woodruff (1907-1909) from an errand boy in a New Haven store, has risen to a commanding position in that city as a busi ness man. Denied the privi lege of a college education he has won scholastic honors and is a trustee of Wesleyan University. The death of Gover nor George L. Lilley, at the very beginning of his admin istration, called the Lieutenant Governor Frank B. Weeks to the Chief Magistracy of the State (1909-1911). A successful, and public-spirited business man, Governor Weeks filled his high office with eminent satisfaction. " In every act," says a recent biographer, " in his public utterance, his appointments, his much applauded vetoes, his one purpose was, as through all his previous life, to do well that which his hands found to do without fear or favor." Retiring from active business responsibilities in middle life, Governor Weeks has devoted himself with Rollin S. Woodruff 372 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. Prank B. Weeks unceasing assiduity to the discharge of his duties as President of one of the largest Savings Banks in the State, as President for many years of the Board of Trustees of the Connecticut State Hos pital at Middletown, and as a trustee of Wesleyan Univer sity. When Simeon E. Baldwin, born in New Haven, February 5, 1840, and graduated at Yale in 1861, was called from his position as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Errors, to take the Governor's Chair (1911-1915), Connecticut was honored in having as its chief magistrate a man who had already won national and international recognition as a lawyer, jurist, and author. In the annals of the State the name of Simeon E. Baldwin has a secure place by the side of Boger Sherman and his own distinguished kinsman, Roger S. Baldwin, Governor of Connecticut in 1844-1846. Marcus H. Holcomb, from a judgeship of the Superior Court was thrice elected Governor (1915-1921). We have to go back to the incumbency of Governor Buckingham (1858-1866), to discover so long a record of service. Governor Holcomb, in reply to a question, gave as the essentials of success, " honesty, industry and sobriety." If to these essentials, we add character, brain power, and executive ability, we shall find the secret of Marcus H. Holcomb's career in the positions of trust he has so modestly but ably filled. STATE GOVERNORS. 373 Everett J. Lake, elected Governor in 1921, was born in Woodstock in 1871. A graduate of Harvard (1892), he disclosed the qualities in his high office that have brought him success as a busi ness man. Without fear or favor he made decisions that pleased the great body of Con necticut voters, even if they failed sometimes to secure the approval of self-seeking poli ticians. In closing this half century roll call of the Chief Magis trates of our Ancient Com monwealth, we quote an inti mate passage from a letter in which Governor Phineas C. Lounsbury (1887-1889) gave his "guide-post directions for life." " Imbibe," he says, " and practice, Christian Simeon E. Baldwin Everett J. Lake Marcus H. Holcomb 374 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. ideals, preach and practice purity in politics, be kind and considerate in the treatment of others. Honor your father and mother. Be just, have mercy, and observe the Golden Rule. Remember that it , is not money but character that makes men." We could wish that some patriotic society or individuals would have these words printed large >and placed in every school room and public and business office in the State. CIVIC LIFE. The rapid growth of the older cities and the evolution of thriving villages into city organization- and govern ment have in recent years brought civic duties and respon sibilities to the front. This increase of urban population, while giving evidence of material prosperity, has in it elements of serious import and danger. Social cleavages, ^ostentatious parade of wealth, lacking brains, culture and /good sense, and having little thought of civic or moral re- ' sponsibility for the welfare of the community, as a whole, are harmful sources of degenerative influence that are An evidence on every side. Scarcely less to be deplored is the lack of interest taken in the practical direction and or ganization of party politics by large numbers of cultured and influential men and women. The call of pleasure, the demands of business, a selfish, unsocial unwillingness to mingle with those who bear the heavy, disagreeable tasks . and burdens of life, and a professed disgust with the methods and action of political leaders, are made the excuse for the neglect of the duties of citizenship. How far such neglect belies the spirit of the founders and leaders of Connecticut in all the years of its history is easily seen as we study the record. Fortunately there are still a goodly company of those descended from Puritan forbears who do realize the responsibility of MORAL AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY. 375 citizenship and are deeply interested in the right conduct of the civic affairs of the communities in which they re side. The influence for good of these patriotic men and women is constantly fortified by the newspapers that have for over a century exerted a constant and wholesome in fluence in the political and civic life of the State. We hear much in these days of the need of American ization; a word applied, generally, to the foreign popula tion that has turned some Connecticut cities into verit able Babels. That a great work is called for in this direction, we cannot doubt. But must this work wait or depend upon new instrumentalities? Are existing instru mentalities doing their full share in securing better civic conditions? Are the boys ,and girls, whose ballots will soon decide the question upon whose right answer de pends the welfare of the State and the nation, receiving the best training in our public schools in preparation for the duties of citizenship? Knowledge, without an awak ening of moral and civic responsibility, crowds our jails and prisons with forgers, defaulters, and skilled crimi nals. Outside prison walls it gives birth to a spawn of political schemers that are a curse and menace to the community and state. Urban ,and rural communities must alike suffer while degenerate native born citizens and ignorant debased foreign born men are allowed to work their selfish schemes. With these words of warning we hasten to add words of. commendation and appreciation of the activities of public-spirited men and women who have done and are doing so much to purify the sources of civic life and give guidance in the organizations, con ventions and meetings, necessitating large expense in time and money, that are absolutely necessary to the right con duct of politics and civic affairs. 376 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. CONNECTICUT IN THE WORLD WAR. Connecticut has never failed to respond with loyal alacrity to the call that has summoned her sons to rally to the support of the national government. Twice during the past fifty years this call has come. In the Spanish war the need of men was easily met by ordinary enlist ment, but when the horrible war clouds broke in satanic fury over Belgium and Northern France and the tragedy of the sinking of the Lusitania compelled the United States to enter the World War, there was no shrinking of responsibility on the part of Connecticut. Marcus H. Holcomb by his wise guidance gained a place on the page of history by the side of Jonathan Trumbull and William A. Buckingham. In many ways the selective service, that called the young men of Connecticut to their allotted place and duty, was as severe a test of patriotism and loyalty as history records. Standing by the side of their brothers from every part of the Union, they endured hardships in campaigns of danger and death made terrible hy the modern methods of destruction. " On Flanders. Fields," in the beautiful cem eteries set apart by the government of France for our soldier dead, rests many a stalwart, beloved, true born Connecticut boy. Peace to their memories. Their con secrated lives and heroic deeds were not in vain. We salute the flag they loved, and pray that the remembrance of the sacrifice they made may be an incentive to every boy and girl who reads these lines to live lives worthy of such a heritage. We would not forget the part acted by Connecticut men of foreign birth, in this great struggle to save the nation and world in the hour of supreme need and peril. The CONNECTICUT DEMOCRACY. 377 brave Major Raoul Lufbery coming from a Wallingford home and educated in its schools, gave his life among the first who dared the danger of army flight, and deserves a place by the side of Nathan Hale, and the multitude of Connecticut men who in the Revolutionary war, the war for the Union, and the World war, laid down their lives upon the altar of their country. Raoul Ltjfbeby A recent historian ' of the founding of New England affirms that " Although there was little in the Funda mental Orders, as settled in 1639, which cannot be found in previous custom or legislation in Massachusetts or Plymouth, nevertheless, only those elements which were of a democratic tendency were put into the new constitu tion, and there was distinctly a more democratic attitude on the part of the leaders and the people of Connecticut than in the Bay Colony." The contrasted influences which the new colony and its parent were bringing to bear upon the development of American thought at this time may best be illustrated by the theories of their several leaders. Perhaps the two most influential men in New England in 1640, and the two who most deserved the positions assigned them, were John Winthrop, the leader in Massachusetts, and Thomas Hooker, the leader in Connecticut. Winthrop's opinion 1James Truslow Adams. 378 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. of democracy as " the worst of all forms of government," stands in marked contrast to Hooker's belief that the complete control of their rulers " belongs unto the people by God's own allowance." In the important question whether judges should render arbitrary decisions wholly according to their personal views, or be limited by a fundamental body of laws, the two leaders were equally far apart. " Whatsoever sentence the magistrate gives," wrote Win throp, who opposed any such limitation, "the judgment is the Lord's, though he do it not by any rule prescribed by civil authority." " That in the matter which is referred to the judge," asserted Hooker, on the other hand, "the sentence should lie in his breast, or be left to his dis cretion, according to which he should go, I am afraid it is a course which wants both safety and warrant. I must confess, I ever looked at it as a way which leads directly to tyranny, and so to confusion, and must plainly profess, if it was in my liberty, I should choose neither to live nor leave my posterity under such a government." Referring to the in fluence and leadership given in civil and po litical affairs by minis ters during the colonial period, Mr. Adams says, "It is difficult for the modern layman to real- It came about in part from the Puritan doctrine that nothing in life was untinged with a religious aspect. As, according to Puritan theory, there was no act which was not of a religious or moral character, the clergy- The Tapping Reeve Law School, Litchfield. The First Law School iu the Country ize its full extent. LEGAL PROFESSION. 379 man was, so to say, a specialist on one aspect of everything, and from that standpoint his advice must be sought in every detail of life, and his influence was correspondingly great. * * * The influence of the clergy was wholly, at least in the beginning, on the side of freedom."1 LEGAL PROFESSION. If the legal profession had scant recognition in early colonial days, it has secured its full quota of influence and office-holding in the last century and a half. Some are inclined to the opinion that it usurps, at present, more than its due share of official positions. The remarkable advance in the leadership and influence of the legal profession may be traced from the days when Litchfield became famous as the residence of the Law School that was founded and carried on for many years by Tapping Reeve, who became judge of the Superior Court, and then chief justice. Among the graduates of this famous school were ten governors of States, sixteen United States Senators, fifty members of Congress, two justices of the United States Supreme Court, five Cabinet members, forty judges of the higher State courts, and eight chief justices of the State. The part taken by Connecticut lawyers in the history of the Commonwealth is noted on all its pages. The names of Sherman, Ellsworth, Johnson, Mason, Swift, Baldwin, Griswold, McCurdy, Waite and others are enrolled at the very head of the legal profession in all the years of United States history. In the last half century Connecticut has enjoyed the services of a brillant galaxy of legal luminaries who have done honorable and note worthy service on the Bench, at the Bar and in State and 'The Founding of New England, pp. 183, 194, 195. 380 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. National legislatures. The names of Simeon E. Baldwin, Marcus H. Holcomb, Henry Wade Rogers, George W. Wheeler, George P. McLean, Frank B. Brandegee and many other men of marked intellectual and moral strength have won a place in the highest ranks of the legal pro fession in the State and nation. THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. While the pages of history do not give large space to the far-reaching influence of eminent physicians and surgeons, we all understand that they have had a leading place in making the story of Connecticut what it is. Compelled by the very exigencies of their laborious pro fession to forego political office and preferment, they have in quiet ways been leaders in civic affairs and in the life and destiny of Connecticut homes. In the larger cities men like Doctors Knight and Bacon of New Haven, and distinguished surgeons of national reputation in Hartford and other communities, have won wide and honorable recognition. But in quiet villages and rural communities hundreds of noble, cultured physicians have lived and accomplished a noble service, whose names have had no wide heralding. The time will come when some Ian MacLaren will give us life sketches of Connecticut country doctors whose careers of self-sacrificing service and nobility of character and helpful influence will match in interest the inimitable story of the beloved doctor of Drumtochty. CHAPTER V. CONNECTICUT IN LITERATURE.1 CONNECTICUT in its literary activities has made a worthy record in the last half century. In the retro spect of colonial days, Jonathan Edwards, born in East Windsor, October 5, 1703, is the great outstanding figure. " The most able metaphysician and the most influ ential religious thinker of America, he must rank in the ology, dialectics, mysticism and philosophy with Calvin and Fenelon, Augustine and Aquinas, Spinoza and Nov- alis ; with Berkeley and Hume as the great English philoso phers of the 18th century; and with Hamilton and Frank lin as the three American thinkers of the same century of more than provincial importance."2 The Rev. George L. Clark, in his excellent history of Connecticut, gives us a taste of the poetry that won popularity in colonial days. Roger Wolcott, born in Windsor, 1679, gained renown as an officer in the campaign against Canada in 1711. On his return home in 1728 he published Poetical Meditations, being the Improvement of Some Vacant Hours. In his Meditation on Man's Fallen Es tate, he breaks forth into the following lines: " Once did I view a fragrant flower fair, Till through the optick window of mine eye, The sweet discovery of its beauties rare Did much affect and charm my fantasie, To see how bright and sweetly it did shine In beauties that were purely genuine, ¦See pages 296-301. Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th Ed., Vol. IX. 381 382 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. This flower collects the ' Nutrimental juice,' That's of the earth it did monopolize The same to its own benefit and use, Also the benediction of the skies." This extract will suffice. And yet the thoughtful readers of colonial days found great enjoyment in these, and like, poetical effusions. The " Hartford Wits m of Revolu tionary times disclose a distinct advance in style and struck off sparks of genius in their literary efforts. The mid years of the Nineteenth Century gave a permanent place to Connecticut poets in the annals of American Lit erature.2 We quote a few lines that will stir the hearts of some readers with tender memories of the days of youth when they read or recited them in the old school houses and academies of their native State. James Gates Perci- yal, born in Berlin, September 15, 1795, published his first volume of miscellaneous poems in 1822, and continued to write and publish until 1843, when he became absorbed in the geological surveys that gave him eminence as a geologist. We quote the opening lines of his Graves of the Patriots: " Here rest the great and good. Here they repose After their generous toil. A sacred band They take their sleep together, while the year Comes with its early flowers to deck their graves, And gathers them again, as Winter frowns. Theirs is no vulgar sepulchre — green sods Are all their monument, and yet it tells A nobler history than pillared piles, Or the eternal pyramids. They need No statue nor inscription to reveal Their greatness." ¦See pages 297, 299. 2See page 300. CONNECTICUT AUTHORS. 383 How many of the " boys in blue," contemporaries of a remnant of a still living generation, caught the spirit of patriotism as they read the lines of Fitz-Greene Hal- leck? " They fought like brave men, long and well ; They piled that ground with Moslem slain; The conquered — but Bozzaris fell, Bleeding at every vein. His few surviving comrades saw His smile, when rang their proud huzza, And the red field was won; Then saw in death his eyelids close, Calmly as to a night's repose, Like flowers at set of sun." A like stirring bugle call breaks forth in John Pier- pont's, Warren's Address at Bunker Hill. Stand ! the ground's your own, my braves ! Will ye give it up to slaves? Mrs Emma Hart Willard, born in Berlin in 1787, did notable work in the writing of school books, but she will longer be remembered as the author of " Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep." Lydia H. Sigourney, born in Nor wich in 1791, during her long life, was" a prolific writer of sentimental poetry, good, bad and indifferent. Samuel G. Goodrich, better known as " Peter Parley," was born in Ridgefield in 1793. He won both fame and fortune by his books that were largely written for the benefit of young people. The closing years of the Eighteenth century and the opening of the Nineteenth give the birth dates of a group of men and women who won a remarkable place in the renaissance period of American literature. Amos Bron- son Aleott, born in Wolcott in 1799, the friend of Emer son, did some fairly good literary work, and, best of all, was the father of the author of Little Women, the 384 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. pub- classic story th'at Theodore Roosevelt said he read and re read. George D. Prentice, the famous editor of the Louis ville Journal, was born in Preston in 1802. Of Horace Bushnell the great theologian, preacher, publicist, and writer, we have made mention in other chapters.1 Lyman Beecher, born at New Haven, October 12, 1775, lived on to extreme old age (1863). 2 A preacher of remarkable power and eloquence, his pen was constantly employed in cor respondence and the writing of books and pamphlets. Few men in his day and genera tion exerted a more powerful in advancing the cause of temperance and It was during his Litchfield pastorate that his noted children, Henry Ward Beecher, and Harriet Beecher Stowe, were born. In reminiscences, penned in later life, Mrs. Stowe relates the story that when she was about nine years old, attend ing the famous school of Mr. Brace, she prepared a com position taking the negative of the question, " Can the im mortality of the soul be proved by the light of na ture ? " At a public exhibition From " Royal Truths. lished in 1865 Henry Ward Beeches influence Christian unity. Courtesy G. P. Putnam's Sons Harriet Beecher Stowe 'See pages 298, 301, 341. 2See page 251. CONNECTICUT AUTPIORS. 385 this, with other compositions, was read. Mr. Beecher, who was sitting on the platform, listened with interest to the paper. At its close, he turned to a teacher and asked, " Who wrote that composition ? " " Your daughter, sir ! " was the answer. " It was," says Mrs. Stowe, " the proudest moment of my life. There was no mistaking father's face when he was pleased, and to have interested him was past all juvenile triumphs." Dr. Beecher lived to read the story of Uncle Tom's Cabin} From the Congregational parsonage in Haddam went out the children of David Dudley Field: David Dudley, the great lawyer and legal writer ; Cyrus, of Atlantic Cable fame; Stephen, Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States; Henry M., editor and author. Donald G. Mitchell, born in Norwich in 1822, under the pseudonym of " Ik Marvel " wrote charming essays that have become classic. Henry Clay Work, born in Middletown in 1832, gained fame as the greatest United States writer of popular songs next to Stephen C. Foster. The best known are Father, Come Home; Kingdom's Coming; Wake Nicodemus; Marching Through Georgia; and My Grandfather's Clock. The stories of Rose Terry Cooke, born in West Hartford in 1827, were widely read and admired. Theodore Winthrop, born in New Haven in 1828, fell in one of the early battles of the Civil War. His novels published posthumously showed that he would have had a successful literary career. Charles Dudley Warner, who identified his life so in timately with Hartford, through his editorial work and his books, like his neighbor for many years, Samuel Clemens, was born outside Connecticut, but as adopted sons the name and fame of these men is a part of Con necticut history. The poet-banker, Edmund C. Stedman, "See pages 298, 300. 386 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. first saw the light in Hartford in 1833. In the composi tion of ballads and lyrics, he holds a high place. The Library of American Literature, of which he was a joint editor, contains articles from his pen of which the En- cylopsedia Britannica says, referring to their enlarge ment in the two volumes, Victorian Poets (1875), and Poets of America, " They form the most symmetrical body of literary criticism yet published in the United States." Edward Rowland Sill, born in Windsor in 1841, was a welcome contributor to the best magazines of his day, a graceful essayist and a poet. of rare gifts. His death in middle life cut short a career of great promise. John Fiske was born in Hartford on the 30th of March, 1842. His historical works are, for the most part, studies of separate yet related episodes in American history. Keen in their analysis; dramatic in style; and giving generalizations, based upon wide reading; his books have done much to popularize and increase interest in Ameri can history. It is possible, however, that his more last ing fame will rest upon his books, that in a lucid, helpful way, illustrated and explained the significance, historical and scientific, of the theories of Darwin and Herbert Spencer. The name of Caleb T. Win chester, born in Uncasville in 1847, is worthy of a high place in the galaxy of Con necticut teachers and writers. For a half century connected Irving Bacheller CONNECTICUT AUTHORS. 387 with Wesleyan University, he wrote several volumes of charming essays and a standard Life of John Wesley. In later years Irving Bacheller, a descendant of Thomas Sanford, one of the pioneer founders of Milford (1639), and long a resident of the State, has won fame as a novel ist. His best known story, Eben Holden, had a very large sale. William Lyon Phelps, born in New Haven in 1865, and since 1896 an honored and beloved professor of English literature in Yale University, has written and edited volumes of permanent worth, while contributing largely to current magazines and newspapers. Connecticut born men have accomplished widely recognized work as authors of historical, scientific and theo logical books of permanent value. Benjamin Trumbull, in the Congregational parson age of North Haven, over a century ago, in an enduring fashion gathered the record of Connecticut in colonial days. Later on, the somewhat eccentric John W. Barber, riding through the State from town to town, gathered their history and traditions into the Collections, that are a storehouse of delightful information to every lover of Connecticut local history. In the middle years of the Nineteenth century J". H. Hol- lister, a cultured lawyer of Litchfield, prepared two bulky volumes, based upon the researches of Trumbull, that for many years he.ld a place as the standard history of the William Lyon Phelps 388 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. State. In the same year in which the first edition of this book appeared Alexander Johnston, one of America's ablest historical scholars, published his Connecticut in the well known Commonwealth series of State histories. The more exhaustive and well written history of George L. Clark appeared in 1914. The editing of the Colonial Records of Connecticut (15 vols.), bears testimony to the monumental services rendered by J. Hammond Trumbull and Charles Hoadly. This work in various ways, has been supplemented by the researches of Forrest Morgan, a worthy successor of the scholarly men who have mined the ore that others have utilized. Mention of all the volumes and pamphlets that have given the record of town and county history, .and special periods, would make a library catalogue. In this field the work of Ellen C. Larned, William Cothren, Ed ward E. Atwater, Joseph An derson, Charles M. Andrews and others have been of great value. In the field of general his tory, George P. Fisher of the Yale Divinity School won a high place. His History of the Reformation is still a standard work. Williston Walker of the same institution was recognized as one of the leading church historians of his day. Early in the Nineteenth Century Edward Robinson, born in Stonington in 1794, wrote and edited volumes on the Greek New Testament and Hebrew Scriptures and Holy Laud re- Forrest Morgan CONNECTICUT AUTHORS. 389 search that gained world-wide recognition. In this field Benjamin W. Bacon has done notable work.1 Theodore D. Woolsey during his long connection with Yale College as professor and president, published works that established his reputation as one of America's greatest scholars. The name of James Dwight Dana stands at the head of the list of eminent geologists of international fame. The work and writings of William G. Sumner in history, finance, and political philosophy, and Othniel C. Marsh in palaeontology, were of the highest order. The same is true of the learned contributions of William D. Whit ney, James Hadley, Noah Porter, and other sons of Con necticut who in professorial chairs in Yale, Wesleyan and Trinity have accomplished enduring work with their pen. In this list mention should be made of Wilbur Olin At- water, who during his connection with Wesleyan Univer sity gained national and international recognition for his investigations in dietetics and as the founder of the office of Experiment Stations of the United States De partment of Agriculture. Asaph Hall, born in Goshen in 1829, was the discoverer of the two moons of Mars. We have by no means given a full roster of the names of Connecticut men and women who have done, and are doing, notable literary work. Some, especially of the younger generation, will have fitting recognition from future historians. 'Benjamin Wisner Bacon, born in Litchfield (1860), the grandson of Leonard Bacon and son of Leonard Woolsey Bacon, a prominent* pastor of Congregational and Presbyterian Churches and author of A History of American Christianity, has been connected with the Yale Divinity School since 1896. Dr. Bacon has won by his success as a teacher, and the authorship of many volumes, a leading position among scholars in the field of New Testament criticism and Biblical exegesis. CHAPTER VI. CONNECTICUT IN THE FINE ARTS AND MUSIC. PAINTERS. THE Yale Art Gallery, and the Atheneum and Mor gan Memorial of Hartford, bear testimony to the place won by natives of Connecticut in the Fine Arts. The beautiful needle work of colonial days, preserved in the historical collections of many of the cities and towns of the State, attest the skill of the mothers of a generation of artists and painters whose names stand high on the roll of distinguished artists. One of the earliest Colonial painters, J. B. Blackburn, if tradition is correct, was born in Wethersfield about 1700. In his day Blackburn, it is said by competent authority, " stood second only to Cop ley." Ralph Earle, born in Lebanon about 1751, was a famous painter of miniatures. He studied under Ben jamin West and was so successful that he gained permis sion to paint a portrait of George III. John Trumbull, son of Governor Jonathan Trumbull, was born in Lebanon in 1756. A graduate of Harvard,. against the wish of his distinguished father he turned his attention to the art of painting. With the outbreak of the Revolution he served under Washington and Gates. In 1777 he studied with Benjamin West in London. On his return to America, with indefatigable zeal he produced the gallery of portraits of the eminent leaders of his day that are now so highly prized. In the later years of the 390 PAINTERS AND SCULPTORS. 391 Eighteenth century and the early years of the Nineteenth, the paintings of miniatures was brought to a very high standard. Among these painters we find Elkanah Tisdale (born in Lebanon about 1771) ; Samuel Waldo (born in Windham in 1783), an artist of consummate technical skill. At the head of the list of great painters born in Connecticut, most would place the name of Fred erick E. Church. Hartford was his birthplace (1826). While in his teens he became a pupil of Thomas Cole. The teacher left a lasting impression upon his style and kindled a passion for the most careful handling of de tails. When Sir Caspar Clarke rearranged the hanging of the pictures in the Metropolitan Museum of New York, he gave a prominent place to Church's Heart of the An des. The verdict of the English critic that " Church was a great painter," was generally accepted. Samuel F. B. Morse although born in Boston (1781), was the son of a Congregational minister of Woodstock. For a time he made his home in New Haven on a site near the present Yale Art School. He was an excellent artist, but his fame rests upon his invention of the magnetic telegraph. John L. Fitch, the " forest painter," was a Hartford boy (1836). One of his best known works is Twilight on John's Brook. Gurdon Trumbull, born in Stonington in 1841, made a specialty of painting fish. A Critical Mo ment is called his best production. George F. Wright (Washington, 1828) had his studio for many years in Hartford. His portrait of Lincoln attracted wide atten tion. John F. Kensett was born in Cheshire in 1818. In his New York studio he produced his best paintings, among them Genesee River and Lake George. George H. Durrie (New Haven, 1820), won reputation as a painter of pastoral landscapes. Edward S. Bartholomew (Col- 392 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. chester, 1822) for a time was director of the Wadsworth Gallery in Hartford. Disabled by an illness that left him permanently crippled, with undaunted courage he travelled and studied in Southern Europe and gained skill in his profession that brought him success. The name of Ralph Isham is remembered in connection with the Wads worth Gallery. Charles D. Brownell (Providence, 1822), who in early life made his home in East Hartford, was an eminent landscape painter. George H. Cushman (Windham, 1814), won fame as a miniature painter. R. W. Hubbard (Middletown, 1847) became noted for his effective use of chiaroscuro. Henry C. Flagg (New Haven, 1812) a nephew of Washington Allston, did no table work as a painter of animals and marine views. George W. Flagg (New Haven, 1817) is known for his fine portrait of William Ellery Channing and also one of his uncle Washington Allston. The Match Girl and the Landing of the Pilgrims are among his best paintings. Jared B. Flagg (New Haven, 1820) was an eminent portrait painter. Other sons of Connecticut have left works that are of great value and interest. Through the genius of named and unnamed artists, Connecticut has the proud record of being the pioneer State for standard historical paintings. SCULPTORS. Hezekiah Augur (New Haven, 1791) was the first American sculptor. Self taught, his work early attracted attention and he was commissioned by Congress to make a bust of Chief Justice Ellsworth. His marble statuettes Jephtha and his Daughter are in the Trumbull Gallery at Yale University. Olin L. Warner (West Suffield, 1844), killed by accident in early manhood, is best known by his ARCHITECTURE AND MUSIC. 393 bronze statues of William Lloyd Garrison and Governor Buckingham, and his Twilight and The Dancing Nymph. Among living sculptors, Paul Wayland Bartlett (New Haven, 1865) has won a high place. He designed the statues of Columbus and Michelangelo in the Congres sional Library at Washington ; a pediment over the House wing of the Capitol; and six statues on the front of the New York Public Library. In the list of Connecticut born architects, we place first the name of David Hoadley (Waterbury, 1774). Meet ing-houses in Milford and Norfolk and other edifices at test his skill. He designed and built the Center Church in New Haven ; and drew the plans of the Wadsworth Athe neum and Christ Church in Hartford. He illustrated the Christopher Wren style of architecture in drawing the plans of churches that are the pride of Wethersfield and Farmington. John Ferguson Weir and his brother Julian Alden Weir, sons of the eminent portrait and historical painter, Robert W. Weir, have by their con nection with the Yale Art School won a place in the roll of Connecticut architects and designers. MUSIC. Lining-out, a method of singing established by the Eng lish Parliament in 1644, was adopted in Connecticut and continued through colonial days.1 This rule originated in action taken by the Westminster Assembly when they abolished the liturgy and substituted psalm-singing, with the injunction, " For the present, when many in the con gregation cannot read, it is convenient- that the minister, or some fit person .... read the psalm line by line, before singing thereof." It was not until after the Revolution that this custom entirely died out. Singing ¦See page 128. 394 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. by note was bitterly opposed by many, and as late as 1733 the church in Glastonbury in a spirit of compromise voted to use one method in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Singing schools were popular early in the eighteenth century in spite of the opposition of conservatives who regarded singing under instruction and by note a heinous sin. In one church where trouble arose and the choir for a time refused to sing, when they finally returned the minister gave out the hymn And are ye wretches yet alive? And do ye yet rebel? In another church a good deacon, disgusted with the new way of singing, after the choir had finished a hymn arose and indignantly exclaimed, " Now let the people of God sing." In Harwinton when the then modern method was first used, a church member rose from his seat and marched down the aisle crying, " Popery, Popery." The key-note was first struck by the use of a pitchpipe, and later by a tuning-fork; now a curiosity but used by many choir leaders and teachers within the memory of the writer. Andrew Law, born in Cheshire in 1748, was a famous teacher and published a journal called the Art of Sing ing. In the early part of the Nineteenth century, the de mand increased for a higher style of melody and the works of Handel, Haydn and Mozart came into use. Thomas Hastings, born in Washington in 1787, early made his home in New York and became a leading teacher of singing. He wrote many hymns and composed their music. Singing schools became the centre of social life among young people in almost every Connecticut MUSICIANS. 395 "village, and pianos and melodeons multiplied where only a few spinets and harpsichords had been owned by wealthy families. Dudley Buck, born in Hartford in 1839, was an eminent composer of modern music. His concert tours gave him a national reputation and he filled a leading part in great Music Festivals held in Cincinnati and New York. His most important work was an oratorio, The Light of Asia. The Yale School of Music has exerted a wide and grow ing influence under the direction and endowment of Samuel Sanford and men like Parker, Jepson and others. Horatio Parker won distinction as a composer of music of the highest quality. The Litchfield County Choral Union, through the generous gifts of Carl Stoeckel and his wife, a daughter of Rob- bins Battel, has made Norfolk for many years a Mecca for the lovers of good music from every part of the country. Born in Meriden and edu cated in its public schools, Rosa Melba Ponselle has, in recent years, attained wide fame as a singer and member of the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York. Rosa Melba Ponselle CHAPTER VII. MANUFACTURING1, AGRICULTURE, INSURANCE AND BANKING. THE water-wheels that utilized the brooks and rivers of Connecticut, in running the machinery of grist mills, saw mills, and small factories in Colonial days, and up to the middle years of the nineteenth century, have been replaced by the steam and electric engines that fur nish the power that keeps hundreds of workmen busy in great establishments covering, sometimes, acres of ground. From small beginnings Connecticut has become famous for its brass goods, clocks, typewriters, house fittings, silk and cotton fabrics, and innumerable varieties of iron castings and tools.2 The inventive genius of earlier days is still alive, and again and again, in the last fifty years, some happy combination, thought out in native born brains, has laid the foundation of a goodly fortune. The financial returns from the manufacturing interests that have within a few decades developed villages into thriv ing cities,3 have brought about marvelous changes in civic conditions and in the architectural and landscape beauty of a multitude of homes. While these great manufac turing establishments have not been entirely free from labor troubles, there has been less friction between labor and capital than, perhaps, in any section of the country. It is to be hoped that this record will continue to improve and that more and more the social welfare of individual workers, and the community as a whole, will have a fore see pages 284-295. 2See pages 332, 333. 3Bristol in 1880, had a population of 5,347 ; in 1920, it was 20,620. Torrington numbered 3,327 in 1880 ; in 1920, 22,055. 396 MANUFACTURING. 397 most place in the plans of those who are prospering through the skill and toil of those whom they employ. Wealth fairly won, is, if wisely used, a source of innum erable blessings; but no reward is more satisfactory, in lasting dividends, than wealth shared with the community in which it has been gathered, in the endowment and development of institutions, educational, philanthropic and aesthetic. The names of scores of Connecticut men and women have found a place in this constantly growing roll of honor. Many of its towns and all of its cities have been the recipients of this bounty, that in libraries, schools, hospitals, and public parks, is giving the people, rich and poor alike, inestimable privileges such as the wealthiest, in former days, did not enjoy. While we can but deplore the ostentatious display of wealth, often ill gotten, the community generally very fairly places the hall mark of distinction upon ability that, in winning a fortune in legitimate ways, does not forget to share it with those less favored. Far more wise is the man who in his lifetime shares his wealth with the community and State, rather than wait for death to demand the toll of just taxation or prove a curse to parasitic heirs. The increase of the number of men and women who have never learned the lessons of industry and frugality, and whose lives are spent in indolence with little care or thought of the responsibilities and steward ship of inherited wealth, is a menace to the State and na tion. There is neither happiness, satisfaction, nor distinc tion, in such a life. Money can purchase many things; but mental discipline, unselfish service, abiding respect, and worth while distinction, is not a prize to be bought with dollars — even if they reach the million mark. The story of the growth and development of Connecti- 398 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. cut industries is one of romance and noble achievement. The situation of the State, in its proximity to great centres of population, with vantage ground already se cured and the still almost exhaustless and unused power of her water courses, in addition to the inherited attain ments of past generations, promise to keep our common wealth at the forefront in its vast manufacturing interests. AGRICULTURE1. Agriculture, as a science and a lucrative occupation, has made a marked advance since the d>ays of the Civil War. The founding of the State Agricultural College in 1879 opened a new era in the tilling of Connecticut soil, that has always richly rewarded the industry of those who have worked it. The stone walls, broken with the frosts of many winters, that still mark the boundaries of pasture, woodland, and cultivated fields, bear silent testi mony to the sturdy strength of the hands that laid them in colonial times. No longer do yokes of oxen drag the stone boats in clearing the fields or slowly pull the plow that turns the sod in preparation for the planting of corn and potatoes and the sowing of wheat, rye and oats; These staple crops, with the products of the dairy, and the fruit of heavy laden orchards, placed upon the table of the Connecticut farmer, in earlier days, an abundance of wholesome food that attested the skill of notable house wives who had never heard of Domestic Science, but from favorite receipts handed down from mother to daughter, concocted marvellous pies, cakes, preserves, and other dainties that still, in taste, tantalize the memory of some born in the mid years of the nineteenth century. The swish of the scythe in early summer mornings is no longer heard in the land of " Steady Habits," and a 'See pages 333-334. AGRICULTURE. 399 large part of the heavy toil of former years is accom plished with the aid of machinery. From 1850 to 1880 the number of farms increased, but this condition was followed by a marked decrease. Em igration westward, and the seductive appeal of village and factory life, brought about the disuse of seventy-sis thousand acres of improved land in the decade ending in 1910. But a change has come in this tide that left so many abandoned farms in every part of the State. Im migration, from Southern .and Central Europe, has al ready wrought marvellous changes in sections of the State where once highly cultivated fields had become overgrown with bushes and wild fruit. On the broken cellar walls of former farm houses, sturdy hands, with toil in which after old-world fashion, women and children have a part, are founding new homes. With intensive cultivation abandoned farms are rewarding industry with ample re turns that supply the market places of nearby villages and cities. In recent years the worth of land and buildings has rapidly increased, and it is estimated that the value of implements, machinery and live stock is twice as great as sixty years ago. The increase in the value of poultry has been over fifty per cent, within twenty years and farm crops have increased in price in almost a like ratio. Hay is still the most valuable crop and orchard fruits are constantly gaining in value. The demand for dairy products increases with the growth of the urban popula tion, and this demand is an incentive that is calling for pure-bred stock, and the choicest seeds and fruit bearing trees. In this work which is making Connecticut a veritable garden of productive beauty and worth by the develop- 400 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. ment of its resources of rich valley soil, its hillsides so well adapted to fruit and pasturage, and the wise conser vation of its abundant woodland, — the State Agricultural College and Experiment Stations have taken a leading part. The Yale School of Forestry is rendering valuable assistance in the renaissance of interest in orchard and woodland products. The State Agricultural Society is supplemented in its activities by scores of town and county organizations. The Granges, are not only centres of community life and social welfare, but they are ex tending and utilizing the benefits of the Farm Bureaus that are exerting a most helpful influence. It is a hopeful sign that men of wealth are finding both enjoyment and profit, in developing and managing- estates that are object lessons in the possibilities of farm life. Young men with college training are discovering full scope for their ability in the pursuits of agriculture, and it still holds good, as in the past, that no business re quires more executive skill and wise management in win ning success, than the conduct of a good Connecticut farm. "Back to the land," is no watchword for slug gards or those who are seeking an easy way of gaining a living. But, for the man or boy who enjoys life in the open and desires an occupation that will test his skill and ability in every direction and give rich returns in health and a fair competence, agriculture in Connecticut offers an open door of opportunity. In this connection we must not forget the use that Connecticut makes of her soil beneath the waters that lap her southern boundaries. Oyster planting is one of her reliable .crop productions, and the activities of this grow ing industry are measured in millions of bushels from year to year. FIRE AND LIFE INSURANCE. 401 INSURANCE. On March 14, 1794, the following advertisement ap peared in the Hartford C our ant: HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE OFFICE. The subscribers have this day opened an office for the purpose of insuring Homes, Household Furniture, Goods, Wares, Merchandise, etc. against Fire. Sanford and Wadsworth. This was the humble beginning of the great insurance business that has made the name of Hartford familiar in every part of the world. These partners in a general merchandise store, Thomas Sanford ' and Jeremiah Wads worth, were led to make this venture by information that had come to them of the success of a like experiment in Philadelphia. Their now famous Policy Number Two insured the house of William Finlay for eight hun dred pounds for one year at a rate of one-half of one per cent. The firm was very careful as to the standing and character of the individuals whose property they insured. In the year following the insertion of the above advertise ment, Sanford and Wadsworth were joined by other substantial citizens in an enlarged copartnership " for the purpose of underwriting on vessels, stock, merchan dise, etc., under the firm name of the Hartford and Neir Haven Insurance Company. Some of these men were in corporators of the Hartford Insurance Company (1803), and in 1810 secured the charter of the Hartford Fire In surance Company with a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The first financial crisis which endangered the growing insurance business of Hartford, occurred in 1835. The great New York fire threatened to wipe out the capital ¦Thomas Sanford, » descendant, as are all the Sanfords of America, of Richard Sanford, who lived and died in Much Haddam, Essex County, England in 1559. See the Thomas Sanford Family Genealotiy, vol. 1, pp. 23, 24. 402 HISTORY OF CONNECTICUT. invested in the Hartford Fire Insurance Company, and its entire surplus. Its president, Eliphalet Terry, pledged his personal property at the Hartford bank, and started in his sleigh in a morning that was below zero, to dis cover the situation among other companies and take steps to meet the impending disaster. Yankee pluck, as in the after days that followed fires in Chicago and Boston, won out. The announcement was made that the Hartford Company would pay its losses in full and take out new insurance. The night of gloom gave way to the dawn of a day of increased prosperity. Success in Hartford stimulated the organization of companies in New Haven, Norwich and other cities. The total expenses of the great ^Etna Insurance Company in its first year amounted to four hundred and fifty dollars. Among its policies was one issued as late as 1859 insuring fifteen negroes valued at sixteen thousand dollars. This Com pany now has the largest capital in the world — ¦ four million dollars. The fascinating story of the growth and development of the Connecticut Fire Insurance Societies would fill a volume. The same is true of Life Insurance. The Con necticut Mutual Life Insurance Company was granted » charter in 1846. It was a pioneer in adopting conserv ative plans founded on scientific knowledge, that have placed the vast interests of Life Insurance on a safe basis. The names of Guy Phelps, James Goodwin, Jacob L. Greene, and John M. Taylor are written large upon the roll of distinguished financiers that have made Hartford a world centre of Insurance activities. The Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Company, first organized in 1851, as the American Temperance Life Insurance Company 'is enjoying a growing and substantial prosperity. The BANKING. 403 .