1 —J. kWl ! .1* ,iV-- 5, --",--. ',.-¦ ^t- J r - - -- ¦»¦ ¦ , ¦ ',li; ,<¦.-.. r'f? 1. '¦.K'S*^»4-^ ^ Til* - .V«?' -J. '¦ / ' I k*', ' ¦ ' ' - r ,•-¦¦. 't .;'ji "¦I'i .,iL'".''* -¦ -V... -,¦' -¦" .' .7,' — -- YALE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY NEW HAMPSHIRE. PROVINCIAL AND STATE PAPERS VOLUME 9 Town Papers AMS PRESS NEW YORK NOTICE, Joint Resolution, passed by the Legislature of New Hampshire. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court convened, That His Excellency the Governor be hereby author ized and empowered, with the advice and consent of the Council, to employ some suitable person, and fix his compensation, to be paid out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, to collect, arrange, transcribe, and superintend the publication of such portions of the early State and Provincial Records, and other State Pa pers of New Hampshire, as the Governor may deem proper; and that eight hundred copies of each volume of the same be printed by the State Printer and distributed as follows: namely, one copy to each City and Town in the State, one copy to such of the Pub lic Libraries of this State as the Governor may designate, two hundred copies to the New Hampshire Historical Society, and the re mainder placed in the custody of the State Librarian, who is hereby authorized to exchange the same for similar publications issued by other States. Approved July 6, 1866. ^mn f ap^t^. DOCUMENTS AND RECORDS RELATING TO TOWNS m NEW HAMPSHIRE; WITH AN APPENDIX EMBRACING THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS OF I778- 1779; AND OF 1781-1783 ; AND THE STATE CONSTITUTION OF 1784- PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE LEGISLATURE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. VOLUME IX. COMPILED AND EDITED BY NATHANIEL BOUTON, D. D., Ml Corresponding Secretary of the New Hampshire Historical Society. CONCORD, N. H. : CHARLES C. PEARSON, STATE PRINTER. 1875- Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Bouton, Nathaniel, 1799-187^, comp. Town papers. (New Hampshire. Provincial and state papers, v. 9) Additional Town papers, compilted and edited by I. W. Hammond, issued as v. 11-13 of Provincial and state papers. 1. New Hampshire — Constitutional history — Sources. 2. New Hampshire — History, Local — Sources. I. New Hampshire. Constitutional Convention, 177^- 1779. II. New Hampshire. Constitutional Convention, I7SI-I783. III. Title. IV. Series. r34.B66 1973 974.2'02 73-12640 ISBN 0-/i.04-07459-6 VAiS Reprinted from an original copy in the collections of the Wilbur L. Cross Library, University of Connecticut Reprinted from the edition of 1875, Concord First AMS edition published, 1973 /Vbnufactured in the United States of America International Standard Book Number: Complete Set: 0-404-07450-2 Volume 9: 0-404-07459-6 AMS PRESS, INC. New York, N. Y. 10003 EDITOR'S PREFACE. The special value of this volume consists in the information which it contains and communicates, relating to Towns in New Hampshire. It will be found indispensable in every Town History. We are little aware, at this period, of the sac rifices, b'ials, dangers and absolute sufferings which many of the early settlers endured in planting Towns in the interior of the State; where, literally, they often suffered "from savage beasts and more savage men." The border Towns were, for years, open to the incursions of Indians from Canada. Their earnest petitions to the Governor or to the General Assembly for help, clearly reveal to us their dangers and distresses. Be sides this source of trial, others arose from disputes about boundary lines, the location of meeting-houses, the settling of ministers, irregularities in town meetings, &c. The volume is of great value, as giving the names of many, and in some cases, all the male inhabitants of the Towns, from which pe titions were sent. These will enable descendants to trace. their connexion with the early settlers. The volume, also, has an important value, in that, in the- Appendix, it gives in full, all known facts relating to the Constitutional Conventions in 1 778-1 783, which resulted in the establishment of the first Constitution after the Revolution, 1784. The Editor is not aware that the facts herein have ever before been published, in connexion. He asks attention to the Note subjoined to the first and second articles of the Bill of Rights, on pages 896-898. In examining these "Town Papers," readers will often do well to refer to the Provincial and State Papers in preceding volumes, of corresponding date, from which, in some cases, additional information will be obtained. GENERAL CONTENTS. NOTE BY THE EDITOR. The contents of the several MS. Volumes from which the following printed pages are transcribed, are noted and kept distinct herein as in the original. Thus : VOLUME I. ACWORTH TO CHICHESTER, pp. I-I27. ACWORTH. Pages. Memorial of Sampson Stoddard and Jona. Blanchard 1-2 Petition of Jona. Blanchard for extension of the charter of Acworth, 1772 ...... 2 Gov. Wentworth's warrant to inspect the settlement in Acworth, May, 1772 ...... 3 List of families and settlers in Acworth, according to report of inspectors ...... 4 ALSTEAD. A true list of the inhabitants settled in Alstead, 1771 — names ......... 5 Petition in relation to an extension of the charter . 5-6 AMHERST. Request of the inhabitants of Souhegan West for a guard to defend them from the French and Indians, 1744 Vi general CONTENTS. Pages. Memorial of Rev. Daniel Wilkins for like aid, 1744 . 7 Petition for protection against the Indians, 1747 — sign ers' names (i) . . . . . . . 8 Petition for aid from inhabitants of Monson (after wards incorporated, in part, with Amherst) — names, 1747 ....... 9 Petition of Monson for annexation of a tract of land to them — names, 1754 ...... lo Petition of Monson to be exempt from taxes, 1753 . 11 Petition of certain persons for annexation to Monson — names . . . . . . . . 12 Petition of selectmen of Amherst for extension of its charter, 1761 ....... Petition for pay for taking inventory of Lyndeborough, 1762 13 Proposals of accommodation between Monson and Am herst, 1763 14 Letter of Rev. Daniel Wilkins, relating to Amherst for a shire-town, 1767 I4> ^5 Vote of Monson for a division and annexation to Am herst and to Hollis, and Petition for the aforesaid division ........ 16 Petition to be disannexed from Amherst, 1771 — names 17 Petition against division of the town, 1771 — names . 17-19 Vote of Amherst in favor of annexing Monson, 1766 . 20 Petition of John Shepard, jun., town clerk, in behalf of Amherst, 1771 ....... 20 Petition for a road from Charlestown to Amherst, 1773 21 Petition of inhabitants of Hillsborough county in rela tion to John Holland, 1774 21-24 Petition of Monson to be restored to its original char ter—names, 1782 2^_26 (i) Readers are reminded that names of persons in the same town which are frequently repeated, as signers of petitions or otherwise, are not uniformly noted by page in the Index; but are indicated by a - mark between the pages where they are found ; but every name in a par ticular town will be found in the Index once or more. Ed GENERAL CONTENTS. Vtl ATKINSON AND PLAISTOW (i). Pages. Petition from Plaistow, relating to difficulty of attending public worship, 1766 — names .... 26, 27 Petition relating to a site for a meeting-house — names, 1764 Petition to be set off as a parish — names, 1766 Reasons of Daniel Hadley and Joshua Emery against a division ....... Memorial of inhabitants of Haverhill to the people of Plastovsr, 1767 — names ..... Information from Plaistow, to the Governor, &c., 1766 — names ....... Joseph Page, Eben' Ekton and Joseph Parker, against a division, 1767 ...... Petition of inhabitants of Plaistow, with reasons for be ing set off in a distinct parish — names . Petition of sundry persons to be polled off from Atkin son to Plaistow — names .... Memorial of inhabitants of Plaistow against a new town &c. — names ....... Report of a committee of Plaistow, about the meeting house, 1766 ....... Persons in Plaistow who desire to have the town remain undivided ....... Asa Haseltine against a division of the town Number of people in Atkinson and in Plaistow . James White ; reasons for wishing to remain in Plaistow List of Baptists in Plaistow — names .... 28 29 30 31 32 32.33 33-35 3637 38 3S, 393939 40 BARRINGTON. List of the original proprietors of Barrington . . 41-45 Petition for power to raise money .... 45, 46 of Thomas Shepard ..... 46 of John McMath and Thos. Shepard . . 47 of selectmen of Barrington, for a representative 48 (i) The papers relating to these towns are intermixed. Ed. Vlll GENERAL CONTENTS. Pages. Petition of Garland and Brewster for a Congregational Parish 4^) 49 BEDFORD. Petition of people in Souhegan-East for protection — names of families, i744 • • • • ¦ 5° Petition of Presbyterians in Bedford, 1750 — names . 51 > 5^ Petition of people in Bedford, for a Proprietors' meet ing 52 Petition for a tax on their land, for a meeting-house, &c. 53 Petition of James Caldwell, for a town meeting, &c. . 54 Petition of Selectmen and Committee of Safety, against John Houston's taking an oath, 1778 . • • 55» 5^ BENNINGTON. Mr. Samuel Robinson's petition for a tax, 1763 . . 56, 57 BOSCAWEN. Petition of Contoocook, Penacook and Canterbury for protection against the Indians, 1747 ¦ • • 57 Contoocook petition for aid, 1744 — names . Petition for appointment of military officers — names for a land tax for support of a minister, 1747 for authority to collect taxes . for a Justice of the Peace, 1766 — names . 58.59 59 60 60, 61 62 BOW CO. Bow remonstrance against against Rumford petition for incorporation, 1749-50 ...... 62 Perambulation of Bow town lines • ... 61 Petition of Selectmen of Bow, 1753 .... 63, 64 Warrants relating to taxes, &c., 1753 . . . .65,66 (1) By error, the head-line on pp. 63-76 is "Boscawen," which should be Bow. ED. GENERAL CONTENTS. IX Pages. Petition of agents of Bow for a loan of money, i754 Vote for a loan to Proprietors of Bow .... 68 An act relating to Bow, taxes, &c., 1755 • • • 68-70 Petition for a new survey of lots . . . . . 'ji, 'jz Inventory of Bow and Canterbury, 1761 . . . 73, 74 Petition of Edward Russel and others, 1764 . . 74, 75 Petitionof Joseph Baker and Philip Eastman, 1764 . 75 Petition of Selectmen of Bow, not to be rated with Con cord, 1767 7^ 67 BRENTWOOD. Namesof persons in Brentwood desiring a Parish, 1743 ¦ 7^> 77 Petition of inhabitants in the North part of Brentwood about a meeting-house, 1743 — names . . 77~79 Petition of Elisha Sanborn, in relation to Brentwood, 1745 Remonstrance against Keeneborough patent . . 80-83 Charter of Keeneborough . . . . . . 83, 86 Petition of Selectmen of Keeneborough, 1748 . . 84, 85 Petition of inhabitants of Brentwood, to be set off as a Parish, 1764 — names . . . . . • 85, 86 80 CANTERBURY. Vote of town meeting, 1738 ..... 86 Petition of proprietors of Canterbury, about a road, 1 741 87 of proprietors of Canterbury for a bridge, 1743 88, 89 of Canterbury men for wages, 1 754 . . 90 of Canterbury for remission of tax, 1754 . 91 of Selectmen for remission of taxes, 1756 . 92 relating to the original charter . . .92, 93 Petition of Archelaus Moor and others to be set off to Canterbury, 1764 94 Petition of Abiel Foster about Town Records, 1774 . 95 CHARLESTOWN, No. 4. Letter to Cols. Willard and Hinsdale, 1743— names . 96, 97 Petition of John Spafford, &c., for aid, 1744 • • 97 GENERAL CONTENDS. Petition of Selectmen for a road, 1768 of Timothy Lovell about an island, 1770 of Benjamin Page for a Ferry, 1771 Petition of John Nott, and of Simeon Alcott for a Ferry, 1771 ...... Pages. 98 99 100, lOI CHESTER. Petition in behalf of the Proprietors of Chester, 1726, with Minutes of Council thereon Petition of Selectmen, relating to town bounds, 1726 Report on petition for a road, &c., 1743 Petition of Chester in relation to salary of ministers, &c., 1740 ....... Petition for aid of soldiers .... Petition of John Talford and Tho= Wells, for protec tion, 1748 ....... Minutes of Chester Town meeting, 1753 . Petition of Andrew Craige, in relation to taxes ^757 Advertisement of town meeting, &c., 1763 Petition of North Parish, to be set off, &c., 1763- names ....... Petition for a new Parish, 1763 — names . Petition to confirm bounds of Long Meadow Par ish, 1771 ....... Meeting of freeholders and inhabitants — names Memorandum of agreement, 1772 . Answer to a petition for a Parish being set off, 1772 Bounds of Long Meadow Parish, 1772 Further petitions, relating to the same, 1773 — names Petition of Daniel Foster for a Ferry loi, 102 103 103, 104 105106 107 107 108109 no III, 112 "3114 "5ii6 117 1 1 7-1 20 120 CHESTERFIELD. Memorial relating to the estate of John Wheelwright, of Boston ........ Petition of Josiah Willard about the same 120, 121 122 GENERAL CONTENTS. CHESWICK, NOW LITTLETON. Petition of Moses Little and associates for extension of charter ....... CHICHESTER. Charter of Chichester Petition for extension thereof — names confirmation of charter . liberty to assess taxes Note by the Editor, "Coulerain" . Pages. 123 123 125 126 126, 127 127 VOLUME II. CONCORD TO EXETER, pp. 1 28-274. CONCORD. Petition from Ebenezer Eastman for protection from the Indians, 1746 ..... Copy of Rumford petition for defence, &c., 1744 Petition for aid by Benj. Rolfe, Esq., 1745 Petition of inhabitants for like purpose, 1 747 — names Petition of Capt. Ebenezer Eastman for same . Petition of Joseph Pudney, for service Letter of Rev. Timothy Walker to Archibald Stark Petition of Ezra Carter in behalf of Rumford . Letter of Jere. Stickney, Esq., relating to Bow Petition of Rev. Tim° Walker in behalf of Rumford of Selectmen, relating to taxation, &c. to be annexed to Hillsborough county . 128 129 130, 131 131 133 ^33 134 1.34. 135 13s. 136 136. 137138 139 CONWAY. List of original Proprietors of Conway — names, &c. 141, 143 List of settlers that have families, &c. . . • 144 Memorial from Fryburg, Brownfield and Conway, 1776 144. 145 xii GENERAL CONTENTS. CORNISH. Pages. Petition of Jon' Chase for a grant of Hart Island, 1772 145. 146 DEERFIELD. Petition of inhabitants in relation to a tax — names . 147 for a tax, with reasons therefor, 1773 . . 147. 148 Petition for appointment of a Justice of the Peace, 1774 — names ....... 149 Petition of southerly part of Deerfield for a Parish, 1774 — names ....... 150 DERRYFIELD. Note 151 Petition of inhabitants relating to town meeting, 1766 — names ....... 152, 153 DOVER. Extracts from the Records of Dover, 1643 . . 153, 154 Petition for bridging Cochecho and Lamprey rivers 154 Letter to the selectmen of ^over and Exeter about a bridge ; Accts. of pretenders to land at Cochecho Point 155 Petition about a Grammar School at Dover (i) . 155, 156 of Selectmen, relating to a bridge, 1723 . 156 Petition and complaint against Richard Waldron, Esq. ........ 157, 158 Petition of inhabitants of the N. E. part of Dover for a Parish, 1729 — names 159, 160 Petition of Eleazer Weare in behalf of inhabitants in N. E. part of Dover, 1729 . . . . 160 Petition of Paul Gerrish and others relating to frauds and forgeries, 1729 — names . . . .161,162 (i) By error, the date, 1772, should be 1722. Ed. GENERAL CONTENTS. xiit Pages. Action of General Assembly, and Report of Com mittee thereon, 1729 ...... 162, 163 Report about frauds in Dover Town book, 1731 . 163-167 Petition of Proprietors of Hilton's Point, 1731 — names - 167, 168 Petition of people in Dover and other towns for a Township, 1733 — names 168-171 Petition for, a grant of land, 1754 — names . . 171, 172 List of the training men under Capt. Tho' Millet, 1740 173. 174 List of the second foot company of Dover, 1740 . 174, 175 List of the troopers under Capt. Tristram Coffin, in Dover, 1740 . • • • • . . . 176 Petition against a new Parish, 1744 — names . . 176, 177 for leave to have a Lottery, for a bridge, 1760 177 Petition for a bridge to cross Bellamy's Bank, 1756 — names 178, 179 Petition in relation to being set off in a separate county, 1768 180 Petition relating to a bridge, 1770 — names . . i8i, 183 Petition relating to bridges, 1773 — names . . 184, 185 Petition relating to rocks in Salmon-falls river, 1779, names 185-187 DORCHESTEfe. Petition of John House for extension of time to make their settlement, 1771 187 Petition for a new charter, 1772 .... 188 DUBLIN. Petition to be incorporated into a township, 1771 . 188 DUNBARTON. Petition of Capt. Caleb Page, of Starkstown, 1763 . 189 Petition in relation to a school lot, 1774. with resolve of General Assembly ..... 190, 191 Petition of Caleb Page relating thereunto, 1774 . 191-193 GENERAL CONTENTS. DUNSTABLE. Petition of Inhabitants of Pine Hill, 1763 Votes at a town meeting in Dunstable, 1763 Petition of inhabitants of West Parish of Dunstable for a garrison and men, 1744 — names Petition for protection against the Indians, 1744 in relation to a certain tract of land Copy of an Indian Deed, 1671 Petition relating to conflicting town meetings, 1 748 Petition for dividing the Province into Counties, 1754 — names ....... Warning for a town meeting, proceedings, &c. 1760 . ...... Samuel Hobart, attorney for Dunstable, 1763 . Answer to a petition of inhabitants of Dunstable to be set off to Hollis, 1763 .... Petition of Zacheus Lovewell and Joseph Blanch ard, 1758 (i) . . ... (i) By error, 1768. Ed. Petition of Joseph Blanchard, 1762 ... Wm. Brown's letter and power of attorney, 1760 Proceedings at Town meetings Letter to Hon. Henry Sherburne Papers relating to the settlement of Rev. Samuel Bird ....... List of qualified voters in Dunstable Names of persons who voted for Rev. Mr. Bird Names of those who voted against him, &c. Votes at Town meetings, &c. .... Petition relating to an illegal Town meeting Sundry names, in Dunstable .... Minutes of Town meeting .... Assent to Jos. Blanchard's petition, and Remon strance against it .... . Petition of Jon° Lovewell, in answer to Jos. Blancb ard's ........ Petition to send a Representative Petition of people in the west part of Dunstable to be annexed to Hollis .... Pages. 193 194 194 '95 196 196, 197 198-200 201 202203 204-206 206207208 208-210 210211 211 213 213-214 215216 219 219-221 221-222 222 224 226, 227 GENERAL CONTENTS. Pages. Petition relating to another hearing .... 228 Petition against annexation to Hollis . . . 229-231 Proceedings at town meetings ..... 231—234 DURHAM. Petition for incorporation as a town .... 234 Ecclesiastical document, 1723 ..... 235 Petition of aggrieved inhabitants of Oyster River . 237 Petition of Francis Mathes and others for a new Parish ........ 238 Names of soldiers in Durham under Capt. John Smith ........ 240 Petition of Daniel Meader, 1745 .... 241 Petition of Joseph Thomas and others, about a fraud ulent election . ' . . . , . . 242 Petition for a highway ...... 243 EPPESTG. Petition of inhabitants for protection . . . 245, 246 EPSOM. An Act to invest Proprietors of Epsom with town rights ........ 246 Petition of John Weeks 247 Petition for abating the Province tax . . . 248 Proceedings at town meetings ..... 249-250 EXETER.* Combination at Exeter, 1639 . Elders' or Rulers' Oath .... Oath of the people Request for a town meeting and a new Parish Petition for a Parish — names . * See Note by the Editor, at the close of General Contents. 250 251 252 252 253-257 GENERAL CONTENTS. Counter petition — names ..... Petition for Parish privileges — names Remonstrance against ..... Warrant for town meeting — other remonstrances Report on location of a meeting-house Brentwood petition about Parish lines Petition of Andrew Oilman and others — names Brentwood to pay Province tax to Exeter . Report of a Committee about Brentwood meeting house ....... Joint petitions, &c., (relating to Brentwood) . Remonstrance — names .... Agreement of parties (in Brentwood) Survey of a Parish in Brentwood Pages. 257 258 260 261-265 265 266 267 268 269 270-272 273 280 290 VOLUME III. E SETER TO JEFFERSON, pp. 275-43O. EXETER— CONTINUED. Petition of Andrew Oilman and others about a meet ing-house, 1743 — names ..... Petition of sundry persons in Exeter for support of a minister^among themselves .... Petition to be exempted from support of a minister not of their ^choice — names .... Petition in answer to that, praying for exemp tion, &c. ........ Replication to the foregoing ..... Petition of sundry inhabitants of Exeter, to be incor porated into a new Parish — names Answer of the Town Committee of Exeter to the foregoing ........ Result and advice of an Ecclesiastical Council in Exeter, 1755 Acceptance of the foregoing Result and Advice 275 277 278 280284 291 293 295297 GENERAL CONTENTS. JCVii Pages. Petition of John Odlin and others for power to call Parish meetings ...... 297 FRANCESTOWN. Petition for a land tax to build a meeting-house — names ...... FRANCONIA. Petition of John Wendell, agent for the town of Franconia ....... Petition of Alexander Phelps and others relating to forfeiture and re-grant of Franconia and Lin coln ....... 299 300 301 GILMANTON. Petition for pow-er to levy a tax, &c. . . . 302 GILSUM. Vote of Westmoreland to set off' a part of the inhab itants to Gilsum ; vote of Gilsum to set off the west end of the town ; assent of inhabitants of Gilsum to be set off ..... . 303 Petition for a new town — names .... 304 GOFFSTOWN. Petition of Archibald Stark for soldiers to guard the garrison at Amoskeag ..... 306 Votes at town meetings in Goffstown . . . 307 Petition for a Presbyterian Society — names . . 307, 308 Petition of inhabitants, 1772, relating to town dis putes — names ....... 308 A town meeting called, Proceedings, &c. . .310,311 Petition for an emission of paper money . . . 311 A Bank of paper currency ..... 313 ii XVIJI GENERAL CONTENTS. GOSPORT. Pages. Petition to be exempt from paying taxes . . . 313 Petition of Selectmen for remission of taxes . . 314 Petition for a Lottery, for protecting the harbour — names ........ 316 GRANTHAM.* Petition of John Sargents for a new charter . . 318 of Abel Stevens, for same . . . 319 GREENLAND. Petition of inhabitants for privileges . . . 320 Petition of sundry persons to be joined to Greenland parish . ...... 321 Petition for a grant of certain powers . . 321, 322 for a township ... . . 322 Portsmouth votes relating to Greenland . . 323 Petition of inhabitants of Breakfast Hill . . 324 for extension of boundary lines . . 325 relating to tax warrant .... 326 for representation in the General Assembly . 327 GROTON, FORMERLY COCKERMOUTH. Petition of John Hale and Samuel Hobart for a re- grant 228 Memorial of James Gould and others . . . 329 HAMPSTEAD. Petition for a Parish _-j Vote of Kingston against setting off a Parish . . 332 Petition of Richard Hazzen about support of Rev. James Gushing Petition of Edward Flint and others to be annexed &c. . . 334 • By error, head-line, " Gosport," p. 319, should be Grantham. Ep. GENERAL CONTENTS. HAMPTON & HAMPTON-FALLS. Pages. Petition of Selectmen about taxes .... 335 Petition of Abraham Drake and others about a tract of land, &c. ....... 336 Certificate of Nathaniel Weare — of Jabez Smith . 337 Petition for leave to make a separate tax . . . 338 Request relating to highways ..... 339 Petition relating to a Parish ..... 340 Petition of inhabitants of Hampton-falls for a tavern 341 Petition for a new Parish ...... 343 Concurrence therein — objections thereto . . 345 Petition of Hampton-falls for a Fair — grant thereof . 345-346 Agreement relating to Rev. Ward Cotton Petition adverse to setting oft" a new Parish . . 347 Reasons against the same ..... 348 Names of jjersons in different towns who petitioned to be annexed to Massachusetts, 1739, viz., in Hampton, Kingston, Hampton-falls, Chester, Stratham, Exeter, Kensington, and Greenland* 349-356 Reasons offered against a new district, and Remon strance against the same ..... 356, 357 Petition of persons formerly of Massachusetts to be annexed to Hampton-falls . ... 35S, Petition of inhabitants of N. E. part of H!ampton to be exempted from minister's tax . . . 359: Petition of sundry persons to be annexed to Hamp ton-falls ........ 360 Petition of persons in Haverhill not to be joined with Kingston ...... 361 Notification of a Parish meeting to set off those who call themselves Presbyterians .... 362 Petition for a Presbyterian Society .... 363 Petition in answer to the foregoing petition . . 366 Petition for a Presbyterian Society renewed . . 370' An Act dividing Hampton-falls into two Parishes . 372 Report of a Committee to fix the line between the two ... 373 * The said names are not repeated in the Index. Ed. GENERAL CONTENTS. Pages. Petition of the Parish of Hampton-falls in relation to delinquent tax-payers ..... 374 Petition of Selectmen of Hampton-falls, to make a rate 376 HANOVER. Petition of John House about Islands in Connecticut 378 HILLSBOROUGH. Petition in relation to roads in Society-land . 379 Petition for an Act of Incorporation . . . 3S0 Petition of John Hill for protection from the Indians 381 HINSDALE. Petition of Ebenezer Hinsdale in behalf of North- field 383 Petition of Proprietors and claimers of land in North- field south of the Province line .... 383 Petition of Ebenezer Hinsdale for protection against the Indians ....... 385 Petition of Daniel Jones for remission of taxes . 386 Province rate for the town of Hinsdale, 1764 . . 388, 389 Names of inhabitants of Hinsdale, classed according to location, with amount of tax, on the West side of Connecticut river, and on the East side of Connecticut river, those of the East side, who live in other towns ...... 390-393 Petition for a new County [Important] . . . 393 Petition of Doct. Josiah Pomioy, for permission to inoculate in Hinsdale for small-pox . . . 304 HOLDERNESS. Petition of Samuel Livermore for two rights of land ; deposition of Samuel Eaton; deposition of Thomas Vokes . 394. 395 GENERAL CONTENTS. Pages. Petition of Proprietors for extension of their grant ; to send a Representative ..... 396 HOLLIS. Petition for a Committee to locate the meeting-house 397 Petition of Samuel Cummings for protection against the Indians ....... 399 Petition for a tax on non-residents' lands . . . 400 for dividing the Province into two counties . 401 of people at Pine Hill to be set off from Hollis 402 HOPKINTON. Petition for an Act of Incorporation .... 404 Petition for power to lay a Tax on 4-5"" of the land, &c 405 Petition relative to Province tax .... 406 for power to sell common land . . . 409 of sundry persons for an Act of Incorporation 410 for Incorporation — reasons for . . . 411-412 for a Tax on non-residents .... 414 HUDSON, FORMERLY NOTTINGHAM WEST. Petition for a new Parish ..... for town privileges .... for a Parish ...... of Selectmen for a hearing — names Vote on the question of incorporation Petition of John Marsh for a land-tax, &c. Petition for Nottingham W. to be included in the west division of counties — names Petition relating to fish in the Merrimack river Another petition relating to the same Depositions of Thomas Pollard ; Benj. Marshall 416417 418 420 422 423 424 425 427 428 Xxii GENERAL CONTENTS. JAFFREY, FORMERLY MONADNOCK, No. 3. Certificate to Mr. Josiah Willard Pagbs. 429 JEFFERSON, formerly DARTMOUTH. Petition to extend the time for making a settlement . 430 VOLUME IV. KINGSTON TO NEW BOSTON, pp. 431-55^- KINGSTON. Original Grant or Charter Petition for re-settling of Kingston . to be clear of public charges to be discharged from cost of road for abatement of Province tax ; fora township another for a township of East Parish about division of lines Remonstrance against a new Parish . Petition of Jedediah Philbrick for partition of real estate for a further hearing on Haverhill petition relating to the Basford land grant Petition of westerly part of Kingston for town privi leges ...... Petition for a Justice of the Peace for soldiers to keep the Fort to remain in the old Parish . for a new Parish . relating to boundaries . Report of Committee on the same . Petition about small-pox . KENSINGTON. Petition to send a representative 43'432 433 434 435437 439441442 443 446 447 448449 450 451 453 454 455 GENERAL CONTENTS. KINGSWOOD.* xxiii Pages. The Charter of Kingswood — names of grantees, pro ceedings, &c 456-463 LANCASTER. Minutes of Council, relating to a road Petition for soldiers .... 463 464 LANDAFF. First granted to James Avery and others . Petition of Trustees of Dartmouth College, — and Minutes of Trustees ...... LEMPSTER. Petition of Capt. Joseph Spencer for extension of charter ........ LITCHFIELD. Granted by Massachusetts, and known as Brenton's farm ; Petition for a township .... Petition of inhabitants of Litchfield and Nottingham West, for a township — names . Petition relating to support of a minister . relating to the settlement of a minister relating to the payment of a minister . for men and military stores — names of Nathan Kendall relating to boundary line for a Parish on the East side of the river relating to the same, as above Petition to be included in the West division of Coun ties ........ Petition of Isaac Cummings to be taxed in Netting ham-west ....... Petition for a grant of a ferry, by Lucy Read . * Kingswood was probably never settled under that name 464 465 466 467 468-469 470471472473 473 474 475476 477 479 Ed. xxrv GENERAL CONTENTS. LONDONDERRY.* Pages. Originally called Nutfield, 1719 • • • 479 Petition of Inhabitants for a Charter . . . 480 for Bills of credit, &c.— names ... 481 Charter of Londonderry 483 Schedule of names of proprietors of Londonderry . 484 Petition about running the lines .... relating to common lands . . • 4°^ Oaths to be taken .....-• Names of persons who took the oaths . . . 489 Petition about division of town lands . . 49' Differences about lands adjusted, and Petition for redress of injustice — names .... 492 Petition respecting aggressions, of Haverhill people 493 against Haverhill people .... 494 relating to minister's tax, &c. — names . . 495 Counter petition to foregoing — names . . . 498 Answer of Selectmen of Londonderry . . 499- Votes relating to the places of public worship . . 500 Petition of 2* Congregation relating to Presbyterial authority ........ 5°^ Act for incorporating a new Parish in Londonderry . 502 Petition for a new Parish — bounds .... 504-505 of Samuel Barr ...... 5°^ Petition for division of land, &c., of heirs of Rev. Thomas Thomson ...... 5^7 Petition of inhabitants of old and new Parishes . 508 of Selectmen respecting Parish bounds . 510 to be taxed in Nottingham-west . . . 511 Counter petition ....... 513 Petition relating to a military company . . . 514 Thanks to the Legislature for an Act relating to tav erns ......... 515 Petition, 1759, for discontinuance of a highway — names ........ 516 • Readers will please take notice, that names in Londonderry which are of very frequent occurrence, are noted by a - joining the pages ia which they are found. Ed. general contents. xxv Pages. Petition for a law regulating fishing . . 519 relating to fish in Merrimack river — names . 521 Petition about irregular proceedings in town meet ing — names ....... 525 Petition of Londonderry West Parish . . . 528 of inhabitants of Londonderry, 1773 . . 532 Agreement of Committees ..... 533 LYME. Petition for a ferry over Connecticut river . . 533 for a half-shire town ..... 534 LYNDEBOROUGH. Petition for protection against the Indians . . 535 Grant of Salem-Canada ...... 536 Schedule annexed to charter, names, lots, &c. . . 540 Petition for an Act of Incorporation . . . 541 MADBURY. Petition for a Parish — names ..... 541 Call for a town meeting in Dover .... 543 Bounds of the West end of Dover — names . . 544 MARLOW. Heads of families, single men, &c. .... 54^ Petition for extension of charter .... 547 Original proprietors and proprietors by purchase . 548 MERRIMACK. Petition for a tax on non-resident lands . . . 548 Petition for dividing the State into Counties — Merri mack names ; Bedford names .... 55° Petition to be attached to Col. Goffe's regiment — names ........ 55 '^ SOWl GENERAL CONTEKTS. MONADNOCK, No. 7- Petition for an Act of Incorporation PAe««. 55» NEW BOSTON. Petition about minister and school lots— names . 553 for a tax on certain lands — names • • 555 to raise taxes to finish the meeting-house . 55^ VOLUME V. NEW CASTLE TO PORTSMOUTH, pp. 557-687. NEW CASTLE. Petition relating to tax, &c against a bridge at New Castle — names New Castle's answer to Sandy-beach petition — names Petition of inhabitants of New Castle and Rye- names .....••• Petition for aid in behalf of the ministry . of Rev. John Blunt Account of persons who voted for representative — names .....••• Petition relating to a Lottery to build a bridge . for a Lotterv to build a bridge — names NEW DURHAM. Proprietors' meeting — Petition . NEWMARKET. Papers relating to Newmarket bridge — names . Petition of inhabitants of Nottingham — names . of inhabitants of sundry towns — names An act for erecting and maintaining a bridge, &c. Answer of Exeter to petitions .... 5S«559 56i 563563 564 566 566 567 56^ 570 572-574 576 577 GENERAL CONTENTS. Reply to Exeter's objections .... Petition of Stratham against the bridge — names of Kensington against the bridge — names of Hampton Falls against the bridge — names of Epping against the bridge — names . Vote of Kingston against said bridge Vote and petition of East Kingston against it . Offer of land adjacent, by Philip Fowler and Rob ert Smart ... ... Petition for a Lottery to build said bridge — names Petition of inhabitants of sundry towns to build a bridge at Newfields — names Another similar petition — names not repeated in the Index ....... Petition of inhabitants of Newmarket — names not re peated in the Index . ... Act to raise money by Lottery for a bridge Petition of inhabitants of New Market, Stratham, &c. — natnes not repeated .... Report of Committee relating to a highway in New market ... . . . . Petition of Selectmen, &c., for a highway — names . NEW IPSWICH. Votes at a town meeting in New Ipswich . Petition for a Committee to settle a plan for a meet ing-house — names ...... Account of the pay of petitioners and non-petition ers ........ NEWTOWN. Petition of sundry inhabitants of Amesbury — names of inhabitants of Almsbury Peek — names . Petition of Newtown — names in Almsbury district — of those in South Hampton .... Report of a Committee ...... Petition of inhabitants in west part of Almsbury Pages. 580 582 583 5S4 585 586 587 588 590 .592 596 598 600602603 604 605 606 607 608 609-611 611 6l3 XXViii GENERAL CONTENTS. Pages. 622 Petition of Sam' French and others against a new parish — names ....... 613-619, Petition of inhabitants of South Hampton, east end . 619 of Thomas and Joseph Fowler . . . 620 Petition of sundry persons against a new Parish — names ........ 621 Petition of Selectmen of South Hampton against the same ...... South Hampton, setting oft" 28 persons to a new Town ; and 2 more polled off .... 624 Petition from South Hampton for a surveyor . . 625 Jona. Watson and Roger Eastman, poll off . . 626 Petition of Selectmen of South Hampton, about high ways ........ 627 Draft of an Order in Council for polling off, &c. . 628 Supplemental charter of Newtown .... 629 Petition from Almsbury district .... 630 NOTTINGHAM. Original charter of Nottingham .... 630 Note by John Farmer, Esq. ; Shem Drown of Boston, petitioners request for a road — names . . 632 Petition of Capt. Peirce and Dr. Nath' Rogers, for a road ......... 633 Petition for a tax on non-residents, for support of a minister ........ 634 Petition for protection against the Indians . . 635 Vote to set off a Parish, &c , . 636, 637 Petition to be eased of the Province tax . . . 637 Petition of inhabitants in the South-west of Notting ham for Parish privileges . . . . 638 Petition for a separate Parish — names . . . 639 to elect an Assembly-man — names . . 642 Statement relating to original rights — names . . 643 GENERAL CONTENTS. XXIX ORFORD. Pages. A list of inhabitants in Orford with their families and ages — names ...... 645 Single men — persons to whom Col. MouJton wrote to settle, &c. ....... 646 Mem" of the settlement and improvement of land in Orford — names ....... 646, 647 Names of all the men, women and children in Or ford ; names and ages of the children . . 648, 649 Petition of William Simpson and others . . . 650 PELHAM. Petition of Henry Baldwin in behalf of the town of Pelham ....... 652 Petition of selectmen of Pelham, to tax non-resi dents . . . . . 653 PEELING. Petition of Nathaniel Cushman ; and memorial of Nath' Cushman and others for a re-grant of the township — names ...... 655 PEMBROKE. Petition and memorial of Moses Foster . . 657 of Benjamin Holt, for a guard, &c. . , 659 Town meeting relating to Rev. Aaron Whittemore . 659 Petition for a Justice of the Ptace — names . . 660 of John Bryant, agent for the Presbyterians 661 for leave to send a representative — names . 663 PETERBOROUGH. Petition of the town of Peterborough, for town privi leges ..... . . 665 Petition for a new county — names . . 666 GENERAL CONTENTS. PIERMONT. Petition of the Committee of Piermont to the Gov ernor ........ Pages. Petition relating to Peterborough Slip, for annexa tion, &c 667 Petition relating to Rev. John Morrison — names . 668 for a division of Peterborough — names . 669 against a division — names .... 671 PLAISTOW and ATKINSON. Petition of selectmen of Plaistow, about a constable 673 Vote of Haverhill district to set off Timberlain, and a letter from Rich"" Waldron, &c. . . . 674 Petition for a town or parish — names . . . 675 against being set off as a new parish — names 676 Petition of inhabitants in the west part of Haverhill district, not to be incorporated — names . . 676 Petition not to join with Richard Hazzen's plan — names ........ 677 Sanborn, Palmer and Weare's report of Haverhill district 678 Petitionof Haverhill districtfor a new Parish — names 678 Petition for a Special Act (against thieves, &c.) — names ........ 680 Memorial of Col. James White and others . . 681 Petition of sundry inhabitants of Plaistow . . 682 for release from support of Hugh Potter . 6S3 684 PLYMOUTH. Petition for leave to send a representative — names . 685 for a re-survey of land, &c. . . . 686 for a representative — names . . . 687 GENERAL CONTENTS. xxxi VOLUME VI. PORTSMOUTH TO WOLFEBOROUGH, pp. 68S-824. 690 PORTSMOUTH. Pages. Original name — orders relating to a school, &c. . 6S8 Petition for a grant of land, and Request to the se lectmen of Portsmouth ..... 689 Petition in relation to a meeting-house at the Plains — names ........ Petition relating to dividing the common land, [see Note; and for "General and Hist. Reg. 1870," read N. E. Hist. Geneal. Reg. July, 1S70, pp. 264-266] 693 Petition of the South Parish in Portsmouth . . 695 Remonstrance of Portsmouth selectmen . . . 697 Answer to a petition relating to the choice of James Clarkson as representative .... 698 Deed from Theodore Atkinson and others, of their Rights in certain townships . . . 703 Petition of Portsmouth selectmen about a Pest-house 704 Answer to a petition of Clement March, &c. . . 705 Petition for a Lottery to pave streets in Portsmouth . 707 Petition of Portsmouth against a bridge at New Castle ..... . . 708 Memorial for a bounty on fish, wheat, hemp, &c. . 709 Petition of Selectmen, &c., to hold town meetings in the State-house ...... 712 Another petition on the same matter . . . 713 Portsmouth petition in regard to election returns . 714 POWNALL, IN Vermont. Petition ......... 715 PUTNEY, IN Vermont. Petition for a Grant of land . . . . . 716 xxxii GENERAL CONTENTS. RAYMOND. Pages. An act for erecting a new Parish, &c. . . . 717 Petition in relation to a meeting-house - ¦ 7'8 RINDGE (i). Certificate — and copy of the Grant to Rowley-Canada, now Rindge, 1738 720 ROCHESTER (i). Meeting of Proprietors .... . 721 Petition of Rochester relating to the gospel ministry 723 Petition of Wm. Chamberlin and John Jenness, for relief 723 Petition for a guard of soldiers, 1746 . . . 725 Petition for further relief and for a guard of sol diers ........ 726 Letter of thanks and petition for further aid . . 727 Petition of John Dam in relation to roads . 728 RUMNEY. Petition of sundry inhabitants, against Daniel Brain- erd ......... 730 Petition of Daniel Brainerd and others . . . 732 Rev. Thomas Niles . . . 733 RYE. Petition for a new District or Precinct, 1721 . . 734 to be set off as a new Parish or District, 1724 735 Vote and Remonstrance of Portsmouth against, 1724 737 Petition from Little Harbour, Sandy Beach, and Hampton, 1725 ...... 737 Another petition from the same source, 1725 . 739 (i) By error, the heading, "Rindge," extends over pages 721-729; it should be Rochester. Ed. GENERAL CONTENTS. XXXUl Petition from the Parish of Rye, 1729 Petition from selectmen of Rye, relating to a vio lent storm, 1754 ...... Petition for a Lottery to build a road, 1764 Pages. 740 742 743 SALEM. Petition of inhabitants of Methuen, 1 741 . for redress of grievances as to taxes Letter from Theo. Atkinson to Selectmen of donderry and Windham, 1742 . Petition for a Parish, 1743 of a part of Methuen to be a Township in relation to taxes, 1746 for a Township, 1749 • Letter from Daniel Peaslee to Thomas Packer Petition for redress of grievances, 1 756 Certificate of former Constables ; List of the that served as Constables since it was first porated, till the year 1752 . Another petition for redress, &c. Lon 1746 Esq men incor- SALISBURY. A guard of soldiers provided for this as a frontier town Petition for aid in settling Salisbury SANBORNTON. Petition to be exempted from taxation for incorporation ...... for the appointment of a Justice of the Peace SHELBURNE. Petition of Daniel Rindge SOCIETY-LAND. Petition for incorporation iii 744 745 746 746 748749 749 750 751 752 752 753 754 755 757 758 759 GENERAL CONTENTS. SOMERSWORTH. PAGK9. A true List of all the train soldiers in Somersworth, under command of Capt. Thomas Wallingford, 1746 760 Petition for Town privileges, 1743 .... 761 SOUTH HAMPTON. Petition of sundry inhabitants to be set off, &c. . 763 Petition .of John Page and Benjamin Baker to be set off .... ... 764 Answer to the foregoing petition by the selectmen of South Hampton ...... 765 Memorial of inhabitants of South Hampton . 767 Petition in relation to a highway .... 773 relating to a Province tax . . . 773 to be annexed to Newtown .... 774 Petition for settling the line between South Hamp ton and Newtown ...... 775 STRATHAM. (Originally a part of the Squamscott or Hilton's Point Patent.) Petitions for a Township ...... 777 Petition to be set off into a Township . . . 778 Counter petition ....... 780 Petition of selectmen in relation to a meeting-house, and of Jonathan Wiggin for a Ferry . . . 781 Summons to Richard Hilton, and Petition of Strat ham relating to divisions about a minister - . 782 Another petition relating to the same matter . . 784 SWANZEY. (Called Lower Ashuelot.) Petition of William Sims, of Winchester — names 785 TAUNTON. (On West side of Connecticut River.) Petition relating to No. i, or Taunton-town — names 787 GENFRAL CONTENTS. XXXV WAKEFIELD. Pages. Petition for Incorporation 788 WARNER. Petition of No. i , or Essex Almsbury, 1742 . 789 Bounds — Meeting of Inhabitants — Petition for Incor poration, by Francis Davis .... 790 WEARE. Petition of inhabitants of Hale's town, now Weare — 791 WENTWORTH. List of those who had original Rights — names . 792 WESTMORELAND. (Called Great Meadows.) Petition of Inhabitants 793 WILTON. (Called No. 2.) Deed from Joseph Blanchard, Esq., 1749 . • • 794 Petition for Incorporation — names . . . 797 of Nathan Hutchinson and Benj. Kenrick . 797, 798 WINCHESTER. Petition for Incorporation ; Note relating to Dart mouth College ....... 798 Petition for relief ....... 799 WINDHAM. Petition of James Reid and William Parker . 800 Incorporation of Windham as a Parish . . . 802 GENERAL CONTENTS. Deposition of James Gilmore — Certificate Petition in relation to an irregular town meeting — names ........ Town votes ; Paper relating to an order of Court — names ........ Windham's Caveat against Methuen — names . Warrant for a town meeting ; votes, &c. . Petition for an alteration in their Charter — names Petition against the proceedings of said meeting — names ........ Deposition of Henry Sanders ; Certificate — names . Town meetings ; votes, &c. ..... Petition in relation to a disturbance in the Parish — names ........ Answer of Selectmen to the foregoing petition . Deposition of Robert Hopkins ..... Deposition of Samuel Barr, and Petition relating to a Meeting-house — names ..... Petition of Oliver Saunders Deposition of John Dinsmoor, &c. ; List of men in Salem, formerly of Windham .... WOLFEBOROUGH. Petition for Incorporation Pages. 803 804 806807 808 809 812813814 816 818819 820 822823 824 ADDENDA. TOWNS NOT INCLUDED IN THE FOREGOING PAGES, pp. 825-83O. Alexandria Allenstown AndoverAntrimBarnstead Bath . Bradford Bridgewater 825825825 825 825 825 825 825 GENERAL CONTENTS. xxxvu BrooklineBenton CamptonCanaanCandiaCentre-Harbour Chatham Claremont ColebrookCoventry DanburyEast Kingston Effingham Ellsworth EnfieldErrol . Fitzwilliam Gilford GraftonGreenfieldHancock Haverhill HawkeHenniker Keene . LangdonLebanonLeeLincoln Loudon LymanManchesterMarlboroughMasonMeredith Middleton Milford Mont Vernon MoultonboroughNelsonNew Chester New Hampton Newington . New London North Hampton Northumberland Pages. 826826826 826 826826 826 826 826 826 826 826 826826826 826 826826 826827827827 827827827 827827 827 827 827 827 827 828 828828 828 828 828 828828828828828 828 828 828 Xxxviii GENERAL CONTENTS. Pages. Northwood f ^^ Orange 829 Plainfield ^^9 Poplin f^9 Richmond ^9 Sandown .....•••• ^29 Sandwich ^^9 Seabrook °^9 Springfield %^9 Stoddard -°29 Stratford %^9 Surry 829 Sutton 829 Tamworth ... 829 Temple f29 Thornton 829 Tuftonborough 83P Unity 830 Walpole 830 Warren 830 Washington ......•• 830 Wendell 830 Whitefield 830 Wilmot 830 APPENDIX. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS, pp. 83I-877. Notes by the Editor 833 List of Delegates to the First Convention, 1778 . 834-:837 Constitution proposed in 1779; Declaration of Rights 837-838 Plan of Government ...... 838-842 Constitutional Convention, 1 781, with List of Dele gates .... ... 842-844 An Address of the Convention Proposed Constitution — Part I. Bill of Rights JForm of Government, Part II. The General Court .... Senate ....... . 845-852 . 852-858 • 858-877 . 859-860 . 860-863 (SBNERAc et»maa«T£ xxxix House of Representatives .... Executive Power — Governor Council ....... Secretary, Treasurer, Commissary General, County l^reasurer Judiciary Power, Clerks .... Delegates to Congress Encouragement of Literature .... Oalths, Subscriptions, &c., &c. Second Address of the Convention, 1782 . The Bill of Rights— Note by the Editor . Constitution or Form of Government, Part II. Note by the Editor Constitution, as adopted, 1784 Part I. Bill of Rights. [See Editor's Note.*] Part II. Form of Government ... Pages. 863-866 866-870 870 871 87I-.S72 872873 873-877 877-882 882 883-«95895-896 896 896-903 903-919 ERRATA. Page 3, Elijah " King" should be Thing. Pages 63-75, t^c head-lines should be Bow, not " Bostiawen." Page 156, Aug. 29, 1772, should be 1722. Page 319, head-line, " Gosport," should be Grantham. Page 510, Hugh " Milson," should be Wilson. Page 543, Thomas " Willet," should be Willey. Page 551, Thomas " Rickefe," should be Vickere. Page 693, Note, " General," should be " Genedl." and Hist. Reg. Pages 722-729, head-lines should be Rochester, not "Rindge." Page xli. Note, Hon Charles Doe, late Judge of the Supreme Judi cial Court, not " Superior." * In the reference to Hon. Charles Doe, in thi« Note, it should read, l«te Judge of the Supreme Judicial Court, not " Superior." Ed. xl THE WHEELWRIGHT DEED. THE WHEELWRIGHT DEED. NOTE BY THE EDITOR. On pages 56-60, Vol.1. Prov. Papers, the "Wheelwright Deed," as it is called, is printed in full. In a Note on that Deed, p. 56, the Editor says, "That in the course of the following records particular facts will be noted, that may enable readers to form an opinion respect ing the validity of the Deed." In this Volume, the Editor deems it proper to state, in brief, the conclusion which he has himself reached on that matter; — reserving his argument, in full, for publication in some other form. The conclusion which the Editor has reached from all the facts which have come before him, is, that the said Deed is a forgery. This Deed bears date, May 17, 1629, and purports to be a conveyance by four Indian Sagamores, of a tract of land equal to about forty miles square — between the Piscataqua and Mer rimack rivers — to John Wheelwright, "late of England, of the Massachusetts Bay, and a minister of the Gospel," with four associate grantees, " all of the Massachusetts Bay." The following are among the proofs that said deed is a for gery : I. Aside from this pretended Deed, we have no evidence that the Rev. John Wheelwright was ever seen or heard of in this country till his arrival. May 26, 1636 ; not one of the asso ciate grantees was here before that time ; and one of them, William Wentworth, was a boy only fifteen years of age then, at Alford, in England. II. The settlement of "the Massachusetts Bay" proper was not begun till more than a year after May, 1629, i. e., not till June, 1630. III. The deed purports to be signed and sealed in the pres ence of two English witnesses, one of whom was certainly in England on the nth of May,— six days previous— and the other was on shipboard on the Atlantic Ocean, and did not arrive in this country till June 29, 1629. IV. Of the seven witnesses to the delivery of the deed, it is certain that only one, Edward Hilton, was in this country at that time; and if he signed the deed, he signed away all his right and title to the plantation on which he lived. V. The above seven witnesses are said to be governors or stewards of plantations, called Laconia, Sawco and Squams cott or Hilton's Point; but not one of the said plantations was granted till six or nine months after May, 1629. .. ll ^^J ^^^'^ purports to have been made by the Indians with a desire to have the English inhabit amongst them." But THE WHEELWRIGHT DEED. xli Passaconaway, the chief Sagamore, explicitly denies this, and declares " he did all he could to prevent their settlement, and fought against them." VII. The date of the deed. May 17, 1629, proves to be the Sabbath, and therefore false to the principles and character of Rev. John Wheelwright. VIII. On April 3, 1638, John Wheelwright and his associ ates made an actual bona fide purchase, of Indians, at Squams cott — now Exeter — paid for the same and began a settlement ; — which is inconsistent with the pretence that he bought in 1639, paying twice for the same land. IX. The deed of 1629 occupies three and a half octavo pages, or one hundred and forty-two lines, while all the real Indian deeds of that early period are no more than sixteen or twenty-four lines ; and therefore it betrays itself as belonging to a later period. X. One condition or proviso in the deed is that the settle ment, when begun, should be under "the government, laws and order of the Massachusetts Bay." But John Wheelwright came to Exeter, in 1638, as an exile, banished out of the terri tory and jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Bay, and immedi ately set up an independent government. XI. The pretended deed of 1629 antedates the grant of New Hampshire to Captain John Mason, which is dated Nov. 7, 1629 ; and the evident intent and object of the deed was to head off a claim made by Thomas Allen, of title and possession, founded on said grant to Mason ; the trial of which was be fore the Superior Court of New Hampshire, August 12, 1707. Then, for the first time, was the pretended deed brought to light — seventy-eight years after the date of it; and even then, only a "copy" of the pretended original was brought into court. This " copy," now on the files of the Superior Court, at Exeter, is the only evidence that Dr. Belknap quotes for the validity of the deed.* [See Prov. Papers of N. H., Vol. II., pp. 523-528.] * The first discovery and exposure of this forgery was made by the late Hon. James Savage, of Boston, President of the Massachusetts Historical Society, about 1820; his views were re-affirmed, with addi tional evidence, by the late John Farmer, Esq., Corresponding Secre tary of the New Hampshire Historical Society, in 1831. The opinion above expressed by the Editor is the result of an original investigation of the facts that relate to the case. It is but just, however, to add, that the late Samuel G. Drake, Esq., of Boston, maintained an oppo site opinion, as does also the Hon. Charles H. Bell, of Exeter [See Winthrop's History of New England, 1853, Vol. I., App. H, pp. 486- 514; Farm. Belknap's History of New Hampshire, Vol. I., pp. 6-13; Drake's History of Boston, 1856, pp. 56-60, notes.] Ed. iv NEW HAMPSHIRE EARLY TOWN PAPERS. VOLUME IX. NOTE BY THE EDITOR. The "Town Papers" contained in this volume are copied from separate MSS. volumes, six in number, now in the office of the Secre tary of State. They were arranged by authority of the Legislature, by the late John Farmer, Esq. The contents of each volume are copied as arranged, with a very few exeeptions, (in which an error was dis covered,) and are distinguished as labeled on the MSS. volumes by the towns which they severally include; e. g. Vol. I, "Acworth to Chi chester;" Vol.11, "Concord to Exeter," &c. In the General Con tents also, the volumes are kept distinct. Ed. VOLUME I. ACWORTH TO CHICHESTER. ACWORTH. [This town was incorporated 19 September, 1766. An extension of its Charter was granted 30 May, 1772.] Memorial of Sampson Stoddard andjon^ Blanchard. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq'' Cap' General Gov ernor & Commander in Chief in & over his Majestys Prov ince of New Hamp'' — the Hon''''= his Majestys Council for said Province — The Memorial of Sampson Stoddard & Jonathan Blanchard for themselves & others part of the Grantees in the Town of Acworth in said Province — Humbly shews that your Memorialists have Done Some thing Very Considerable Towards Bringing forward the Set tlement thereof, have now a Considerable Number of Familys well Settled there, have a Good Set of Mills there have Cut 2 NEW HAMPSHIRE Cleared & in a Great Measure well finish'd a Road thro' Said Town Mark"* & Lay'd out by a Committee appointed by an Act of the General Court ; That it has not been in your Memorialists power Strictly to fulfil the Several Conditions in Said Grant Stipulated That the Time Limited in his Majestys Grant of Said Town for Doing the Duty of Settlem' Expird the Last Month Your Memorialists therefore pray that they may be Indulg'd a Little While to Compleat the Settlem* afores'' & your Memo rialists as in Duty bound Shall Ever pray &c Sampson Stoddard Jon"' Blanchard. Petition for the Extension of the Charter of Acworth., i77^" To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq'' Cap' Gene' Gov ernor & Commander in Chief in & over his Majesty's Province of Hamp'^ the Hon*'* his Majestys Council for Said Province The Petition of Jonathan Blanchard of Merrymac in Said Province humbly shews — That your Petitioner is Considerably Interested in the Town of Acworth in Said Province under his Majestys Grant^thereof, hath w^ith Co' Sampson Stoddard been making Large Im provements there by Persons under them much to the emolu ment of Said Town That the Time Limited for Doing the Duty Condition* in the Grant aforesaid Expir'd the 19"" Day of September 1771, that a Number of the Original Grantees have Neglected to Perform the Several Conditions in Said Grant Express'' much to the prejudice of the Settlem' of Said Town, Namely David MacGregore, James MacGregore, Thomas Craige, James MacGregore Jun"' Alexand'' Clark, James Miltimmer, Jonathan Gilmore, Daniel Macfee, Robert Adams, Ephraim Adams, Samuel French, Oliver Farwell, Oliver Farwell Jun', Thomas Davis, the Rev"* Ebenezer Bridge, Edward Goldstone Lutwyche, Samuel Wentworth Esq% Peter Levins Esq"', CoF Jonathan Greeley, William Symes, Maj' John Wentworth, Wiseman Clagget Esq', Sam uel Cumings & Robert Fletcher : Wherefore your Petitioner humbly Prays that your Excel lency & Honors woud Take the Premises into Consideration Grant your Petitioner & his as'ciate CoP Sampson Stoddard a further Time to Compleat the Duty Enjoyn'd upon their Inter est which is Nearly Done & otherwise Dispose of the Delin quent Prop' Interest & Shares to such of his Majestys Good Subjects as Will Effectually Settle & Cultivate the Same & your Petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c JoN. Blanchard. TOWN PAPERS-.-AC WORTH. 3 Gov. Wentworth's Warrant to inspect the Settlement in Acworth, May, 1772. Province of "1 By his Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Captain New Hampshire / General Governor & Command' in Chief in and over His Majesty's Province aforesaid & vice Admiral of the same. To Simeon Olcott Esq' Capt. Benjamin Church Esq' M' Elijah King and M' Thomas Sparhawk, Greeting. — Pursuant to an order of Council of 30"' April ult° you, or any three of you, are hereby authorized and Impowered to Survey and Inspect the township of Acworth in this Province : and return into the Secre tary's office, upon Oath, the exact State of Settlement & Cultivation upon each Lot or Share therein, together with the number of Families & Settlers actually resident with the Roads and Buildings in said Town ship which Business you are desired to enter upon immediately, so as to make your Return, as aforesaid, by or before the 25"" day of May Ins' for which this is your full and sufficient warrant. Given under my hand at Portsmouth the First day of May in the Twelfth year of His Majesty's Reign Annoque Domini 1772. J'Wentworth. By his Excellency's Command with advice of Council. Theodore Atkinson Sec'? Pursuant to the within warrant we y" subscribers have sur veyed and Inspected the Township of Acworth with the Settlements Cultivation on each Lot or Share of Land therein, and also the Families, Settlers Buildings & Roads in y'^ same, & find the State thereof as represented in the Schedule hereto annexed, and make return of y^ same accordingly Simeon Olcott Elijah Thing. May y 16*'' 1773. NEW HAMPSHIRE LIST OF FAMILIES AITO SETTLERS IN ACWOETH. FAMILIES AND SETTLERS Ephraim Keyes William Keyes Dean Carlton Samuel Harper Same Capt. Hemy Silsby . . Same Jonas Keyes Samuel Smith David Cross Sam. Smith, junr Elijah Parker John Rogers Same Same Edward Keyea Joseph Chatterton James Pease Robt. Davidson Solomon Bigelow William Farwell jnnr. Joel Bigelow Tlios. Putnam Same Eehuman Stebbins.. . . Jonathan Silsby William Farwell Fradric Keyes Ephraim K«ye8 Same Joseph Webb d o K 5? © ?, a o ^^ K 10 6 18 2 10 a 12 4 11 4 12 6 11 b 11 2 9 .') 1.1 a 14 2 14 .¦( 7 2 7 3 fi 3 y 4 IS 1 7 4 Vi H 9 S IS H .') 5 .') K u 7 13 7 12 7 12 1 11 H 9 (i 7 .¦5 ORIGINAL GRANTEES. John Hardy James Blanchard Reuben Gould William Pierce David Burge Ebenezer Gould Samuel Thing Stephen Powars Moses Basterbrooks.. Augustus Blanchard. Saml Barron Reuben Killecut Benjamin French Ye same Oliver Farwell Nathl Garfield William Thompson. . . William Kobie Same John Parker William Stacy Thos Blanchard Sampn Stoddard, junr .John Ryan Samuel Thing Oliver Peirce Jonathsin Blanchard . David Rrown Sampn StoddardEsqr James Rogers goo 1)7' 2 1 17 1 4 dgr SO 41 1 & Bam 1 1 isB&s.millgood I'd The within is an exact State of ye settlement & Cultivation on each Lot & Share of Land in ye Township of Acworth in the Province of New Hampshire, with ye families & Setlers therein and about four miles of the main Road leading from Charlestown to Boscawen, at ye westerly End made passable for Carriage and ye Remainder of ye same Road Cut about one Rod wide and so far leveled that Carriages might pass with Dificulty Also one other Road from ye said Main Road to the Mills, about two Miles in length well made & fit for Carriages, which with some few private Roads made passable only for man & horse is all the Improvement & Cultivation we could find in said Township : which is humbly submitted. Pr Simeon Olcott Elijah Thing. Cheshire ss May iS"' 1772 Then Mr. Elijah Thing personally ap pearing made Oath to y" Truth of y» above Report by him Signed before me Simeon Olcott Just* Pai» TOWN PAPERS — ALSTEAD. 5 ALSTEAD. A True List of the Inhabitants now Settled in the Tovjn of Alstead, with their familys, and those that have begun to settcl, and single men, that have worked on their Land 'Viz : Twenty five Families now Inhabiting in said Town, also ten Single men, at work on their Land that are now resident also nine men more that have been and made Considerable Improvement on their Land some of which have ten, twelve, and some near twenty acres, under Improvement, and are all coming into Town with their families in the Spring as soon as the Season will admit of it, also Sundry Persons to the number of Eight that have made Considerable Improvement on their Land some have ten acres others near twenty and one about Thirty acres under Improvement which are moved off and Expect to have others on in their room directly. All which is a True account of what is done Tow^ard the Settelment of said Town of Alstead. Taken by us the Subscribers this 33 day of December 1771. Samuel Chandler Samuel Chandler ¦) o , , T iir I Selectmen Jason Wait Lf Alstead. Oliver Shepard ) To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over His Majestys Prov ince of New Hampshire &c : and to the Honorable His Majestj-s Council in said Province &c The Hu.mblc Petition of the Proprietors and Inhabitants of the Township of Alsted in said Province Humbly Shew^cth That v/hereas the Charter of said Alsted is out and thereby some of the rights or Shares are become forfited : But we do rely on Your E.xcellency and Honors Clemency and Mercy when you shall see the account of what Persons is already set tled and settling in said Town, and as by the Providence of God our Crops has been for these four years past much short ened by frost Dearth and worms and the last year by Blast which has caused Provision to be very scarce, and as that many of those People that Settle new Towns have but littel money to help themselves with and as the Scarcity of Provision has been such had People moved in much faster than what they have they must have Suffered for want of Provision as it could not liave been Procured with money had they had it. Therefore your Petitioners Humbly pray that Your Excellency and Honors would take it into Your wise Consideration and if Consistant with your Wisdom to Lengthen out the time to those that have been Delinquent in doing their Duty would take it as a great favour, If Your Excellency and Honors should NEW HAMPSHIRE think it not Proper to Grant any further time to those Delin quent to do their Duty in we Your Petitioners the Inhabitants pray that it may be Granted to us for our Children that have endured the many Fatigues and Hardships in bringing forward the Settelment of Said Town, and Your Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall ever pray Jeneuary the 13"' 1772- Jonathan Shepard Edward Waldo Shubel Waldo Daniel Waldo Samuel Chandler Gideon Delano Jason Wait Elias Brown Oliver Shepard , Barnabas Delano Andrew Beckwith Elijah Cone Joseph Brown Philip Wordner John Thomson Those Names above Is What of the Inhabitants that has signed & those below Is men that Live out of town that have Land in s"* District : B. Bellows Jon"" Chase Joshua Hide James Richardson Abishai Delano Moses Brown AMHERST [Amherst was granted by the Government of Massachusetts, 26 April, 1733, and was called NarragansetNo. 3, which name was afterwards ex changed for Soahegan West, which it retained until the charter was granted, 18 January, 1760, by Gov. B. Wentworth. It was not under the government of New Hampshire until 1741, when the establishment of the line separated it from Massachusetts. — Ed.] PAPERS RELATING TO AMHERST (INCLUDING MONSOn) . Request of the Inhabitants of Souhegan West for a suitable Guard to defend thetn from the French & Indian Enemy, i744- Att a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Settlement or Plan tation, called Souhegan West in the Province of New Hamp shire at the house of Dan' Wilkins ye 16"' of June 1744. Unanimously agreed that Dan' Wilkins of this place in the name and behalf of the Settlers here Represent to the Gov ernor and Council of New Hampshire our destressed Circum stance on account of our being Exposed to the French and Indian Enemy our Low Condition & Inability to subsist here unless a Suitable guard may be had to defend us when about our work ; and that he make suitable application that these things may Immediately be obtained. witness to the vote Solomon Hutchinson(i) Jonathan Tarbell John Vene. (1) Mr. Hutebinson was the first Town Clerk when Amherst was incorporated. He died in Maine, at the age of 90 years.— Ed. TOWN PAPERS — AMHERST. 7 To his Exelency Benning Wentworth Esq' Capt. General and Governor in chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England the Honorable the Coun cil and House of Representatives in General Court con vened. The Memorial or Petition of Dan' Wilkins in the name and behalf of the Inhabitants of the Township or Plantation called Souhegan West No. 3 in the said Province — Humbly sheweth the said Town has been settled by his Majesties subjects about nine years and a Gospel Minister ordained almost three years that the Settlers had an Eye at enlarging his Majesties Dominions by going into the Wilder ness as well as at their own Interest, that some thousand of pounds has been spent in clearing and cultevating the Land there and vast sums in building Houses Barns & fences beside much time and expence in building fortifications by his Excel- ency the Governers order. That the Breaking up the Settlement will not only ruin the Memorialists but greatly disserve his Majesties Interest by encouraging his Enemies to Encroach on his deserted Settle ments and be also hurtful to the Province by Contracting its borders and drawing the w^ar nearer the Capital : That it was by a long and importunate Intercession of this Province, (and not of the Memorialists Seeking) that they are cast under the immediate care of this Government which they conceive give them so much the better Right to its protection : That as war is already declared against France and a Rup ture with the Indians hourly expected your Memorialists unless they have speedy help will soon be obliged to forsake their Town how diservisable soever it may be to the Crown dishon orable to the Government hurtfuU to the Province & ruinous to themselves : Wherefore, Your Memorialists most humbly supplicate your Exelency the honorable Council and House of Representatives to take the premises into your wise and mature Consideration and to grant them such seasonable relief as may enable them to sub sist in the war and secure against the Ravages and Devastation of a blood thirsty and merciless Enemy and your Memorialists as in duty bound will ever pray. Dan' Wilkins. Dated at Portsmouth June ye 22'* i744' 6 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition for protect io7i against the Indians, i747- To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Gov. &c The Hon. his Majestys Council & House of Representatives in Generall Assembly Convened May 13"' 1747. The Petition of us the Subscribers Inhabitants of the New Plantation called Souhegan West Plumbly Shezucth That there is Settled and now remains in this plantation thirty five fami lys in which is about Fifty eight men upwards of sixteen years old. That when we began our Setlement, we apprehended no Danger of Our ever being a frontier, there being at that time so many above us begun and obligated to fullfill the Conditions of tlie Massachusetts Grants, which occasioned us to setle scattering, only Regarding the Advantages of Good and Com pact farms. That the difficult}' of War happening so early on our Settlements, and the Defenceless Condition they was in, has oblidged them all viz : Petersboi'ougrh Salem-Canada New Boston & Hillsborough (so called) Intirely to draw oft" as well as the Forts on Connecticut River left naked. Whereby we are now left as much exposed as any of the Frontiers on Mer rimack River That the First year of the present war we was Favoured with a Scout from This Province (which we Thankfully ac knowledge) and Salem-Canada with an other which was Equally Serviceable to us Since that time, both .Salem- Canada and this Place has had a guard from the Massachusetts till the Winter passed together with our Inhabitants keeping a constant Scout (Tho much Impoverished thereby) That this encouragement has occasioned our venturing here till now That as we are now left without either Scout or Guard — Ap prehend we are in Imminent Danger, Yet Loath to yield Ourselves Such an easy Prey to Our Enemies or Suffer Ruin by leaving our Improvements wast, One Whereof we have no Reason to Think, but must unavoidably be our lot, unless this Government Compassionately Grants us Protection. Wherefore Your Petitioners most Humbly Pray that your Excellency & Hon" would so f;n- Comiserate our Present Dif ficult Circumstances as to Grant us so many Soldiers as your Excellency & Hon" may Judge of Necessity for Our Defence and ycur Peti" as in Duty bound Shall Pray &c. Daniel Wilkins William Howard John Shepard Jacob WeUman his his Joseph X Wilkins David X Hartsorn mark mark Benj Cheever Andrew Bixbe John Davis Andrew Seeton James Cofren William Bradford Samuel Walton Ebenezer Ellinwood Wilham Peabody Thomas Clark TOWN PAPERS — AMHERST. 9 Solomon Hutchinson John Seetown Daniel Wilkins Jun' Ebenezer Lyon Benjamin Cheever Jun' Caleb Stiles. Israel Towne In Council May 13'-'' 1747 read & ordered to be sent Down to the j^Qi-,bio House. Theodore Atkinson Secy. Petition from JSIonson.if) To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq Gov' &c The Honb his majestys Council & House of Rep''"^ in Gen" Assembly convened May 13"' 1747. The Petition of the Inhabitants of the town of Monson, Hereunto Subscribers Humbly Shews That the Said tow"n is Late!}- begun to Setle & but about Fifteen Familys there. That they are one of the Frontier Towns west of Merri mack River, & the most northerly One, already incorporated. Lying Between Hollis & the New Plantation Called Souhegan West. That could we be assisted by- Souldiers Such Competent number as might Enable us to Defend our Selves Shall Chear- fuUy Endeavour to Stay there by Which we Shall Serve as a Barrier in part lo Holies Merrimack and Dunstable. That last year ¦we was Favoured by Souldiers From the Massachusetts, that Prevented Our Drawing off. That Should the War be pursued by the Enemy as vigor ously as Last year, (unless we are Favoured by some assistance from Y° Government) We Humbly apprehend 'twould be too great Presumption to venture our Selves & Familys there That it Avill be very Ruinous to your Petitioners To leave their Settlements & the Frontier Widned, & for a Necessary Defence vrill Require a Greater num'oer of Souldiers than to assist us there Wherefore your Petitioners most Humbly Pray that your Excellency & Hono'" w-ould be pleased to Take the Premises into your Consideration & Grant us a Guard for two Garrisons & a small Scout on Our Front Or Othenvise Releive us in the Premises as in your Great Wisdom Shall Seem meet & y' Pet''* as in Duty bound Shall ever Pray. James Wheeler Abraham Leman William Neivens Thomas Neivens William Colburn Benjamin Hopkins Robert Colburn Isaac Farwell Jonathan Taylor Stephen Haslton Samuel Leman John Burns Samuel Leman Jun' Thomas ^Mordov/ In Council M.-iy 13'!' 1747 read & ordred to be Sent Doun to the Hon'''" House. Theodore Atkinson Secy. (l)Thc town of :Monson lay adjacent to Amherst, and was afterwards incorporated with it in p:;rt. — Ed. lO NEW HAMPSHIRE ^Ham°shTre^}^" "^^ House of Representatives 15"' May 1747. 'Voted Tliat in answer to y" two annexed Petitions 'Viz : that of Sou hegan West it that of Monson, His Excellency be desired to give orders for inlisting or impressing fifteen good executive men to Scout & guard under proper oficer or oficers s' Souhegan West ds: Monson 'til y° twentyeth of octo' next if need be & that s' men be shifted once a month. D. Peirce Clk. jTQdm j);e jn Coun" read and Concurred Theodore Atkinson Secy. Eo''"' Die Assented to B Wentworth. Petition of Alonson, for annexation, <&c. Province of New ) To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Hampshire J Esq Gov'' &c & To the Hon'"" His Majes tys Council the day of i754- The Petition of us the Subscribers Inhabitants of the town of Monson Humbly Shews That there is a tract of Land of about the Contents of seven Thousand acres Lying on the North of Monson and adjoyning Included by the following Bounds, viz i, to begin at Alonson Northeast Corner and to Run North by the Town of jNIerry- mac Two miles and the next Station to begin at the North west Corner of Monson & to Extend north two miles and from thence a Strait line to the end of the aforementioned Two mile, and to Bound Southerly on Monson afores''. On Which Sundry Familys are Settled & would be of accomodation & Convenience to Monson to have them annexed and Incorpo rated with Monson and would with that addition make it but about five miles and an half in Breadth one place with the other that Sundry of the Inhabitants of the s' Tract hath together with this Petitioned your Excellency & Honors to be annexed and Incorporated with us. (And as we apprehend would be of Great Convenience to them, & help to us.) Wherefore we most Humbly Pray that j-our Excellency and Hon" would be pleased to annex and Incorporate the s' Tract with the Inhabitants Thereon to the town of Monson & your Pet'" as in Duty Bound Shall ever Pray Benjamin Hopkins ) Robert Colburn \ Selectmen. Benjamin Fap.ley ) Elisha Towne William Colborn Jun 'William Neuens Ebenezer Ball Benjamin Kenrick William Colborn Secur Farwell John Burns Thomas Neuens Josiah Crosby James Wheler Nathan Hutchinscn Thomas Powers Benjamin" Hopkins Junr. Thomas WooUey few more that has not sin'd TOWN PAPERS — AMHERST. II Petition of Monson to be exempt from taxes. Province of New \ To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Hampshire [ Esqr Gov' &c. the Hon'° his Majestys Councill & House of Repres^'^" Convened In Gen" Assembly Humbly Shews The Pet" of the Inhabitants of Monson That Whereas they Have Reed a late Order to render into the Secretarys Office an Invoice of their poles & estates in order for apportioning the taxes Which we have done, and Woud Further beg leave to Remonstrate Our Infancy & Inability to bear any part of the publick Charge at present. That there is but thirty six poles in the Whole, Severall of them transiently hired for a short space to Labour or other- ways there without any Estate : but twenty one Houses Cheifly Small Cottages only for a present Shelter the Charge of Building yet to Come on. That they are all plain men Dwelling in these tents, Hus bandry their Employment their Improvements very small, their Lands yet to Subdue. The Progress much Retarded by their Necessity to work out of town the prime of the year or at Other Business to procure provision Tho the town is part of Old Dunstable it has always till now bin a frontier and Remained a totall Wilderness till within a fe\v years the Owners under no Injunction of Settlement the Land very antiontly Granted to Gent' in farms, & part of the Divisions of Dunstable Comon who still hold the Greatest part and Continue unimproved by Which means the few setlers are scattered all ab' the town much Labour has & must be spent in Opening and making Roads & Bridges Causes &c that are of Present Necessity, a burthen of it self too Heavy for the Strength of the small weak nomber that is there, in the late war at the expence of Garisoning Scouting & Defending themselves Besides many Other charges they have & must go thro so therefore apprehend themselves utterly unable to Bear any part of the publick taxes as yet, but hope their Small Begining in time may become usefuU if they may be nurssd & favoured now In their Infancy Wherefore your Pet" Humbly pray that they may be Con sidered in this their Infant & Chargable State & that they may not be taxed, till they are of ability to go thro their own neces sary charge and when that shall be they will Chearfully Contribute according to their Power & shall ever pray &c In behalf of y° Inhabitants Benj''- Hopkins \ Selectmen Robert Coldurn \ of Monson. Prov N Hamp' April 25 1753. The within Petition read & ordered to be Sent Down to the Honb'» House of representatives. Theodore Atkinson Secy. 12 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition for annexation. Province of | To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr New Hamo J Governour &c the Honorable his Majestys Coun- The Petition of us the Subscribers Inhabitants of a tract of Land north of and adjoining to Monson Lying with no Incor poration of any town or District Humbly Shews — That the Tov/n of Monson in this Province is situated in Length East & West near eight miles & in Breth but about four miles & is Bounded on the Northerly Side by Souhegan River Both Sides of Which River is in the General FruitfuU & Profitable Land for Corn and Grass That if the Limits of the Town of Monson afores'' Were Inlarged on the North so as to add & Include the Following tract viz. to begin at the Northeast Corner of Monson on Sowhegan River & extend North by the line of Merrymac Two Miles, & to begin the next Station at the Northv/est cor ner of Monson afors ' & to Run thence North two miles and strait line from thence to the two mil's end first menshioned and to Bound to the old Bounds of Monson Which v/ill be an addition of about seven thousand acres and will Make the Said town of Monson In the Genereal about five miles & an half In Bredth. That the said River is Small and many Bridges are New and must Continue to be kept in Rejiair so that the Said River is of no Hi convenience to the uniting the Incorporation as afors' & will be for the Accomodation of Monson ; Severall of us has for many years ben Settled there & at Heavy Expence made Our Improvements That we have not had the benefit of any Incorporation in any Town, nor see any Present Prospect unless wee are anexed to Monson That Monson then will be upwards of seven Miles the North Line and J^ands to the North of them not Incorporated, so that it Can be no Predjiduce to any Incorporation of any number of people for the Future the Land Generealy alike and Chiefly Good. Wherefore your Petition" most Humbly Pray That your Excellency & Hon" woud take ye premises into Consideration and be pleased to annex & Incorporate the tract afore"' with the Inhabitants to Monson as one Corporate Town & your Petitioners as in duty Bound shall ever pray. John Shepard William Peabody Andrew Bradford Israel Towne his Thomas Williams Achelaus x Wilkins Richard Gould ™^rk John Edmonds John Erer^den Edward Beming? John Hutchinson Edward Beming ( ?) junr TOWN PAPERS — AMHERST. I3 Petition of Amherst for an extension of its Charter 1761. To His Exelency Bening Wentworth Esq' Governor in chief in and over His Majesties Province of New Hampshire and to the Honorable the Counsell. The Memorial of us the Subscribers the Select Men of the Town of Amherst in the Province aforesaid. Humbly shew eth that we with the Lowest Submission SoUicitously pray that your Exelency and Honours would lengthen out the life of the Charter of our Town and we doubt not but your Ex elency and Honours in your Great wisdom & Clemency will do it during the Kings pleasure and so your MemoriaLsts as in Duty bound will ever pray. Reuben Mussey \ Selectmen Tpio^ Wakefield v in behalf of William Peabody j the Town. Amherst Dec' y" "1 15th 1761. / N. B. We the Subscribers Select men of the Town of Am herst Nominate and appoint Col. John Goss Esqr to represent to his Exelency the Governor and the Honorable Counsil our Memorial above specified to prolong our Town Charter. Province ofl To the Gentlemen of the House of Representatives for New Hamp J said Province — There was a vote in the House of Representatives January 28*'' 1 761 That the Selectmen of the Oldest adjoining Town to any Town Parish or District where no Select men were should take Inventory of such Town &c and be paid by the Province Pursuant thereto We took Inventory of Lyndebor ough and sent the same to the Sec'^' as Directed by the afore said vote — The taking of which Inventory took us Two Days of hard Service (there being Considerable of Snow on the Ground at the time when we were obliged to do it) And there is Justly Due to Each of us New Ten' one Pound Ten Shillings per day To' £9:0:0 which we doubt not but you will Immediately Grant & allow. Decem' 30"^ 1762. William Peabody ) Selectmen Robert Read )¦ of Jn° Shepard junr j Amherst. Province of "(In the house of Representatives Jan'y 3o* 1763. New Hamps J This Ac'ct being Read Voted that there be allowed nine pound new Tenor, and paid to Se lectmen of Amherst or their order Out of money in the Treasury for Contingances. A Clarkson Clerk In Council Eodem Die Read & Concur'd T Atkinson junr Secry Consented to B 'Wentworth. H NEW HAMPSHIRE Memorandum of some proposals for an Accommodation Be tween the Selectmen of Monson & Amherst Viz. the Town of Amherst to take or have Annexed the following extent or part of Monson Namely begining at the Northeast Corner of Monson & Running Southerly on the East Line of said Mon son Two miles then Running a Line paralell with the North Line of Amherst to the west line of Monson Then northerly on the westerly line of said Monson to the northwest corner thereof Provided the Town of Holies will take or have an nexed the residue of said Monson. April y^ 20th 1763. We the subscribers consent to the above proposal Benj^ Kenrick ) Selectmen Daniel Kenrick y of Josiah Crosby J Monson Holies April 28* 1763 Samuel Cumings Francis Worcester Stephen Webster Selectmen of Holies Robert Reed "1 Selectmen Samuel Stenard I Tho' Wakefield !- Daniel Campbell Jn» Shepard jun' . of Amherst Letter of Rev. Daniel Wilkins of Amherst relating to a Shire town in the proposed division of the Province into Counties. I Oct. 1767. To the Hon'''"^ George Jaffery Esq' in Portsmouth Hon" & Dea' Sr After due salutation, I beg leave to inform your Hon' that the proposal of the General Court thatMerrimackbe the Shire Town of the County on the West side of Merrimac River has raised a general uneasiness throughout the whole County evin many thinking men in Merrimac itself (as I have been credibly informed) are well satisfied that if the Proposal be es tablished it will be greatly to the Town Damage in general, as they are small in Number, consisting of seventy odd Families no more and them exceeding much scattered and many of the number on New Places and no ways accommodated to enter tain a Court especially with Hay & Pastoring, neither do they ever expect to be well accommodated with the Primeses as great Part of their Land is poor and clothed with shrubs the uneasiness of the People arises from the said Proposals not being for Amherst rather than Merrimack Not only as Am herst has been talked of for a Shire Town evin from Its Infancy thereby fixing the minds of the People upon it, but for its sit uation Nearer the Hart of the County so that many Towns can come from Home in the Morning and return Home in the TOWN PAPERS — AMHERST. 1 5 Evining that cant possibly do the like if the Court be at Mer rimac, and thereby save a great deal of Charge to poor People and now S' I beg leave to give a Discription of Amherst in a few Words : It is Situate about Eight Miles from Mr Lut- wytche's Ferry on Merrimac River the contents of which is about six miles Square containing about one Hundred and sixty Famelies and accommodated according to men of the best Judgment to settle an Hundred Families at least, more than is already settled, and near an Hundred of them good Country Farms Well accommodated with fields and Pastures and chiefly all good Husbands the Middle of the Town pleas antly situated, a good coach Road to it from the Eastward and Southern Parts of the Province and all Roads centering there The People in general knowing the situation and accommoda tions of Amherst to entertain the Court suppose that the Gen eral Courts proposal for Merrimack sprung from a mis-Repre sentation. The occasion of these lines to your Hon' was the cries of the People and to beg leave to subscribe your humble servt. Daniel Wilkins. Amherst Oct y' i=' 1767. P ¦ S : S' I must beg leave to tell your Hon' that Mr. Wil lard a son of Coll Willard of Winchester and one Mr. Hall was at my House the Last Evening as agent for Keen and other towns towards the great River to desire that the Shire Town might be Amherst and likewise that there is a general uneasiness of its being at Merrimack and also Walepole as that ever}' town save two would be greatly Discommoded if the Court was had at Walepole and not at Keen and also beg the favour of its being established at Keen as Keen will much best commode the People in General or at least that his Exelency with your Hon"' would grant them Liberty to bring Down the minds of the People. D. :W Vote of Monsoji for a Division, <&c. Province of "I New Hampshire, j At a Legal meeting of the inhabitants of the Town of Monson in said Province held on monday the ninth day of april 1770 Voted that Nathan Hutchinson and Will'" Nevins bo a Com mittee to petition the Governor and Counsil of said Province for the following Division of the Town of Monson viz. Be gining att the northeast Corner of Monson then extending South by the Town of merrimac two miles then dew West to the West line of said monson then North to Souhegan River then down Said River to the Bounds first mentioned to be an- 1 6 new HAMPSHIRE nexed to Amherst and the Remainder of said Town to Hollis. Benj" Kenrick Town Clark Copy Attest Benj" Kenrick Town Clark Petition for a Division and Annexation. To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Cap' General and Comander in Chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire and To the Honorable his Majestys Council of said Province The Subscribers being a Committee duly appointed by the Inhabitants of the Town of Monson in said Province to Peti tion your Excellency and Honors to divide said Town of Monson as hereinafterwards Expressed viz : Begining att the North East Corner of Monson then Extending South by the Town of Merrimac two miles then dew West to the West line of said Monson then North to Souhegan River then down said River to the bounds first mentioned to be annexed to Amherst and the Remainder of said Town to Hollis Humbly beg leave to suggest that the Lands in and about the Center of said Monson is so very poor Baron Brooken and uneaven as cannot admit of many Settlers so that those Families that are in Town are al most all planted in the Extreem parts of it We therefore conceive that if a Division were made as above mentioned the Interest and good of the people in it would be much promoted thereby Especially as we have no prospect of ever Building a Meeting House in the Center or else where any ways to ac comodate us by which difficulties we think the Gosple will not be settled among us while in the present Situation we therefore pray that the above Division may be made and we as in Duty bound will pray Nathan Hutchinson WlLLI.\M Nevexs. Petition to be disannexed from Amherst. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Captain General Governor and Commander in chief in & over his Alajestys Province of New Hampshire, And the Honorable his Majestys Councill. The Petition of the Subscribers, being Inhabitants of the Southwardly part of Amherst in said Province most Humbly sheweth. That the town of Amherst is about nine miles in leno-th (by reason that about half the Town of Monson was of late an nexed to It) and is capable of being Divided into two Towns or Parishes, without Prejudice to or Spoiling the same ; That many of the Subscribers live in that part of Amherst, which town PAPERS AMHERST. I 7 was lately Monson, & our being annexed to said Amherst was contrary to our desire & Interest ; that we are so remote from the Center of Amherst, that it is (& ever will be) with great Expence inconvenience & difficulty to us and our Families, to attend publick worship, by reason of the distance. That many of our Estates are not so valuable by reason of our being an nexed to Amherst, for before that, our Situation was nigh the Centre of Monson, & on that account purchased our Land, at a dear rate, & Monson being Annihilated, our Situation (many of them) is now more inconvenient than before, unless we can obtain your Excellency's, & Honors Interposition. Wherefore we humbly Pray, that your Excellency and Honors would set us off from said Amherst, and Invest us with Town Priviledges, by the following Bounds & lines, viz, beginning at the Southwest Corner of v/hat was formerly Am herst, thence Northwardly by the west line of Amherst one mile and an half. Thence East iintill it comes to the East line of the Town of Amherst. Thence Southwardly by said East line of Amherst untill it comes to the North line of the Town of Holies, Thence Westwardly by the North line of the Town of Holies, untill it comes to the Noi'th west corner thereof. Thence Northwardly, by the West line of said Am herst untill it comes to the Bound first mentioned, or Grant us any other Relief, that your Excellency & Honors, in your Wisdom & Goodness shall Judge most convenient, & your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray. Amherst Jan'y 26"' 1771. Benjamin Hopkins James Hopkins William Wallace Stephen Williams Benjamin Hopkins jun' Gardner Gowen Joseph Gould William Jones Jr John Burns junr Nathan Tuttle Ebenezer Hopkins Benjamin Jones George Burns Joseph Farnum Richard Gould John Burns Caleb Jons Jonathan Towne Thomas Towne Amos Whittemore Abner Hutchinson David Duncklee Robert Parker Josiah Burroughs Jun William Taylor Isaac How jun Jonathan Button Jonathan Grimes Isaac Powers Bartholomew Tov,rne Petition of Amherst against the division of the town. Filed Feb 4"' 1771 1771 To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Captain General Governor &c. of the Province of New Hamp shire—And to the Honorable His Majesty's Council of said Province The Subscribers Inhabitants of Amherst in said Province. 2 NEW HAMPSHIRE Humbly Shew that for moi'e than twenty years last past a Number of persons living on those Lands lately known by the Name of Monson, but more lately Joined to said Amherst not having a Minister settled among them, nor accommodations sufficient for that purpose (as they said) very constantly at tended the worship of God with us in said Amherst not Doing anything with us towards our Meeting House nor towards the Support of our minister except some Small private Donations made to our minister. However they Repeatedly Requested our Town to Consent to Receive them. Promising to meet at any place that the maj' part of the People should fix to Build a House on, whereupon our Town after Repeated Sollicitashons to Receive them gave their Consent — And your Exellency & Honors some time in July last saw fit to Aggregate about one half of said Monson To said Amherst, soon after our Town Saw it necessary to Build a Meeting House and voted to Do it (our Present Meeting House being Small and insufficient for the old Town & said new Addition) the most of the People of the New Addition were present some voted in the Affermative some in the Negative, but they began to think that the Charter Subjected them to the same Duties with us of the old Town, that they must Defrey some part of the Charge in Building and so forth and not only so but must Do something towards sup porting our minister, these Reflections affected some of thetn very Sensibly ; they had not been acquainted with anything of the kind, they were Ready to Construe it as a Degree of Per secution & the like. And to Remedy this evil they are about Petitioning to have our Town as it now lyes Divided into two Parishes which we think cannot be Done without a manifest Injury to more than three Quarters of the Town, a very con siderable Quantity of Land in our Town is barron and Poor and will not admit of two Parishes ; besides it lyes in Such a Situation by reason of a River & Hills that the whole of the People may more conveniently meet at one Place, the place Pitched upon than at any two Places in tlie Town (of which the Gentlemen that Exhibit this will inform,) we would only add that if the Town is made into two Parishes it will tend very much to the Ruin of our minis' Therefore pray that if such their Petition should be prefered the prayer thereof may not be granted And y' Petitioners as in Duty bound will Pray. Benj" Taylor Daniel Wilkins y 3d John Davis Jacob Hildreth John Smith Isaac Weston Will" Walton David Hildreth Jonathan Lamson Nathan Kendal Ephraim Hildreth James Clark Jacob Curtice John Secombe Daniel Campbel Hez'' Lovejoy Benj« Shepard Amos Flint TOWN PAPERS — AMHERST. 19 John Burns John Wilkins Jn" Shepard jun' Israel Towne Enos Upton Enos Bradford Sam' Stuart Eze' Holt Je*" Cumings Benj» Ellinwood Reuben D Mussey Benjamin Clark Stephen Peabody Thomas Avarel Thomas Avarel Junr Jedediah Ellinwood John Hartshorn Jacob Standly Isaac How Eben' Holt Jun' Reuben Mussey Francis Lovejoy Nathan Fuller Amos Green John Washer Stephen Washer Bray Wilsen Amos Truel David Truel John Shepard Hezekiah Duncklee Joseph Duncklee Robert Read Moses Nichols Jonathan Wilkins Joseph Lovejoy Jn» Averil Timothy Mackintire James 'Woodbury Peter Woodbury Joshua Abbott Acha^ Towne W" Bradford James Seetowne Hugh Ross Joseph Small John Michell Sam Wilkins Sam Lamson Asa Farnum Moses Towne Eben' Ellinwood J' Rolandson Ellinwood W" Small Josiah Kidder Ebenezer Weston Sam' Dodge Kendal Boutwell David Williams John Steward James Gage Samuel Lamson Junr. John m'Clenche? Benj» Wilkins Nathan Phelps Francis Eliot Thos. Carlton James Hartshorn George Wiley Ebenezer Holt Reuben Holt Will" Steward Will" Melendy Tho» Wakefield Joseph Bouttell Benj" Davis Tho" Clark Jonathan Small Andrew Bixebe Samuel McKeen Nahum Baldwing Andrew Davis Elisha Felton Joseph Ellinwood James Cochren Joseph Bouttel Reuben Bouttel Thomas Bputtel Amos Bouttel Jonathan Lund Simson Steward Sam' Stearns Timothy Smith W" Odell John Dunckle Joseph Prince Moses Walton John Seetown Josiah (.') Petingill Benj' Kenrick Eben' Ellinwood 3d Eben' Ellinwood Bart"" Dodge Thomson Maxwell Timothy Nichols Peter Goss David Hartshorn William Hogg John Hartshorn 127 Signers 20 NEW HAMPSHIRE Vote of Amherst Relative to Monson April lo 1766. At a Legal Meeting of the Town of Amherst in the Province of New Hampshire Held on the Tenth day of April A. D. 1766, Voted that the following part of the Town of Monson, with the People thereon, may be annexed or joined to this Town, and enjoy all Priviledges and imunities in comon with the same viz Begining at the Northeast Corner of said Monson from thence South by the Town of Merrymack two Miles from thence due West to the West Line of said Monson, then North to Souhegan River so called, then Down said River to the bounds first mentioned. Upon the following Condition and not otherwise, that is to say they the People of said Mon son to -be at the Expence of Geting the Thing Done John Shepard jun. Town Clerk. Copy Attest John Shepard jim Town Clerk Petition of yon. Shepard junr i7t behalf of Ajnherst fan 26, 1771. To His Excellency John Wentw^orth Esq. Capt. Gen' Gov ernor &c of the Province of New Hampshire To the Hon ourable his Majestys Council of said Province. The Selectmen of Amherst in the same Province, Beg leave to inform your Excellency and Hon" that a Number of those persons that Inhabit those Lands formerly Called Monson but lately joined to said Amherst have lately signified their inten tion of Prefering a Petition to your Excellency & Honors, in which they should pray to have said Amherst Laid into two parrishes And some of them are so Sanguine about it as to suppose the thing may be Done at first asking without Noti fying the Town of it, if so it must be submitted to, but the Petitioners are Humbly of Opinion that such a proceedure must be very Detrimental to by far the greater part, even more than two thirds of the People, and being bound to think that your Excellency & Hon" cannot be prevailed with to do any thing Tending to hurt the Civil and Religious Polity of any Incorporation Therefore in behalf of said Town Pray that if such their petition should be prefered as aforesaid that previous to granting the Prayer thereof The people of said Amherst may be Notified and heard thereon And your Petitioners will Pray By Desire of said Selectmen. Dated 26"' January 1771. John Shepard Jun Town Clerk. TOWN PAPERS AMHERST. 21 Petition for a Road from Charlestown to Amherst 1773. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Governor and Com mander in chief in and over His Majestys Province of New Hampshire and Vice Admiral of the same To the Hon''''^ His Majesties Council, and to the Hon''''' His Majesties House of Representatives In General Assembly ConvenedThe Petition of Jotham Blanchard In Behalf of Himself Reuben Kidder Esq' and Others Humbly Sheweth that your Petitioners are at great Inconvenience as to roads from Charles town (in said Province) to this Metropolis, that Your Petition ers Humbly Conceive a Road may be made from Charlestown Through the Towns of Acworth, Lemster Campden Monad- nock number seven to that Tract of Land known by the name of Masons Proprietors Reservation, or Society Land, that the same road maybe Continued toPetersborough, & Lyndsborough to Amherst where there is sufficient roads to any Part of this or the neighboring Governments, and your Petitioners Pray Your Excellency and Honours to Cause an act of said Province to be made and Passed, for the said road to be surveyed and made Passable Through said Town in the most direct manner Possible and that Your Excellency and Honours would ap point a Committee of Two or more Men Capable of surveying and making said Road at the Cost and Charge of the Proprie tors that o\ynsand Holds the Land in the said Towns, and that, shoud those Proprietors Refuse to pay said Cost and Charge that the Lands within said Towns may be subject to be sold in such Proportion as may pay the same or in some other way which may appear to Your Excellency and Honours to be most Conducive to the facilitating the Settlement of those New Towns which are in their Infancy as to their settlements, and Pray that Your Excellency and Honours To Take the forgoing Petition into Your Wise Consideration and Grant such Relief as Your Excellency and Honours in Your Great Wisdom shall think Best and Your Petitioners shall ever Pray. Jotham Blanchard. May 13"' 1773. Petition of the County of Hillsborough i774- Province of 1 ¦,..„ , , T.T TT u- > Hillsborough ss New Hampshire J ° To the Hon'"' The Justices of His Majestys Court of General Sessions of the Peace Holden at Amherst within and for said County on the 17*'' Day of August A D 1773 by adjourn ment from the first Thursday next following the first Tuesday of July 1773— The Petition of us the Subscribers Freeholders of the Respec tive Towns of Amherst, Hollis, New Ipswich, Nottingham 22 NEW HAMPSHIRE West, Dunstable, Litchfield, Merrymac, Bedford, Deriyfield, Goffes Town, Dunbarton, Hopkinton, Weare, Mason, New Boston, Lyndsborough, Wilton, Temple, Peterborough, Bos cawen, Salisbury and Hennikar all in said County which said Petitioners are Agents Legally Chosen and Constituted for the said Towns, Whereof they are Freeholders and Inhabitants Humbly Shews That in the Month of Septem' 1772, an ac tion was brought by John Holland of Amherst aforesaid Yeoman (a Deputy Sherift'for said County) against one Joseph Kelley of Nottingham West in said County Gendemen, Re turnable at the then next Inferior Court of Common Pleas to be Holden at Amherst aforesaid for said County in October A D 1772 who for want of Bail was Committed to his Majes ty's Goal at Amherst aforesaid That the said Inf Court action came on to be tryed at Oct' Court aforesaid at Amherst, and the said Kelly then a prisener Moved by One Mr. Stephen Searles his attorney that he might either have Liberty to be present at the Tryal of that Cause and some others then and there pending wherein he the said Kelley was a party, or that said Causes might be Continued until he could be present. Notwithstanding which their Honours the Justices of the said Inf Court Ordered tlie said Kelly to be Defaulted, and enter'd Judgment against him in favor of said Holland for the sum of £83 Lawful Money or thereabouts. Damages & Costs, and the said Kelley being confind in said Goal by Virtue of a Writ Issuing out of s"* Court was under the protection of the same That to call him Out without giving him the power of being present was Requiring an Impossibility and that the said Cause ought to have been Continued by the said Court oflicially. That on the 14"' Day of October a D 1773 said Kelly with one John Thom who was confined in said Goal for Debt, made their Escape out of said Goal That this Hon''"^ Court at their adjournment in June last upon application by s'd Holland, made a Grant to him of £83 Lawful Money or thereabouts for s'd Judgment Obtained as aforesaid as your Petitioners Humbly conceived to be paid out of the Monies of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of s'd County That s'd Kelly before the s'd 14* Day of October had nearly Effected his Escape That the Sherift" of said County accepted of a Guard (Order'd by this Hon'''"^^ Court) for the greater safety of the Prisoners that he had from time to time placed a guard as your Petitioners are informed Dismissed s* Guard on the evening of the 13"' of the s'' October. That your Petitioners are Likewise informed that s* Kelly frequently gave out that he Intended to make his Escape on the s" 14* Day of October. That your Petitioners apprehend that the s" Sherift" was very negligent of his Duty not attending the Goal himself, and suf- TOWN PAPERS — AMHERST. 23 fering all his Deputys & Servants to be out of Town on s ' Day. That the Towns your Petitioners have the Plonour to Repre sent with the lesserOnes, have very cheerfully borne the charges & Expenses of the County afors* hitherto ; which have amounted to Divers Large Sums of Money, and are still willing to bear the Necessary Charges & Expenses of s'' County and even for the Escaped aforesaid, were they not apprehensive that some unfaithfulness or undue Practice was the sole cause of said Escape. That the good and Wholesome Laws of this Province give to M' Holland and other Claimants other good Remedys for Recovering their Demands without Burthening the County. Wherefore Your Petitioners as Agents for the several Towns afores'd which make the greatest part of the County aforesaid Humbly Pray that your Honours would suffer your Petitioners to State with Evidence the Notorious Facts before hinted at, and be heard by Council on the Premises — And that youi Hon" will be pleased to reconsider the Grant aforesaid made to s'd Holland and direct the Treasurer of s'd County not to pay the Same and be Tended(^ }) of making further Grants on account of s'^ Kelley & Thoms Escape — and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray. Amherst aug^' loth 1773 Benj" Kennick "j. Committee from Amherst Daniel Campbell J William Nevens 1 Nath' Ball >¦ Committee from Holies Elnathan Blood J Isaac How 1 Committee from Ipswich Tim*' i arrar J '^ Abraham Page 1 Committee from Nottingh. West Nehemiah Hadley J ° James Blanchard ) Jon" Lovewell \ Committee from Dunstable Joseph Whiting J John Parker "l Committee from Litchfield Daniel Kendall J Jon. Blanchard ) John Neal \ Committee from Merrvmac William Alld j James Martin Committee Man from Bedford James McCalley Committee Derryfield James Karn | Committee from Goffs Town Moses Little / Caleb Page Committee from Dunbarton Stephen Harriman "1 Committee from Hopkinton Christopher Gould J Ton" Dow I Committee from Weare Samuel Philbrick / 24 NEW HAMPSHIRE Abijah Allen 1 David Blodgett V Committee from Mason Reuben HosmerJ Archibald McMillan \ Committee from New Boston James Caldwell J ^^tW Phdps"°° } Committee from Lyndsborough Jon" Martin ") Chosen by the Major part of the Freeholders William Abbott Jr / of Wilton John Cragin Jr ¦) Committee from Temple bamviel Howard J '^ -William Smith-1 (-, i ^^^^ Peterborough John Young J '^ Henry Gerrish \ Committee from Boscawen Peter Kimball j Jonas Bowman Committee from Hennikar Wph Bell^^''''''} C"'"™'"^^ *'°'" Salisbury Copy Attest J. Holland. Aug y" i8* A D 1773 at his Majestys Court of General Ses sions of the Peace held by adjournment the Qriestion was put whether the Court would Issue an order to the treasurer to revoke the former order and it passed in the Negative Ordered therefore that the petition be Dismissed. Copy Attest J. Holland. This Petition is Dismiss'd. Petition relating to Monso7i. To the Honerable Council and House of Representatives in General Assembly convein'd for the State of New Hampshire the second Tuesday of June 1782. The Petition of the subscribers Humbly Shews That your Petitioners Inhabitants on a tract of Land Lying between Sowhegan River and the town of Hollis (according to its first Charter) which tract was once incorperated into a Township by the name of Monson but at the time such incor- pation took place, the inhabitants thereof were but few in number and unable then to Suport the Charge of a town and Comonly attended public Worship at Hollis and Amherst. That about the year 1770 a proposal was set on Foot for Monson to be devided and by new Charters anexed to the said towns, but notwithstanding the same was considerably opposed by many of the Inhabitants Both of Monson and Amherst the same has taken place and your Petitioners have been at much Public Expence in said Towns by reason of being anexed to them. TOWN PAPERS — AMHERST. 25 That the Contents of Monson are at least five miles Square and the Land as good as Land Generally is in this part of the Country and is now become considerably settled and increases dayly in Improvement and inhabitants, and are now able to Reap the Benefit of an incorporation if they might Obtain such a favour as they now consist of at least eighty five Familys. That your Petitioners are not unacquainted of a certain Peti tion's Now being before this Assembly Signed by a number of persons residing in what was formerly Monson, Join'd by a Number Living in Amherst (according to the first Charter) Praying for Certain matters as in the said Petition is Mentioned and as the Matters Contained in these Petitions are of much importance to both setts of Petitioners a Consideration of this their request Previous to a final determination of the Petition above aluded to may Produce such a Law as will reconcile all parties and promote their Weal, Peace and Concord. Your Petitioners therefore most Humbly pray that your Honers will Take the Premises (in all its parts) under your wise Consider ation and Give them Leave to bring in such a Bill as will Place the Antiant Town of Monson in its former Situation as to Boundaries, and invest them with such Priviledges and imuni ties as other Towns in this State hold and do Enjoye Your Petitioners can't think a Motion of this kind will be opposed by either of the Towns of Hollis or Amherst as they are large both as to extent and inhabitants, & should your Petitioners be so fortunate as to have a Bill passed in their favour as to an incorporation they will be Willing still to pay towards suport- ing the Gospel in the respective Towns they now belong to till they shall Maintain Preaching among themselves a very Con siderable part of the time and as this Honerable Assem'bly can have no other thing in view but the Peace and good Order of all parts of the State they represent your Petitioners are en couraged to hope for a grant of their Request in such a way and manner as shall seem best to your Honers and your Peti tioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray &c Dated Amherst May 23d 17S2. Josiah Kidder juner Jonas Shattuck Nehemiah French Ebner Gibson Benj' Messer Eleazer Usher Joseph French John Stearns Joseph Wood Timothy Emerson Junr. ivory Hovey Jonathan Lovejoy William French David Duncklee Oliver Bowers David Wallingford Jerathmeel Colburn Simeon Blood William French j' John Stearns Jun' William Patten juner Edward Foster Robert Perkins • Stearns Needham Timothv Emerson Joshua Clark Silas Spaulding John Whiting 26 NEW HAMPSHIRE Josiah Kidder John Dutton Daniel Kidder Abraham Leman Jonat'' Danforth Jonathan Spaulding Jotham Stearns '\Viiliam Peacock Thomas Emerson Benjamin Emerson We the Subscribers think the foregoing requested incorpo rations will be more for our and the public good than the privileges asked for in a former petition now depending before this Honorable House to which we were subscribers, and therefore humbly request that the same may be granted in preference to the matters contained in the said former petition. Stephen How Samuel How. Dated May y' 23d 17S2. ATKINSON AND PLAISTOW. [For a number of papers relating to these towns see Plaistow, on subsequent pages. .Atkinson w.is one ot" tlie lirst towns incorporated under the adniinistnition of Ciov. John Wentworth. The charter bears date 3d September, 1707.— Ed.] A Petition from Plaistow . To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor and Commander in Cheaf in and over his Majesties Province of New Plampshire in New England, and to the Honourable His Majesties Councill, and to the Honourable House of Representatives in Generill Court assembled &c. the Humble Petition of us the Subscribers inHabitance of the North West Part of the town of Plaistow in s'' Province Humbly sheweth that we are so Remote from the Place of the Publick worship of God in said town of Plastow that we cannot attend the same without Great Difeculty and whereas we are very convenient to the Place of the Publick worship of God in the town of Hampstead, we therefore Humbly Pray your Excellency and Honours to take our Dificult Case under your wise Consideration and if in your wisdom you should think Proper to Set of s"* Northwest Part of s* town of Plastow the Line to Run from the Pine in Cloughs meadow (so called) South westerly to a white oake tree near Cornet John Ingalls barn thence on the Southerly side of his Land to his Southwest Comer bounds and from thence Still South westerly to the Bridge over Providence brook near John Curriers house at Salem Line and so by Salem Line to Hampstead Line & so to the first Bounds and Annex us to the s* town of Hampstead you will Greatly oblige your Humble PetiTioners and they shall as in Duty bound Ever Pray &e.Dated Plastow april y^ ii : 1766. TOWN PAPERS — ATKINSON. 27 John Kelly Benjamin Philbrick Nathan Watts Thomas Little Benjamin Richards Jun. John Ingalls Micaiah Moriel Reuben Mills Joseph Brown Ezekiel Belknap Joseph Chandler James Little John Morrill Moses Kelly Thomas Chaney junr. Moses Brown Moses poor Thomas Whitaker Benjamin Emery Moses Whitaker Province of") In Council June 26"' 1766 Read & Ordered to be Sent New Hamp J down to the Hon'''"' Assembly T. Atkinson Jun' Sec'y. ¦^Hamos" I ^" the House of Representatives June 26"' 1766. Province of New 1 Voted That the Petitioners be heard on the within Petition the second Day of the siting of the General Assembly After the first Day of Sep tember next and that the Petitioners at their Own Cost Cause the Selectmen of Plastow to be Served with a copy of this Petition and order of Court that they may shew Cause if any they have why the Prayer thereof Should not be Granted M. Weare Clk. In Council Eodem Die Read & Concurr'd T. Atkinson Junr. Secry. To the Selectmen of the town of Plastow : — Genf We the Subscribers Desire that you would Put into the warning of our Next Town meeting To See if the Town will Joyn with that Part of our Parish that Live on the South Side of the Province line to Chuse a Committee to fix a place for a meeting House To Stand that shall be most convenient for the s'* town & Parish in so Doing you'll much oblige your Humble Petitioners. Aug 10"' 1764 John Knight Benj" Hale Abel Merrill Joseph Knight William Bradly Enoch Noyes Abel Merril ju' Oliver Knight John Merrill Stepjien Knight Nath' Knight Joshua Knight It is by the Desire of Several that hav'nt yet signed. 28 NEW HAMPSHIRE Request of the Inhabitants of Plaistow to the Selectmen, 1764. To the Selectmen of the Town of Plastow, Gents. We the Subscribers Desire that you would forthwith warn a meeting of the Inhabitants of s* town & Put into the warning of s'* meeting to see if the Town will Joyn with that Part of our Parish that live in Haverhill & vote that the meeting House for our s'^ Parish Shall Stand in the Center of the same : if not voted ; 2 To see if our town "will vote to Sett a meeting House in the Center of s'* town : if not voted 3 To see if the town or Parish will Chuse a committee to Place the meeting House for us according to their Discretion In so Doing you'll greatly oblige your Humble Petitioners Moses Belknap. Sep' 18'" 1764 Tristram Knight James Little Ezekwa/ Belknap Moses Kelly Stephen Dole John Ingalls Reuben Mills Joshua Kelly Benjamin Emery John Stevens Nath"' Watts David Currier Joseph Hale Jesse Page Benjamin Richards Daniel Richards Benja Richards Jun Benj Stone Jun' Aaron Copp Robert Greenough Rbert ( .?) Morrill Joseph Knight John Merrill Tristram Knight Oliver Knight John Kelly Enoch Noyes Benja Hale Benj Stone John Trusell Jonathan Hunt Stevens Merrill Joseph Smith Abner Plumer Peter Harriman John Harriman Moses Greenough Joshua Knight John Dow Stephen Whittaker John Morrill Micajah Morrill Thomas Whitaker Stephen Knight John Dow Jun' Ebenezer Knight Richard Brown William Brown Samuel Little Joseph Little Leonard Harriman Nehemiah Heath Edmund Page Thomas Whitaker Stephen Whitaker Benj" Richards Jun. John Morrill Miciah Morrill Jon" Poor Daniel Poor Jun. Stephen Knight Oliver Knight Asa Page Joseph Noyes Samuel Little John Dole TOWN papers — ATKINSON. 29 Petition to be Set off as a Pa?-ish. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq : Captain General and Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire ; To the Honourable His Majesty's Council, and the Honourable House of Representatives. The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Westerly part of the Town of Plastow Sheweth, that by reason of the many & great difficulties they undergo in attending the Publick Worship of God, at the Meeting House where it now stands, through the great distance of their dwellings therefrom, and that Meeting- House is not large enough to Acommodate more than One Half of the Inhabitants of said To"wn — And as it would be greatly to the Benefit of your Petitioners and prevent Strife and Discord among the Inhabitants, and also tend to the advancement of the Gospel, your Petitioners humbly request that the Westerly Half of said Town may be set oft' as a Distinct Town, or Parish, the Dividing Line to run as follo"w- eth. Viz. Beginning at the North East corner of Benjamin & Ebenr Hale's Land, from thence running a straight Line to the Bridge near Ebenezer Eaton's, from thence running by the Brook unto the Road near David Bryant's and from thence running by said Road unto the Province Line. Your humble Petitioners desire your Excellency and Honours to take our Case into your wise Consideration and grant us that Relief and Benefit which to your Wisdom Shall Seem meet. And your Humble Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall ever Pray Plastow May y"= 20 1766. N. Peabody Stephen Knight Joseph Parker Nathaniel Page Ebenezer Eaton Ebenezer Chaplin James Noyes Joseph Page Mary Hale Asa Haseltine Daniel Richards Joseph Noyes Moses Belknap 1°^" Knight Nath"' watts Thomas Noyes John morrill Nath Knight Micajah Morrill Benj" Hale Tosep hill ordway Joseph Knight William Brown John Merrill Joshua Emery Joshua Knight Jonathan Whittaker Samuel Little Eben' Hale John Brown Tristram Knight Enoch Noyes John French Richard Brown John Dow Ebenezer Knight John Dow Jr. John Knight Jr. Jesse Page Oliver Knight Benjamin Richards Stephen Dole Edmund Page Moses Whittaker Thomas Whittaker Daniel Hadley David Currier JO NEW HAMPSHIRE Prov''" of "1 In Council June 26"' 1766 read & ordered to be Sent New Hamp" J down to the Hon'''" Assembly T. Atkinson Junr. Secy. Province of "I In the House of Representatives June 26"" 1766 The New Hamp'" j within Petition being Read and Considered 'Voted That the Petitioners be heard thereon the Second Day of the Siting of the General Assembly after the first Day of September next and that the Petitioners at their Own Cost Cause the Selectmen of Plastow to be Served with a Copy of this Petition and Order of Court that they may Shew Cause if any they have "why the Prayer thereof should not be Granted M. Weare CI' In Council Eodem Die Read & Concurred T. Atkinson Secy. At a Legal Town meeting Holden at the meeting house in Plastow October y" 9, 1764 Capt. Jonathan Carlton was Chosen moderator Then Voted That the meeting house Should Stand Whare it Now is Ten years A True Coppy Taken out of the Town Book of Records Jonathan Kimball Town Clerk Plastow November y'' 3, 1766 . Daniel Hadley against the division of Plaistoiv, 1766. To the General Court for the Provence of New Hampshire I would Inform your Honours that it is veiy much against my mind that the town of Plastow Should Be Devided or made into two Towns or Parishes for the Petition that was Entred with your Honnors the 26 Day of June Last that I signed I was over Persuaded to sign the Constabel Promising me that if I would signe said Petition he would [wait] a Grate while one me for my Rates which I then owed to him. Plastow December 12* 1766. Daniel Hadley. Joshua Emery against the division of Plaistow. To the General Cort for the Provence of New Hampshire : I would inform your Honnors that it is my mind that the town of Plastow should be cept to Gether as it is at this Day and the reason of my signing a pettition that I signed that was Entred in the Cort June 26 Last past was Because they told me that a part of our town was a Going to be Enexed to Ham sted which I am very much a Gainst. But I should be very willing that they that Have Signed to Go to Hamsted might have Liberty to pay their minester Rate at Hamsted for eight or ten year if it is their Desier. Joshua Emery. Plastow Jenuery i , 1 767. town papers — ATKINSON. 3 1 New Hampshire. In the House of Representatives Aug 26, 1767 The Petitioners being heard on this Petition and also the Objections heard and Considered. 'Voted That the Prayer of the Petition be Granted and that the Peti tioners have liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly. M. Weare CI' In Council, August 28'' 1767 Read & Concurred T. Atkinson Jun' Secy. Memorial or letter of sundry inhabitants of Haverhill to the town of Plaistow, 1767. Bretheren — though By ye Devition Line Between the provinces we were Seperated from you yet By indulgence from ye masechusets we have continued to worship with you & cherfully to pay our proportion ^towards the maintainance of ye Gospel & after the Death of our former minister we united with you in the Settlement of another whom we Justly Esteem & Venerate and in considisention to a Number who apeared uneasy about the Situation af the meeting House we united with you in the choice of a committee & were at considerable Expence in Hopes to Give them Satisfaction. They Not Being Easy Have obtened a Devition af your Town Taking away By farr the Best Part of the Land your Numbers Being hereby Greatly Deminished many of those Left Being of a Sectarien Spirit, these and many other things Being considered we cant But Earnestly Entreat that as you value the interest of Religeon you would by Every proper method seek Imediate Releaf from those who we trust will Delight to promote Both your Civill & Sacred interest. Otherwise we fear you will be So Devided that we shall be obleged to Seperate from you & seek to be united to Some other Neighbor Sosiety the most Distant tho't of which we heartily Deplore Being perfectly Satisfied with our Beloved pastor who has Devoted Himself to y^ work of y'' Gospel ministry among us & in whose ministry you & we have Enjoyed the utmost Satisfaction & Delight. We are your sincere & affectionate well "wisher. To y^ Town clerk for plastow to be comuncate to y° inhabitants of plastow. Haverhill North parish Decembr lo"" 1767 Benja" Clement William Bryant Isaac Snow Richard Harriman Caleb Gushing James Russell Nathanel Johnson William Attwod Mark Emerson Moses Gushing. Nath"' Rolfe Jonathan Eatten 22 NE'W" HAMPSHIRE Inf ormation from Plaistow. To his Excelency Benning Wintworth Esq' Govenour & and to the Honourable his majesties Councill and to the Hon ourable House of Representatives in generall Court. as sembled &c. this is to Inform your Excelency and Honours that we the Subscribers Inhabitance of the town of Plastow do Judge it highly Reasonable and we think it will be for the peace of s" town of Plastow to set of our brethren at the northwest Part of s'' town and annex them to the town of Hampstead the Line to Run from the pine in Cloughs meadow (so called) South Westerly to a white oak tree near Cornit Ingalls Barn thence on the Southerly Side of his Land to his South West Corner Bounds, and from thence still South westerly to the bridge over Providence Brook near John Curriers house agreeable to their Petition as witness our hands Dated Plastovi' April y" ii : 1766 Nicolas White John Chaney James White James Chaney Thomas Follamsbe Moses Stevens Abraham Chase John Bradly Nathaniel Cheney Joseph Harriman junr William Folensbe John Heath Nathaniel Bartlet Abner Harriman Josiah Copps Moses Jackman Samuel Heath Benjamin Kimball Thomas Stevens Humphery Noyes Samuel Kimball John Hall Thomas Chaney Aaron Copp Ephraim Emerson Jonathan Stevens Jonathan Eatton Moses Page Stephen Woodward Daniel Whitaker Peter Clement Daniel Hadley Daniel Heath Jacob Heath. Dustin Chaney Joseph Page against the division, of Plaistow 1767. To the General Court for the Province of New hampsher I would inform your Honers that it is my Desier that the Town of Plastow might Be cept to Gether as it is at this Day for the Reasons of my signing a Pettition that I signed that was Entered in the General Court June 26 Last Past was Because thay told me that a Part of the Town of Plastow was a Going to Be Ennexed to the Town of Hampsted which I am very much a Gainst my Desier is that it may Be left to Gether as it is at this Day Joseph Page. Plastow february 16, 1767. TOWN PAPERS — ATKINSON. 33 Eben^ Eaton against the division of Plaistoiv 1767. To the General Court for the Provence of New hampsher — I would inform your Honours that it is my Desier that the Town of Plastow might be cept to Gether as it is at This Day for the Reason of my signing a Petton that was Entred in the Gineral Court Last June "was Be cause I "was over Per suaded, After Consideration I se it will be Grately to the Towns Damage there fore I Desier your Honers that you would not Grant said Pettons : not the suner for my signing s* Pon But my Desier is that the Town of Plastow may Be cept to-Gether as it is at this Day. Ebenezer Eatton. Plastow March 7 1767. Province of New Hamshire — To the Honorable Generill Court May it please your Honores that whereas Some time past I Signed a petition that the Town of Plastow Might be Divided being then Misinformed this therefore is to Desier your Hon ores Not to take any Notice of My Name in that petition for I am of the opinion tis Best for the Town to remain as it is at present Your Honores Humble Servant Joseph Parker. Plastow Aprill 13"' 1767. Petition of inhabitants of Plastow for annexation. Province of ") New Hampshire / To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Governor & Com mander in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire &c to the Honourable his Majestys Council and House of Representatives of said Province in General Court Assembled : the Memorial of a Number of the Inhabitants of Plastow in said Province Humbly sheweth That whereas by an act of the general Court Part of the Town of Plastow hes Lately been Set off, and made a new and Destinct Parish, and whereas Several Persons included in Said New Parish Have Petitioned to be annexed to the Town of Plastow : we the Subscribers Inhabitants of said Plastow beg leave to inform your Excellency & Honours of the Rea sons why we Pray their Petition may be granted. We beg Leave to acquaint you that if Said New Parish does Not Contain a greater Qxiantity of Lands than is Left in said Town of Plastow, as we are not Certain but it does, yet it is very well Known that the Lands in y° former taking a justEs- 34 NEW HAMPSHIRE timate of Quantity and Quality together are by far more valu able then Those of the latter, upon which account we in this Town are certainly laid under very great Disadvantages. Per mit us further to observe to your Excellency & Honours that near one-half if not y" Majority of the Inhabitants of Said Plastow are either Professed Babtists or so far favourers of them as usually to Concur with them in opposing and Coun teracting every necessary Measure Respecting either the Sup port of our Minister or y" Peace & good order of y'^ Town so that without Some Helps, we see no Probable or even pos- sable way in which either the one or y'' other can be Contin ued among us in any tolarable Degree. We ask leave moreover to inform the Honourable Court that the North Parish in Haverhill in Massachusetts Province have hetherto ever Sence our first Incorporation into a Town Shared with us in Ministerial Charges and Privileges and ap pear willing to Continue with us in Case the fore said Petition be granted, so that their may be a better Prospect of Peace & order in Said Plastow ; whereas if we Continue in our Present weakened and Devided State we have the greatest Reason to fear they are fully Determined to Seperate from us ; in Conse quence of which Seperation we are at once irrecoverably De prived not only of their Proportion of y^ ministerial Tax, but Dispossessed of y'= Parsonage Buildings & land, the greatest Part by far of which lies in Said North Parish, and which we have hitherto enjoyed only by Vartue of our Connection with Them we Therefore earnestly Pray your Excellency and Honours to take the affair under Consideration and grant Such Relief for the Said Petitioners and for us as you in your wis dom Shall Think best and we as in Duty bound Shall ever Pray Plastow Dec' y^ 3, 1767. John Hall Ephraim Emerson Thomas Follamsbe Dustin Chaney Nathaniel Bartlet David Bryant Ezekiel Gile Nicolas White Peter Dow Jonathan Kimball Abraham Chase Benjamin S. Pettengill Josiah Copp Benj Hale Isaac Heath Jacob Trussel Nathanel Smith Nathaniel Knight Daniel Gile Joseph Knight Benj" Kimball John Knight Benjamin Davis Abel Mirrill Nathan Gile Abel Mirrill Jun David Carleton John Mirill John Heath Humphrey Noyes John Bradley Humphrey Noyes Jun Moses Bartlett Robert Greanough John Chaney Moses Greanough TOWN PAPERS — ATKINSON. 35 Richard Greanough Ebenezer Eatton Aaron Coop James Little Nathaniel Peabody Stephen Noyes Jonathan Stevens Jun John Brown Samuel Little Nathaniel Little John French Joseph French Ebenezer Knight Joseph Knight Jun Joshua Knight Mical Chaplen Enoch Noyes James Noyes Robert Heath Joseph Noyes 'Thomas Noyes Caleb Noyes Asa Page James White Ebenezer Johnson Joseph Parker Sam"' Lowel John Lowel Richard Brown Daniel Poor William Brown Benj Philbrek Jun. Eben' Chaplen Jon""' Poor Josiph Daves Tristram Knight John Knight Junr Jonathan Stevens Oliver Knight Elipalet Knight Stephen Knight Jonathan Whitaker John Dow John Dow Jun. Moses Dow Jonathan Page Daniel Page Benj Richards Daniel Richards Joseph Richards Bradley Richards Edmund Page Jesse Page Nath"' Page Benj Emory Eldad Ingals John Ingals Joseph Hills Ordway Stephen Dole John Dole Richard Heath Thomas Little Thomas Little Jun. John Kelly Moses Kellj' William Kelly Reuben Mills Jonathan Eatton John Webster Israel Webster Daniel Poor David Poor Jeremiah Poor Daniel Merrill Moses Page James Page Joseph Page John Webster Jun. Jonathan Webster Timothy Page William Webster Samuel Webster Daniel Whittaker Daniel Hadley David Currier Joseph Hale Timothy Page Jun. Eb' Page Natha Wats Nath' Burpey Jeremiah Burpey John Morrill Micajah Morrill Stephen Whittker Moses Whittker Thomas Whittker Benj Richards Jun. Joseph Emerson Benj Philbrick Josep Philbrick Joseph Parmer Thomas Chaney Asa Harriman Joseph Chanler Moses Poor Joshua Kelly Moses Belknap Ezkiel Belknap Jacob Page Mical Tinney John Emorson Joseph Little Joshua Emory Benj Emory James Mirrill Timothy Ladd Asa Haseltine Currier 36 NEW HAMPSHIRE Thare is 130 mens Heads above sixteen in the west end of the town of Plastow. Thare is Eighty Seven Famelys in the West of the Town of Plastow. Petition of Sundry Persons to be Polled fro7n Atki7ison to Plastow. Province of New Hampshire } To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq Capt. general Governor and Commander in Cheaf in and over his Majes tys Province aforesaid &c and to the Honourable his Majestys Council and House of Representatives in general Court assembled at Portsmouth The Petition of us the Subscribers Humbly Shews where as there has been Latly Part of Plastow set oft' and made a New and Seperate Parish Bounded according to Cartain Lines which goes by the Name Atkinsonton in which we with our Estates falls into y<= Said New Parish our Prayer and Request to this Honoura'ble Court above mentioned is that whereas we have heretofore assisted in Building a meeting house a Pasonneg house and have Now a minister Settled in Plastow according to our Principles and Minds Therefore our Desier and Request is that we with our Estates may be set oft' from Said New Parish and be anexed to the old Parish or Town of Plastow that we might be and Remain as heretofore we therefore Pray that your Excellency and Honours will Take The mater under Consideration and grant such Relief for those who Desier to be set off as afore said as you in your wisdom Shall Think best and we as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray Plastow Sept. 1767. James White Moses Page Moses Greenough Daniel Poor Jonathan Eatton Jonathan Page John Webster John Webster j'. Israel Webster Daniel Poor Junr. Jonathan Webster Stephen Noyse William '\Vebster Samuel Kimball Daniel Whitaker Province of "I In the House of Representatives Sep. 24"' 1767 New Hampshire /The within Petition being Read and Considered Ko^ctf That the Petitioners be heard thereon the third day of the J1? . . '^ General Assembly after the first Day of November next and tnat they serve Mr. Thomas Noyes who is appointed to call the first nieetmg m said Atkinson with a Copy of this Petition And Order that U ejections may be made to granting the Praver of the Petition if any there be -s,- itt- T„ (-¦„. -1 T^ J T^. M. Weare. In Council Eodem Die Read & Concurr'd T. Atkinson, Secy. TOWN PAPERS — ATKINSON. 37 Ne">^°Ha"mpshire}^" *^^ "°"=« °^ Representatives Feb. y" 12, 1768 The within Petition being Considered and the Parties fully heard thereon Voted That the Petitioners James White & Samuel Kimball have liberty to Poll off they and their Estates to belong to the Town of Plas tow and the other Petitioners have liberty to Poll off" they & their Es tates to belong to the Town of Plastow respecting Ministerial affairs only & the Petitioners have liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly M Weare CI' In Council Feb'y. 1768 The above read and the Parties being heard Voted a Concurrence with this amendment That all the s'' Petitioners Excepting James White and Sam' Kimball remain to the Town or Par ish of Atkinson as tho' no petition had been preferred Geo. King Depy Secy. Ne"w Hampshire}^" '^® House of Representatives Feb 26"" 1768 The above "Vote of Councill Read and Concur'd and the Petitioners White and Kimball have liberty to bring in a Resolve accordingly. M. Weare, CI' Memorial of Sundry Inhabitants of Plaistow against hav ing a town set off from, that, 1767. To Excellency bening wintworth Esq' governor and com ander in cheaf in and over his madgstes Provence of new hampshire in new ingland and to the Honorable his mad- gesties council and to the Honourable house of Representa tives in generall court assembled To the humble Petition of us the Subscribers in Habitans of the Town of Plastow Humbly Pray your Excelency and oners to Tak our Dificelt Case under your wise considerateon and "we Petioners Humbly Pray that your honners "would not grant the Petition that was sent in order for a town or Parish to be taken out of the said town of Plastow the Reason why is because there is great quantity of wild Land in s* town that is oned by other Towns People and a great quantity of wild Land oned by Said to"wn wherefore we are no waies able to be a parish by our Selves and in So Doing you will greatly obblige your humble Petitioners and they shall as in Duty bound Ever Pray &c. Deted Plastow febuary ; 13, 1767 Benjamin Philbrick Joseph Palmer Benjamin Emery Thomas Chancy Tuner Joseph Chandler Moses Poore Joseph Kimball Wid. Mary Little 38 NEW HAMPSHIRE Report of a Committee of the town of Plaistow abt. thds meeting house, 1760. We the Subscribers having been- Ghose a Gommittee by the Inhab itants of the Town of Plastow in his Majestys Province of New Hamp"- shire and the Inhabitants of the north Parish i» Haverhill in the Prov ince of the Massachusetts Bay "Who' Congregals "with the Said: Inhab itants of Plastow to State the Plsice where Thei* meeting House Shalt Stand: for the Future Have atten-ded- that Service, by Viewing the Sev eral parts of Said Town and Parish agreeable to the Diesire of the In habitants of both, and heard the Respective Parties with Respect to the Premises ; and after Serious Considjration of the affair with a trai» &f Circumstances attending the Same too l^ng to enumerate, Do Report that our opinion is that the most Suitable Pwce for the meeting House to Stand at present, is where their aieetaig- House now Stands being fiilly of the mind, That the StartingorDfetermininganyother Place for that purpose, will be attended with "svorse Consequences to Said Inhab itants than that we have Reported Plastow Marl" 20"" 1766. Thomas Ro"weli." Sams' Emerson Eben' Stbvbns Joseph Frye Clem' March To the Town Clerk of Plastow to be Communicated to the Inhab itants of said Town at their meeting by adjournment on the first Wednesday in April next Mar. 20"", 1766 Com'"" RepM-t Committee' Sundry Persons of Plastow Desire t» have the Town Still remain undivided. Plastow Decern' 30'^ 176$ To the General Court of the province of New Hampshire These are to inform your Hon,'' That "whereas there was two petitions Sent to the general Court the twenty sixth of June Last past in order to be considered at the next setting one to hate the town Divided the other to anexapart to Hampstead, we the Subscribers Living witbfa the Limits of &'* petitions, are Desirous that Neither of them may be granted inasmuch as we think that it will very much Damnify the town at pres ent for we Look on ourselves and the inhabitants of this town unable at present to maintain two ministers of the Gospel but inasrnuch as there is a considerable Quantity of unsettled Land in this part of the town which is chiefly own'd by men belong ing to other towns we are in hopes that in a few years we may be able and in the mean time we are willing that those that have petitioned to be anexed to Hampstead should attend the Publick worship of God and have Liberty to pay their minis ter Rate there for the term of Eight or ten years till we are TOWN PAPERS — ATKINSON. 39 able to be two parishes and credibly to maintain two minis ters for these Reasons "we t)esire tliat things may Continue as they are at present and ia granting this our Request you will greatly oblige us and we think greatly benefit this town and as bound in Duty shall ever pray. Israel Webster. Robert Greenough John Webster Moses Greenough William Webster Daniel Poor Jujo. Daniel Whittaker Jonathan Page Jonathan Eatton Jonathan Poor John Webster Jr. Daniel Page Moses Page Humphrey Noyes James Page Daniel Poor David Poor Aaron Copp Jonathan Webster James Little Stephen Noyes Asa Hazeltine against the division of the town of Plaistow. New'^HlmpsMre}'''" '^^ "*'"''''' General Court for Said Province. Whereas I the Subscriber Did sine a Petetion to The General Court to Have the Town of Plastow Divided into two Towns (s* petition bars Date June y'^ 20"' 1766) I was over per- swaded by one of the Petitioners To Do it He Told me if we Did Not Git Divided part of the Town would Sartanly be set off to Hampstead and would spoyl the Town from Ever mak ing Two it is not my mind Nor Never "was to have the Town Divided at Present only for the above Reasons and Pray that it may be kept together Asa Hazeltine Plastow Jan' y" 1 , 1767. No. of People in Atkinson and Plastow. 1767 or 8; Plastow Hath 576 People Atkinson Hath 476 People Rateble Heads 142 Rateble Heads 118 Rateble Land 421 Acres Rateble Land 401 Acres NeTv Hampshfire } ^" ^^"^ '"""'^ °^ Representatives February 27"' 1768. Upon Reading & Considering the Petition of James White & Samuel Kimball both of Atkinson in Said Province with Several others to have leave to Poll off from said Parish of Atkinson to the Parish or Town of Plaistow both the Polls & Estates — after fully hearing the Parties con- 40 NEW HAMPSHIRE cerned and duly Considering all Circumstances Resolved and Voted That two of the Petitioners Only Viz. James White and Samuel Kim ball have Liberty to Poll oft" from said Atkinson to Plaistow aforesaid with their famillys & Estates botii Real & Personal and shall hereafter be Estimated taken & adjudged to be part of & to belong to the said Town of Plaistow and shall be adjudged Liable & Subject to all duties Taxes and orders of Said Town as imich as and in the same manner as other Inhabitants of Said Town in Proportion to their Estates Saving that their future Purchases of Real Estate shall belong to the Town or Parish where they lay P. GiLMAisr Speaker In Council March 16 176S read & Concurred George King Dep. Secy. Assented to J. Wentworth. James White's Reasons for wishing to re/naiiz i/i the town of Plaistoiv. The Subscriber for the folowing Reasons prayes that he may not be set of from The Town of plastow for that I have Been at a Considerable cost for the Building of the meeting house Thare and Lately In Repairing of it. That my land layes near the one half of It In haver' north parish the land where my Buildings Stands comes within about half a mile of plastow meeting house Jajies White. List of Baptists in Plaistoxv. (Supposed) Those that Profess themselves of y- Baptist Perswation which in all Parrish afairs have appeared against y*^ Peace & welfair of our minister and his society are as follows : Joseph Flint Joseph Welch "Daniel Emerson John Copp Nehemiah Heath jiloses Orway Abner Plummer Enoch Johnson Job Eatton "fohn Stevens Bartholomew Heath "Stevens Merrill Joseph Harriman Ebenezer Noves Joseph Harriman Jun. Selvenes Noves James Ely Moses Stevens Jun. Joseph Smith Stephen Flanders Jonathan Smith Samuel Welch John Pollard James Huse Daniel Ayer Samuel Dow Simon Follansbe John Trusel Edmond Pilsbury Widow Dow The Hole of ye Inhabitence Besides the .ibove mentioned which was Rated in y= Last minister Rate which has Ben made are 70 Seventeen of which has ben taken Notice in Town meetings to jovn witli y« Bap tists in voting 4 of which are widows & some stands as Nuters. TOWN PAPERS BARRINGTON. 4I BARRINGTON. [This {.own was incorporated 10 May, 1T3-2.— Ed.] A List of the original Proprietors of the Town of Barrington with the Rate which each man Paid & by which the Qiiantity of Acres each man had is ascertained at the rate of two Pence pr acre & also tlie number of Each Lot as the Same was drawn by each Prop' or his Constituent The PuopiiiETOES Names Acres Rods wide rate £ s 1 Henrv Iveese 270 133 2 5 Tlios'H;uiiiiiett (iO 30 10 3 .John Jloor 72 3S 12 4 Kraiici-s Rand UO 30 10 5 Benja Cranibliu 330 ICO 2 15 1; Kleazr llussell 9li 48 10 7 \\"idoM- Hatch GO 30 10 8 Edwar.l Cater 120 GO 1 fl Wm ^\"hite yo 45 13 10 Revd Uoircrs . 300 180 3 11 ¦la-nes I.ibhy . 120 GO 1:3 Saml AUcock .... 210 1C5 15 13 Jno Roberts 210 105 15 n ^^anil liart .... hSO 90 10 ir, Jno Sliackford 210 105 15 IB .Toseiih Hniraes 150 75 5 17 Wm AVavren GO 30 10 IS .Jno Shores .... eo 30 10 10 29 DoftrTialer .... 9S 48 lli(?) 21 AVni Briiifichani HO 48 IS 22 Agnis r.ns-iell 30 13 5 0^ Tiros Pliips 300 150 2 10 ii Richd Wibird G(iO 330 ,1 10 25 T!ios '.Vettbrook 300 1.30 2 10 211 "Wm Gotten Junr. 120 GO 1 27 Peter Cree'.ey . . 120 (iO 1 2*^ Eii'.im "Oenner 3!i0 ISO 3 2il Widow Hnnliiug lOS 54 18 30 Hen Sherhnrn Jnn ','0 45 15 31 Wni T.owde .... 192 90 1 12 Jno ]'iai1 \\'idon- Walker 48 24 8 52 Widow Jr.ekson 90 45 15 53 Wm Iji-nddeii 72 30 12 54 Widoiv Tapley 120 GOGO 6,") Benia A'sermau 120 50 Sara'l Hhiks . . . • 7-2 38 I'd 42 NEW HAMPSHIRE Proprietobs Names 100 101 102103 104 105 106107108 109110 111112113lU115116117 118 119120 121122123 124125126 Henry Slooper Thomas SiUson Thos Main . Thos Crocket James Spinney Edward Gate Richd Waterhoufl« Richd Cross . Thomas Ayre Reuben Abbott Capt Wm Cotten Jno Brewster Jno. Hooper Josiah Clark Wm Amoss . Jno Hill Edward Toogood Saml Hewett Alex Dennet Mathew Nelson Nathl Tuckerman Tim Davis Jonathan StooiHy Geo. Banfllt . Ed Phillips . Jno Deverson Joseph Fannin Abraham Libby $aml Banfleld Charles Brown Thos Greely . Wm Parker . Sampson Babb. Jno Lang Tim Waterhouse Henry Beck . Saml Ham Abraham Barna Widow Almary Jno Roberson Anthony How Junr. Geo Walker . Edward Cate Jun. Joseph Miller Bichd Waldron Thos Harvey Saml Sberbum Walter Warren Wm Cross Jos Allcock . ThoB Beck Jacob Lavie . Caleb Grafton .Jno Churchill Poctor Pike . Ambs Slooper Job Moulton . Abi-m Jones . ThoB Beck Junr A brm Bartlett Mich Whidden JameB Moses Jno Abbot ThoB Moore . Wm Frost . Wm Lewis . Jno Savage . Jno Peverly Jun. Solomon Cotten William Hunking Acres 276180 74 78 B»120 180120 150 72 1501.50 60 120 7296 144108180150 132 96 120 8464' Bods wide 138 90363960,609060 75 36 75753060 3648 72649075.66. 48.60 422/ 90 45 72 36 180 90 54 27 72 36 240 120 240 120 12fi 63 150 75 72 36 1,56 78 W) 30 30 15 144 72 72 36 72 36 1.50 75 90 46 216 108 150 76 120 60 120 60 72 36 168 84 90 45 72 36 •to 15 60 ¦M 240 120 180 90 138 69 150 75 78 39 72 36 210 105 90 45 84 42 72 se 72 36 90 46 150 75 96 38 72 36 SO IS rate TOWN ?A:PE»Sr— aARKilNGTON. 45 127128129130 131 132133134135138137138139 140141142 143 144145 146147 im KO ISl152 153164155166157 158 159160Wl163 163164 1«7 170mKa 173174 BS176K7 1«0 181 182183184 185186 1871881S9190 ISlm193194 195 196 197198 PnoPBiETOKS: Names Saml Shackford. Jno Cotten Doctor Robs .. Jno Ham Michl Whiddea Jr Saml Brewsteu Jno Davis Jno Libby Roger Swain .^ Widow Briard Jno Almary .. Tobias Langdon Richd Elliot . Hen Bickford Obadiah Morsa Nath] Odiome Geo Jaffrey .. Mathew James Jos Sherburn Jno Jones Jno Grindat . Kathl Peverly Thos Packer . James Jeffrey Jer. Neal David Gardiner Nathl Lang . Philip Gauuuoa Peter Ball . Joshua Peirce. Jno Hooker . Thos Sherbum ZacLeach Richd Pashlev Bichd Tobey ". Widow HarsbsU Jno Cntt MoBes Cnverly Jno Mardin . JnoHardesen Saml Fenhallow Richd Jose . Wm Fairweather Ephm Jackson Colo Hunking Widow Martin Wm Peverly . Beoja. Lucy . Robert Almai7 Gov. Wentworth ChaBanflU (1> Alex BobertB Capt. Geo Walker Saml Pitman Geo Townsend Saml Snell . Saml Waterhonse Jno Sparks . tJno Davis Jno CroBS Benja Cross . Nathl Mendam Bobert Pickerine Arch Macphadns Moses Paul . Jno Bradford Nehemiah Partridge Peter Moore . Thos Wilkinson Philip Babb ¦ Acres 210 144> 96. 488490 120144. 84 36 120 240 96. 96.48. 108600, 120. 35t 132 72. 90. 648. 240 90 120120 36 120720 90 144 Bods wide 105 7248 2442'456072421860 120, 484824.54, 300. 60 177 6636 45. 324120 45. 60601860 360 48 4845.72 144 72 90 45 150 75 120 60 66 33 180 90 720 360 120 60 72 38 168 84 210 106 120 60 120 60 96 48 96 48 720 3eo 60 .30 180 96 300 150 90 45 108 54 .S6 18 24 12 72 36 SO 45 30 15 210 105 240 120 72 38 600 300 210 105 96 48 72 36 84 42 60 30 72 36 (1) First lot 5th range. 44 NEW HAMPSHIRE Proprietors Nasies Acres Bods wide rate £ S 199 Benja Cotten .... 90 45 15 300 Jos Buss . . , 90 48 16 201 Saml Winkley 240 120 2 202 Benja Miller . 120 60 203 James Pitman CO 30 15 204 Chrietr Nobie 9.3 48 16 205 Thos Wright . 1.50 75 5 206 Hobert Ward 9S 48 10 207 Widow Pitman & Son Jabez 30 15 5 208 Jno Ford 72 38 10 209 George Peirce 210 105 15 210 Colo Vaughan 240 120 211 Wm Cotien . 210 105 15 213 Wm Barns 72 86 Ii 214 Riclid Swain . 72 86 12 215 Jno Cowel 84 42 14 210 Wm Ross 72 36 13 217 James Siierbum 90 45 15 218 Jno Sherburn 120 60 219 Nathl Melcher 72 38 12 220 Tiios I'eh-ce . 210 105 15 221 Peter Abbot . 60 30 10 222 Jno B.lmonds 84 42 14 223 Thos Walden 150 75 5 224 Hen Slierbuvu 193 93 12 225 Alex Miller . 180 90 10 226 Anthony Koe 60 30 10 227 Capt. Tobias Langdon 300 150 10 228 Ezek Pitman 120 60 229 James Stootly 30 15 5 230 Clemt Hughs 180 90 10 231 Jno Drew 120 60 232 Jos Berry 60 30 10 233 Jacob Tash . 90 45 15 235 Daniel Quick 96 48 16 230 .Jer Libby 180 90 10 237 Jao Preston . 120 60 2-18 Wm Fellows . 240 120 239 .Saml Brown . 72 36 12 240 .Jno Pray 138 69 3 241 Capt Hen Sherburn . 552 376 12 242 .Jno Peverly . 90 48 16 243 Wm Tenet . 24 12 4 244 Jno Skihings 96 48 10 245 Richd Saulridge 108 64 13 24!1 Ed Ayers 210 105 15 247 Saml Monson 120 60 248 Daniel Jackson 72 38 12 249 Nath Robertson 60 30 10 250 Hoses Ingraham 120 60 251 James Leacii 90 45 15 2.52 Jona Partridge 72. 36 13 253 Jno Sherburn'B widow 24 12 4 254 Ed Wells 120 60 2.35 Stepn Noble . 90 45 13 256 Steph Noble . GO 30 10 2.57 Wm Bennet . 120 60 258 Hen Seaward 120 60 359 Thos Larraby 12D 60 260 Nathl Fellows 72 36 12 261 Mary Moore Alia Leach 30 15 5 262 Geo Ayers 96 48 16 2B;j Arch tlnnking 72 38 13 264 Hugh Banflll 108 64 18 203 Amos Furnell 160 75 5 268 Abraham Dent 6 3 1 207 Saml Rhymes 96 48 16 268 Saml Clark . 132 66 2 269 Widow Nelson & Son 1.50 75 5 270 IFraucis Ditty 60 30 10 TOWN PAPERS — BARRINGTON. 45 PROX'RIETOUS NA51E8 Aci-es Rods wide rate £ S 271 Jos Mead .... 108 51 18 272 Jno Csiliings . GO 30 10 27:1 .roseph Sib=on 1:10 00 1 274 Laz Xoble 60 30 10 ''73 Laz Holmes . 43 21 7 278 .\brah;nn Center 90 48 10 277 Jer Calf 72 3'J 12 19 Not dr.iwn 178 Not drawn . 179 Not tlrawn 212 Not drawn 234 |Xot ih'awn . No 38: "9: 142: 143; 234: 233 arc the Northernmost rights in the six rr.nges of the Town ot IS.aiTingtnn & 1 : 88: 89: ISif: It'O with 277 are near if not tho most Southern Lotts o: said town. Petition for po-^oer to raise 7noney, &c. Province of "1 New Hamp. j To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq'' Governor and Commander In Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire in New England the Ho-n'''"^^ His Majesty's Council and House of Representatives for Said Province in General Court Convened The Humble Petition of Thomas Wright Mercht & Dan iel Jackson Shop keeper both of Portsmouth in said Province being the Surviving Agents of the Proprietors of the Town ship of Barrington in the Province aforesaid Shews — That: the Laws of this Province Pv.especting Proprieties of Townships or other Common & undivided Lands are very De fective & Insufficient in many Regards to Enable the Proprie tors as a Distinct Body from the Inhabitants of the Towns where they Live to Transact & carry on the Business of Such Proprieties But in Particular with respect to the Speedy Col lecting & levying Such Sums of Money as have at any time been Granted & Voted by the Propriety which very much Clogs & Embarrasses their affairs & Greatly Retards the Set- tlenient of New Town ships and thereby in a Great ]\Ieasure Defeats the Good Purposes of Granting Such Townships Since there is no making a Settlement without raising money and many Persons get in to be Proprietors who will not Vol untarily paN" tlieir proportion of the Charges That: the Proprietors of the Said Township of Barrington are Involved in the same Difficulties of other Proprieties in the aforesaid Regards and in Special with Respect to that Impor tant Article of Raising Money having Several Sums in 46 NEW HAMPSHIRE Arrearage which tho' they have assessed & apportioned upon the Proprietors are not paid in but Either Remain uncol lected or are in the Constables hands and that thro' a Defi ciency of the Laws upon which the Propriety is formed Wherefore your Petitioners in behalf of their principals most Humbly Pray that an act may be now past to Enable the Collector or Constable of the Said Propriety to Collect & Levy their arrearages in the same Summary way the Constables of Towns may do and give the said Proprietors the same Remedy against their Delinquent Collectors or Constables and also to make Effectual Provision for Raising & Levying money upon themselves for the future in such an Expeditious method as the nature of their affairs Require & Your Petitioners as in duty Bound Shall Ever Pray &c March 4"' 1 741 Thomas Wright Dan' Jackson In the House of Representatives March the I2'"'' 1741. the within Pe tition Read and Voted, That the Prajer of the Petition be so far granted, That for the future, the Proprietors be Enabled to make Notes & Raise money on themselves and that the Collectors & Constables be enabled to gather the same, and that the Proprietors Shall have the same Remedy against their delinquent Collectors & Constables as other To"wns have and that the Petitioners have liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly James Jeffrey CI' assem In Council March 20"' 1741 The above Vote read & Concurred Theod Atkinson Secy. March 22 Assented to. B. "Wentworth Petition of Thomas Shepard. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq" Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the Province of New Hampshire, The Honorable his Majestys Councill and house of Representatives in General Assembly convened — The Petition of Thomas Shepherd in Behalf of himself and the other Inhabitants of the Two mile Streak (so called) in the Township of Barrington in said Province most humbly shews That there are sixteen families settled within the said Two mile Streak, containing upwards of ninety Persons in all That the Situation of the Same is such that the Inhabitants are very much exposed unto the Indian Enemy That the summer past the laboring People there were obliged to leave their wives and children at home naked & defenceless whilst they went out about their business of husbandry having no Soldiers there to guard and protect them TOWN PAPERS — ^HARRINGTON. 47 That they are in great fear that the Indians will destroy some of them the approaching Spring and Summer, if they tarry there, unless the Government Allows them Some Protection. That in Case the said Inhabitants move in, it will give the Enemy an advantage besides that thereby your Petitioners Plantation where they raise Considerable Provision will lay unimproved Wherefore yOur Petitioners most humbly Pray your Excel lency and Honours to take their Case under Consideration and to allow them such a number of Soldiers & for such time as you shall judge reasonable, and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray, &c. Feb'^' 27,'^ I'ji^'j Thomas Shipherd. In Council March S"" 1747. read & ordered to be sent Doun to the Hon""'" House. Theodore Atkinson Secy Petition of John Macmath & Thos. Shepard. May it please y'' Excellance wee make bould To Truble y' Excellance & y" honourable Council taking into Consideration our Dangerous Condition of our Enimys the Want of what men you shall think proper to Steate One the two Garresons at Twomill Streik In Barrington being Oblidged to Leave our Wemen & Children Exposed in Said houses Otherwise Our Cropes must Suffer Our Dependence Is One y"' Excellance & that you will Not lett us be any longer in Such a Condition be ing the Needfull and are ever y'' Excellances humb' Servants J. W. Macmath Two Mill Streak Tho^ Sheephard In Barrington Jan the 15 1747. Petition of Selectmen of Barrington, <&c. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governer & Commander in Chief of his majestys Province of New Hampshire &c &c Barrington Feb. lo"" 1762 Sir Whereas The Town of Barrington has for Some years past paid a Considerable Province Tax and has upwards of 120 Poles in it, which we humbly hope Intittles us to ask the favour That we may Chuse one Assembly man to Represent Said Town in y° General assembly 48 new HAMPSHIRE Therefore Pray your E.vcellency would Vouchsafe to Grant the Town of Barrington a Liberty to Chuse such a Represen tative to appear for us in y° General assembly of this Prov ince ; Which favour we shall soe duely Esteem and as in Duty Bound ever pray for the Supporters of ou:^ Privelidge John Garland ") Paul Hayes ELEA.-ZER Young [• Selectmen. John PIayes W" Cate ) Hezekiah Hayes Mark Hunking Francis Winkley Jun Portsmovith Feb. ig'-'-" 1762 Upon the within Petition I have thought it for His Majestys Service to Incert in the Kings writ the To"\vn of Barrington which please tofill up that they thereby may send a precept to the Select men in time to make Choice of a proper person to represent them in the next General assembly I am Sir Your hum Servt B. "Went"Worth To the Hon'''" The Atkinson Esq At our Anual Town meeting held at The meeting house In Barring ton on Wednesday The 2S"' da^' of march 1770 our Petition Relating to Parish orders has Been Notified and Read in Said meeting. Barrington March the 29"' 1770. James Marden Toun Clerk. At a Town meeting held at the meeting house in Barrington on Thursday The fii-st D,iy of march 1770 according" to Notification Then Voted Deacon John Garland & Liutenant Samuel Brewster as a Com mittee or a:.;"ent,s to Pcrtition The General Court for Paresh Powers to Transact our affairs Relating to a minister Seprate froi"n other affairs of The Town and i'rom other Sosieties Now Subsisting in Town Barrington, March the 19''', 1770. Attest James Marden toviTii Clerk Garland & Brewster's Petition in behalf of the town of Barringto7i, March 1770. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq', Governor & Com mander in Chief in & over the Province of New Hampshire the Hon''''-' his Majestys Council & House of Representatives in General Assembly convened. March 22 1770 The Humble Petition of John Garland and Samuel Brews ter both of Barrington in said Province as agents for Barring ton aforesaid Shews That there are in said Town a number of the Inhabitants who call themselves Qiiakers a number who are Separatists from all Denominations of Christians and also a number of mem bers of the Church of England besides the Common Denomi- town papers — barrington. 49 nation called Congregationalists. That there is no settled min ister of that order nor any other in said Town at Present but frequently Lay Teachers come there and Encourage Separa tions & Divisions and as they all belong to the Town when ever there is a Town meeting to consider of Settling a minis ter as the Law of the Province Directs, they all attend & Sometimes out Vote the others & Introduce the greatest disor der & Confusion Wherefore Your Petitioners humbly Pray that they whose sentiments are in the Congregational way & such others as will join them may be erected into a Parish & Authorized to Trans act all affairs relating to Settling & maintaining a Minister of the Gospel & other affairs relative thereto according to Law by themselves exclusive of all others who will not join with them as members of the Same Parish or Society and that they may have leave to bring in a bill accordingly and your Peti tioners as in duty bound shall ever Pray &c John Garland Samuel Brewster N ^"^ h' m* tfi I ^° "^^ House of Representatives March 22'' 1770 Voted That the Petitioners be heard on this Petition on Friday the thirtieth Day of March Instant if the General assembly be then Sit ing and if not Then on the Second Day of their siting next after And that they Cause the Substance of the Petition and Order to be Posted up at the Meeting house in said Barrington and if a Town meeting Shall be held in said Town before that Day then the same to be read at said meeting that any person may Shew Cause why the prayer thereof Should not be Granted M. Weare CI' In Council eodem Die Read & Concurred Geo. King D. Sec New^Ham°s}^" the House of Representatives March 30, 1770 The Petitioners being heard on this Petition and no Objection made by any Person and the Prayer of the Petition appearing to be Reasonable Voted That the Prayer of the Petition be Granted and that the Peti tioners have liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly ¦^ M. Weare CI' In Council Apr. I2, 1770 Read & Concurred Geo King D. Sec 50 NEW HAMPSHIRE BEDFORD. [This town was panted by Massachusetts in 1733, and continued under the gov ernment of that Province until 1741. It was first called Narraganset, No. 5, after wards Souhegan East. It was incorporated by the name of Bedford, 19 May, 1750. —Ed.] Souhegan People's Petition for aid, (&c. (Now Bedford.) Souhegan East June I2 1744 We the Inhabitants of Souhegan East Apprehending our selves Exposed to Immenent Danger both from the French & Indian Enemys & being in no capacity to make a proper Stand in case of an assault from do constitute & appoint Mr. John Chamberlin our Delegate requesting him in y' capacity with all possible speed to repair to Portsmouth & to represent our Deplorable case to his Excellency our Governor and y'' gen eral assembly and request of them such aids both in respect of men & military stores as to their great wisdom may seem meet and which may put us in a capacity to repel all attempts of our s'' enemies John Riddel Sam' Woods John Riddel Jr. James Walker Forges Kenn'' Benjamin Kidder Hugh Ridell William Patterson Ritchard McAllister John Moor James Kinnock Robert Gilmore John McDugel Thomas Chandler Moses Barron Samuel Patten James Moor Matthew Patten John Burns Jonathan Lyon John Toms John Orr James Moor James Linn John Morehead John Durgee Eleazer Lyon Alex' Walker John Roby William Calwell John Carr Jas Little Thomas Vickere John Patten Thomas Vickere Sen Robert Walker A List of the na7nes of the families of the Inhabitants of Souhegan East upon Merrimack River. Timothy Corlis Samuel Woods John More Ephraim Bushnel Robert Gillemore Thomas Worthley Robert Little Lev' Moses Barns John Goffe Thomas Vickers William Pateson Elizer Lion Thomas Chandler Robert Gilmore John Blare John Robe Benjamin Smith Jun Thomas Farmer John MacDugel Thomas Farmer Jun James Walker Benjamin Smith TOWN PAPERS — BEDFORD. 5 1 John Taylor Gorn (?) Ridle Cap. John Chamberlin Wid MacQuade Canada Robert Walker John Tom Hugh Ridle Morehead Forges Canada William Patison Jun John Ridle James More Jun Jonathan Lion Thomas Barn James Little James More James Lynn James Mathews Elexander Walker Benjamin Smith third John Bell John Orr Samuel Pattin Joseph Canada Matthew Patten Jr. John Quig Kiders family. John Burns To Inable the Inhabitants on a Tract of Land on the West Side of Merrimack River, to raise a reasonable Tax for the Support of a Min ister of the Gospel &c & to make choice of fit persons to collect the Same It is ordered by His Excelency with the advice of His Majestys Council That on day of April next Capt John Goffe holds the first Town meeting giveing Ten days Notice thereof to the Inhabitants. Petitio7t of Presbyterians in Bedford. To His Exell'y Benning Wentworth Esqr Governor & Com ander In Chief of His Majesty's Province of New Hamp shire and to the Honourable His Majestys Counsil as sembled at Portsmouth May y'' 10"* 1750. The LIumble Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of Souhegan East so called Sheweth That your Petitioners are the Major part of sd. Souhegan that your Petitioners as to our particular persuasion in Chris tianity are Generally of the Presbyterian Denomination That your petitioners through a variety of Causes having been Long Destitute of the Gospel are now Desirous of taking the proper steps in Order to have it Settled among us in the way of Dis cipline which we judge to tend most to our Edification That your Petitioners not being incorporated by Civill authority are in no Capacity to Raise those Sums of money which may be needfull in order to our proceeding in the above Important affair. May it therefore Please your Excell'y & Hon'" to take the Case of your Petitioners under Consideration and to Incorpo rate us into a town or Destrick or in Case any part of our In habitants should be takenoff Byany Neighbouring Destrick to Grant that those of our persuasion who are Desirous of Ad hering to us may be Notwithstanding Excused from support ing any other Parish Charge than where they Consciencously ^- NEW HAMPSHIRE adhere we Desiring the Same Liberty to those within our Bounds Tf any yet b^e and yo' Petiti'^ shall Ever Pray &c s— Mi- FiEr J^mSo^;"" Ko'^s^rnely •iT Vl,^ David Thomsond £i';"es'^™nnedy >"^^.^ Sf Robert Gilmor Hugh Riddel Richard McAllister ]? -^m"^" John Moor ?^"'^V^°°^ Thomas Chamb'rl'n James Moore John McDugle ?l™ rnl Samuel Patten John Clark Alex' Walker IT^\^A • Oau(>)KideU ^Robert'^^^ker Ben Smith tub Y;^"''"' John Gofle John Bell John Orr L^^n^^^l^f^ John Morehead ¥u^\Tr VI- = r James Little John McLaughlin Sen' These are to certifie that we the above Subscribers Do Commission Tohn Goffe Esq' and Mr. samuel patten to present this petition in or der to obtaine Incorporation for us according to their Instructions from us the subscribers r-> 1 James Little, Cleark. Daited May the lo* 1750 Bedford Petition for the revival of their pi-opriety. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Gov' &c. The Hon''' his Majesties Councel And house of Represe'" in General assembly Convened at Portsmouth the thirteenth day of July 1756 The Inhabitants of the town of Bedford in the province of New Hampshire Most Humbly Sheweth That the proprietors of Narragansett Township No. 5 Alias Bedford and part of Merrymac have not had a prop'" meeting for several years and that the Clerk of said propriety has been Dead some space of time and there is no Comitee in the pro priety to Call proprietors meetings The Consequence whereot tends much to your petitioners Damage That there was Land Resented by the prop"" in their Survey of the said town for highways and inasmuch as roads Cannot be made on all the said land so reserved we are obliged to Lay out roads Elsewhere and for want of a prop'" meeting Legally Called, The power of Disposal of said reserved land Cannot be given to the town which if it were we might change with TOWN PAPERS — BEDFORD. C3 those persons who have their land Cut with town roads who ought to have a proper Satisfaction for their lands so taken and would thereby prevent the towns paying a Considerable of money yearly Wherefore we pray that your Excellency and hon'" would take the premises in Consideration and Grant us an order to Call a prop'" meeting of Narragansett Township N" five and your petitioners shall ever pray Math'^ Patten by a vote of the town. In Council July 15 1756 read & ordered to be sent Doun to the Hon''^ House Theodore Atkinson Secy This Petition being read ordered that it be Dissmissed A. Clarksen Clerk Bedford Petition for a tax on their land. To his Excelency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Govr. &c. The Hon' his Majesties Councel And house of Represent"^" in General assembly Convend at Portsmouth the thirteenth day of July 1756 The Inhabitants of the town of Bedford in the province of New Hampshire would most humbly Remonstrate That the fewness in number of our Inhabitants with the Expences which Necessaryly arises for us to pay and the Deficultys at tending the performing the settlement of a new Town That a large Quantity of the town Lying unsettled and vacant of any Inhabitants and have Rec* no help to Defraying any of our Necessary Charges from the proprietors of any such unsettled land, for the space of twelve or fourteen years in which term we (being a Fronteer) Endured the hardship of the late Indian war for which Reasons your Petitioners is rendered very una ble to Carrie on the building a house for the publick Worship of God or a house for the use of the ministery in said town Wherefore we humbly pray that your Excelency and hon'^ would take our case in Consideration, and Grant us a tax on all the land in the town (Exclusive of Ministery Ministerial School and highway Lands) for the term of two years at six pence pr. acre Each year or so much as you in your wisdoms Shall think Sufficient for the purposes aforesaid and your pe titioners shall ever pray Matthew Patten Agent for the town 54 NEW HAMPSHIRE In Council July li"" 1756. read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon'"' House Theod Atkinson Sec Province of 1 j^ ^^^ House of Representatives July is"- 1756 New Hamps J The above Petition being read „ , o- Ordered That the Petitioner be heard thereon y" 2" Day of the Sit ting of the General assembly next after the i" day of sept next Ensue- ing & Yt in y' meantime y' petitioner at his own Cost & Charge Cause this order of Court with the Substance of s'' Petition to be advertised in some publick print for three weeks successively Andrew Clarkson Clerk In Council July 15 1756 The within vote read & Concurred Theod Atkinson Secy Province of "I j^^ ^j^^ House of Representatives Dec' 16, 1756 New Hamps J This Petition being read Voted That the prayer thereof be Granted, & that the petitioner have Liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly Andrew Clarkson Clk. In Council Eodem Die read & concurred Theodore Atkinson Secy Petition of James Caldwell. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr Captain General Governor & Commander In Chief In & over his Majesty's province of New Hampshire the Hon'"''" his Majesty's Coun cil & House of Representatives In General Assembly Conv" the 30"" day of Nov' 1763 The Petition of James Caldwell of Bedford In said province Humbly Shews that your petitioner being one of the Select men of Said Town for the year 1762 together with Mr. John Goffe & Mr. James Lions did agreeable to their usual form & Custom & agreeable to Law (for calling Town meeting) put up a notification for calling the free holders & other Inhabitants of said Town together at the usual place forChusing selectmen Constable & other Town officers for said Town as the Law Direct ed, agreeable thereto the Inhabitants of said Bedford met and at said meeting made choice of M' Jn" Bell to be their Moderator & then proceeded to the Choice of the Select men & other Town officers, when the Moderator Declared that by the Votes Brought In they had made choice of Mr. James Little, Mr. Sam' Pattin & your petitioner for their Select men & Mr. Rich ard M'^AUester as Constable for Said Town to Collect the Taxes, so it hapned that at said meeting there was no Justice present to sware s'' officers & no Refusal from any one of them T0"WN PAPERS — BEDFORD. 55 at that time that they wouM not serve, but since it so happens by some misunde.rstanding or other that M' Sam' Pattin who was Chosen as a Select man refuses, as well the Constable Mr. Richard M'^AUester they calling it an Illegal meeting for what Reason is best known to themselves, as your petitioner is Quite Ignorant of any Illegality & your petitioner with Mr. James Little another of the Selectmen of said Town (being Ignorant of the Law in such Cases) did put up one other no tification for calling a meeting In Said Town for Chusing Town Officers which meeting was held on the 24 ultimo when other officers were chosen in their stead, but by our charter we find we can hold no town meeting, Only on the last Wednesday of March for choice ot Town offi cers which we did agreeable to said Charter & the sev eral officers was Chosen aa before mentioned, & expecting they would take the oaths as usual, the Moderator Dissolved the meeting by which means we are not able to Call any Town meeting for this Year Chus.ing proper officers to Levy & Col lect the province Tax laid on said town of Bedford & if not Leevy^d & Collected this present year, the Burthen the next would then of Consequence be double the sum its this year, which would make it very difficult. Wherefore your petitioner Humbly prays the aid of this honorable Court touching the premises, & that you'd be pleased to Grant such Releif as you in your great wisdom Shall think proper & your petitioner as in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray &c James Caldwell In Council December i 1763 read & sent down to the Hon"" assembly Theodore Atkinson Secy New^Hamos M" ^^^ house of Representatives Dec', i, 1763. This petition being ReadYoted that the prayer thereof be granted & that the petitioner have Liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly A. Clarkson Clerk In Council Eodem Die read & Concurred Theodore Atkinson Secy. Assented to B. Wentworth. Petition of the Selectmen - Selectmen William White J Bedford, Sep' ye 24* 1778 We the Subscribers appoint Capt. Samuel Patten to Pre sent this our Petition James Caldwell' Sam' Patten John Goffe Sam' Vose John Bell Committee of Safety BENNINGTON. [This town is in yeimont. It was granted by GoTemor Benning Wentworth, Sd January, 1749, and from him derived itB name. Ed.] Mr. Sam^ Robinson's petition, Det)'25'^^4-To his Excellency Benning "Wentworth Esq. Capn. Gen" •Governor & Comander in Chieff" in & over his majestys Province of N. Hampshire afores'' The Honble his maj'ty Council & the General assembly of «d. Province Humbly Sheweth Clem* March Daniel Pierce & .Zebulon ©iddings as agents to .& in behalf of the Proprietors of the Township of -Bow" in said Province That the s'' Proprietors Comenced an action of ejectment against one Merrill for the recovery of about Eight acres of Land Lying within the said Township of Bow that the said action was carryd thro' the Law here that your memorialist recovered judgment at the .Superior Court of Judicature here on the review That the said Merrill had complained to his maj'ty in Council of his haveing been deny'' an appeal from the said Judgement upon the review that his Maj'ty in Council was Pleased to order a hearing of the said action before him in Council sometime in the month of October next at which time The said Proprie tors are order'd to appear &c and as the Getting of Sterling money either by way of Bills of Exchange or silver is at Pres ent very Difficult if to be obtained from Private Peraons they Humbly Pray -that "they may obtain a Vote of the Governour Council and asserribly for Lending of one hundred Pounds Sterling money to Defend their Title to the said land and they are ready to give such security to repay The same as The General assembly shall Please to order or accept of and your Petitioners as. in iDtity Bound shall ever Pray Clem' March | ^ Zeb-Giddings^^^/b^^D. Peieoe. ) Prov. N. Hamps, In, Council July .25*'' 1754 read & ordered to be sentDo-wn to the 'Honb" the Gen' Assembly Theodore Atkinson Secy 68 NEW HAMPSHIRE Vote for lendi7ig JEioo Sterli/ig to the Proprietors of Bow, 1754. New Ham°/}^" the House of Representatives July 25 1754 Whereas Clement March Esqr. Daniel Peirce Esqr and Mr. Zebulon Giddings as agents for the Proprietors of Bow have Petitioned the Gen. assembly of this Province to lend them the sum of one hundred Pounds Sterling money to enable them to carry on a suit before his Majesty in Council, now depending there between one Merrill and the s''' Proprie tors and signifyd in their Petition that they are ready to give such se curity for the Rep.ivment thereof as the Gen-"' assembly shall please to order Therefore Voted That Theodore Atkinson Richard Wibird and Mcshech Weare Esqs and Mr. Henry Sherburne Junr. be and hereby are appointed a Committee they or the major Part of them to draw a Bill in favour of the s'' Petitioners on John Thomlinson Esqr. agent for this Province at the Court of Great Britain for the sum of one hun dred Pounds Sterling of the Interest in the hands of the sd. John Thomlinson Esqr belonging to this Government and that the s'' Clem ent March Daniel Pierce and Zebulon Giddings Give security unto the s'' Committee for the payment of the sum of three hundred pounds Bills of credit new Ten' on tliis Province within one year from the date of sd Bill to be by them drawn as afores'' with six pr. cent Interest in like Bills and that the sd. Committee put the s'' Principal and Inter est when rec'd into the Treasury of this Province (taking a Receipt for the same) and that the same be burnt to ashes in the face of the Gen' assembly in order to sink so much of the Bills of Credit of this Prov ince, emitted for carrying on y" Intended Expedition against Canada Matthew Livermore Clerk In Council July 25"' 1754 The foregoing vote read & concurred Theodore Atkinson Secy In Council July 25' Assented to B. Wentworth. Province of New Hampshire/ Anno Regni Regis Georgii Secundi Magna; Brit- A71 act relati/tg to Bow. '^ \ lire / Anno tain;c Franciai et Hiberniie Vicessimo nono. An Act For assessing and Collecting the Province Tax due from the Town of Bow within said Province Whereas the General Assembly of this Province have Proportioned the Province Tax for the several'Towns Districts and Parishes in this Province to pay as was thought most Just and Reason.able into the Province Treasury for several years past and have Directed the Province Treasurer from time to time to'lssue his warrants Directed to the Select men of the said Towns, Districts & Parishes to Assess their respective Towns, Districts and Parishes according to said act and the Law-s and usage of this Province in such Cases and the said Selectmen to make out warrants to the Constables of such Towns Districts and Parishes to Collect the same as usual in the Province & pay the same into the Province Treasury to answer the several ends & purposes for which the said Taxes were Granted— But notwithstanding the care of the General Assembly in Providing a Supply for the Treasury in Season The Town TOWN PAPERS — boscawen. 69 of Bow in said Province have endeavoured to prevent the assessing and Collecting the Taxes aforesaid by neglecting or refusing duely to Elect Select men Assessors & Constables or Collectors to assess and collect their proportion of the Province Taxes aforesaid and when the General assembly made a special act for calling a Town meeting and choosing Town officers in said Town of Bow in the year 1755 The said Town in Contempt of the Law and in Defiance of the Government Refused to meet at the time and place appointed by authority as aforesaid ; By means whereof No officers were chosen and no Taxes are assessed in said Town of Bow nor have been for several years past and the Treas ury of the Province Destitute of that just proportion of the Taxes which the said Town of Bow ought to pay into the Province Treas ury : For Remedy whereof and for the speed}' assessing Collecting and paying into the Public Treasury of said Province the sum and sums which the said Town of Bow ought to pay into the same ; Be it enacted By his Excellency the Governour Council.and Assembly That Ezra Carter & Moses Foster Esqrs and John Chandler Gentleman all of said Bow they or the Major part of them Be assessors to assess the Polls and Estates within the said Town of Bow as the Bounds and Limits of said Township were Run by Walter Bryant Surveyor in the year 1749 in a just and equal Proportion Agreeable to y« Laws & usage of this Province, The sum of Five Hundred and eighty Pounds and six teen Shillings New Tenor Bills of Public Credit of this Province being the sum ordered to be paid by them into the said Treasury and in order to the said assessors obtaining the Best account of the Polls and Estates in said Town of Bow & to their making a Just proportion according to their Best skill and Judgment — The said assessors or the major part of them are hereby directed to Post up Notifications in some public place or places within the said Town of Bow Ten days before they proceed to make the Said assessment that all persons may have opportunity (if thej' think fit) to give a True list or Inventory of their Polls and Rate able estate within said Town to said assessors which if they or any of them shall neglect or refuse to do within that time the said assessors or major Part of them are hereby Impowered and directed to doom such Person or Persons in such sum and sums as the said assessors or major part of them shall Judge they ought to pay as their Proportion of the said Tax & of the Cost arising in about and concerning the assessing Col lecting & Paving the Same which the said assessors or major part of them are hereby Directed and impowered to assess in Proportion to and with the said Tax or assessment and the said assessors are hereby Di rected to be sworn to the faithfuU Discharge of their office & Speedily to proceed in and make the said Tax or assessment with a Sufficient over plus for costs and abatements and Deliver Lists of said Rates or Tax with proper warrants to the Collectors hereafter named within this act and certifie the sums in each respective list to y" Treasurer of said Prov ince w-ithin two months next ensuing and the said assessors in their warrants are to Direct the said Collectors to Collect and pay in unto the Province Treasurer the aforesaid Sum of five hundred and Eighty Pounds & Sixteen Shillings New Tenor Bills of said Province at or be fore the Last dav of December next and account with the said assessors for y' overplus (if any be) and the said assessors to report their doings herein to the Gen' Assembly as soon as may be And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That Timothy Walker and John Noyes bothof said Town of Bow shall be and hereby are appointed the Collectors of said Tax or assessment and that they Collect and pav in the sum & sums in their respective lists in time and manner aforesaid on Penalty of forfeiting and paying into the Province Treasury for his Majesty's use the sum in their respective lists men- 70 new HAMPSHIRE tioned And in collecting the same & any part thereof The said Col lectors are hereby Authorized to use and exercise all y' Powers and Authoritys in the Law Given to Constables in this Province for their Collecting y' Publick Taxes and if any of said Collectors meet with any opposition in y« executing their office or if the persons rated or any of them shall secreet their Goods and chattels or use any means to pre vent the Collecting of this Tax in manner aforesaid it shall be Law- full for such Collectors respectively to sue the person or Persons so re fusing before any Justice of the Peace in Said Province and any Jus tice of the Peace shall & may hear & Determine the same give Judgm' therein & a-ward Execution thereon in which no essoin Protection or wager of Law shall be allowed & no other Evidence Necessary than the list of rates under the hands of said assessors or major part of them to Convict & y" oath of y" Collector that the same has been Demanded four days & not paid and which Demand may be made by asking the same of the Person or Leaving an acco't of the sum of each respective Persons rate in such list at the usual p lace of the Abode of y« Person rated four Days before any Distress or Suit made for y' same in manner afore said And be it further enacted by the Authority afosesaid that if the said assessors shall neglect or refuse to Do their Duty in making said Rate or Tax and refusing their acc't of the same as aforesaid Thet Prov ince Treasurer is hereby authorized required and Directed to issue his Warrant of Distress Directed to The Sheriff of said Province his under Sheriff or deputy to Levy said sum of Five hundred and eighty Pounds sixteen shillings upon the Goods, Chattels or Lands of said assessors & in want thereof on their bodies Si y" Sheriff under Sheriff or Deputy is hereby authorized Impowered and directed to execute the same ac cordingly and pay y» said sums into the Treasury And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if any Per son giving in to y said Assessors a list or Inventoi-y of their rateable Polls or Estates shall be guilty in the Judgement of the said Assessors or Major part of them of giving in a false list or Inventory' of the Rate able Polls & Estate the said Assessors or Major part of them are hereby Impowered and Directed to add to the Rate of Such Person as a fine not exceeding twenty shillings to be collected with said Rate or Tax for and to"wards Defraying y charges attending the same which fine shall be over and above what the said assessors shall think reasonable to Doom such persons as their Proportion to said Rates and for the sert'ice of the said assessors in Doing their Duty as in this act is required they & Each of them, shall be entitled to have and receive out of what they shall so assess the sum of seven Pounds & Ten shillings New Tenor each of them and each of the said Collectors to be alloived out of said assessment by them to be Collected the sum of fifteen Pounds New Tenor each of them for such their Service ; and to prevent any Incon- veniency by said Town of Bow their not choosing Town officers for several years past. Be it enacted, by the authority aforesaid that the said assessors or major part of them are hereby Impowered and Directed to Notifie the Free holders and Inhabitants of said Town of Bow Quali fied according to Law to Vote in Town affairs to meet at such time and place in said Town of Bow as they shall order and direct some time in y" month of March next in the year 1756 to choose selectmen Consta bles & all other Town officers & to pass any vote or votes as they Law fully might at any town meeting regularly warned and their votes acts & choice of officers Shall be as good & eflectual in Law to all intents & purposes as if they had not neglected to choose officers in times past. TOWN PAPERS — BOSCAWEN. 7 1 Pursuant to an act of the Gen"' Court of the Prorince of New Hamp' I the Subscriber Warned a meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Bow for the choice of Town Officers and attended the same as Mod erator at the Place and time appointed for said meeting which was y" 22d of April last but there was but one Inhabitant of said Bow that at tended the Place and time of meeting by which means no Town Officers are chosen for the present year to assess the said Inhabitants their pro portion to the Province Tax agreeable to Law JoN" Lovewell Portsmouth May y" 25"> 1755. Petitio7t for a new survey of Lots. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Gov"^ & Com mander in Chiefe in & over his majes' Prov. of New Hamp The Hon'^ his Majestys Council & House of Representatives for sd Prov. in Gen' Assembly convened Jan. the first day 1757 The Humble Petition of Daniel Pierce Esq'' Tho" Wiggin & Daniel Marston Gent" Will"" Pottle Blacksmith & Benj" Norris Yeoman as a Committee of the Prop''" of y" Town of Bow in s'' Province Shews That there are many Persons who claim a Right to Lands in Said Township by Titles not de rived from s'' Proprietors & some who have made considerable Improvements there with whom the said Proprietors have had many expensive Suits at Law which has much impeded the settlement of said Township — That many of the said claim ers & settlers particularly those "who hold under the Proprie tors of Suncook (so called) are desirous (as they say) of an accommodation & settlement of these Disputes & to be come not only Inhabitants of said Bow but to hold their Title under that of s'' Bow & no more to call it into Qiiestion which the Proprietors of Bo"W" are as desirous to have effected & have taken many steps to that Purpose being sensible that these Dis putes will finally prove more detrimental to themselves if ended by y" Law tho' in their Favour than any reasonable Conces sions That notwithstanding the amicable & peaceable Disposi tions of y'' Parties concern'd there are Impediments which prevent the good effects that might be expected to result from such a temper which however willing they are not able to re move which your Petitioners beg Leave shortly to represent. That the Home Lots or first Division in s'' Township of Bow which were laid out for forty acres each by some mistake fall short as to some of them which contain not much more than half that Quantity and y^ lots laid out by the Prop''^ of Sun- cook run across these oblikely so that one of those interferes with several of these in many Places That by this means one 73 NEW HAMPSHIRE Person has to agree with several for his particular Lot & some of those are minors with whom no valid agreement can be made & the Proprietors of Bow are willing those who have made any considerable Improvements there (tho' theyhavedone it in Judgment of Law in their own wrong) should enjoy the Fruit of their Labour That quieting the Possessors (who have improved as afores'') on equitable Terms will tend much to promote the Settlement of said Township raise y'= Value of of the Land & save the great Expense which inevitably attends Contention which desirable end cannot be obtained by anyway that your Petitioners can discover unless the laying out of some of sd. Home Lots by the Prop''" of Bow should be an- nulld & vacated which seems to be necessary to do Justice to some of the owners by reason of the mistake aforesaid as well as for the other Ends before proposed Wherefore your Petitioners Humbly pray that the laying out of the said Lots the Return & Record thereof as done by y" said Proprietors of Bow (or so many of them as may be neces sary for y"= ends aforesaid) may be entirely annulled, & vacated that your Petitioners or some others may be enabled to lay out other unimproved Lands in said Township sufficient to be a just equivalent to the owners of s" Home Lots under the said Proprietors That the Land so laid out for said Home Lots may be taken, deemed & adjudged as common Land so far as relates to them or those claiming under them that they may be authorized to dispose thereof as they might have done if it had not been by them laid out as aforesaid in order for the proposed accommodation & agreement or so far as is Necessary to answer y* desirable Ends proposed and that your Petitioners may have Liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly and they shall as in Duty bound ever pray &c Benj"" Norris D. Pierce William Pottle Thomas Wiggin Daniel Marston. In Council July 6, 1757 read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''* Assembly Theodore Atkinson Secy. Province of "I In the House of Representatives Jan 7, 1757. Nev;^ Hamps J The within Petition being Read Ordered that the Petitioners be heard thereon the second Day of the Sitting of the Gen"' Assembly next after the first Day of February- Next & That the Petitioners at their own Cost & Charge cause the sub stance of this Petition with this order of court thereon to be published in the New Hamp' Gazette two weeks successively that any Person or Persons may appear at said Hearing & shew Cause if any they have why the prayer thereof should not be Granted Andrew Clarkson Clerk In Council Eodem Die read & concurred Theodore Atkinson Sec. town PAPERS — BOSCAWEN. 73 Province of "I New Hamps /In the House of Representatives Feb 31^ 1757 This petition being read & its appearing that the order of Court had been Comply'd with, No person appearing against said Petition, &Bow Committee the petitioners being fully heard thereon therefore Voted That the prayer of the petition be granted & that the Petition ers have Liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly Andrew Clarkson Clerk In Council Eodem Die Read Si Concurred R. Wibbii-d Secy. I/iventory of Bovj and Ca7iterbury 176 1. An Invoice of the Polls, Stocks and improved Lands in the Town ship of Bow, (i) taken by us the Subscribers according to the best of our know-ledge Polls 154 Cattle 3 years old 8S Houses 91 Do 2 years old 90 Planting Ground 341 acres Do I Year old 103 Mowing Land 498 acres Horses 77 Orcharding 16 acres Do 3 years old 12 Oxen 160 Do 2 years old 13 Cows 222 Do I year old 10 Pasture Land 150 acres Negroes 6 6 mills yearly income £125 Ezekiel Morrill \ Selectmen Thomas Clough j for Canterbury (1) The township of Bow, at this time, included a large part of Rumford. See Hist, of Concord, pp. 219, 220.— Ed. An Invoice of the Polls, Stocks and improved Lands in the Town ship of Canterbury taken by us the Subscribers accoi-ding to the best of our knowledge. Polls 57 Houses .33 Planting Land 62 acres Mowing Land 189 Do Orchard Land 4 Do Pasture Land 146 Oxen 52 Cows 98 One Negro 2 Cattle 3 years old 22 Do 2 years old 29 Do I year old 37 Horses 35 Do 3 years old Do 2 years old 4 Do I year old 6 2 Mills yearly income £20 Ezekiel Morrill ) Selectmen Thomas Clough [¦ for Ephraim Hackett J Canterbury Bow Polls £2770 Land 502 -. 10 Houses 231 Oxen 480 Cows 444 3 yr old 145 ¦¦ : 10 2 Do 103 Canterbury Polls £1026 Land 200 Horses 105 Oxen 156 Cows 196 3 jr old 33 2 Do 33 74 NEW HAMPSHIRE Bow, I Do Slaves i;6 : lo 96 482S : 10 1000 Doom I Do Slaves. Canterhurif. 21 . 10 16 1787 300 Doom £5828 : 10 £2087 Petition of Ed'-'"^ Russel <& others. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Captain Gen eral, Governor & Commander in Chief In and over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, To the Hon'*''^ his Majesty's Council and House of Representatives for said Province, Convened in General Assembly June 12"' 1764 The Petition of Edward Russell, Solomon Heath and Thomas Chandler all of Bow in said Province Humbly Shew eth That the Petitioners have lately Settled themselves on some of the Uncultivated Land in said Town of Bow where they still remain Hardly able to support themselves and Fam ilies That the Petitioners understand there is a Very Great Prov ince Tax laid on the Inhabitants of Said Town of Bow the last year, this Present year & the next year for their Delinquency for the space of seven or Eight years last past a Proportion of which Tax if Laid on the Petitioners would almost Ruin them and oblige them to Qiiit their Said Settlements. Wherefore the said Petitioners Humbly pray your Excell'y & Hon''^ to take their Circumstances under Consideration and Relieve them from paying any Proportion of the said Tax In such manner as Your Excell'y & Hon''" shall in your Great Wisdom & Clemency see fit. And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c Edw'' Russell for Himself and Behalf of y"= Rest Province of"! In Council June 14''" 1764 New Hamp J Read & Ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''« House T. Atkinson Jun Secy Province of "I In the house of Representatives June 14"' 1764 New- Hamps J Upon Read'g the within petition Voted that the petitioners be heard thereon the Second Day of the sitting of the Gen' Assembly after the first day of Aug. ne.xt & that the petitioners at their own Cost Serve the selectmen of Pembrook Ezra Carter Esq' & Capt. Jn» Chandler of said Bow who are bv Act appointed tomake the Assessments for the Tax Referred to in the'within petition with a Copy of this petition & order of Court thereon that they may appear & Shew Cause if any they have why the prayer thereof s"hould not be Granted and further "it is Resolved that the Collectors appointed TOWN" FAPERS^^ — BOSCAWEN. y-e for Collecting: said Taxr shall forbear Collecting the proportion assessed on the within Petitioners untill the time.herein appointed for a hearing H. Sherburne Speaker In Council June ij, r764 read & concurred T. Atkinson Jun Secy. Province of ') In the house of Representatives Jan y» 9, 1765, A. M. New Hamps J This petition being Read Voted That the prayer thereof be Granted & that the petitioners have leave to bring in a Bill accordingly- In Council Jany 10 1765 Read & Concurred T. Atkinson Jun Secy. A. Clarkson Clerk Petition of Joseph Baker & Philip Eastman. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq'' governor and Commander in Chief in & over his majesty's Province of New Hampshire The Hon'''^ his majestj's Council and house of Representatives for said Province in general Assembly Conven'd the First Day of May A. d. 1764. The Humble Petition of Joseph Baker & Philip Eastman Sence it has Pleas'd your Honours to Appoint us the Sub scribers to Collect the Tax that was Appointed for the Inhab itants of Bow to Pay into The Treasury we would inform your Honours That we ITave Taken the utmost Care to Collect the money but we have not as yet Collected The whole and "we would Beg your Patience a Little while Longer and we will assure your Honours that we will Do our utmost Endeavor to to fulfill your command, furthermore we would Inform your Honours that there is within the Lines of Rumford about Twenty Poles who say that They are without Esq"' Bryent's Line that he Ran in the year forty Nine & for that Reason They Refused to give in their Envoises Gentlemen we Conceive that we Shall be very much hurt By Neglecting our own Business and we should be very glad if your Honours would Take it into your wise Consideration and order the Assessors to Put them into our Lists and Bestow it upon us or help us in any other way which your honours in your grate wisdom Shall Think Best and your Petitioners Shall Ever Pray Joseph Baker Philip Eastman. Prov. of New Hamps May 2'' 1764. read & sent down to the Hon'''" Assembly Theodore Atkinson Secy 76 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition of Select7ne7t of Bow to be eas'd fro77i bei7ig Rated with Concord, Aug 28, 1767- To His Excelenc)- John Wentworth Esq'' Captain General Governor and Commander In Chief In and over His majes""* Council and House of Representatives Convened in General AssemblyThe Petition of the Selectmen of Bow in Behalf of themselves and Inhabitants of s'' Bow Exclusive of such as are Set of into Parishes ; Humbly Sheweth that we Have Town officers agree able to Bow Charter and are Ready and willing to assess Col lect and Pay our Proportion of Publick Charges with other Towns In this Province your Petitioners Have Been and are Now Greatly abused by being Rated with Concord for Their Select men are y" major Part of the assessors and they make the Rate as they see fitt. Wherefore the sd. Petitioners Humbly and Earnestly Prays your Excelency and Honours to take their Distressed Carcom- stances under Consideration and Releave Them From Being Rated any Longer with Concord in Such manner as your Ex celency and Honours Shall in your Great wisdom and Clem ency see Fitt and Your Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray Samuel Rogers ) o , , Samuel Welch ( Select men Ephraim Moony) ^^ ^°^ In Council August 28"' 1767 Read & Ordered to be sent down to the Hon*"'" House T. Atkinson Jun. Secj- BRENTWOOD. [Brentwoofl, formerly part of Ex-cter, was incorporated 2G Jnne, 17J2 For various other Papers relating to this Town, see those under Exeter. Ed.] Na7nes of persons in Brentwood desiring a Parish. Brintwood, July II, 1743. We the Subscribers Do hereby signifie that we Realy Ex pected and also Desired to stand by the Act of the General'Court in making of us a Parish But yet we perceive that the hon""= Corte have bin Enformed by Sundry Parsons that the major Part of the Parish are Dissatisfy'd in what is done in that afair this is to Shew it is not so. TOWN PAPERS — BRENTWOOD. 77 John Roberds Joseph Leivett Thomas Gorden John Marsh Roberd Young Edward Stevens Daniel Giles Israel Smith John Been Nicholas Gorden John Folsham Ithial Smith Moses Fifield David Bean Samuel Roberds Samuel Jones Charles Young Benj" Vesey Jeremiah Bean Biley Harvey John Giles Benj-' Roberds John Roberds "David Smith Jonathan Smith John Smith Tosiah Moody Zackiriah Jude (.') Nath'"' Folsham James Dudley jun Joseph Gose Benj' Scribner Ebenezer Hutchison Elisha Sanborn James Young Benj" Fifield Bridget Smith Thomas Scritchet Abraham Smith Gorg Roberds James Dudley Joel Judkins" Roberd Brown Joseph Atkinson Jacob Smith Jabez Clough James Gloyd Nicholas DoUof Alexander Roberds William Granby ( .') Daniel Sanborn Jon" Roberson William Smith Jon"* Tailer Nath' Prescott Jon" Cram Jeremiah Row Jedediah Prescott James Robenson Daniel Tilton John James Joseph Giles Henery Marsh Job Kenistone John Mudgit Petitio7i of the i7ihab^^ of the North part of Bre7ttwood about a 7neeti7ig-house. To his Excell'y Benning Wentworth Esq' Gov' & Comand ''in Chief in & over his Maj'^ Province of New Hampshire And to the Hon''" his Maj''''^* Council, & Representatives In Gen" Court assembled We the Subscribers Freeholders & Inhabitants of the North erly part of the parish of Brintwood in the Province aforesaid Do Humbh' crave leave of y'' Excell'y & hon'''' to lay this our humble Remonstrance of our distressed circumstances before your Excell'}- & Hon''' as follows viz. Many of us Living four or five Miles Distant from Exeter meeting House, have attended the Publick Worship of God at that House for many years past, with great Difficulty, & our Familys Encreasing made it much more difficult especially in the Winter Spring and fall of theyeare Whsrefore About eight 78 NEW HAMPSHIRE years ago we with Several of the Southerly part of said Parish Erected a House for the Publick Worship of God in the most suitable place as they then tho't and we now do think to Carry on the Publick Worship in And accordingly at our own charge have Carryed on the Same in the Winter, Spring & fall of the yeare ever since as we had for four years, or thereabouts before Erecting said House carryd on the Publick Woi-ship in a Private House Standing neare our Publick Meeting House And about last February was twelve month, the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Southerly part of Brintwood aforesaid Petitioned the Town of Exeter aforesaid to be set off as a Parish contrary to the will & desire of most of us, & said Town of Exeter Granted their said Petition, notwithstanding many of us Disented therefrom. And their said Petition being Granted, they afterwards applyed to your Excell'y & Hon''' for a Charter for said Parish, which was granted them Contrary to our Desier, and greatly to our hurt. And we also having Earnestly Petitioned your Excell'y & Hon-* that we might be permitted to Continue to Carry on the Publick Worship of God in our said House, and to be set oft' by such Boundaries as your Excelly & Hon'" Should think meet, & to be Exempted from all Charge towards the meeting and ministry in the South erly p' of Said Parish &c, as by our Petition lying before y' Excelly & Hon''" in your Honb''' Court may appear. Which Petition the Hon'''" House of Representatives have seen meet to Dismiss And also your Excell'y & Hon''' having appointed a Comittee of four Gen' two out of Eacli House to Prefix the place where the meeting House ought to Stand, Three of said Gen' have been and made Return but is accounted voyd by your Exell'y & Hon''' For that the Comitee did not all Joyn in their Return & for which Reason our Petition was also Dismist. Wherefore our case at present Seems very hard & Difficult, we having been at such cost to Erect our said House and to maintain Preaching in it hitherto & the Minister also who hath hitherto preachedtousbeingat our Earnest desire wil ling to Continue with us in the Ministry. If your Excelly & Hon'"* will in your great Wisdome take this our Remonstrance of our Difficult Circumstances in our Present Meeting House not being Established & our aforesaid Petition not being Granted & the great Charges and Difficulties we hitherto have and still do Labour under, under your Excelly & Hon'' wise Consideration & be pleased to grant us Relief herein as in your Great Wisdom you shall se meet And as in Duty Bound we your Excellys & Hon''' most obedient Humble "servants shall ever Pray &c Dated at Brintwood June 27"' Anno Dom 1743. TOWN PAPERS — BRENTWOOD. 79 Andrew Gillman J?''" Georg-e Wilson Edw' Thing ¦Edw' Colcord Dan' Qviimby Nich" Dudley Sarrah Gorden Antipas Oilman John Leavit Tim" Leavitt James Stephens Benj" Gillman Joseph Hoit Sam' Edgerly Joshua Bean Sam' Dudley John Mogridge Jon" Thing John Flilton "Stephen Levit Ithiel Clifford Jonsia Thing Sam" Smith Jon" Wadley Dan' Wormal Nich'> Dudley Jun^ Marthy Bean Jerem'' Bean Haley Stephens John Dudley Jer'" Gillman Junr In the House of Representatives July i»' 1743. The within Petition read & considered on & Voted Tlvat Eleazer Russell Esqr Mark Lang don Gen' & Noah Barker of Stratham be a Committee to Joyn Such as the Hon'''* the Council shall app' to go to the Parish of Brentwood, and view the Situation of said parish and see whether it will be most con venient for the Inhabitants thereof to be Divided into two Parishes, or whether the whole shall meet at the meeting House already Built for some Limitted time, or to Conclude upon some other method that they shall think to be for the best good of the said P's'h. In order {"or their being Settled in Peace, and that they make Report to the Gen" ass'" the third day of the Sitting of the Gen" Ass"' at their next Sessions and that the Petitioners be at the charge of the Comittee and that the Peti tioners Serve the Select men of Brentwood with a Cop3' of this Petition & Votes, that they may Notife the Parish of these proceedings and that those that will dispute? what is acted may appear at the day above said. James Jeftry Cle'" Ass'" Eod" Die In Council Read and Concurr'd & the above said Comittee hereby Established & Impowered for the End above said Eod'" Die Assented to B. Wentworth Theodore AtkinsonSecy. Copia Examined Theo'' Atkinson Secy. Province of Hamp"" Sep. 22'' 1743. Pursuant to the within order we have been to the Parish of Brent wood & viewed the same, & Considered the Circumstances thereof & think it best to Continue them at the old meeting House for the tearm of four years. Eleazer Ri-'ssell Mark Langdon Noah Barker In the House of Representatives f" the 23' 1743 The above Return read And Voted That the Return be accepted, and that they Continue at the old Meeting House for the Space of four years and at the Expiration thereof. The Major Part of the legal Voters in said parish at that time Shall set the Meeting House for Publick Worship where they think Proper. James Jcffry CI' Ass"". In the House of Representatives Decern'" 3"' 1743. Voted That this Petition and all the Proceedings thereon be Dis missed. James Jeffry CI" Ass'" 8o NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition of Elisha Sanborn about Brentwood 1 745 To the Honb'° the House of Representatives for the Province of New Hampshire in General assembly conven'd April 2'' 1745: The Petition of Elisha Sanborne of the Parish of Brintwood In Said Province Yeoman as agent for said Parish Humbly Shews That the Said Parish was made & Incorporated by an act of the Gen' Assembly made & passed in y" Sixteenth Year of His Majestys Reign by Metes & Bounds Set forth in said act being before part of the old Parish or Town of Exeter. That Since the Said Parish was so Incorporated His Excellency the Gov ernor has been pleased (by & with the advice of the Council) to grant a Charter for Erecting and Incorporating part of the afores'' parish of Brintwood Into another Parish by the name of Keeneborough whereby great part of the Inhabitants of Brintwood Conceive themselves Discharged from paying Taxes & Doing any other Duty within the Parish of Brint wood & Claim the powers authoritys & Priviledges of a Parish within the Limits given by the said Charter the consequence of which is many persons are doubly tax'd & great Debates & strifes have & are likely to arise. That the Parishioners of Brintwood apprehend that not only their powers authoritys & priviledges are made null if the said Charter be good, but the act of Incorporation aforesaid is also Defeated & Superseeded which greatly aflects the Rights & Priviledges of this House & in them all the King's subjects in this Province That the said Parishioners foresee a wide Field of Law opening before them hereby (one of their Number having been already Im prisoned for Rates made in Consequence of the afores" Char ter) which they Should be glad to avoid if it could be without giving up their Just Rights Wherefore your Petitioner in be half of his principals prays the advisement of this Hon"' House in the premises that some scheme may be Pursued In Conjunction with the other Branches of the Legislature as may settle these Disputes (but just beginning) upon such a founda tion as is agreeable to the Constitution & on which a lasting peace may be built & Your Petitioner In behalf of his Constit uents Shall Ever pray &c Elisha Sanborn. Remo7istra7ice against Keenborough Patent. Province of "1 N. Hamp'i J To His Exc'y The Gov^ and the Hon''"' the Council May it Please your Ex & Honors On the 3" Day of the last month Elisha Sanborn of y« par- town PAPERS BRENTWOOD. Si ish of Brentwood in s'' prov. Yeoman as agent for said Parish represented to this House in way of Petition that the said Par ish &c (here recite the Petition at large) » « * * Which Petition of the said Elisha in Part above recited we have taken into our most mature Consideration together with authenticated copys of the said act and Charter mentioned in said Petition with such other Evidence as the Petitioner has thought fit to lay before this House in support thereof, by which it manifestly appears to us, that there was an act or Law made and past by the Gov'' Council and represen'*'" of this Province dated the day of 17 by which a Part of the Town of Exeter was incorporated into a Parish named of Brintwood I)}' metes and Bounds, and that the Inhabitants within said Bounds, were to duty Parish Duty, ? and receive parish privileges in said Brentwood, and were exonerated from parish Duty in the Parishes whereto they belonged before the Date of said Law : That Discontent soon arose among the Parishioners of s' Brentwood about the Place of fixing their meeting House, which occasioned a new Petition to the Gov ernor Council and Gen. assembly dated the day of 17 for a minor Part of said Parishioners prayer, to have the said Parish divided into two Parishes but that which was oflcrcd in support thereof appearing frivolous to the General assembly, the said Petition was by them ordered to be dismissed : That afterwards (viz) on the day of 17 The discontented Party petitioned anew to His Exc''' and Council regardless of the General assembly (one Branch of the Legislature) pray ing again for a Division of s'' Brentwood into Two Parishes, which your Ex. and Council (without the Gen' assembly) were pleased to take Cognizance of, and on the day of 17 to grant a Charter under the Province Seal to the said Petitioners, incorporating another Parish named Keenbor ough by metes and Bounds and exonerating the Inhabitants of said Keenborough from their Parish Duty in Brentwood which they were obliged to do and perform there by Law, which charter so far This House looks upon as an attempt to abrogate and supersede a Law in Part, and thereby an open Usurpation of a Power appertaining to the Gen assy in Con junction with the Gov'' and Coun. and a manifest invasion of the Just rights and Privileges of the People whom we repre sent, and an Infringem't on the rights of the Parishioners of Brentwood, and an oppression of them in particular, which we think ourselves obliged to take notice of in Duty to His Majesty, in faithfulness to our Constituents and in Justice & Honour to ourselves and to remonstrate against it. We do therefore earnestly request your Ex'-'' and Honours, seriously to reconsider this matter, and to recall the Keenborough Grant 82 NEW HAMPSHIRE and thereby put an end to the Strifes already commenced, and a stop to others ready to break out in consequence thereof and also to save this House the Trouble of saying or acting further on upon it, for as we are the representatives of a free protes- tant People and as such the Guardians of their Privileges, we esteem ourselves obliged to make a stand ag" every attempt made to deprive them of their Just Rights, and particularly we shall; think ourselves inexcusable in case your Ex'^' and Hon" should not relieve us if we should not apply to His most Excellent majesty who is graciously pleased to esteem his own Preroga tives and his Subjects Privileges equally dear to him for a remedy, and we esteem ourselves more especially obliged to take this step (if your Ex & Hon"'' don't prevent it) as it is not the first Instance wherein your Excellency has attempted to invade our rights Witness your Endeavours to get the pro vincial Records of Deeds into your Hands, or at least to have the Disposal of them, which are no other than the Peoples Evidences of their Titles to their La,nd Estates and therefore according to the rules of common sense and Reason, ought to be in their own several keepings if it could be, but as it can't they ought to be disposed of by them who are the Proprietors of their Evidences as well as of their Estates. Another In stance was your Excellency's Endeavor to augment the num ber of members of this House by your own mear arbitrary Power, without any Law enabling you so to, or any colour of authority from His majesty for your so doing that was ever made known to us, to which may be added your Excellency's causing a number of men to scout on y" west side of merri- mack River last summer before A Grant was made for their Pay and Subsistance, and which we humbly apprehend your Excel lency could not rationally expect ever would be and the scout- ers remain to this Day -without wages and those that subsisted them without their pay for it whether this is not oppressive we leave to the wisest Judges to determine. Proceedings of this nature wiU cast no blame on us, but it gives us Concern, that any office must bear the Records of such Conduct were it possible for us to entertain so dishon''" a Thought as that a Vote could be past at the Council Board, and the Voters not be fully apprised of your directions without maturely delib erating on the materials it was built with we should have at Once concluded, that the Vote for Keenborough Charter was such an one. May it please y' Ex and Hon''' we crave Leave to repeat our request to you for a reconsideration of the Keen borough affair and that you will be pleased to do what is just and right therein to quiet the minds of the People to stay the Strifes already begun and to prevent other Divisions that are like to arise — we are Zealously concerned that Love and Peace town PAPERS— BilENTWOOD. S3 may be cultivated in the Province and a Harmony in the ad ministration, that the Prerogative may always rest secure that the Infractions made on our Privileges may be healed, and that they may ever hereafter remain safe and inviolate. Charter- of Keenborough. Province of \ George the Second by the grace of God of Great Britain New Hamps / France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith &c. To all to whom these Presents Shall come Greeting For as much as it hath been Represented to us by Capt. Andrew Gilm-in and other In habitants of the parish of Brentwood that great disortlers have arisen in said Parish Respecting their parish aifairs in general, And that all proposals hitherto attempted have proved ineffectual to Restore peace and good Order amongst them Wherefore, the said Capt. Andrew Gil- man in behalf of himself and others Humbly Prays That a new parish may be erected in said Parish of Brentwood And to the end that peace and good Order may be Established Know y» therefore of our Especial Grace certaine Knowledge & meer motion By & with the advice of our Trusty & well beloved Benning Wentworth Esq' our Capt General Gov ernor and Commander in chief of our Province of New Hampshire in New England and of our council of said Province have Incorporated, ordained declared and appointed An4 by these presents for us our Heirs & Successors Do Incorporate ordain declare and appoint out of the Parish of Brentwood all that Tract or parcel of Land Situate lying & Being in y" Parish of Brentwood in our Province of New Hamp' afore said containing by admess.urement twelve thousand five hundred Ninety five acker & one Quarter of an acre according to a plan & Survey made by order of our Said Governor by George Mitchel Esq'" and Cap' Dud ley Odlin hearunto annexed abutting & Bounding as by y" said Plan or Survey may appear And we do hearby ordain And appoint that the re spective Inhabitants that now are or that shall hereafter be in posses sion of the Lands within th,e Plan or Survey aforesaid shall [be] one Society Corporation and Body Politick to have continuance forever by the name of Keenborough and that they and their Successors shall by that name be able and Capeable in law to call Parish Meetings The first of which is to be called within thirty days from the date hereof by Capt. Andrew Oilman and Humphrey Wilson & Benjamin Oilman And the meetings hereafter shall be on the first Monday of April annually And we do hereby give and grant unto the said society or Corporation full Power and authority to make choice of proper OflScers to Levy Taxes on the Inhabitants for the Supportof the Society agreeable to the Laws of our Province of New hampshire made for regulating Town and Par ish affairs. And we do further giv.e and grant to the said society full Power to call & settle a Regular and Orthodox Minister of the Gospel and to Levy Taxes on the Inhabitants conformable to the Laws affore- said of our Province afforesaid for his support Reserving only the Reommending the first minister to the President and seinour Fellows of Harvard Colledge in New England, to the Reverend Jabez Fitch & the Reverend John Odlin. And we do also hereby Reserve to his most Sacred Majesty his heirs & successors all "white Pine Trees growing standing or being within the plan or survey Above mentioned the Pres ervation whereof for his Majesties Royal Navy is theTennure by which you hold and enjoy your Corporation. And lastly we do declare and 84 NEW HAMPSHIRE Ordaine, That these our Letters Patent & every clause Sentence and ar ticle herein contained shall be in all things firm and vallid & effectual in the Law unto the Said Society & their Successors according to the Purport & Tennure hereof Provided, that these our Letters Patents be recorded within one month from the Date hereof in our Recorder's Office appointed for that purpose in our said Province of New Hampshire In witness whereof we have caused the to be made Patent Witness our [torn off] and Commander in Chief of our Said Province the twenty seventh day of October in the year of our reign Annoq Domine 174 — Pr his Excellency's Command with B. Wentworth. advice of Council Theodore Atkinson Sec'y Copy Ex'' Theodore Atkinson Sec'y Petition of the Selectmen of Keeneborough. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr ; Governor & Commander in Chief in and over the Province of New Hampshire in Council The Humble Petition of the Selectmen of Keenborough in the behalf of y« Inhabitants of sd Parish Humbly .sheweth Whereas your Excellency in Conjunction with the Honour able his Majesties Council was pleased to take compassion on us under our former Difficulties and Grant us a Parrish by ourselves ; For which we looked upon ourselves greatly oblidged to your Excellency, and the Honoured Council and hoped to have enjoyed great peace & quietness and by virtue of the Charter given us, we have acted ever since, and accord ing to Charter have proceeded to settle a Gospel Minister amongst us viz : The Rev. Mr. Nathaniel Trask, which by Charter we supposed we had full power to do, and to Raise money for his Settlement & Support, and accordingly have raised a Tax upon y° Inhabitants for y*^ end, but some Dis contented persons amongst us. Influenced by some of y^ Par ish of Brentwood, and by others in other places, who informed them that your Excellency and his Majesties Council, had no power to make us a Parish, and y' your Charter was good for nothing, and being likewise encouraged by y^ Gentlemen of y" Law, have refused to pay their Taxes, and being seized and Imprisoned by y" Constable, has brought the Case into y° Law ; and to our great Surprise, Judgment went in their favour, at y" last Superior Court, So y' now we are in a Deplorable Con dition ; Having a Minister Settled and money to pay both for his Settlement & support, and no power to raise any Money in a Legal way, or to gather in any "Tax, already raised, andhav- TOWN PAPERS — BRENTWOOD. 85 ing been at great Expense in vindicating y" Charter, and see ing no hopes of a Reconciliation with y'' Parish of Brentwood, their Demand being so unreasonable, nor of Relief in any other way. In this Deplorable Case we humbly crave pitty of your Excellency & the Honourable his Majesties Council, and that you would advise us what to do, and would be pleased to find out some way for our Relief, for otherwise we shall run into y"^ greatest Confusion, Religion will Die amongst us, and both Civil & Ecclesiastical authority be trampled upon ; So hoping that your Excellency & y'^ Hon'''" his Majesties Council will afford us relief, under these pressing Difficulties and pre vent our Ruin, and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray &c Timothy Leavit Edward Colcord Selectmen Nicholas Dudley V of Keeneborough Septem- Jeremiah Bean Keeneborough her y" 20"' 174S. John Dudley Petition of a nu77iber of the Inhabitants of Brintwood, prayi7ig to be set off as a parish. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr Governor & Com ander in chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire the honorable his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives in General Assembly conven'd 13"' day of June 1764 The Petition of us the Subscribers humbly sheweth that whereas we who are of the Parish of Brintwood in said Prov ince are exposed by being at a great distance from Meeting for the public worship of God Therefore pray your Honers to take our Case into your wise Consideration and set us off as a Par ish with all Parish privileges one half of the aforesaid Parish of Brintwood for quantity on the westerly end. Beginning at the northwesterly Corner of said Parish running Easterly on Epping Line so far as to contain one half of the length of said Line. Then beginning at the South westerly Corner of said Parish running Easterly on Kingston Line one half of the Length of the said South Line then to run a Straight Line_ across said Parish of Brintwood so as to contain full one halt of the Land of said Brintwood agreeable to a Vote of said Parish reference hereto being had may make fully appear. And your Petitioners in duty bound Shall ever pray John Taylor Zacheus Clough Joshua Kimball John Kimball Benj" Kimball Nathan Kimball 86 NEW HAMPSHIRE Jonathan Brown James Merrill Joseph Hoyt James Merrill Jun Jonathan Ring John Kenison James Tucker Nathan Brown Daniel Brown Enoch Browm John Hoyt John Hoyt Jun. Abel Morrill Samusl Hoyt John French Joseph Taylor John Glidden Daniel Kimball Israel Smith Samuel Clough Robert Glidden John Clough Ephraim Brown David Kimball Benjamin Cram Richard Clough Abraham Sanborn David Hoyt Elias Swain Samuel Moody Jonathan Hoyt Clement Moody Benjamin Hoyt Nath" Whittier Reuben Hoyt Nathaniel Whittier Jun John PrscotLovren ? Benjamin Clough Province of "I In the House of Representatives June 14"' 1764 New Hamps j" This petition being read Voted That the prayer thereof be Granted & that the petitioners have leave to bring In a Bill accordingly A. Clarkson Clerk In Council June 15"" 1764 Read & Concurred T. Atkinson Sec. At a Parish Meeting held at the meeting house in Brintwood the fif teenth Day of May 1764 Voted Deacon Jeremiah Bean moderator of said meeting at the same meeting it was Put to Vote to see if the Parish would maintain Two ministers in said Parish & it Past in the Negative Voted the Inhabitants of the Westerly End of the Parish be set off to be a Parish by themselves that is to come one half the way Down on Epping Line Si Run such a Point a cross to Kingston Line as to con tain one half y Land in Sd Parish Elisha Sanborn Clerk A copy Examd. CANTERBURY. [This town was incort)orated 20 May, 1727.— ^d.] At a meeting of the Proprietors of the ToWn Of Canterbury holden by announcement the 16 Day of May 1738, Then Voted that Sam' Smith Thomas Young & Sam' Adams are and shall be a Comittee to Represent The Town of Canterbury at the General Court by (a peti tion ?) to be Enabled by an act to make the Proprietors pay their Pro portion of the charge that hath arisen and shall hereafter arise in the management of the affairs Of said town Sam' Smith Town CI"" TOWN PAPERS — CANTERBURY. 87 Petition of the Proprietors of Canterbury about cutting a road, &c. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq'' Governor & Commander in Chief in & over His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire the Hon*"" His Majesty's Council & House of Representatives in General Court Convened The Petition of Thomas Young of New Market in said Province Innholder & Samuel Adams of Durham in said ¦Province Physician as Agents for & in behalf the Proprietors of the Township of Canterbury in said Province & in behalf of the Inhabitants of that place Humbly Shews — That the said Proprietors have for some few years last past applied themselves more closely than at first to the pursuit of proper measures for Settling the said Township, & among other things tho't proper for that end have built a meeting house & from time to time hired a minister to Preach to the Inhabitants, which has encouraged the Settlement so that there are about thirty Families now upon the spot. That the said Proprietors have with considerable expence cut a way from Durham up into the Country upwards of twenty miles towards the said Township of Canterbury, which if cut thro' will be of Great advantage not only to that place but to the Province in General and which they are not able to Effect, & must (vi^ith other designs formed for the End afore said) fall thro', for want of Proper Laws to Compel such Pro prietors as neglect to pay their proportion of the Charge & of such necessary taxes as have from time to time been laid upon them That it is Evident beyond Contradiction that such designs cannot be executed without Considerable cost & Expence & that every Proprietor ought to bear his proportion of the Charge which has not been done in this case, but the Burthen has been borne by such as were voluntary in the affair & so Reasonable as to do what they Knew they could not be Com pelled to by Law Relating to the good of the Propriety That there are several years taxes not fully paid but arrear ages due from Sundry of the Said Proprietors the want of which has been Supplied by others advancing such sums as were necessary and as occasion call'd for them which is a great grievance & a most unreasonable thing that the Charge of car rying on a settlement should be defrayed by some & the advan tage be reap'd by all, or that some should be exempted from the charge & yet be equally Intitled to the Profits with those who have born it That the said Township is a valuable Tract of Land & the settlement thereof (as your Petitioners humbly conceive) de serves the Countenance of the Government as much as & per- 88 NEW HAMPSHIRE haps more than any new Township in the Province upon more accounts than can be here Enumerated & without which the Settlement will necessarily go on heavily & Slowly as it has hitherto done Wherefore your Petitioners most humbly Pray that an Act may now be passed to Enable the said Proprietors by their Select men or other officers to Compel such Proprietors as have not paid their proportion of the Rates w"hich have been assessed, to pay them forth with & in default thereof to Dis pose of so much of their land, or anything thereon that will Raise the Money as was lately done for the Proprietors of Nottingham or to Levy the same as the Constables of Towns do the Town & Province tax and that Effectual Provision may also be made to Enable them to Raise money upon themselves for the future & Enforce the payment in such a Summary & Expeditious method as may answer the Ends of the Propriety & promote the Settlement & thereby the General good and your Petitioners in behalf of their Constituents as in duty bound Shall ever pray &c Thomas Young Sam' Adams Feb'y 25"" 1 741. Feby the 27't 1741 In the House of Representatives Voted That the Prayer of the Petition be granted Si that the Petition ers have Liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly the act to Continue five years and no longer James Jaffry CI' ass'" In Council March 9"" 1741-2 Read & Concurred Rich'' Waldron Sec'y Same day assented to B. Wentworth. Petition of Proprietors of Canterbury for a Bridge. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq'' Governor & Commander in Chief in & over His Majestys Province of New Hampshire. The Hon''''= His Majestys Council & House of Representatives for said Province in General as sembly Convened the 22'' Day of Feb in y" 17"" year of His Majesty's Reign. The Humble Petition of Samuel Adams & Joseph Drew both of Durham in said Province as the Major part of a Com mittee of the Proprietors of Canterbury Chosen to find out & clear a Way or Road from Durham to said Canterbury Shews That yo'' Petitioners with Benj' Smith of said Durham were TOWN PAPERS — CANTERBURY. 89 chosen & appointed for the business aforesaid and have with Considerable Expence found out & Clear'd a Place for a Road from Durham to Canterbury which may be made with little farther expense (Saving the building a Bridge over Sun Cook River over which the said Way must unavoidably run) a very good Road That your Petitioners Conceive the Public advantage of good Roads Especially in a time of War for ffight or other occasions are so obvious that nothing need to be said on that head and that as every Town is in some Degree benefited thereby where there is a call for an Extraordinary Charge it ought not to be the burthen of the town to which it leads only but of every Town and in this Case the Charge could not be born by that Town That in order to make the said way answer all the good purposes designed thereby there must be a good Strong Bridge Built over the said River & the Proprietors of Canterbury hav ing been at a very great expence already in Clearing Said Way and carrying an end other affairs to promote their Settlement are not able to Build the said Bridge at their own Cost Wherefore your Petitioners Pray that a Bridge maybe built at the charge of the Province over the said River at the place to which the Way Cleared as afores'' leads That the same may be forthwith proceeded upon before the Ice breaks up because of the advantage of working upon it And that as the said Way is not opend by any authority of Law it may be Estab lished by the authority of the General assembly for a Publick Road and your Petitioners In behalf of the Proprietors of Canterbury and all others concern'd as in Duty bound Shall ever pray &c Sam' Adams Joseph Drew In the House of Representatives Feb 23'' 1743-4, The within Petition Read & Voted, Provided the Proprietors of the Town of Canterbury Build a Bridge this j'ear Suficient for carts & carriages to pass and repass on over Sun- cook River where the way is Now Cuttto to 'Travell from Durham to Can terbury & will Warrant to Maintain the Same Bridge for ten years That there be paid the said Proprietors the Sum of fifty pounds Bills of Credit out of the Interest Arising on the twenty five thousand pounds Loan out of that part of said Interest appropriated for Cutting Roads &c when So much shall be in the Treasury In Council Feby. 24"' 1743 James Jaffrey CI' Assm read & concurred Theod. Atkinson Secy. Eodem Die assented to B. Wentworth Prov. New Hamp 90 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition of Canterbury m^enfor wages. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Captain Gen eral, and Governor in chief in & over his Majesty's Prov ince of New Hampshire To the Hon''''' his Majesty's Coun cil of said Province And to the Hon*'^ House of Representa tives, in General Court assembled at Portsmouth, within & for the Province of New Hampshire aforesaid 1 754 The Petition of Jeremiah Clough, Philip Call, Samuel French, Thomas Clough, Ezekiel Clough, Henry Elkins, Sam uel Moor, Samuel Shepherd & James Shepherd humbly sheweth : That whereas your humble Petitioners, by Order of his Ex"- cellency the Governor, Kept the Garrison at Canterbury in the Province of New Hampshire aforesaid, as follows viz Jer. Clough ) begin with y 5th of Jan 1747 — to y'= 20"' of Philip Call V November following Sam' French j Thom" Clough ) beginning with y'' 5"' of Jan 1747 to y'= 8"" of Ezek Clough j May following, Henry Elkins beginning with the 5"* of jan 1747 — to the 12"' of August following Sam' Moor "j beginning with the 9"" of May 1 747 to y' Sam' Shepherd J 20"" of November following : James Shepherd beginning with y" 13"' of August 1747 to the ao*"* of Novem'' following. And faithfully & effectually performed all necessary Duties in said Garrison, according to our respective stations so that the Enemy never took any advantage to the Damage & Hurt of said Garrison, or of any that belonged to it, during the whole time above mentioned. And yet your humble Petitioners have never as yet been allowed any Wages, or Billeting for our Service, except £100 new tenor tO"ward Billeting, received pr. Cap' Clough, tho' other Soldiers who served since we did have been paid both Wages & Billeting. Therefore we your humble Petitioners humbly pray your Excellency & your Honours to take our Case into your wise Consideration, & to grant us wages and Billeting, for the time which we have served, as afores'd. For which Goodness, your humble Petitioners for your Excellency & your Honours, as in Duty bound shall ever pray. Jeremiah Clough Henry Elkins Philip Call his Thomas Clough Samuel X French Samuel Moor mark Samuel Shepherd Ezekiel Clough James Shepherd TOWN PAPERS — CANTERBURY. 9I In Council March 2* 1754 read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon''''= House of represen'"'" Theodore Atkinson Secy Province of "> In the House of Representatives March 2'' 1754 upon New Hamp' J Reading the within Petition Voted that it be dismiss'd. •Attest Matthew Livermore Clerk Petition of Canterbury for remission of Tax, 1754- To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Captain general, & Governor in chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire. To the Hon'''^ his Majesty's Council ; And to the Hon''''' House of Representatives in General Court as sembled.The Petition of the Inhabitants of Canterbury in the Prov ince of New Hampshire aforesaid humbly sheweth That whereas your humble Petitioners (whose Names are hereunto subscribed) are reduced to great Difficulties, & Charges by the threatening Aspect of a 'War, we humbly pray your Excellency & your Honours to consider & compassionate our distressed Circumstances ; & to remit our Proportion of the Province Tax for this year 1 754 & till the pressing Danger & Difficulties of War are over. For which Goodness your humble Petitioners for your Excellency & your Honours as in Duty bound shall ever pray Jeremiah Clough James Gibson William Miles James Lindsey Thomas Clough Samuel Shepherd jun. Josiah Miles James Shepherd John Bamford Joseph Simons Samuel Shepherd Joseph Elis Solomon Copp James Scales Benjamin Blanchard Ezekiel Morrill John Gibbons William Moor John DoUoflf Henry Elkins Province of "1 In Council July the 24"' 1754 New Hamp' / read & ordered to be sent Down to the Hon'''' House of representatives 'Theo'' Atkinson Secy. 92 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition of Selectmen for remission of taxes. Province of '1 New Hampr / To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Governor and Commander in Chief in and oyer his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire The Honorable his Majestys Council and House of Representatives in General Assembly conven'd December the fourteenth 1756. The Petition of the Selectmen of Canterbury in the Prov ince of New Hampshire in behalf of the Inhabitants of said Town Most humbly Shews — That by reason of the few Inhabitants in said Town, its being a Frontier and so more exposed to the Incursions and depredations of the Enemy and by Reason of the war this and the last year with the Indian Enemy your Petitioners and oth ers the Inhabitants of said Town are rendered unable to pay the Provincial Taxes laid upon them the last and the present year. That it is with great difficulty under their present cir cumstances, that they can maintain and support themselves, should they pay no provincial Taxes at all — Wherefore your Petitioners most humbly Pray your Excellency and Honours That you will be pleased to Ease the said Inhabitants of the Provincial Taxes laid upon them the last and this present year and for such further time as to your Excellency and Honours shall seem just and reasonable and in such "way and manner as you shall Judge most suitable and proper and that your Peti tioners may have opportunity to enforce the prayer hereof and your petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c John Moor ^ Archelaus Moor > Selectmen Nov. 30th 1756 Thomas Clough J Province of 1 Read in Council & ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''' N. Hamps j House Theod. Atkinson Secy. Petitio7i relating to the Original Charter. Province of "( New Hampshire / To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Captain Gen eral Governor and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire, And the Hon"'* His Majesties Council Humbly Sheweth Josiah Miles Yeoman and Thomas Clough House Wright both of Canterbury in said Province & a Com- TOWN PAPERS — CANTERBURY. 93 mittee appointed by the said Town to apply to your Excel lency & Honours on the Following acc't. viz : That the Town ship of Canterbury was Granted by the Late Hon'''" John Wentworth Esq'' Lieut. Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Province dec'd to a Number of persons whose names are in a Schedule herewith presented attested by the Late Sec'y Richard Waldron Esq'^ dec'd as Clerk of that Council and said Grantees procured a Copy of the said Char ter and Recorded the same in their Town book of said Can terbury, a Copy of which Charter attested by the Town Clerk of said Canterbury is herewith also presented, And as the In habitants of the said Township have been at Great Trouble & pains in Settling said Township and have been a Great part of the time since the obtaining the Charter aforesaid Labouring under an Indian War (and many Rumors thereof when it was not an actual Warr) and said Township being a frontier the Inhabitants had as much as they could Subsist under to main tain their Respective familys without making any Enquiry into their Charter priviledges. But at Length Some people among them making Enquiry about the said Charter found a Tran script thereof in their Town Book but without any attesta tion and on further Enquiry Could not find the Original Charter nor any attested Copy thereof any where nor any Record thereof in the Sec>''' office and as the aforesaid Secy Waldrons house was burnt with many publick papers of the Province they are apprehensive the said Original Charter was then burnt Wherefore the said Josiah and Thomas as aforesaid pray that the said Copys aforesaid may be Recorded, in the Secy's office and they confirmed in their Respective Estates as tlio they now had the aforesaid Original Charter, and they as in Duty bound shall Ever praj' Portsmouth Jany 16, 1756- TosiAii Miles ) ^ ,^-u-^^ ¦J „ y Committee Thomas Clough J In Council Jany 17, 1756. The Within Petition read & order'd that the Secy, record the Copy said Charter & Schedule it appearing to the Council that the Copys are Genuine. Theod. Atkinson Secy 94 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petit io7i of Inhabitants, of (Canterbury to be set offf-om Bow. Province of "I New Hamp J To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq'' Captain General Gov' & Comm'' in Chief in and over His Majestys Province of New Hamp"'', The Hon"'" His Majestys Council and House of Representatives in General Assembly Convened June 14"' 1764. The humble Petition of Archelaus Moor Gent. Henry Elkins W"" Gault, Enoch Webster, William Curry, W" Moore Joseph Mann Husbandman Ann Curry widow & Stephen Gerrish Gent. Sheweth That your Petitioners are Settled on a Tract of Land inform of a Gore which until lately was deemed a part of the Town of Canterbury in said Province, and lays between that and Bow ; But upon running the Canterbury Line about 12 years ago, the said Gore was found to be Land in right of Mason's Patent, And Thereupon the Proprietors of the said Town of Canterbury have Chosen a Committee to Treat with Mr. Mason's Representative, about the Purchase of the said Land That your Petitioners are very desirous of being annexed to the Town of Canterbury, rather than Bow, as they are within Two miles of Canterbury Meeting House, and are distant six Miles from that of Bow, and also as they have several Family Connexions in Canterbury Your Petitioners therefore humbly Pray your Excellency and Honours That the aforesaid Gore of Land may be by An Act of the General Court annexed to and Incorporated with the said Canterbury & partake of all the Priviledges thereof And your Pef'' shall Ever pray &c W. Clagett for Petrs. In Council June 14"' 1764 Read & Ordered to be sent down to the Hon'"'" House T. Atkinson, Jun. Secy. Province oft New Hamp /In the house of Representatives July [June.'] 14* 1764. This Petition being Read Ordered That the petitioners be heard thereon the Second Day of the Sitting of the General Assembly after the first Day of July next & that they at their own Cost put up notification at all the public places In Canterbury & Bow, Incerting therein the substance of this petition, & order of Court thereon that any persons Concerned therein may appear & Shew Cause if any they have why the prayer thereof should not be Granted A. Clarkson Clerk In Council June 15"' 1764 Read & Concurred T. Atkinson Jun. Secy Province of "I New Hamp j" In the house of Representatives Jany 23'' 1765 This petition being Read TOWN papers — CANTERBURY. 05 Voted That the prayer thereof be Granted & the petitioners have leave to bring in a Bill accordingly ^ „ A. Clarkson Clerk In Council Jany. 23'' 1765 Read & Concurred T. Atkinson Junr. Secy. Petition of Abiel Foster about Town records. Province of 1 New Hamp' J To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq'' Governor in chief in & over said Province The Honourable the Council and House of Representatives in General Assembly conven'd The Humble Petition of Abiel Foster of Canterbury in the County of Rockingham Clerk, as agent for & in behalf of the Proprietors of Canterbury aforesaid Sheweth that a vast Number of Papers containing the Votes and Proceedings of said Pro prietors touching their most important Concerns as Proprie tors, and by which, many Estates in said Canterbury have been conveyed and are now held by some Neglect or Omission of the Clerks of said Proprietors, have not been recorded. Upon the Discovery of which said Proprietors appointed a Committee to collect, inspect, examine and see that the same should be recorded in the Proprietors Books. The said Com mittee according to their appointment carefully examined said Papers and found them to be in the hand writing of the former Clerks of said Proprietors most of them among the files of said Proprietors to have all the Marks of original fair & Genuine Minutes and Entries some made thirty years ago, which Papers the Committee have within six months past caused to be re corded in the Books of said Proprietors, the Record of which Papers contains Eighty Pages in folio or more. And as the same Papers were not attested by anj' of the former Clerks of said Proprietors, tho' they appear to be truly made as aforesaid, Your Petitioner humbly conceives that the Interposition of your Excellency and Honors will be nec essary to authenticate the Same. Wherefore he humbly prays in behalf of said Proprietors that a Committee of the General Court may be appointed to inspect and examine s^ Papers and Records lately made and to report thereon, and that s" Papers and records may be authenticated by your Excellency and Honors either by act or Resolve of the General Assembly or in any other way that your Wisdom may suggest And your Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever pray &c Abiel Foster. January 19th 1774. g6 NEW HAMPSHIRE Province of ") In the house of Representatives Jan 19"" 1774, New Hampsr j"Upon Reading this Petition Voted that the Petitioner cause the substance of said Petition to be printed in the New Hampshire Gazette three weeks successively and that any part3' having any Objection may be heard thereon the third day of the sitting of the Gen' Assembly after the 20"' of February next W" Parker Clr. Assembly In Council Jany 19 1774. Read and concurd Geo' King D. Secy. Note. This Petition was renewed April 5th, 1774, and acted on aa follows. [Ed.] Newl^Iam°s'}"'"" ^^^ House of Representatives April 9"> 1774 Voted, That the Petitioner be heard on this Petition on the second day of the Siting of the General Assembly after the tenth Day of May next and that he Cause the Substance of this Petition and Order of Court to be Printed three weeks Successively in the New Hampshire Gazett that any Person may Shew Cause why the Prayer of the Peti tion Should not be Granted M. Weare CI' In Council eodem Die Read & concur'd Geo King D. Secy Province of ") In the House of Representatives May 13* I774 New Hamps /The within Petition being Consider'd and the Parties heard thereon by their Council Voted That Samuel Cutts Esq' Col' Christopher Toppan and John Giddings Esq' be a Committee of this House to Joyn with Such as the Hon''''' the Councill Shall appoint to inspect and Examine the Papers and Records mentioned in the Petition and Report thereon to the Gen eral Assembly M. Weare CI' In Council May 14"' 1774 Read and concurd after hearing the Parties. Geo King D. Secy CHARLESTOWN, [Originally Number.T'our, was first granted by Massachusetts, Deer, 31, 173.j. It Avas incorporaterl by Charter daring the administration of Gov. Benning Went worth, 2 July, 1753. Ed.] Letter frotn No. 4 to Colonels Willard and Hi/tsdale. No. 4. October 19''' 1743. Hon''"'' Gentlemen We the Inhabitants of this Township being apprehensive that we are very much Exposed and in hazard In case of a War between y'= nations and are Sensible that we are not Ca pable of Defending our selves in Case of a rupture by Reason TOWN PAPERS — CHARLESTOWN. 97 of y" smallness of our numbers and Distance From Neighbor ing Plantations and places of Defence are in Continual Fear Lest we should be Surprised by y'^ Heathen and although we are makeing y^ best Preparation we Can to Secure ourselves yet we are Fearfull we shall not be be able to Stand our Ground but must be obliged to Leave our Habitations and Repair to places of more security If we Cannot be Sup ported by y' Government. — We therefore Earnestly Desire yo' Hon'^ that you would Improve yo'' Interest with y*' Gov ernours Either of y" Massachusetts or N. Hampshire (which you shall think most Proper) that we may have such a supply of men posted here as they shall think Necessary for our De fence to be Employ'd Either in Scouting or otherwise as they shall Judge most proper. Lieu"' Witherby is Willing to Come among us with a Company of Men, If he Can obtain order and Encouragement from the Government. We pray you would Write to Either Governour as your Discresion shall Direct you on our behalf and In our names submitting our Case to yo"" Prudence praying you would do what you can for us and as speedily as may be and thereby will oblige Yo'' Most Humble & Obedient servants Benjamin Willson David Farnsworth Isaac Parker John Avery Charles Holden Ebenezer Putnam Job Spafford John Hastings Jr. Isaac Parker Jun. Simeon Sartwell Abraham Parker Benoni Woolcott Jn» Hastings John Spafard Superscribed, i&c. Petition of John Spafford. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Governour and Commander in Chief in & over his Maj"°^ Province of New Hampshire and to his Maj"" Council for said Province & the House of Representatives now Conven'd in General Assembly John Spafford for himself and about thirteen familys Lately Settled on the East Side of Connecticut River being known by the name of No. 4 humbly Sheweth — That your Petitioners have lately made a Settlement there and at their own Charge hath Built a Large & Strong Garri son and have twenty five men or thereabouts, and have good plantations there and a good prospect of a Considerable p'cll of Graine now growing on the Land. But so it is theire Settle ments being so much exposed to the Indians, and not above Eighty miles from the French Fort on the Lake where the 7 98 NEW HAMPSHIRE French may soon and Easyly annoy them & the Indians tells them that they must fight for the french and tells them to take Care of themselves. Your Petitioners being so Exposed to the Enemy and so far from any English Settlem' they cannot pretend to stand on their own Defence, and therefore humbly prays your Excell'' and honours of the Gen' Ass'" that they may have some assistance of Men to assist them in Keeping their Garrison and preserve their Cattle and Graine, or as in your Wisdom you shall think fitt. And if no assistance of men may be obtained Then to let the People Know it, That your Petitioners may use Some Speedy means for the preservation of themselves & families and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall ever Pray &c John Spafford. July the 24"" 1744. Petition for a road. To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq'' Captain General, Governor & Commander in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire &c The Honourable his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives in General Assembly convened this Eighteenth Day of October 1768 The Petion of Simon Sartwell, William Heywood and Elijah Grout as Selectmen of the Town of Charlestown in s'd province to your Excellency and Honours humbly sheweth, that the Inhabitants of said Charlestown with those of the ad joining Towns, have Looked out and marked a Road, and in part Cleared the Same, between said Charlestown & Boscawen and are of opinion the same may be made a good Carriage Road, which if eflected, is humbly conceived might be of Great utility & Benefit to many Towns in this Province by having a much nearer & easier Communication with the Metropolis than has as yet been found out which is tho't would greatly Fecilitate the Settlement of many new Townships, hitherto much retarded for want of good Roads. Wherefore your Petitioners humbly pray your Excellency & Honours would be pleased to indulge them with your appro bation of said Road and that y'' same may be confirmed as the Main Road or Highway from said Charlestown to Boscawen and that such Regulations and orders for farther opening and Clearing said Road may be made as by your Excellency & Honours may tho't best or otherways to Grant such Relief to your Petitioners, in the Premeses as to this Hon*" = Court Shall TOWN PAPERS CHARLESTOWN. 99 in wisdom, be Judged best and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray SiMON Sartwell W"' Heywood Elijah Grout. Province of "I In the House of Representatives Oct' 26 1768 New Hamps' J The foregoing Petition being Read Si Considered Voted That the Petitioners have liberty to bring in a Bill to Oblige the Proprietors of the Several Towns through which said Road Marked out as mentioned in the Petition passes, to Clear and make Said Road Passable M. Weare CI' In Council October 28 — 1768 read & concurred T. Atkinson Jun Sec'y Petition of Timothy Lovell about an island opposite Charles town. Province of \ New Hampshire / To his Excelpy John Wentworth Esq"^ Cap' General Gov ernor & Commander in chief in & over his Maj'''" Prov ince afores"* In Council. The Memorial & Petition of Timothy Lovell of Rocking ham in said province Humbly Shews That your Memorialist is now the owner of & in possession of a certain Island in Connecticut River, nearly adjoining to Charlestown containing about Nine acres, that the said Island was always deemed part of the said Township of Charles town, & so alotted to & among the Proprietors, who with those who hold under them have cultivated & mowed the same for near seventeen years last past, & never heard the Title controverted, till within a very little time past y"' Men'"' has been informed that some persons are about to make application to Y'' Excel lency & Hon"'^ for a Grant thereof, which might be productive of much Trouble & inconvenience &c. Your Mem"^' there fore humbly prays V Excell''^'' and honors would be pleased to suspend your Determination of this matter, in case applica tion Should be made, untill y'^ Mem""^ might have an Opp"' to prove what he alledges relative to his Right of property & possession as afores"* And y"' Memorialist as in Duty bound shall Ever Pray &c Timothy Lovell. Portsm" 6"' April 1770 lOO NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition in behalf of Benj^ Page for a Ferry. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq Governor and Com mander in Chief in and over His Majestys Province of New Hampshire, and to the Hon'''^ His Majestys Council The Humble Petition of Benjamin Page of Charlestown in said Province of New Hampshire Yeoman Humbly Sheweth also the Petition of the Selectmen and other of the Inhabitants of said Charlestown — praying that the said Benjamin may have the benefit of the Ferry that leads from Charlestown to Crow^n point (as he is settled at the Ferry as near as is convenient for a Ferry man) he is a sober well disposed person and w^e think he will attend the Business and be fr.ithfuU to oblige those that Travel the road, there is no house that is "within half a mile of said ferry on this side the river and we Your Excellency's Peti tioners Humbly pray that he may have a Charter of the same if Your Excellency and Honours shall think fit to Grant the same to him as we Judge him to be suitable for the business and Your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray. W" He"YWOOd I g^j ctmen Jan''' lo"' 1 771. John Hastings Jr j ^ ^'^ ""^^ Nath«' Powers William Jacobs James Farnsworth Sam" Hunt Osmon Baker Silvanus Hastings Timothy Putnam Enos Stevens Simon Powers Lem' Hastings Elijah Parker Stephen Atworde Benoni.? Spafford Willard Stevens Rich'' Holdin David Taylor Peter Page Abel Walker Petition of John Nott. To his Excellency John Wentworth Esqr. Governor & Commandor in Chief in & over His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire and to His Majestys Honb'^ Counnicel That Whareas it Hath Bin Pleaseing to the People of Chariestown to Sign and Send to the Governor & Cownsel desiering that Ben''"*" Paige Should have the ferey Grantted to him it is also my desire that it Should be grantted to him and Pray your Ex cellency & the Oner" Counsel to grant it to him on this Side of the River the humble Request of John Nott who hath main tained the ferey with a good Booat on my own Cost six years John Nott. January the 14 1771. town PAPERS — CHESTER. lOI Petition of Sitneon Olcott for a Ferry. To his Excellency John Wentworth Esqr. Captain General, Governor and Commander in Chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire &c. In Council Humbly Sheweth Simeon Olcott of Charlestown in said Prov ince that there being no Ferry legally appointed and Established on Connecticut River between said Charlestown and Springfield on the opposite side of said River, by reason whereof his Majesty's Subjects are often obstructed or delayed in passing said River or exorbitant sums demanded for the same — Where fore your Petitioner prays that he may be appointed and author ized to set up & Keep a Ferry on said River between said Charlestown and Springfield under such Orders and Regula tions as in your wisdom shall be tho't fit and your Petitioner shall ever pray &c Simeon Olcott. Portsmouth 19"' March 1771. CHESTER. [Chester was an original township of ten miles square granted Aug. 26, 1720, and was incorporated 8 May, 172i. Ed. J Petition in behalf of the proprietors of Chester. To the Hon'''' John Wentworth Esq' Lieut. Gov. Governor and Command"' in Chief in and over His Majesties Prov ince of New Hamp° and to the Hon'''' the Council for said Province.The Humble Petition of Henry Sherburne Sam' Ingalls, John Sanborn & Tho' Packer in Behalf of the Propriety ' of the Town of Chester In said Province Humbly Sheweth That the Propriet'* of the Town of Chester afores"* about two years since Chose a Comittee to Join w"" a Comittee of the Town of Londonderry to run the Line between the two Towns, which the said Comittee accordingly Begun & made some Progress in it but did not Compleat the same, by reason that the Comittee for Londonerry would not consent to allow the usual allowance (of Eleven Chains for ten for windfalls & in y' woods) in the measure on the W. N. W. or Side Line, and would allow only bare measure which was unreasonable and never Practiced before the reason of their being so Exact is Because the Propriet" of Londonderry have Artfully contrived to have it so in their Charter as to Ingrose to them selves the 102 NEW HAMPSHIRE Fishing place at Ameskeegg by taking into their Town a small gore of Land at the head of Chester, running so far between the river of Merrymack and the head of Chester untill it takes in the said Fishing place, they having measured it beforehand for that purpose, their Ingrossing to themselves y' s* Fishing place will not only be greatly prejudicial to Chester but also to the other New Towns. Y' Petitioners therefore Humbly pray That yo' Honours will be pleased to appoint a Committee to run the .said Lines and Settle the bounds between the said Towns in such a manner as is Customary and yo' Petition" as in duty bound Shall ever pray Jan'J" 6'" 1725-6 Hen Sherburne \ ^ Thomas Packer j Fo/ themselves and in behalf of Sam' Ingalls John Sanborn In Coun. Jan'y S"" 1725-6. The Petition of Chester Committee this day Presented to y* board by M' Thom« Packer Praying the Hon'''" y" L' Gov' & Council to appoint a Committee to run out & Settle y« Divisional lives & boundaries be tween that town & Lond" Derry for the reasons therein set forth, being read It is Ordered That the hearing upon the said Petition be on Tues day yi 25 Inst, at y" Coun Chamb. in Port" and that the Petitioners serve y" Selectmen of the s'' Town of Lond" Derry w"> a Copy thereof & of this order in the mean time that they may have an opportunity to shew y» Reasons (if any they have) why the Prayer of s"! Petition may not be granted. R Waldron Clark Con. To be heard a Tuesday fortnight. Chester Cotnmittee Petition — Minutes of Council thereon, Jan 25, 1725. Prov. N. Hamp'jPf^^"t'"Co>in Jan25, 1725.6 ^ \ Lt. Gov Mark Hunking, K. Wibird Esq' The Committee of Chester appearing to prosecute their Petition for a Committee to settle y" divisional line between y« Town & London- Derry which was filed y« 8th Instant & Messrs Cargil & Rob' Boyes appearing in behalf of y's'' Town of London Derry & both partys being fully heard It is ordered That the Prayer of y« Petition be granted & that Mr. James Stevens be y' Surveyor to lead y" Course & y' M' Benj» Barker Jn» Calton be y» Persons to carry y« chain & that Capt. Jn" Gillman & Mr. Edward Hale go on w"" one chain man & y« other w"" y» other & keep y" Tally who are likewise to take care & see that due & just allo"vvance be made in y" measure in all cases where they shall Judge It requisite and that this busyness be performed between this time & y« middle of June next & reported into y» secretarys office immediately after y» Completing thereof & y' y« Charge of y» Committee be paid by y= 2 Towns Jointly & y' y s'' Committee be sworn to y« faith' discharge of y» Duty of y respective trusts according to y« form annexed TOWN PAPERS — CHESTER. IO3 Petition of Selectmen of Chester 15 Oct. 1726. To the Hon"''^ John Wentworth Esq' Lieut" Goven' Comand' in Chief in & over His Maj""* Prov'= of New Hamp' And to the Hon'''^ the Council for Said Province. The Humble Petition of Clem' Hughes, Rob' Smith and John Sanborn Selectmen of the Town of Chester Humbly Sheweth That Cap' Tobias Langdon, Cap' Tim° Gerrish & John Smith appointed by yo' Hon'* sometime Since to be a Comittee to run y" Head Line of Exeter (w*^"" is the Dividing line be tween s'^ Exeter & Chester afores**) did not attend the Direc tions of y' Honours in that affair l)ut followed the Directions of y* Select men of said Exeter therein, and having run s** line to y'= s'' Selectmens mind, made their return to y" s** Se lectmen instead of doing it to yo' Hon'* so that that line is as yet unsettled to the great prejudice of the afores"* Town of Chester Yo' Petition'* Therefore Humbly pray yo' Hon'* to appoint a Comittee to run the two miles that Exeter is to run upon a W by N. point above Dover and from thence upon a Straight line to a Beach Tree (on Kingston Side Line) appointed & marked in the year 1718 to be y^ bounds for Exeter on y' side, by the Grand Comittee appointed by the Gen"' assembly to fix y° bounds of each Town within this Province which Straight line is y" Dividing line between Exeter & Chester, And that yo' Hon'* would please to Direct Said Comittee to run said Line with all Convenient Speed and yo' Petition'* as in duty bound Shall Ever pray Clement Hughes Rob" Smith Portsm" Oct' 15"' 1726. John Sanborn. Report on Petition for a road. Province "1 New Hampshire / Pursuant to a Vote of the General Court Bareing Date May 26"' 1743 To us the Subscribers a Committee appointed by the General Court to go up to Chester and Londonderry to View a highway formerly Laid out by Chester and Londonderry and recorded in Each Town and also a Nother way Petitioned for by Chester, and to make Report of our Doeings therein to the Gen"' Ass'° att their next sessions Wee haveing been up and Viewed Both Ways and Doe find that the way formerly Laid out from Londonderry to Chester, Between the lands of Mess" James Colwell and Patrick Duglass to Derry Northeasterly line And then on a Straight line through the land of Brown of Chester to meet the Road, that leads by Deacon Dearbourns to Chester Meeting house is the Most Convenient way foraccommodationof Both 104 new HAMPSHIRE Towns aforesaid and for Travellers in General Dated this 22'* Day of Sept. 1743. John Downing Jr. Geo Walton Richard Jennes In the House of representatives May 26"' 1743. The within Petition read & a former Petition of the Select men of Chester read relating to the same affairs and the Petitioners & the Select men of Londonderry respondents heard by the Council and Voted That their be aComittee Sent to View the highways Viz That which is Laid out & that which is Petitioned to be Laid out and the s'' Comittee to make returne to the General Assembly at their next Ses sions which place is most proper for a high way and upon the Comittees returne to Consider who Shall pay the Charge And that George Wal dron & richard Jennes Esq be a Comittee from this House to Joyn such as the Hon'''' the Council Shall appoint to do the Service above s^ James Jaffrey Cle' Ass""^ Eodem Die In Council read & Concurrd & Joseph Sherburne & John Downing Esq' added to the Comittee above s'' Eodem Die Assented to B, Wentworth Copy Ex" Theod Atkinson Secy. Theodore Atkinson Secy. In the House of Representatives 7'" 23* 1743 The within Return read, and accepted And Voted That the Highway, as therein mentioned & Described, be the Kings High way, and that all obstructions in or on said high way be Removed, and that the same be allowed to be a Publick Road, and that the Petitioners of Chester pay the Charg of the Comitee that went on the Spot Each pson thirty Shillings (old Tenor) prDiem for their Labor & Charge, And that the said Petitioners of Chester pay the said Charge to some or one of the said Comitee within thirty days after the Date hereof. James Jeffrey CI' Ass"" In Council September 23d 1743 read & Concured Theodore Atkinson Secy Eodem Die Assented To B. Wentworth Memorandum the High Way Laid out and Recorded from Chester to Londonderry by Sam' Browns the length is one mile and a Half and sixty Rhods The way by Kars mills as was showed to us but not Laid out was two miles and fifty two Rhods Sam" Emerson "I Chare men dated at Chester Thomas Cochran j upon oath August y" 23'' 1743 The Highway that is Laid out and Recorded, went acrost Samuel Browns Land as we measured ; He Promised to give said Land for a High way to the town of Chester without any other Satisfaction than not to Have s'' High way goe by his house The way by Karrs mills as we measured went first acrost James Col- TOWN PAPERS — CHESTER. I05 wells Land (2'y acrost Capt Morses Land— 3'y acrost John Karrs Land (4'y acrost John Karr Junr's, Land (5'y acrost Rob' Gillcreast Land (6'y acrost John Karr Junr's Land. Chester Petition in relation to the Ministry. To his Excellency Jonathan Bolcher Esq' Governour & In and Over His Majesties Province of New Hampshire, The Hon°'able His Majesties Council and House of Representa tives in General Court now Assembled at Portsm" The Petition of the Town of Chester Humbly Sheweth That whereas after the Rev'' M' Eb' Flagg was settled in said Town by Vote according to y'= directions of the Law to be the Gospel Minister, A considerable number of persons Petition'^' the Gen eral Court for an explanation of the law of Liberty Supposing they being Presbeterians were exempted from paying to Mr Flag "which was then explain'd in their favour. Since which they have accordingly proceeded in a cordial manner, and have endeavour* to take the best method the present Circumstances will admit to Rais money for the Respective ministers, as fol lows at a Town Meeting "warn'd for that purpose when met they Voted Separately M' Flaggs Salary ; and the Presbetery- ans voted a Salary for the Rev"* Mr. Jn° Wilson their Minister the Selectmen Sign'd the Respective warrants to y" Constable or Collectors to collect the Same if this Method be agreeable we Humbly pray yo' approbation. But if anything in our proceedings hitherto is short of what is Necessary in the Law we humbly entreat a favourable construction and pray that the presbeterians may be Qualify'd Lawfully to proceed for the future. Also if it be Necessary for M' Flags hearers to pro ceed in any other method than hitherto pray for particular direction as to yo' Excellency and Honours shall appear need ful Also we pray that y^ day of the annual meeting may be altered to som other day of y" week to escape interfering with the Fast.? which will oblige yo' Humble Petitioners John Calfe \ John Tolford I Selectmen Ephraim Hasseltine (of Chester Enoch Coleby J Province of ") In the House of Representatives New Hampshire J the within Petition Read & Vot" That the Prayer of the within Petition be granted in the follow ing manner Viz. Vof That the Two Congregations in Chester viz : that are called Congregationalists and those that are called Presbyterians have power to act Seperate in Raiseing money for Support of y' Ministers Respec tively for Defraying the Charges of building & Repairing their meeting Io6 new HAMPSHIRE houses and that they have power to Chuse Wardens Seperate to assess all persons and their Estates belonging to their Respective Congrega tions as aforesaid Toward Defraying Such Charges as shall be Raised for the aforesaid uses Seperate in Just Si Equall Proportion, to such Tax & Taxes as they shall Vote from time to time at their Respective Meet ings And that they have power to Choose Collectors Seperate to Col lect the said Taxes and that they have Liberty to bring in a bill accord ingly and that John Calf, Eph Hazilton Enoch Colebj-, be impow ered to call the first meeting for the Congregationall' and that Cap' Sam' Ingolls John Tolford John Carr be impowr'd to call ther fist meet ing for Presbetering meeting James Jeffrey CI' Ass"" August 6th 1740 In Council Eodem Die Read & Concurred Ric'' Waldron Secy Same day Assented to J. Belcher Petition for aid of soldiers. To the honourable Captins of Chester Greeting Whereas there is a Considerab''^ number of famelis scattered in the wilderness in the out skirts of Chester Some lives four miles and a half some three and a half (& 6 from any help) we are so scattered that we think we are very unfit to live as we have dund nevertheless we would be willing to imitat some thing of the spirit of the people of Zebulon and Naphtleen who Joperded their lives in the high places of the field and whereas we have a velow for our loss and libertise we Earn estly beg that your honours would look upon us in our Des- trees and help with some suldiars a certain number we are not willing to name your selves Knowing our surcumstances and how it is with us believes you will help us this way more then we with prudence could name and in so doing your Poore pettioners will ever Pray if no help Coms we must leave our houses and homs and goe lik scattered Sheep. James Besford Jonas Clay David McCluer John Clay John Precut David McClure Jebesh French Jacob Basford To the Hon'" Cap'= of Chester, greeting. Whereas we y" Subscribers live Remote from the town and for some years past have been obliged to leave our places for want of a sufficient number of men to Keep a garrison which has been greatly to our damage and we being desirous to live here if we can have three or four men to help support a garrison 'We Remain yours to serve, Ithamar Gary Philip Grifen Zachariah Butterfield Joshua Hall Stephen Webster Allet Bary Aaron Butterfield TOWN PAPERS — CHESTER. I07 To the Captains of Chester : We the subscribers earnestly Requests your Aid and assistance in pettioning the General Court for some help yourselves Knowing how we are scattered And how far a Distance from the metting house some 7 some 8 some 9 miles from it Gentle men we are your humble ser vants William Ollcot? William McClintok Walter Macfarlan Nathaniel Boyd William Grinel Micheall McClintok. Tolford <& Wells' Petition. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Captain Gen eral Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the Province of New Hampshire the Honourable his Majestys Council and House of Representatives in General Assembly Convened the Tenth day of May 1748 The Petition of John Tolford and Thomas Wells of Chester in the Province of New Hampshire in behalf of the Inhab itants of s'' Chester most humbly Shews That the s* Town of Chester is exposed to the Indian Enemy and sundry of the Dwelling houses in s"* Town so exposed that unless there be more men to defend them than the Town itself can afford they will unavoidably be obliged to leave them and their lands also That thereby the Enemy will gain an advantage and the Fron tier be bro't nearer the Center That Sundry Persons who live in the outskirts of said Town have pray'd for help as by their respective Petitions hereunto annexed and herewith presented may more fully appear. Wherefore your Petitioners Most humbly pray your Excellency and Honours to allow such a number of men for the Defence and protection of s"* Town as in your great wisdom shall be tho't reasonable John Tolford Tho* Wells. In Council May n 1748, read & Sent JDown to the Hon'''* House Theo. Atkinson Secy Minutes of Chester town meeting Mar. 29, 1753- At a meeting of the free holders and Inhabitants of the Town of Chaster held at Chaster the 29"' Day of March 1753 Capt. Abel mors being moderator for said meeting amongst other things Voted that the after mentioned tract of Land may be Incorporated into a Parash Beginning at Londonderry Line at a Stake and stones being the South west Bound of Land Sold to Thomas Cochran by the proprietors of said Chaster and run strate to a pitch pine tree being the I08 new HAMPSHIRE South west bound of Nathaniel Halls Land by penicook path than north north East By sad Halls Land as far as that gos and then Strate to the South East Corner of the 39"' Lote in the Second part of the sec ond division than North 29 Degrees East to the north east bound of the 43'' Lote in the afforesaid devision then west north west to tower hill pond and then strate to the north Est Corner of Darefeld then South by Derryfeld to Londondary Line to the first Bound mentioned A true Coppy Taken frorn Chaster town Book of Record as ates to Samuel Emerson town Clark Petition of Andrew C7-aige of Chester, 9 Mar. i757- To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Governor & Commander In Chief in & over His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire the Hon''''' his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives for saide Province in General Assembly Convened the Ninth Day of March 1757 The Humble Petition of Andrew Craigge of Chester in said Province One of the Select men of said Town for the Year 1756 In behalf of himself & the other Select men of said Town for said Year Shews That by the Treasurers Warrant to the said Select to Levy the said Towns Proportion of the Province Tax for said year Several Different Sums are mentioned & ordered to be Levied and Paid into the Treasury at Different times and there are also two Sums Each of j£ 203 :2 which the said Select were ordered as aforesaid to Raise which they by mistake took to be the same sum only twice mentioned in said Warrant by which Mistake the said Sum therein Last Mentioned is Omitted & no Tax has been made for Raising the same whereby the Said Town Falls so much in arrears to the Treasury That the time Limitted in said Warrant for Paying in the Said sum is Past & the Omission so Lately Discovered that the said Selectmen could not make a New Tax & Comite the Same Seasonably to be Collected before the annual Meeting at which new officers may be Chosen and the Present Town Officers Superseded besides that it would have Perhaps Occa sioned Some Disputes & Differences in said Town. Where fore your Petitioner most Humbly Prays That as this Omission is the Effect of Inadvertence & not of Design the said Select men may be Excused & Exempted from the Penalty of the Law in such Cases Provided That the Treasurer may be ordered to suspend Issuing an extent against them for this arrearage but that the said Town may have further time for the Pay ment thereof that the Selectmen that may be Chosen for the Present Year may be authorized to Levy the Same with the Tax for this Year in the Same manner as it Ought to have been done in the Year Past and that a Resolve of the whole town papers^chester. 109 Legislature may be Past for this Purpose or if that should be tho't Insufficient That your Petitioner may have Leave to bring in a Bill accordingly or that you would be Pleased to Grant Such other Relief in the Premises as in Your Great Wisdom & Goodness you shall judge Expedient and your Petitioner as in Duty Bound shall Ever Pray &c And™- Craige. In Council March 9"" 1757 read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon*"'* Assembly Theodore Atkinson Sec. Province of "l In the house of Representatives March lo"" 1757 New Hamps / This Petition having been read & the Petitioner being fully heard thereon Resolved That the prayer thereof be granted & that the Petitioner have Liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly Andrew Clarkson Clerk In Council Eodem Die read & Concurrd Theod. Atkinson Secy. Consented to B. Wentworth. Ad"V1ertisement. These are to notify and warn the free holders and Inhabitants of the Town of Chester Qualifyed for Voting to assemble and meet at the old Meeting house in Chester upon Wednesday the Twenty sixth Day of this Instant January at one of the Clock in the afternoon of s'' Day !¦' To chuse a moderator for said meeting 2'y To see if the Town will Vote of that part of the Town called the north Parish or freetown so called to be a Town or Parish by themselves or to act and Do what shall be Thought proper in that affair John Webster "j Selectmen Dated at Chester January la"" 1763 Bradbury Carr j- of Mathew ForsaithJ Chester At a meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of Chester held at Chester January 26"" 1763 agreeable to the fore going Warning Voted Deacon Ebenezer Dearborn moderator for said meeting 2'y Voted Sam' Robie Clerk pro tempore for said meeting Voted That That part of the Town of Chester Called the north Par rish or freetown as much as was Laid out in Parrish forme shall be set of as a Town or Parrish A True Copy Taken from Chester Town Book of Records Attest Sam' Emerson Town Clerk no new HAMPSHIRE The Petition of thfi Inhabitants of the North parish in Chester, June 14, 1763. To His Excellency Benning Wintworth Esq' Governor and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New hampshire The Hon''''' his Majesties Councill and the Honourable House of Representatives in Generall Assembly Conven'd ; The Petition of us The Subscribers Inhabitants of that part of Chester CalF The North parish or freetown, Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners Living at such a great Distance from the Town, That they have no advantage of the Ministry nor Schools notwithstanding they have for many years Paid There proportion, To the Support of Boath and the Town being sensable That It would be Just for us To be freed from that Charge have at a meeting held at Chester Jan'' 26 ; 1763, Voted That, that Part of the Town of Chester call'd The North parrish or freetown, as much as was Laid out in parrish form, shall be Sett of as a Town or Parrish the bounds of s"* North Parrish so call'd are as fol* beginning at the north East Corner of Chester upon the head line of Exeter at a beach or maple Tree being the bounds between Chester and Notting ham, So Running South ab. 29 Degrees west bounding on Exeter head line five miles to the South East Corner of the Lott N" 30. then west north west five miles or so far as to con tain all the old hundred acre Lotts then North 29 Degrees East Five Miles To Notting'" Line then on s'' Line to the first bound We therefore Pray That all the Land Included in s'' Bound, with all the poles & Estates therein Containd may be Incorpo rated into a distink Parrish from the Town of Chester and be Invested with Same powers and Priveledges That Towns in This Province are by Law Intitled To and That we may have Liberty to bring in a bill accordingly and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray March i*' 1763. Daniel Gordin Daniel Clay Daniel Holman Stephen Marden Elisha Towle Obidiah Grifen Jonathan Brown Moses Sanborn Simeon Bery Caleb Row? Noah Moulton Robart Page Wadligh Cram John Sweet Joseph Giles Daniel Robie Daniel Lane Jonas Clay Ezekiel Lane Stephen Wesson David Lane Jethro Bachelder Nathan Moulton Benj" Whittier Josiah Fogg Clemant DoUof TOWN PAPERS — CHESTER. Ill Daniel Gordan Jr. Paul Smith Marston John Cram Benjamin Prscut Alex' Melvin John FuUonton Stephen Fogg John Wells Benjamin Smith John Prscot Jun' James Fullenton William Todd Samuel Cram Timothy Clough John Stevens Ezekiel Smith Jonathan Dearborn David Bean Benia Bean Alexander Smith ? Moody Barten Pollard Benjamin Brown David Been Jun' Miles Bean Nathaniel Ethridge Isaac Clifford Enoch Fogg. In Council June 14"' 1763 Read & Sent down to the Hon'''-' assembly T. Atkinson Jun. Secy. Province of") In the house of Representatives Dec' i"' 1763 New Hamp /This petition being read Voted That the petitioners be heard thereon the second Day of the Sitting of the Gen. Assembly Next after the 25"' Inst & that they Cause the Substance of this petition & order of Court thereon to be" adver tised In the New Hamps" Gazzette two weeks successively that any per son concerned may appear & Shew cause if any they have why the prayer thereof should not be Granted A. Clarkson Clerk. In Council Eodem Die read Si concurred Theo Atkinson Secy. Province of "1 In the House of Representatives Apr. 12, 176-1., New Hamps /This Petition Si order of the Court thereon being read Voted That the prayer thereof be granted & that, the petitioners have liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly. A. Clarkson Clerk Petition for a Parish. Province of "I New Hampshire / To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Captain General Governor and Commander in Chief in and over his Majes ties province of New Hampshire in New England and to the Honourable his Majesties Council and house of Repre sentatives in general Assembly convened The Humble Petition of us the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Northwesterly part of Chester in the province afores'' Most humbly Sheweth that the Situation of the place where we live is such that we cannot without Much Difficulty attend the publick worship of God with our familys in good 'Weather and at many times in the year not at all. And the Town of Chester being Sensible of our Difficulties have pass'd a Vote 1 12 NEW HAMPSHIRE in their Annual Meeting the 25"' of March 1762 that we should be set off from them as a Distinct parish about five miles and a half in Length and about four miles in Breadth as foUoweth, viz) Bounding Northerly upon Nottingham line Easterly on the old Hundred acre lotts so called. Southerly on the Long Meadow parish as that is voted off already, and westerly on the forty acre lotts. Wherefore we pray that we may be In corporated into a parish agreeable to the above mentioned Bounds and be Invested with all those privelidges that other parishes have within this province The granting of which we Humbly Concieve will be a great benefitt too your Humble petitioners and our familys And your petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray Chester March 22'' Anno Dominie 1763 Benja" Batchelder James M'Clure Sam' Mooers Nicklus Smith William Putned.' Jonathan Towle Winthrop Wells Phineas Towle Jonathan Hills Stephen Palmer Samuel Towle Nath' Ingalls John Clay Abraham Fitts Moses Baker Jacob Sergant Thomas Sargent Theophilus Clough Stephen Webster Sherburne Rowe Joseph Smith Ichabod Robie Jeremiah Bean John Karr Zebed Barey Asel Quimbey Enoch Coleby Elisha Been Moses Sweet? Thomas Chretchet Natha' Emerson Oilman Dudley John Sargent David Hills Jonathan Been Samuel Eastman Benj» Smith Zachariah Clefford In Council June 2" 1763 Read & Ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''" House T. Atkinson Jun. Sec. Province of "I In the house of Representatives June 2^ 1763 New Hamps /This petition being read Ordered That the petitioners be heard thereon the second Day of the Sitting of the General Assembly after the first Day of Aug. next & that they cause the substance of this petition & order of Court thereon to be advertized In the New Hampshire Gazette three weeks successively, that any persons concerned may appear & Shew Cause if Any they have why the prayer thereof should not be Granted A. Clarkson Clerk In Council Eodem Die Read & Concurred T. Atkinson Jun. Sec. Province of) In the house of Representatives Dec 2'' 1763 New Hamp / This Petition being Read Voted that the prayer thereof be granted & that the petitioners have liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly ^ , A. Clarkson Clerk Eodem Die in Council read & Concurred Theod Atkinson J' Sec. TOWN PAPERS CHESTER. II3 Petition to confirm bounds, '» House Theodore Atkinson Sec. Petition of Capt. Eben' Eastman. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor and Commander in Chief and Captain General in and over the Province of New Hamp' The Hon"" his majestys Council & House of Representatives in General Assembly conven'd The memorial and Petition of Ebenezer Eastman for him- TOWN PAPERS — CONCORD. 1 33 self and in behalf of the Inhabitants of Rumford So called most humbly Shews — That your Memorialist in a most grate- full manner owns and acknowledges the Goodness and Kind ness of your Excellency and Honours in the late allowance of thirty men in Guarding and Defending the Inhabitants of s" Rumford and other places thereabouts. That the timefor which s" thirty men were allowed is expired and they have been dis miss'd some days — That your Memorialist humbly conceives that the time of Indian Harvest drawing nigh will be a time of considerable Danger from the Indian Enemy (if not from the French also) wherefore he prays if it may 'be tho't neces sary by your Excellency and Honours that there may be a further allowance of a number of men for the Safe Guard of the s'^ Inhabitants and such a number and for such time as to your Excellency and Honours shall seem meet and your Pe titioner as in duty bound Shall ever pray &c. Ebenezer Eastman. Sep' 23" 1747. Joseph Pudney' s Petition. Prov. of \ New Hamp j" To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Gov' &c. The Hon'^ His Majestys Council & House of Rep"* in Gen"' Assembly conven'd at Ports" May 1748. The Petition of Joseph Pudney of Rumford most Humbly Sheweth That your Petit' the Last Summer at Rumford afore*" While in his Majesty's Service was Wounded by the Indians, who by their shot Broak his arm & the bones much Shattered. That altho the Wound is healed up yet he is un able to do any Work to Earn his Livelyhood, & his arm so weak, that he's unfit for scouting &c. That he is able to do the duty of a Garrison Souldier, and as such are wanted in the s" Town of Rumford he humbly Conceives in that way he might be so far serviceable as to earn his living. Wherefore your Pet' most humbly prays that he may be held in his Majesty's service and posted at the s"* town as a Garrison Souldier And y' Pet' as in Duty Bound Shall ever pray Ebenezer Eastman in Behalf of y'= Pet' In Council May 17, 1748 read recommended & ordered to be sent Down to the Hon''" House Theo. Atkinson Secy. 134 NEW HAMPSHIRE Ne"tvHam°'shir } """^ *^^ House of Representatives 28"' May 1748. Voted That in Answer to y" within Petition mentioned Joseph Pud ney be posted as a Soldier at y' garrison at s^ Rumford til y last of September next D. Peirce Clk In Council Eodem Die read & concurred Theo. Atkinson Secy. Eodem die Consented to B. Wentworth. Rev. Tim° Walker's letter to Archibald Stark. Sr. Yours without Date I received last Night Nine o"" clock. In forming me that you had a visit from a committee of y Honourable Assembly of y' Province respecting y' Road thro Mr. McNeals Field desiring that our People would sign a Petion for y" s'' Road to the s'' Assembly as they had already to y" General Sessions and send it to Ports mouth by next Monday Ten of y" clock, now altho I am fully of opin ion that y" want of y' Road will in a few years Time be of vastly more Damage to y' Publick than the whole of McNeals Field & that every Person up this way who is at all acquainted therewith will readily sign such a Petition representing y" same in y' strongest light possible yet the Notice is so short that no such thing can be prosecuted to any effect therefore y" only way left you is to pray for Longer Time w""" is so reasonable that I cant think one word can be objected ag" it & if that be granted I shall be ready to doe any thing within my power not only to serve you Say Publick but my self also in y affair I remain your hearty Friend & Oblidged Serv' Timothy Walker Rumford July y"" 1753. Mr. Archibald Stark. Petition of Ezra Carter in behalf of Rumford. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Captain Gen eral Governor and Commander in Chief in & over His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, The Hon'''^ His Majesty's Council and House of Representatives in General Assembly Convened July 14"' 1756 The Petition of Ezra Carter on behalf of himself & the In habitants of the Late District of Rumford so called in said Province Humbly sheweth. That the said Inhabitants appre hend that since the expiration of said District Act, they have not had the Priviledges which other Towns in this Province enjoy. That they could not Raise money for the Support of their niinister, their Poor, the Repairing of High Ways, or maintaining a School (which the youth there much need) or to act in any Political manner whatsoever for want of which town PAPERS — CONCORD. 135 Priviledges the said Inhabitants think they have been great Suffers. Wherefore your Petitioner humbly prays your Excellency & Honours would Compassionate our Case and Incorporate said Plantation by its Boundaries or grant such other Relief as in your wisdom you may see meet & your Petitioner Shall as in duty bound ever pray Ezra Carter. In Council July 15"' 1756 read & ordered to be sent Down to the Hon'"'" House Theod. Atkinson Secy. Letter frofn Jeremiah Stickney, Esq., relating to difficul ties with Bow. Rumford March ig"! 1761. Sir. I have received the Order from his Excellency & General Assembly Appointing An Inventory to be taken of the Poles & Rateable Estate in the Province endorsed to the Select men of Bow by the hand of M' Carr togetlrer with a verbal Order to deliver it to me in Case he could find no Such Select men & have conferred with those of my Neighbors that I could handily come at upon the purport & design thereof & I find them all concurring with me in a deep sense of manifold difficulties we labour under for want of Power to regulate Society according to man ner of other Towns & Districts, which if was offered us we should readily Embrace as well for our own Sakes as an Inclination to pay all dutifull regard to the Orders of the Government — we never understood that we had power to Act to Ordinary Purposes of Regulating society under the Incorporation of Bow in which if we were mistaken twas our un- happiness which admit to be the Case we apprehend ourselves at pres ent utterly destitute of any such Power for want of a Legal Meeting which we know no possible way of obtaining without an Express Order of the Honourable Court which if they should see meet to issue we shall pay all ready obedience & proceed to Carry into Execution the Design of this Order if time be allowed for it, which if should be the Case would humbly suggest a necessity of ascertaining the Limits by which we are to be Circumscribed if we might Choose we should much incline to be bounded as the district of Rumford was whilst it subsisted —but if that be not Granted & it is the Pleasure of the Court that we Should act as the Town of Bow we apprehend that the same necessity Occurs not only because Pembrook is Lately taken Partly out of Bow but also for that their Line as we have been informed, has been Run very differently by their own Committees & I believe that no one of us Knows either of the Lines in all the parts of it & however we may dis pute any or all these Lines whilst we are defending our Properties in the Civil Courts of Judicature (which we mean still to reserve to our selves the right of Doing) Yet we never did or shall dispute the Power of the Government to make Bow Lie where they please to whose Reso lution we shall pay ready Obedience when we Know it. Without vvhich we Know of no way in our Power at present wherein we can contribute to carrying into Execution this order Unless the Honourable Court should see Cause to appoint some Person or Persons to take the pro posed Inventory amongst us or the Select men of Canterbury shall ap- 136 NEW HAMPSHIRE doint some Persons to said Business which is in their power as we Con strue the Order in either of which Cases we shall all suitable Compli ance. S' please to Communicate this Letter if you see fit to the Hon ourable Assembly not only as my private sentiments by so far as I know the united sense of all our people. I am with all due regards Yr. Obed' Hum. Serv' Jeremiah Stickney. P. S. if the Hon. Court should see Cause to put us in a way of Reg ulation, among the Reasons against any of the Lines of Bow being Our limits, this is the Principal that etheir of the Said Lines would leave some few of our Inhabitants without our Incorporation which we would be glad to have & who would Choose to belong to us & which no other Society wants, but would take a much larger Number of the Inhabitants of New Hopkinton which they Can very ill spare & which we don't want & would be against the inclination of the People Sr. Yrs. J. S. Capt. Thomas Parker, Litchfield. Timothy Walker's Petition in behalf of Rumford. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Capt General Governour & Commander in Chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire. The Hon'ble his Majestys Council & house of Representatives in General Assembly Convened, April ii"' 1764 The humble Petition of Timothy Walker on behalf of him^ self and the Inhabitants of Rumford (so called) in said Prov ince. Sheweth, That the Affairs of the said Inhabitants (so far as relates to Town matters have been in great confusion Ever since the year 1749 for want of the Power which they had till then enjoyed ever since the year 1741 by the District act (so called) which this Hon'ble Court say in July 1746 when it was reviewed had been found Convenient both for the Government of this Province in General and also the Inhabitants incorpo rated thereby in particular. That altho' it has been pretended that they might still have Enjoyed the same priviledges (as Inhabitants of Bow) yet they never understood matters) in that light. And for this their opin ion and Practice consequential thereupon they humbly conceive they would give reasons which would be satisfactory to this Court were they permitted— But to pass over all this— This Power or the Exercise of it has been lost to them (if ever they had it) ever since March 1756 for want of a first meeting. That by the year 1760 they were so heartily tired of such an unsettled state that they would have been glad to have acted Even under the Incorporation of Bow, if they could altho TOWN PAPERS — CONCORD. I37 highly inconvenient for them as it blended part of three towns togetner whose interests had always been separate & would Consequently be apt to create strife and contention That this Court was apprized of their utter Incapacity of doing Corpo rate act (even as Bow) by a Letter signed Jeremiah Stickney in behalf of himself and others now on file togeather with their dutiful & ready disposition to Comply with every motion of this Court to the utmost of their Power. That the said Inhabitants conceive themselves greatly ag grieved by a late act of this Government imposing a heavy Tax on the Inhabitants of Bow as arrears &c a Tax which No body had Power to assess and collect at y"" time when y" s'd arrearages became due and which if now done must be laid in many Instances on wrong Persons ; That what they suffered for want of the Powers [they] had enjoyed by the first men tioned District act was unspeakably more to their Damage than to have paid their Proportion of the Province Expence. That the incapacity complained of all along still continues and yet the People are subjected to pay their part of the Cur rent Charge but no body has power to assess or Collect it. They therefore most humbly Pray that your Excellency and Honors will take the matters complained of under Considera tion and either revive the said District Act so far as relates to Rumford or (which wo'd be much more satisfactory to the said Inhabitants) Incorporate them by a standing act and by their former Known Boundaries that the said Inhabitants may be abated at least one half part of said aiTearages. Andthatwith respect to their part of the Current Charge of the Province they may be subjected to pay no more than their just propor tion with the other Towns in this Province & Grant them such other Relief as in your great wisdom and goodness you shall see meet. And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c. Timothy Walker. In Council April 13"' 1764 Read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon'ble Assembly T. Atkinson Jun. Sec. Province of "I In the house of Representatives May 3^, 1764. New Hampshire j This Petition being read, Voted That what the said town of Bow is now in arrears for the Province tax be collected agreeable to an act passed the second of June 1763 that the Inhabitants settled on the lands between said Bow, Can terbury & New Hopkinton (except such as are already polled off to Pem broke & New Hopkinton) be taxed & pay their proportion thereof & that the inhabitants of Bow with the inhabitants on all the lands be tween said Bow, Canterbury Boscawen Si New Hopkinton except such as are already Polled off to Pembroke & New Hopkinton meet together some time in the month of June nextat Bow & (choose all necessary offi cers for assessing & Collecting the annual province Tax & for trans- 138 NEW HAMPSHIRE acting all other town affairs & afterwards some time in the Month of March annually untill further orders of the Gen' Assembly & that he have liberty to bring in a bill accordingly A. Clarkson Clerk. Petition relating to taxation, <&c., 1764. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Governor & Commander in Chief of His Majesties Province of New Hampshire, To the Hon. His Majesties Council of said Province, & General Court Convened October the second day Anno Dom. 1764 Whereas Edward Russel & others have petitioned your Ex cellency & Honours to be freed from paying any part of those arrearages of Taxes ordered to be assessed upon Bow & whereas so much Notice was taken of said Petition as that the Petitioners were Ordered to serve us the Subscribers with a Copy thereof, in order that we may shew Cause, if any we have why the prayer thereof should not be granted These are therefore to inform your Excellency & Honours that there are Forty one Poles with the Estates which they pos sess within the Limits of Bow as described in the Act of Tax ation referred to in the said Petition which are exactly similar to these Petitioners, and also Sixty or more Poles with the Estate which they now possess which were Minors & so not liable to be Taxed when the Rates were supposed to be due for which this Tax is Ordered, but have since come of age & so Rated as fr'" the List appears. To Ballance which increase there has been a yearly drain of Inhabitants from us it is out of our Power to ascertain the Number but we are well persuaded from what we Know of the affair that if it could be done it would bear some near proportion to the advance — These have all left the Town, & many of them the Province in each of which Cases they are equally exempt from our power of Taxing them. And we humbly submit it to your wise determination whether there is not the same reason that these other persons should be freed as that the petitioners should Which if the Case, we are well assured that it will be absolutely impossible for the small re mainder to pay the whole of said Tax. We are Your Excellencys & Honours most Humble Ser vants. Ezra Carter \ Assessors John Chandler j of Bow Ephraim Blunt ") Selectmen William Moor [¦ of Isaac White J Pembroke TOWN papers — CONCORD. 139 Petition of Concord to be annexed to Hillsborough County. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Cap' General Gov ernor and Commander in chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire the Hon'''^ his Majesty's Coun cil & House of Representatives in General Assembly con vened the iS"" day of Jan^ Anno Domini 1774 The Petition of Andrew McMillan Esqr. Agent For the In habitants of the Town of Concord in the County of Rocking ham and Province aforesaid. Humbly sheweth That said Town of Concord is Forty miles from Exeter and Fifty five miles from Portsmouth where the Courts of Justice are held for said County of Rockingham, and the Inhabitants of said Concord very little if any thing benefited by the late Division of this Province into Five Counties. Secondly that many of the Inhabitants of the Towns in the north part of the County of Hillsborough have applied to your Petitioner's Constituents and earnestly desired that the incon veniences they labour under may be represented to your Ex cellency and Honours by a Petition which they say are First as there is but one Superior Court of Judicature in a year held in said County of Hillsborough and Prisoners com mitted for capital Crimes must lay in Goal sometimes Eleven nine or six months according to the time they are committed before it can be known whether they are or are not guilty ; and in case they should be acquitted your Petitioners constituents, humbly apprehend it a great Pity that they have suffered so long and if found guilty they thing it a grievous burthen to maintain such bad Subjects so long at the expense of poor, honest industrious beginners in the Wilderness. Secondly Creditors in General in said Count}' of Hillsbor ough who incline to sue at any time except July term in said County are obliged to indorse their notes &c over to Persons who live in the County of Rockingham or other Counties & some to the Massachusetts and the expense is as great as be fore they were a County. Thirdly the place where the Courts are held in said County of Hillsborough is at such a Distance from them that they are of opinion that the Inhabitants of the south part of said County will not oppose their having Justice done in that respect. Fourthly that the situation of the Town of Concord is such that it will accommodate all the Inhabitants of the upper or Northerly part of the said County of Hillsborough and give them general satisfaction Therefore the said Inhabitants of the Town of Concord by their said Agents humbly pray your Excellency & Honours that said Town of Concord may be annexed to the County of Hillsborough and that there may be annually held there one 140 NEW HAMPSHIRE Superior Court of Judicature one Inferior Court of common pleas one Court of general Sessions of the peace for said County or otherwise act in the premises as your Excellency & Honours Wisdom for the benefit of his Majesty's Subjects shall direct and your Petitioners by their said Agents as in Duty bound will ever pray &c And"^ McMillan Portsm" Jan'5' 18"' 1774. In Council Jany. 19, 1774. Read and ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''" Assembly Geo King D. Sec>' In the House of Representatives Jany 19"" 1774 Upon reading the foregoing Petition Voted that the Petitioner be heard thereon on the third day of the Sit ting of the General Assembly after the first day of March next and that in the meantime the Petitioner cause the Substance of this Petition and order of Court thereon to be printed three weeks successively in the New Hampshire Gazette that any person may have opportunity to ap pear & Shew cause why the prayer of said Petition Shou'd not be Granted In Council Jan? 20, 1774. The within vote was read & concurrd J. Wentworth Speaker Geo King, D. Sec. CONWAY. [Conway began to be settled in 1764; the grant of the township was made, Oct. i, 1765. Ed.] CONWAY, &c. A list of the original Proprietors of Conway, the Number of the Lots by Whom Claimed, the Lots settled, under whom they first Improved, the Lots Improved, the Lots not Improved. Original Proprietors No by whom claim'd the State of the Rights The" Atkinson Esq' Asa Foster Reuben Kimble Josiah Johnson Daniel Foster George Abbot Perley Ayre Joshua Heath Ebenezer Burbank Peter Parker Late Governor Farm John Mastin James Burley Joseph Eastman Jun' Moses Foster Jun' Daniel Warner Esq' to be given to the 1st Minister Lot Peter Livis Esq' Andrew McMillin & 1 William Starks Henry Lovejoy John Mastin Jun' Benj» Ingales 67 6463 464542 504948 51&52 32 27 1413 69 6866 6560 59 58 David Page John Osgood Joshua Kelley Tho' Merril Esq' Timothy Walker Enoch Webster Ebenezer Burbank Joshua Heath Richard Ayre Richard Ayre James & Benj» Osgood Tho» Russell Tho" Merrill Esq. Richard Eastman Col. Atkinson Settler H. Young Brown Proprietors of Conway R. Hazen Osgood A Andrew McMillin James Osgood* Richard Ayre Benj" Ingales Settled 2 Familys under Col Frye D» First Improved under Brown D» First Improved under Brown Settled under Brown 2 Familys on this lot D» Brown began the Improvement on this lot Settled under Conway Settled under Conway Settled under Brown Settled under Brown Settled under Brown Two Familys settled under Brown Settled under Conway D° about 30 acres improved Settled under Conway one Family on his original Right for this Right Improved for Pasture some Trees Fell Improved Largely by Brown Improved by Hazen Osgood i'' improvement under Brown Considerable Improvement, the Greatest part was made under Brown Improvement made under Brown 2 acres of Trees Fell 2 acres of Trees Fell ?9 o ?t)> W o o % A list of the original Proprietors of Conway, the Number of the Lots by V/hom Claimed, the Lots settled under whom they _^ first Improved, the Lots Improved, the Lots not Lnproved. ^ [continued.] Original Proprietors No by whom claim'd the State of the Rights W'" Ingalls 57 W-" Nox A Improved i st begun under Brown Joseph Eastman 55 John Webster House Frame up and Boarded Improvement by Ilerreman Obediah Eastman 47 Jeremiah Ferington A Improvement ist began By Brown Moses Foster 44 Abiel Lovejoy A Improvement under Conway David Hix 43 Samuel Johnson Improvement under Conway John Johnson 39 James Cochran A Improvement under Conway John" Warner Esq 38 Jon" Warner Esq A Improved under Conway The" Atkinson Jun. Esq. 33 Col. Atkinson Improved under Conway by cutting some wild Hay Arthur Bennett"! 31 Daniel Ingales 30 Tho' Merrill Esqr Improved and three sons as Settlers John Ingales J 29 Ephraim Carter 28 Abiather Eastman A Improvement made Jon" Stephens 24 Tho' Merril Esqr. Improvement made David Ayre 18 Andrew McMillan Esq'] One house one bann 10 acres of Plow land Ephraim Foster 19 D" 1 Cuts about 5 Load Hay one Tennent John Beverly Watts 17 Do I Tho» Merrill 16 D» J Clement March Esqr 54 Clement March Esqr. Some Improvement by Leanord Herreman Tho' Brass 12 Richard Ayre 2 acres of Trees Fell P'rancis Carr I Joseph Odle Exchanged A for Common land first Improved under Brown John Tufton Mason Esq. 62 John Tufton Mason Esqr. No Improyenii.nt Hon'''" John Temple Esq' 61 Hon'''" John Temple Esqr D' John Lang 56 John Lang D" Moses Eastman 40 Moses Eastman Capt. Eastman informs me they cut some hay paW Peter Ayre William Ladd Samuel Merrill Jacob Ayre Nath' Perley Samuel Ayre Richard Ayre Henry Sherburne Esqr M. H. Wentworth Esqr Nath' Barrel Esq'. James Osgood Propigating the Gospel SchoolSamuel Ingales Andrew Buntin Asa Kimble John Carr Elias Heath Caleb Foster Nath Eastman David Carr Gleeb Lot 37 John Knight No Improvement 36 Tinney Do 35 Jesse Page D' 34 Jacob Ayre ) 20 Jacob Ayre ¦ 20 Jacob Ayre 22 Richard Ayre he In forms me there is hay cut on it. :sqr 15 No Improvements >sqr 26 M. 11. Wentworth D» 25 Said to be Cap" Moffets D" II Samuel White Si Joseph Eastman D" spel 10 9 D°D' 8 Oliver Peabody D» 7 Late Governor D» 6 Late Governor D» 5 Dan Foster or Oliver Peabody D" ;! Peter Livis Esqr. there was an addition laid out to this lot, a Familj' settled on it and 2 No Improvements 21 Andrew McMillin Esq D' D» 8O o o 144 NEW HAMPSHIRE A List of the Settlers that have Familys in Conway, and by whome Introduced. 3 Settlers by Col. Frye, John Webster, David Page, Samuel Smith 2 at the mills, Timothy Walker, Ezekiel Walker 9 Settlers by Conway Proprietors, Joshua Kelley Ebenezer Burbank, Tho' Russell, Tho' Merrill Esqr. Richard Eastman, Enoch Web ster, John Willson, all own rights, Joseph Kilgore, Tennent to Cap" Walker, Anthony Emery, Tennent to Andrew McMillin Esq' 7 Familys bvBrown, John Osgood, Leonard Harveman, Joshua Heath, John Dofloff Jun. John DoUoff, James Osgood, Benj" Osgood. I Family Nath' Harriman, settled on a lot with his Father not agreed with Brown or Conway 22 Total 8 Improvements mark'd with the letter A worked on their land last year went away in the Fall to Return in the Spring. March 2i 1771 A True State of Conway according to my best Knowledge Pr. Henry Young Brown. Memorial from Fryeburg, Brow7ifield and Co7iway, i77^- To the Hon'''"' General Court of the Colony of New Hamp shire. The memorial of the Committees of Conway in the County of Grafton, Fryeburg and Brownfield in the County of York, and Colony of Massachusetts Bay united humbly Sheweth that the above said New Plantations Consist of about one Hundred and Thirty Families are Situated at a Place called Pigwacket Upon Saco River which nearly Unites with a Branch of An droscoggin River, about thirty miles northerly from other Set tlements, and lay Greatly Exposed to Excurtions of the Sav ages ; by the following natural Communications as frequented by the Indians that come to these Places : one from Chaudire River into Umbagog lake, which Empties itself into Andros coggin river ; another from St. Francois River into a branch of Connecticut River ; and by that into Androscoggin River ; another from Kennebunk River by the "way of Muselahme- contucook into Androscoggin River that these Several ways are by water, except a few short Carrying Places, which bring them within twenty miles of these Settlements, that the Great est part of this twenty miles is water Carriage, that Andros coggin River runs Further to the Northward than the head of Connecticut River. That a party the Last year were sent out from Coos to Reconnoiture the woods over to Umbagog Lake, which Empties into St. Francois River ; from thence, they set out Eastwardly in Order to Strike Connecticut River but headed it, and struck Androscoggin River ; Come down that River and TOWN PAPERS — CORNISH. I45 come into these Settlements, that Last fall Three men from Col Arnolds Party come into these Settlements by the way of Androscoggin River, four or five Persons from Quebec Last May Come in here by the way of Androscoggin River, from the Above, it appears that when Ever the frontiers are exposed ; these Settlements are in danger, that from the Alarming ac counts we have lately Received from Canada we think it Nec essary to make Preparation for Defence and as it is not likely we can provide ourselves with arms and ammunition without the aid of the Hon'''^ Court, therefore the memorialists intreat the favour of the Hon*"'^ Court to the applications that may be made for the above purpose and for Protection if the Time should come that the frontiers are in Danger, and we as in Duty bound Shall Ever pray &c Dated at Fryeburg this 7* Day of July 1776 Richard Kimball, Chairman of s* Com**° N. B. Last Night came in here one family from the upper Coos and all the Rest of the Inhabitants are Removing as fast as possable. CORNISH. [Cornish was granted June 21, 1763, to Rev. Samuel McClintock of Greenland, N. H., and 69 others. Ed.] Petition of Jon^ Chase of Cornish for a gra7it of Hart Island, Jan. 15, 1772- Province of "I New Hamps j" To His Excellency John Wentworth Esquire Governor & Commander in chief of said Province & to His Majesty's Council for the Same The petition of Jonathan Chase of Cornish humbly sheweth — That your petitioner having purchased of Col" Nathan Stone of Windsor an Island known by the Name of Hart Island con- tain'g about twenty two Acres lying in Connecticut River be tween the Lower Corners of Hartford & Plainfield & the upper Corners of Cornish & Windsor which was first laid out to the proprietors of Hartford in Several Divisions as interval and as such purchased by Major Oliver Willard of said Hartford who afterwards dispos'd of y^ whole to CoP Stone from whom it has come into said Chase's hands having all along been in formed that they the said Willard & Stone had a proper right to hold or dispose of the Same which lying so contiguous To the West Bank of the River was supposed to be part of the 10 146 NEW HAMPSHIRE Town of Hartford aforesaid — But^since finding it otherw' de termined — Your Petitioner humbly prays your Excellency & Honours, in Consideration of the Improvements made by the former Claimers and the valuable purchase he has been innocently led into, the said Island may be confirmd to him by a Grant upon the usual Conditions & reservations — And your Petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c Jonathan Chase. Portsmouth 15, Jan^ 1771. Province ot \ New Hampshire / To His Excellency John Wentworth Esquire Governor & Commander in Chief of said Province and to His Majesty's Council for the Same — The Petition of Jonath" Chase of Cornish humbly sheweth — That your petitioner has made Improvements on a small Island lyin^ in Connecticut River between Cornish & Windsor con- taing about seven acres which was at first laid out as part of the Interval appertaining to the said Town of Cornish, as such assigned to him by the proprietors, and so improv'd for several years past but since understanding, that being an island tis necessary to obtain a distinct Grant of the same He humbly prays Your Excellency & Honors that he may be considered for the Improvements made there and favor'd with a Grant of the Same upon the usual Conditions & reservations & your pe titioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c Jonathan Chase. Portsmouth 15 January 1771 DEERFIELD. [This town was incorporated 8 January, 1766. Ed.] Petition of Sundry inhabitants of Deerfield in relation to a tax, <&c. Province of "I New Hampshire j To the Honorable house of Representatives, the Subscribers being owners of land in Deerfield And understanding that the Inhabitants of s* Deerfield By their Committee have Petitioned the General Court for a Tax To be laid on all the land in s'^ Parish of two pence pr. Acre for the Term of three years, the town papers — deerfield. 147 one half for the Pacsonage y^ other half to be laid out on the Roads, we beg leave to offer a few Reasons why their petition or prayer Should not be Granted jsiy "yy-g think it would be grievous to compel any whether they live in or out of the Parish to pay any thing towards the support of a Minister of a Different persuasion from themselves & we think any other Sosiety for publick worship of A differ ent persuasion, have as good right to assistance in this way as they — 2*'!^ to subject the uncultivated lands in that parish to pay any part of public charges, we think would be grievous, as they yield no profit to the owner & it would be repugnant to the late valuation Act where woodland was exempted although in many Towns wood is of great value. 3'y if a tax was to be laid on the uncultivated lands for any part of publick Charges it would not be Just to lay it equally on all, as many lots now they Are robbed by the Inhabitants (or others) of the valuable timber that grew on them are of little value 4''' the parish is Considerably well Settled & with People of Substance — As it is unlikely s"" Petition will be Granted it may be needless to mention the greatness of the sum Pray'd for but we beg leave to mention that although s'' parish is Called six miles square it contains about Twenty Seven ?rhousand acre according to Nottingham plan as the lots are marked (if weare not mistaken as to how the lines of Deerfield run) we doubt not But your Honours will duly consider & way the matter & do what seemeth to you right. In the mean time we are your Honours Humble Servants Josiah Sawyer Ebenezer Brown Jun. Samuel Barnard Jonathan Ward Nathaniel Currier Henry Lampre Miriom French Nehemiah Ordway James French Ephraim Wadl.:igh Phillips White Benjamin Wadleigh Benjamin Brown John Woodman Ebenezer Brown Onesiphorous Page Deerfield Petition for a Tax. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Captain General Governor Commander and chief in and over His Majesty's province of New Hampshire and Vice Admiral of the same. The Honorable His Majestys Council and House of Repre sentatives for s" Province Convened The Humble Petetion of us the Subscribers (being A Com mittee Chosen by the Inhabitants of Dearfield to Petetion this 148 NEW HAMPSHIRE Court for A Tax to be laid on all the Lands in Dearfield for the following Reasons) Humbly shews i^tiy "Whereas the s'' Inhabitants have Lately Settled a Min ister in s"* Dearfield very much to the acceptance of the Inhab itants and have Engaged to build him A Parsonage house & barn & clear a quantity of land on s"* parsonage Lott and Sett out an orchai'd for him and Pay A yearly Salary &c. 2- Rock" J To his Excellency John Wentworth Esqr. Capt. General Gov enor and Commander in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire in New England ; and to y^ Hon'^ his Majestys Council of y'' Province afore''' The Petition of a Number of y° freeholders and Inhabitants of y'' Paresh of Deerfield in sd. Province and County humbly sheweth that whereas there is a Large number of People in y^ South part of Deerfield and much Business to be done and no Justice near so we think that such an office would be very ad vantageous to y*^ Place not only for y*" Preservation of y" Peace but for y* transacting of other business "which otherwise would be expensive to your Petitionars and others The Parson our Eyes are upon is Mr. Daniel Ladd of this Parish who appears to us a Very honest man and one Qualified and Disposed to do Justice — Thus hoping y' your Excellency and y'* Hon'''* Council will take this our petition under your wise Considera tion and grant us our Request and as in Duty bound your Pe titioners shall ever Pray Deerfield Jany. y* 29"' 1774 Josiah Prescott Junr. Nemiah Cram Joshua Leavitt Thomas Berley Jonathan Philbrick Levi Harvey Enos Sanborn Ithiel Smith Nathaniel Philbrick Peter Sanborn Benjamin Folsom Wadleigh Cram 150 NEW HAMPSHIRE Henry Tucker John Eastman Josiah Smith Joseph Merrill Tristram Sanborn John Merril William Graves Nathan Sanborn Joseph Graves David Haines Ephraim Brown Samuel Hoit Josiah Sanborn John Philbrick James Philbrick Joel Cram Nathan Philbrick Joseph Hoit Petition of Inhabitants of y' Southerly part of Deerfiela to be made a Parish. To his Excellency John Wentworth Esqr. Captain Generall Governor and Commander in Chief in and over his Majes ty's Province of New Hampshire in New England. To the Hon"^ His Majestys Councill and House of Representatives for said Province Convened in General Assembly. Most Humbly Sheweth The Subscribers Freeholders and Inhabitants of the South erly Part of the Parish of Deerfield in the Township of Not tingham in the County of Rockingham in said Province That the said Parish of Deerfield is Principally Settled at & near the Two Extreme parts of it viz : the Northerly End and the Southerly End which makes it very Difficult to meet All to gether for Publick Worship or for Transacting the Pub lick business of the Parish That there are Two Meeting houses in said Parish for the Publick Worship and Two Ministers Regularly Called & Set tled there and Also Two Military Companies in said Parish viz one at each end also Two Constables and but one sett of Selectmen which are Annually Chosen in the North Part of said Parish That your Petitioners have for some years Past been at the Charge of Building a Meeting house Settling & Supporting a Minister in the said South part of said Parish and have had no Benefits by the North Part of said Parish. Wherefore and for many other reasons which on a hearing shall be given to your Excellency and your Hon''' Your Petitioners Humbly Pray your Excellency & hon'' To Incorporate the said South Part of Deerfield into a Distinct Parish so as to take in the First three Ranges and one half of the Range highway between the Third and the fourth Ranges of Lotts, with such Priviledges & Im munities as other Parishes in said Province Have and Do En joy and under Such Restrictions and Limitations as to Your Excellency and hon'' Shall Seem Most Mete — ^And your Peti tioners as in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray &c Deerfield April 7*'' 1774 TOWN PAPERS — DERRYFIELD. 151 John Robinson James Young Jonathan Robinson David Robinson Jedediah Prescott Israel Clifford William Mooers Jedidiah Prescott Junr. Josiah Prescott Jun. Sanborn Cram Samuel Pulsfer Josiah Sanborn Jonathan Judkins John Lauranc Tristram Sanborn Samuel Winslow Thomas Berley Daniel Lad Moses Marshall Joseph Judkins David Haines Benjamin Judkins John Morgain Jonathan Philbrick Wadleigh Cram James Philbrick Benjamin Folsom Henry Tucker Ithiel Smith Ezekiel Oilman Joseph Graves Nemiah Cram John Gidden Nathan Sanborn Samuel Hoit William Haines John Thursten John Jones John Philbrick William Mudget Caleb Morss Levi Harvey Nathan Philbrick Ephraim Brown Josiah Smith John Merril Joseph Merrill Asaph Merrill Nathaniel Lad John Prescott John Robinson Jun. Province of ¦) In the House of Representatives May ii"" 1774 New Hamps. /The within Petition being Read and Consider'd Voted That the Petitioners be heard on this Petition on the third Day of the Siting of the General Assembly next after the twentieth Day of June next and that the Petitioners at their Own Cost Serve the Select men of Deerfield with a Copy of this Petition and Order thereon and also that the Petitioners Cause the Substance of this Petition and Order to be Published in the New Hampshire Gazett three weeks Successively that any Person May Shew Cause why the Prayer of the Petition should not be Granted M. Weare, CI' In Council eoden Die Read and concur'd Geo King D. Secy. DERRYFIELD. [Note. The following Papers relating to Derryfield are found in MS. Vol. IV, "Towns," — pp. 307-309, being there misplaced. They should be examined in connection with Papers relating to Bedford and Londonderry. Ed.] To his excelency Benning Wintworth Esq Governor & Commander In Chief of His Majestyes Provence of New 152 NEW HAMPSHIRE Hampshir the honnorable his Majestys Councell and House of Representatives In General Assembly Conven'd — The pettetion of a number of the freeholders & Inhabitants of the Town of Derry field Humbly Sheweth that the first Monday of March annually is appointed by Charter to be the day for chusing of Town offic.ers for the currant year and the usual costom of s" town hes ben to warn the Town of time and place and design of holding said Meeting with the several articles to be acted upon on s"* day of posting up a coppy of Warrant at three several places in said town viz. one at John Goffe Esq one at John Hall & one at Mr Russes at Nameskeeg which was a vote of said Town for "warning Town meetings in said Town but so it was that neither of the places had any notification set up and one of them particularly Nameskeeg had no coppy set up in that part of the town so that they knew not the time of Day the meeting was to be held yet notwith standing two of the select men and town clarke did contrary to former custom with about ten or a dozen of the Inhabitants and boys & unqualyfied persons did enter and in about five minutes time chouse all the principal offi cersers for the town Notwith standing one of the select men & the constable & several of the Inhabitants opposed them and told them it was not fair to hold the meetin before the Inhabitants came and that it was not the usual time of day that the meeting use to begin & that the In habitants that must pay the greatest part of the Taxes that shall come upon the town were not present — that they would be here presently yet they proceeded as aforesaid and at five min ute's after eleven of the clock a considerable number came & in halfe an hour the Inhabitants chiefly came & upon hearing that the principal officers were chosen by a small number of Voters and many of them not quallified they concluded as that was the day by charter to chuse town officers, they being the largest part of the Quallified Voters belonging to said town maid proc lamation that they were going to hold the town meeting & all were desired to attend and they went to the Meeting house and maid choice of a Moderator & Town dark & select men & all town officers & they were sworn to the faithful discharge of their duty as the Law directs so that their is two set of officers in said town which makes confusition we most Humbly there fore pray your Excellency & Hon''' To Take our case under your wise consideration and grant that there may be a Regular town meeting in said town & that we may have town Officers chosen as the law directs and that our confusion may be brought into order and might be enabled to Raise the province taxes & mend high ways & do the necessary business of the town and that your Petitioners may bring in a bill for that end — & your petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray — Dated at Derryfield first of May 1766. TOWN PAPERS — DOVER. 153 John Goffe James McCalley William McClintock Samuel Stark David Starrett Daniel McNeall Samuel Boyd Tho" Russ Nathaniel Boyd John Rand Charles Emerson John Hervy William Nutt Samuel Moor John Griffen John Moor . John Stark New^HaniD ( "'"'^ *'^^ house of Representatives June 26"' 1766. The foregoing Petition being Read and Considered — Voted — That the Petitioners be heard thereon on fryday the fourth day of July next if the General Assembly be then siting And if not then siting thereon the second day of their siting next after And that the pe titioners at their own cost cause the selectmen and Town Clerk who served for Derry field for the year 1765, to be served with a Copy of this petition and Order of Court that they may appear and shew Cause if any they have why the prayer thereof should not be granted M. Weare, Clr. In Council Eod"" die Read & Concurrd — T. Atkinson Jr. Secy. Nevv Hamp. } "^^ *^ House of Representatives July 4"> 1766— The foregoing Petition being Consider'd And the Parties heard thereon — Voted — That the prayer of the Petition be granted And that the pe titioners have liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly — M. Weare, Clr. In Council Eod'° Die Read & Concurr'd T. Atkinson Jr. Secy. DOVER. [This was one of the first settled towns in New Hampshire, Ports mouth being the other. It was settled in the Spring of 1623, by Ed ward and William Hilton, brothers, from London. It was first called Pascataquack, as was also Portsmouth ; afterwards Cocheco and Northam. It has borne the nameof Dover for more than 200 years. Ed.] Extracts from the Records of Dover. Att a Town meeting 30"" of the 6 m" '43. 30"" 6 m" '43 It is this day ordered that William Pomfrett Shall have the Neck of 154 NEW HAMPSHIRE Land between the} Mouth of Cochecha River and Nechewanick River with the Marsh thereupon to the first Narrow March y" 19"' 1693-4 By the Comitte Chosen by the freeholders of the Town of dover for granting Land given and granted unto Ephraim Tebbetts hisheirrsand assigns for Ever Twenty Acres of Land on fresh Creek Neck to butt on Nechewanick River next to Saint Albonds cove. Test william Ferber Clark of s'' Comittee This Above grant voated and Qonfearmed in generall Town Meeting the Second day of Aprill 1694. Vera Copia. Test John Tuttle Towne Clerk Laid out to Ephraim Tebbets according to grant Twenty acres of Land on fresh Creek neck and bounded it as foUoweth viz at a white oak Tree markt E T from thence South an be west 40 Rods to a white oak markt E T Then west an be north 4 score Rods to A Pich Pine markt E T then north and be East 40 Rods to a Pich Pine markt E T then on a straight Line to the first markt Tree the River is the bounds at the East End Laid out and bounded by us this tenth day of July 1694 Sam' Heard Ezekiel Wentworth Thomas Downs Petition for bridging Cochecho and Lamprey River. To His Excellency Samuel Shute Esq. Capt. General and Gov"'' in Chief of His Majestys province of New Hamp shire, and to the Honourable the Council and house of rep resentatives now Sitting in General Assembly The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dover Most humbly Sheweth The heavy burthen lying upon your petitioners, in building and renewing the many bridges in The said town, over and above the ordinary annual repairs of High ways through the same whereby your petitioners have stood charged w"" a much greater and more grievous tax than any other Town in the province more especially for the Erecting and maintaining Two very large Bridges over the river of Cochecho and Lamprey river ; exclusive of which two rivers, your petitioners ai"e more than even w"" the Inhabitants of any Neighboring town in y" Costs of bridging and whereas the last years floods floated away the boom at Cochecho with 3 piers and the Standing bridge at Lamprel river which are now to be rebuilt your petitioners Do therefore humbly pray that the bridging of The Said Two rivers maybe made a province Charge to be defrayed out of the publick Treasury As is usual in other Goverm" & y'' petition" shall Ever pray &c R. Waldron ") Step. Jones >¦ Committee Paul Gerrish j town papers — DOVER. 155 Copy of letter to the Selectmen of Dover and Exeter ab^ bridge. Gentlemen I am commanded by the Hon'"'" y» L' Gov' & Council to let you know that it is their direction to you that you have a suitable bridge built Pursuant to y" foregoing reports (which y" Gen' Assm have accepted) with all possible dispatch and that it is their Expectation that you will improve every opportunity in forwarding so necessary a work and that there be no failure on any part (or by any means) in Complying with this order I am Gent" Y' Most humble Serv' R. Waldron Cler Con Jany 20"" 1723-4 To the Selectmen of Dover & Exeter Acct^ of pretenders to Land at Cochecho Point. Acres W™ Stiles bought of Ephraim Libbey grant 20 Jones grant 20 Dan' Gordon Do 20 Nath Tarbox Do 20 Tho. Cole, Shackfords by execution grant to Watson & sold to Nat Young Do 20 L« Hatevil Roby not Laid out 30 Tho & Nat Roberts 30 acres ap's grant 60 Daniel Jacobs Do 20 Capt. Tuttle 2g:3i Do 60 Tho Rob'^ w'='' had for wives portion Do 20 Capt. Libbey Thorn Ben Marsh .? Do 20 Sam' Cosen from his Father Do 20 Howard Henderson w"'' Cook had Do 20 Old Mr. Henderson No grant 4a Blackstone ab' 10 Jos Canney of which Clark 4 acres gran. 20 420 Petition ab^ Grammar School at Dover. Province of \ New Hamps / To the hon'"* John Wentworth Esq' Lieu"^ Govo' & Com mander in chief for the Time being of s* Province & to the hon'''nhe Councill and house of Representatives Conven'd in Gen' Assem"' y The humble Petition of the Representatives for the Town ship of Dover in Behalf of s" Town humbly sheweth That whereas the said Town is one of the most exposed Towns in this Province to the Insults of the Indian Enemy And also whereas by an Act of the General Assembly of this 156 new HAMPSHIRE Province Entitled An act for y" Settlem' & Support of Gram mar Schools, the said Town of Dover (amongst others) is obleidged by s"^ act to keep and maintain a Gramere School. And whereas the Circumstances & Situation or Settlements of the Inhabitants of s'^ Town lying and being in such manner as it is, the houses being so scattered over the whole Township that in No one place six houses are within call. By which in- conveniency the Inhabitants of s"* Town can have no benefit of such a Gramar Schoole, for at the times fit for children to go and come from schools is Generally the chief Time of the In dians Doing Mischief, so that the Inhabitants are afraid to send their children to Schoole, and the children Dare not venture so y*^ y'^ Sallary to s"* Schoole Master is wholly Lost to s"" Town. So that your Petitioners at the Request & in behalfe s* Town humbly prays y"' hon''' & Generall Assembly that there may be an act of this Generall Assembly Past that the s'' Town of Dover may be Exempted from keeping a Gramar School Dur ing the war with the Indians, as formerly they were so prays your humble Petitioners James Davis Sam' Tebets August 29"" 1772 Tim. Gerrish In Council. Voted That The prayer of This petition be granted for the reasons Therein Mentioned and That The petitioners have leave to bring in a bill accordingly Richii Waldron Cler Con. August y" 29"' 1722 In the house of Representatives, read and lies for Consideration August the 30"' In the house of Representatives read and Concurred with Provided they keep a Schoole for reading and writing & Arith metic James Jeffrey Clerk Assembly Selectmen of Dover's petition and votes thereo7i. Pro. N. Hamp To the Honourable The Lieu' Governour and Command' in chief of said Province and to the Hon''''^ y« Council and house of Representatives convened in General Assembly. The Petition of the Selectmen in behalf of the Town of Dover humbily Sheweth That whereas y^ late bridge over Lamprey river has been carryed away by a freshet for want of a firm foundation and a passage over that river being so necessary and useful Especially at this time We Therefore most humbly pray that a Committee May be TOWN PAPERS — DOVER. 157 appointed to view the said river and the landings on Each side in order to finding a more convenient place to build anew so as to prevent the like Misfortune w"' y'= former and Make a report of their doings at y'= next Sessions and yo' petition''' Shall ever pray &c Rich'' Waldron ) Benj" Wentworth [¦ Selectmen June i" 1723. Nicolas Harford j In Coun June 1'' 1723. Voted That Six Indifferent Persons be chosen a Committee To survey lamprey River and Report to His Honour the Lieu' Gov' and Council as soon as conveniency will permit y" Most commodius place for build ing a bridge a Cross said River and that Col" Walton M' Ew'' Ayres & Mr. Benj" Thomas be three of y" Committee to Joyn w"' y" Gentlemen whom y house shall appoint Rich Waldron, Cler Con. Eoden Die In the house of Representatives Voted a Concurrence with the above vote (with tliis Proviso) y' y" Petitioners pay y' Charges of the Comittee and that Coll Peter Weare Coll John Plaistow Esq' and y' W"" More be three of y" Comittee fory" end afores"* James Jeffrey CI' Ass". Petitio7i and co7nplaint against Richard Waldron Esq. Province of ") New Hampshire J To His Excellency William Burnet Esq'' GoVernour and Com ander in Chief in and over His Maj"^' Province of New Hampshire &c and to the Hon'''^ His Majesties Council for said Province The Petition of us the Subscribers Inhabitants of the s'' Province Most humbly Sheweth That divers of your Pet" for upwards of Forty years, others for Thirty, have been Set- led upon a certain Tract or Neck of Land in Dover in the Province afores* being duly put into possession thereof by the Freeholders of s'' Town as by their Votes will appear ; all which time "was partly spent in Subduing the Indian Enemy and partly in Subduing and Cultivating the wild Land so given and granted to them, That after such a length of time when your Petitioner had with much blood and Labour reduced the Former to reason, and the latter to profit, and expected to en joy the Sweet of all their Encounters and pains in the year 1719 Richard Waldron Esq' as Adm' to the Estate of his Father Richard Waldron formerly of s'' Dover Esq"' dec'ed brought his action against your Petitr' and others for the Re covery of one Moiety of said Neck of Land pretending one half thereof was granted to him by the Selectmen of that Town so long ago as the 5"" of the lo"" Month 1652 and the 158 new HAMPSHIRE other half to William Furbur and others, whereas it's Evident from the Votes of s* Town many years after that William Fur- bur and the whole Town Esteemed that Grant when the said Town was under the Massachusetts Government of no Validity For the s"* William Furbur in 1693-4 attests to Votes and Grants of the Freeholders of Dover afores'' of part and parcels of the s* Land ; however at ^ Superior Court the s* Waldron Recovered the s"* Moiety and upon an appeal before the Hon'''" the Lieut. Governor and Council the appellants making De fault the Judgement of the Superior Court was Confirmed ; the reason of such Default is easily accounted for so that by s" Judgement the s* Waldron was to hold in Common one Moiety of s^ Neck with y' Pet" and others ; That some time after the s* Waldron brought his writ of Partition to hold his part in Severalty, and accordingly the 12"' day of April 1728 a Jury went on the s* Neck and divided the same, giving the upper part thereof to s* Waldron and your Pef' the lower half where their Settlem" Orchards and Improvements were made, as by their return under their hands and Seals "will appear, which was most equal & Just, & virtually agreingwith the Judgementof the Hon''' ' the Lieut. Governour and Council upon the appeal that the s** Waldron might not be profited by your Pef' buiHings ; but the s* Waldron being thus in part defeated of his Expectation, by management under the colour of La"w & practice, but not "warranted by either, as upon a hearing before your Excellency and Hon''' will evidently appear, procured another Jury in Sep- temberFollowing to make the Division De Novo, who without making themselves acquainted with the Tract and the Survey thereof as the Former Jury had done, at once and without any trouble Confirmed the Divisional lines the Former Jury had made and Established the Same, but gave the lower half where Stood your Petr' Houses Barns Orchards and all their clear Land to s* Waldron and gave them the upper half which the Former Jury had given to Waldron so that your Pef' after upwards of thirty years labour and the Expence'of much blood and the sweat of their Brows are thereby with their wives and Children drove into the wild wilderness, and all this so done under the Shew of Justice and Equity within a civilized Gov ernment. Your Pef therefore persuade themselves from your Excel lencies Superior and most distinguishable abilities and vertues, and from the Experienced Justice and Equity seated in Your Excellency and Hon", that they shall have a short day assigned them to be heard by their Council on the premises, and that they shall receive Such redress and relief as to Law Justice and Equity shall appertain TOWN PAPERS — DOVER. 159 And the Pef' as in duty bound will ever pray &c Elisha Clark James Wellmet April 4"= 1729. Howard Henderson Joseph Canne Abigail Blackston Petition of the Inhab. of the N. E. part of Dover for a Parish. To his Excellency William Burnet Esqr. Captain General and Governour in Cheif in and over his Majesties province of New Hamp"' the Honourable his Majesties Council and the Representatives of the s* province in General Assembly Con vened The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of the North East part of the Town of Dover, humbly sheweth — That the Dwelling places of yo' Petitioners are at a great distance froi"n the houses ¦ of the Public Worship of God in the Town of Dover where your Petitioners live by which their attendance thereon is rendered very difficult more especially to the women and children of their families and that in the Winter Season and in Stormy weather So y' they cannot pay that Honour and Worship to God in publick as it is their hearts desire they could, therefore for the advancing the Interest of Religion and for the Accomodation of yo' Petitioners It is humbly prayed by them that Your Excellency and the Honourable Assembly will please to sett them off as a Pari'ish for the Maintaining the Public worship of God amongst themselves and that they be dismiss'd from the Town of Dover as to the Supporting of the Settled Minister there. And that the Bounds of that their Parish may begin at the Gulfs a place so called at Cochecho river, and from thence to run to Varney's Hill and from thence the Town bounds on a North West point of the Compass & Your Peti tioners Shall ever Pray as in duty bound &c Paul Wentworth John Roberts Thomas Alden Samuel Randall ElazarWyer.' Samuel Cosen Lowe Roberts ? Ricker Jeremiah Rawlings Ephraim Ricker Silvanus Nock Jos Ricker James Hales Joshua Roberts Thomas Hobbs John Hall William Streley? Moses Tebbets George Ricker William Downs Tho' Downs John Tebbets Philip Yetten Benj» Peirce Thomas Nock Mahonan Recker l6o NEW HAMPSHIRE Zacheriah Nock Thomas Tebbets Philip Stacpole Benjamin Stanton Thomas Miller Ebe' Wentworth Nath' Perkins Jun. Samuel Jones Samuel Roberts Joseph Peney Benjamin Wamouth Philip Pappon John Conyer.? Jemes Gupev WilamChesle.? Josiah Clark Joseph Husey John Mason Ichabd Tebbets Benjamin Twomble James Stacpole William Jones Benj" Varney Daniel Plumer Ebenezer Garland Jabez Garland Samuel Downs Hugh Connor Richard Wintworth Job Clements Joseph Wintworth John Roberts John Connor Edward Ellis Tho' Wallingford Samuel Ally Moris Hobbs William Tompson April the 25"' 1729 In the house of In the house of Representatives. The within Petition being read Voted the Petitioners serve that part of the Town of Dover that they Desir'd to be set off from with a Copy of this Petition to appeare at the General Assembly Wednesday next the Show Cause (if the can) why the prayer of the Petition Should not be Grsfnted In Council Eod"' die Read and Concurred with R. Waldron Cler Con Petition of Eleazer Weare in behalf of Inhab^^ of N. E. part of Dover. To His Excellency William Burnit Esq' Goven' and Com mander in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hamp' & to the Honourable the Council and Representa tives in Gen' Assembly convened. The Humble Petition of Eleazer Weare in the behalf of the Inhabitants of the North East part of the Town of Dover Sheweth That the Inhabitants of the afores* North East part of the Town of Dover upon their Petition by them Subscribed presented to your Excellency and to the Honourable Assembly that they might be set off as a Separate Parish did obtain an order that their Petition Should be heard on Wednesday the Ninteenth day of April last and that the Inhabitants of the Parish of Dover should be notified to attend the Same on the s* day, yet so it happens that the s* day is past and yet the In habitants of Dover not notified nor any hearing of the s'* Peti tion had. Your Petitioner therefore prays that your Excel lency and this Honourable Assembly would please to appoint TOWN PAPERS — DOVER. l6l a Day that so the afores* Petition May be heard and that the Town of Dover be notified to make answer if any Your Pe titioner shall shall ever pray as in duty bound Eleazer Wyer Dover i May, 1729 In the House of Representatives — Voted That the prayer of this petition be granted & the Town of Dover be notified by the petitioners Serving the Selectmen with a Copy of the Petition & that the Town be Directed to Send some person or persons to represent them & give reasons if any they have why the pray of the s'' Petition should not be granted & to appear the Eighth day of Ins' May or if the Assembly be not then sitting then to appeare the Second day of the Sitting of next Gen' Ass"° James Jeffrey CI' Ass"" May i" 1729 In Council May 2* Read & Concurr'd R. Waldron Cler. Con. Petition of Paul Gerrish and others of Dover, relating to frauds and forgeries. To the Honourable John Wentworth Esq' L' Gov' Comand' In Chief in and over His Majestys Province of New Hamp shire To the Hon*"^ the Council and House of Represen tatives convened in General Assembly for Said Province The humble Petition of Paul Gerrish of Dover in New Hamp'^ aforesaid and several of the principal Inhabitants of said Town Most humbly Sheweth That for these two years last past the said Paul Gerrish has been Clerk of the said Town of Dover and since the books of the said Town have been in the said Gerrish's hands, he has discovered a Great deal of Corruption (or forgery as he apprehends acted and done in the said books) as he supposes by those persons (or their permission) whose hands they formerly have been in, and that said principal In habitants of said Town are Stil of opinion that there are now through the ill actions formerly done a great many forged grants stil produced and bro't to the lot layers of said Town to be laid out who with great reason suspecting them refuse to lay them out and on their refusal those persons who have got those grants apply to the next Town Lot lay" who lay such grants out, whereby the Town of Dover is very greatly damnified and set in confusion and if some remedy cannot be found out for their relief will be almost ruin'd — They Therefore most humbly Pray That yo' Hon' and the Gen' Assem will take the premises uiider your mature Consideration and make such II l62 NEW HAMPSHIRE orders thereupon as may (if possible) rectify the horrible In justice that has been done the Town by such false entrys and Effectually prevent the Confusion which the Town will other wise unavoidably be in and yo' petition" as in duty bound shall ever pray &c Dec' 15'" 1729 Paul Gerrish Paul Wentworth John Cannie John Waldron John Waldron Jun' Ezra Kimbal John Hammock James Chesley Eph" Wentworth W" Forst W° Welland Eben' Varney Eben' Varney Jun' Thom' Pinkham Nath' Young Israel Hogsden Mark Gyles Tob' Hanson Jun' Edward Ellis Gersh" Wentworth Jun Israel Hogsden Trist Coffin Benj* Hanson Moses Winget Tho- Millit John Young Rich'' Plumer Jos Hanson Jun' Tob' Hanson David WatsonHobs Tho' Alden Joseph Conner Daniel Goodin W" Styles Sam' Dam Sam' Styles John Nath' Varny Eleaz' Wyer El' Wyar Jun' Sylv Nock James Hobs Thom' Wallingford Eben' Wentworth Eben' Garland Sam' Jones Josh" Roberts John Thompson Jon' Merrow James Guppy Nath' Perkins John Rickar Eph" Rickar George Rickar Gersh' Wentworth Sam' Wentworth John Wentworth True Copy Rich* Waldron Cler. Con. In the House of Represen""' Dec. 16 1729. The annexed Petition of the Town Clerk of Dover and others of said own was read and Voted Thereon, That the Clerk of the said Town of Dover for the time being be hereby prohibited entering any of those old Comittee Grants that are Suspected not to be legally obtained and to enter only such Grants as have or may be allowed by said Town or the Select Men thereof until the next Siting of the General Assembly and that there be a Comittee chosen by the Gen' Assembly to go to the Town Clerk for the Time being who is hereby required to shew unto such Committee such Entrys Matters and things as he or any of the Said Town suppose to be done by ill practice and the said Committee shall by Virtue hereof summon before them all such persons that can give any light in Ex plaining any matters or things they may see occasion to Examine for discovery of truth and detecting such vile practices and to give such person or persons their oaths and to make returns of their doings therein to the General Assembly next session And that Nath' Weare Esqr. and Theo" Atkinson Esq'" be a Commit- TOWN PAPERS — DOVER. 1 63 tee of this House to Joyn such as shall be appointed above for that end and that the Petitioners pay the Charges James Jeffrey Cler Assm In Council Dec' iS"" 1729 Read and Concurr'd and Joth Odiorne & Henry Sherburne Esq" ap pointed for the Service above Richd. Waldron Cler Con. True Copy Examined, Rich'' Waldron Cler Con- Province of"! New Hamp j We whose names are underwritten being of the Comittee for the Ends within mentioned have been at Dover & upon a Strict enquire of all persons that we tho't or suspected could give us any Information as also we haveing searched the Town Book do report thereon as foUow eth we do finde by the s"* Town book that great forgery & fraud hath been used & frequently practiced by Entering grants Many years back in the Inter Spaces of the Book & that the Book hath often been ex posed & Lay open to many persons to enter what Grants they saw proper therein & that we found many of the s"* Originall Grants in the former Town Clerks hand which appeared to us to be fraudulent & Deceit ful which have been Entered in s'' book as afore"" — that Great Quantities of Land hath been Laid out by Virtue of the s"" Grants by which we Im agine The Town hath been Striped of at Least fifteen Thous'' pounds worth of Land as wittness our hand this 24''' March 1729-30. Jotham Odiorne "j Hen Sherburne V Comtee Theodore Atkinson J Report about Dover Town Book. Whereas the Generall Assembly of this his Maj» Province upon read ing the report of the Comittee formerly appointed by s'' Assembly to Examine JDover Town book : Wee whose names are hereunto Sub scribed were appointed by the Gen«' Assembly to make a more exact & particular Inquiry into the Seve" Grants & returns in s'' Book supposed to be Vicious & Corrupt as pr. s'' Vote of the 30"' of Decem"' 1730 will appear & having Strictly examined s'' Town Books & files as alsoe the the former Town Clerk & other Persons from whom we could receive any Insight or Information & Do report that all the Grants & returns men tioned in this report we Imagine to be fraudulent Corrupt & Vicious for the reasons mentioned with Each record herein recited as i" In the old Book Page (120) a grant made in the lo"" of the ii"" month (59) & A return made & ent'red by Cap" Tho' Tibbets the Late Clerk & in a space amongst the record' made many years before he was Clerk & the time of his recording it was entered with the s'' Grant & re turn & afterward erased & the Clerk acknowledged he recorded it, beside we viewed the originall & finde it all of one hand and sighning 2*'y In the New book Page (9) a grant made by a Committee whereof William Furbur was Clerk for 60 acres of Land made to the reverend Mr. John Pike Dated the 23'' June 1701, & confirmed by the Town the 23'' march 1702 This Capt Tho' Tibbets swears he doth not know how it came upon record & that Doctor Pike had been with him to get the s'' Grant &c recorded but he refused to Enter it being as he believed not good. Notwithstanding 'tis ent'red in a Vacancy Left in s'' book for merly & in a Different hand from the records of that Time & some ob literations 164 NEW HAMPSHIRE 3'' In s'' Book Page (16) a grant made by s" Comittee for (30) acres of Land to Cap' Tho' Tibbets on the 3'' of June 1701 because ent'red by Capt Tibbets son Sam' as he himself Declares upon oath amongst the records made by Cap' Tuttle & we observed that the Date of the record, in the same page both before & after were in the year (1694) but we could not obtain any originall. 4"' In page 19 a grant made to Nich" Harrison for (60) acres on the 19"' 1693-4 & confirmed by the Town In the month of April following Ent'red in a Space amongst the records made by Cap' Tuttle & not in his hand and Differing from his s'' Tuttles method 5"> In y (27"') a grant made by s"* Comittee to Cap' Sam' Tibbets in the year 1694 recorded in an unusuall hand & crowded in a Vacancy amongst the records the originall Sam' Carle Swears he had of one Burnham & Cap' Tho' Tibbets Swears he refused to record it believing it not to be good yet we find it recorded 6 Page (32) a Grant made to Nath' Tibbetts for 30 acres Dated the ii"" April 1694 by s'' Comittee & Confirmed the 16"' of the same month by the Town Crowded in between Tuttles record in an unusuall hand & by the originall it appears that Furbur the Clerk of the Comittee's name neither wrote or spelt as he used to Do & the grant & confirma tion of the same hand writing 7"' In Page (57) Grant to Francis Pittman by The Town of April the 6"' 1702 for forty acres crowded in with Tuttles records in an unu suall hand Tho' Tibbets Swears that he doth not know weither he re corded it or not but that he did enter some Grants & returns in Cap' Tuttles vacancy in s'' book S"" In Page (62) June the 23" 1701 a grant by s'' Comittee to Jere miah Barnum for 50 acres ent'red in one of Tuttles Vacancys &by Tib bets himself as he swears but tis not signed by any Clerk. g"" In Pa^e (75) June 23'' 1701 a grant to Nath' Landers by the s'^ Committee Si Entred by Tibbets in the Bottom of a Leaf with Tuttle records as appears by the hand writing & his acknowledgement & the Different Inck & the originall appears not to be the writing of Furbur the Clerk of the Comittee which we rec'd from Tibbets lo"" Page (76) grant to Roger Vose for Three score acres of Land & meadow by s'' Comittee the I9"» march 1693-4 & confirmed by the Town the 2'' April 1694 crowded in amongst Tuttles Entries in a Different hand and different CoUerd Inck from the Entry before & after ii"" 86"' Page grant to Eli Dimerrest for 30 acres of Land the ii"" April 1694 & Confirmed the 16"' April 1694 Tibbets acknowledges he entred in a Vacancy Left by Tuttle since he was Clerk I2"» 91 Page a grant by the s'' Comittees to John Tuttle & Ezek' Wentworth for 30 acres of Land by si* Comittee June 23'' 1701 entred by Cap' Tibbets at the Bottom of Tuttles entres not Confirmed by the Town nor signed by the Clerk of the Comittee for Town. 13"" 93? Page a grant to Jere Barnum for 40 acres april 11"' 1694 crowded in at the Bottom of Tuttle's record & supposed to be Vicious it being in an unusuall hand writing 14 Page 94 a grant by s" Comittee for 40 acres to Jere Barnum & not confirmed by the Town This Tibbets Upon oath says he recorded in a Vacancy of Tuttles record about 7 years since IS* Page 95. a grant made by the s" Comittee to Tho' Roberts the 11"' April 1694 & confirmed the 16"' April following &we'Tfrnd the Grant was made to Tho' Roberts Tertius which is Left out in the record & Tib betts swears he entred it himself James Hanson swears he got the orig inall of Eben' Young who told him s'' Hanson if he would get it re corded he should have half of it and accordingly the s'' Hanson swears he went to Cap' Tibbets & gave him Two gall"" rum & ord"" Abner Young to pay him Twenty Shillings in money for recording it TOWN PAPERS — DOVER. 1 65 16 Page (98) granted by s"* Comittee fifty acres to Rich'' Husey & Confirmed the 16 april 1694 crowded among' Tuttles writing in an un usuall hand Different CouUord Inck. 17 Page loi granted to Abraham Clark the 23" June 1701 & Con firmed the 6"" of April 1702 Tibbets swears he recorded about Three years since & the s'' Clark swears that Mishack Drew & William Hill asked him about that time if he would sell him his grant of Land if they could finde it upon record & promised them they should have it & some time after they told him it was recorded & then bargained with him for Ten pounds & about this Time the sil Clark asked Cap' Tibbets if he had any Grant & he Told him he did not love to enter such falce things 18"' 103 Page a grant by s* Comittee to Pumphret Whitehouse June 23 1702 for 50 acres entred amongst Tuttles records & Tibbets he re corded it himself and by the original it appears not to be furburs writ ing it being different from his hand Si his name not spelt right 19 Page 104 a grant by s* Comittee for 50 acres of the 19"" of March 1693-4 confirmed the ii"" of april 1694 made to Bryant Higgins This Tibbets swears he recorded amongst Tuttles records Si that 'Tho' Davis Bro't to him about 5 years past to have it recorded 20 Page 105 a grant by s'' Comittee to Rob' Allen in the year 1701 & confirmed 6"" april 1702 for 40 acres Tibbets swears he recorded amongst Tuttles records about four years past. 21 Page 113 11"' 1701 a Grant by s"* Comittee for 40 acres of Land This Tibbets swears he entered about S or 6 years since & in a Vacancy in Tuttles Entries the original appears to be altered & not writ by Fur bur the Clerk it differing Both in writing & spelling. 22 Page 120 June ^^ 1701 granted by s'' Comittee to George Chesley & Confirmed by the 23'! March 1702 — 50 Acres of Land entred by Tib bets as he swears about 5 years Since & the originall it appears that the Grant & Confirmation to be both of one hand & yet neither Furbur's nor Tuttles writing. 23 Page 130 In the year 1699 & no Day nor month a grant made by the Select men to Jo' Jenkins 40 acres which Tibbets Swears he Entred himself & amongst Tuttles records & swears he signed the originall not as a Select man but as a witness he remembering the grant to have been made about the year above s 1694 Granted by si* Comittee to Joseph Smith Jun' & Confirmed the 16'" Day of April 16"' April 1694 Tibbets swears he recorded amongst Tuttles records & that the original was al tered & obliterated before he entred it from 60 acres to 40 acres 26 132 Page granted June 231! 1701 by the Committee afores* 30 acres to Nath' Pittman Tibbets entred amongst Tuttles record about 5 or 6 years since & the original appears not to be Furburs writing & much Interlined t 1. n 27 Page 136 June 23* 1701, granted by s* Comittee to John Rand forty acres of Land which is not Confirmed by this Town This Tib bets Entred 10"' Tuttles records about S or 6 years since 28 Page 139, June 23'i 1701, a grant to Joseph Jenkins by said Com ittee Tibbets swears he entred about seven years ago 29 Page 144 May 28"' 1701, a grant to John Pinkham for Twenty acres the original appearing not to be the writing of the said Furbur nor his signing his name not being spelt Right t u u 30 Page 147 April 11 1701, a grant by the Comittee to John Hanson for 60 acres not confirmed by the Town & y originall neither wrote nor signed by the Clerk. . t , t 31 Page 149, April 11 1694 granted by the Comittee to Joseph Joanes 40 acres who says that he had the originall from Barnum and that he 1 66 NEW HAMPSHIRE Got it allowed by the Selectmen since & had it recorded for the com mon fees 32 Page 157 a grant by the Comittee of the ii"" April 1693-4 to Rich ard rendall for 30 acres This grant Nath' rendall Swears he had of Bur- num & Cap' Tibbets swears he recorded it but the originall appears not to be the hand writing of Furbur nor signed by him 33 Page (152) June 23'* 1701. Granted to James Davis 60 acres of Land Entred by Tibbetts the originall grant being much IrifertrBed & scratched Coll Davis says upon oath that Burnum asked him what he should give him for a grant of L^nd & s* Davis answered he knew of no Grant but whatwas upon record & that his son Some time afterwent to Burnum & got the grant and carried it to Capt. Tibbets to record 34"" Page (153) granted by s^ Comittee to Sam' Chesley 40 acres April II, i694butnot confirmed Entred by Tibbets butthe originall not furburs writing nor signing — 35 Page (154) June 23'* 1701 Granted by the s"* Comittee to Rich ard Clark not Confirmed nor wrote nor signed by the Clerk of s* Com ittee 36 Page 154 — April 16"" Day 1702 granted at a Town meeting to Sam' Perkins 30 acres of Land the originall not wrote or signed by the Com ittee 37 Page 153 June 2311 1701 granted by the Comittee to EI^ Demer- ret for 10 acres under the same Circumstances as the above grant to Perkins 38 Pag 155 June 23'i 1701 granted by the Comittee to Amos Pink ham 40 acres not confirmed by the Town & the originall not signed by the Comittee or any Clerk and yet in the record willim Furbur is En tred as Clerk. 39 Page 155 June 23'' 1701 a grant by the Comittee to James Nute of 40 acres not v/rote or signed by Furbur the Clerk 40 Page 156 March 19"' 1693-4 a grant by s^ Comittee to Tristram Heard for 30 acres Vicious for reasons mentioned in James Nutes grant alo^res^^ 41 Page 157 May 2H 1701 granted by the Comittee to Jo' Ham 20 acres vicious for the same reasons 42 Page 158 April 11 1694 granted by the Comittee to Rob' Hig gins 30 acres the originall Interlined & otherwise vicious for the reasons above s* 43 Page 158 June 23" 1701 a Grant by the Comittee to Josh Rich ards for 60 acres confirmed the 23 March 1702 both Grant & Confirmation the same hand & neither Furburs nor Tuttles 44 Page (158) March 29"i 1693-4 Granted by the Comittee to Thomas Stevenson Thirty Acres of Land Vicious because not signed nor "wrote by the Clerk 45 Page (162) June 2315 1701 a grant by the Comittee for 30 acres of Land to W" Hill & Confirmed the 2311 of March 1702 because inter lined & altered & the Grant & Confirmation both of one mans writing & neither of them of Furburs or Tuttles writing 46 Page 162 April n. 1694 a Grant to John Davis by the Comittee for 30 acres no Confirmation of the Town & not of Furburs writing nor Signing . 47 Page 124 June 23d 1701 a grant to David Kinckad by the Com ittee & confirmed the 6'" April 1702 both of the Same hand writing & it appearing by the records that the s^ Kincad had a grant of the Same Date & Quantity of Land recorded before 48 Page 164 March 19, 1693-4 a Grant made by the Comittee to Iho' Drew & Confirmed the 2* Day of April 1694 Tibbets swears Mishack Drew bro' the Grant to him to record butDrew Denies he ever carryd any grant to him to record TOWN PAPERS — DOVER. 167 49 Page i6s March ig^ 1693-4 a grant made to Elias Cretchett for 3 Score acres of Land not confirmed Because wrote upon a new ps of paper appears to have been cut off from a p» of paper on which we find a Grant made to Abraham Benneck Seven years after the Stamp of the paper being partely on one & partely on the other & not of the Clerks writing SO Page 165 June 23^ 1701 a Grant of s"* Comittee to Abraham Ben- ick "wrote on the p^ of Paper above mentioned & wrote by the Same except the Date of the Grant & Some few words besides 51 June 23'* 1 701 In Page (167) a Grant by s* Comittee to Ichabod Rollings for 50 acres Confirmed 23* March 1702 because not Signed by the Comittee nor their Clerk & by the Town Clerk 52 Page 121 A grant by the sil Comittee for 30 acres to Nich" Har ford no date & the Grant & Petition for s^ Grant being on the Same p' paper & wrote by the Same hand & Differs from the record because the record is Dated & the originall not 53 Page 106 March 19"' 1693-4 a grant by Comittee to the estate Joseph Field for lo acres Confirmed the 16 April 1694 because all wrote by one hand & neither of them the Clerk either the Comittee or the Town 54 Pag9 ( ) June 23* 1701 a grant by the Comittee to Cap' Tho» Tibbets for a small Gore of Land The originall was all of his own writing & Furburs name alsoe & he s'' Tibbets hath Entred in the records a Confirmation of the Town & on the originall there is no Such thing. We alsoe reporte that many things appear Very Dark by the record which we have omitted because we could not come at the originall Grants nor finde any particular Information about them we alsoe by James Barnums own oath report- that he purchased a bundle of these Grants from the "wido of the s'' Furbur the Clerk & since that hath sold them to many persons & they have got them recorded April 30 1731 Hen Sherburne Nath' Weare Theo'J Atkinson Petition of Proprietors of Hilton's Point, Dover. To his Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esqr. Cap'' Gen' and Commander in Chief in and over his Maj"^' Province of New Hampshire to the hon"'*' the Councill and house of Rep resentatives Conven'd in Gen' Assembly The humble Petition of the Proprietors of the neck of Land in the Town of Dover on the Point Commonly called Hiltons Point on Dover Neck most humbly Sheweth That whereas the high way from Bloody Point ferry Goes through the said neck of Land and altho' the said Neck is al Fenced up (only the Rhod way) whereby the Proprietors by reason of the way be ing open the proprietors of the Said neck of Land can have no Benefit thereof Therefore y' humble Petitioners Prayes that they may have an act to empower them to set up a Gate at the Entrance into the high way that Leads up from the Waters side by Cap'' Mil- 1 68 NEW HAMPSHIRE lets over huclebery Hill (as has been usual) and whereby no obstruction can be to the High way and y' Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray &c April the 30"' 1731. Tho8 Millet Richard Plumer Tho' Canney John Clements Thomas Tibbets Ephraim Tibbets Joseph Roberts Thomas Roberts Otis Pinkham In Conci May 3^ 1731 The Petition on the other side Read and ordered that the Petitioners Serve the Selectmen of the 'Town of Dover w"" a Copy of the s^ Peti tion and this order That they may appear on thursday next at lo o'clock A. M. to Shew cause if any they have why the Prayer of the said Petition should not be granted — and ordered to be sent down for Con currence Rich* Waldron Secretary Eodem Die In the House of Representatives The above order read & concurr'd with James Jeffrey Cle' Ass"" Cap' Mathes a Select man of Dover appearing & not objecting In Coun May 6 1731 Voted That The Prayer of the w"'in Petition be granted and that the Petitioner have leave to bring In his bill accordingly R. Waldron Secy May 6* 1731 In the house of Representatives The vote of the Council Read & Concur'd James Jeffrey Cle' Ass"" Petition of People in Dover and other Towns for a Town ship. To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esqr. Captain General and Comander in chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England and to the Honourable His Majesties Council for s** Province The Humble Petition of divers of his Majesties Loyal Sub jects Residing within the Province aforesaid Humbly sheweth that whereas there is a considerable Tract of land very commodious for Settlement lying nigh Winnepissocay Pond and we the Subscribers Your Humble Petitioners not having a competency of land to afford us a comfortable Subsistance Do Humbly Pray that Your Excellency and Honours would be pleased to grant unto us the Said tract of land for a township consisting of such dimentions & with such limitations restric- TOWN PAPERS — DOVER. 169 tions & Conditions as you in your great wisdom shall think proper and your Humble Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray Dover February 6'" 1732-3 Sam' Emerson William Twombly John Horn William Hanson Samuel Carll Joseph Hanson Jun' John Cook Sam' Young Nathan' Garland Stephen Otis Maul Hanson John Canny Jun' Ichabod Kenny Josepji Tebbets John Demedy John Layton Sain' Drown Solomon Drow^n Edward Tebbetts John Twombly Joseph Estes Sam' Carll Jun' Nath' Carll Benj" Roberts James Bunker Thomas Canny Benj" Hanson Jun' Benj" Hanson Sam' Smith Sam' Smith Tertius Timothy Emmerson Daniel Jacobs James Layton Derry Pittman John Tasker John Brown John Roberts Tertius Isaac 'VVatson Timothv Roberts Nichola's Tuttle John Home Junior James Nute Junior Benj" Bodge Thomas Miller Joseph Varney Tobias Hanson Tobias Hanson Junior Isaac Hanson John Mellons John Hanson Benj' Tebbetts Paul Tebbetts William Stiles Junior Moses Varney James Hobbs Ichabod Hayes Zechariah Nock Pomfret Whitehouse Jun' Benj" Ham Eleazer Ham Benj" Frost John Garland William Lord Sam' Starboard Henry Hill Nathan' Lynn John Pearl John Tebbetts Junior John Tebbetts Tertius John FoUitt Junior Solomon Perkins John Hayes John Hayes Junior 'William Whitehouse Bennedictus Farr Thomas Home Junior Ichabod Home Sam' Perkins Thomas Layton Sam' Chesley Solomon Emmerson John Daniel Junior Joseph Tebbetts Junior Nicholas Meader Sam' Meader Joseph Richards Jun. John Roe Joseph Bunker John Woodman John Woodman Jun' Joshua Woodman "Edward Woodman Archelus Woodman Nath' Varney Jonathan Young William Home Richard Ward James Pinkham John Field Jun' Daniel Meader Thomas Drew Jun' John Ham Jun' Joseph Roberts Jun' James Nute 170 NEW HAMPSHIRE John Gage Job Clements John Cartur Sam' Nute Eli Demerritt Jun' William Horn Jun' John Bowdy Richard Pinkham Henry Tebbetts William Demerritt Timothy Tebbetts Job Demerritt Henry Bu^sy Thomas Tebbetts Jun' Thomas \'arney Sam' Varne\ Joseph Conner Stephen Varney David Watson Dudley Watson Sam' Davis Joseph Hicks Tho' Bickford Benj* Demerritt Will'" Hill Jun' Nath' Lummocks Thomas Asli Thomas Willey Stephen Willey John Ran Thomas Willey Jun' John Ham Ephraim Ham Sam' Ham Nath' Ham Ichabod Tebbetts Sam' Lamb Benj" Pierce Benj" Pierce Jun' Jerem. Tebbetts Jun'. James Clark Zecheriah Bunker James Bibard Timothy Moses Jun' Joseph Daniel John Hammock John Layton Jun' Hatevil Lavton Nath' Hanson Caleb Evans John Winget Rich* Hannnock Sam' Merrow Jonathan Merrow Sam' Merrow Junior Stephen Roberts Ebenezer Varney Ebenezer Ro'oerts Benj* Roberts Jun' Ebenezer Varney Jun' James Kelley Joseph Libby Otis Pinkham John Williams Dan' Mis Harvy? John Miss Harvy? John Demerritt Vincent Farr Edward Evans Cooper Zech" Pittman Jonathan Brew Ephraim Tebbitts John Church Joseph Evans Jun' Paul Hays Micah Emmerson Arthur McDaniel Joseph Harfard Benj" Evans Jacob Allen Benj" Allen Thomas Wallingford Henry Bickford Joseph Jackson Ralph Twombly Joseph Curtis John Perkins Joseph Tebbetts Tertius Robert Hanson Thomas Hanson Timothy Han- on Daniel Miss Harvey Jr. Jabez Garland John Varney Nath' Aston John Tuttle William Jenkins James Tuttle Reuben Chesley William Hill Robert Evans James Drummond Ichabod Hill John Jenkins Sam' Hays Isaac Hanson Jun' Joseph Hall Junior Matthey Peavy Thomas Millet William Twombly Jun' John Gerrish Peter Hays Rich'' Plummer Sam' Beard William Frost Sam' Walton TOWN PAPERS— DOVER. 171 John Huckins Sam' Jones Joseph Rantins Sam' Aston Will"" Hussy Sam' Willey Jun' Dover Joseph Pierce oseph Aston Sam' Holden Francis Drew John Drew James Hanson Jonathan Church Elijah Tuttle Paul Canney Joseph Jones Benj" Hays'*' Joseph Recker Benj" Aston John Young Solomon Clark John Canny Maurice Hobbs Hugh Conner Thomas Mason Joshua Perkins Henry Tebbetts Jun' William Shepherd Ephraim Tebbeits SamJ Wentworth John ^Tckford Joseph Bickford Gershom Downs Gershom Downs Jun. Sam' Canny Sam' Canny Juu' Joshua Canny Daniel Home John Cromwell Job Hussy Joseph Hussey Richmond HenderiHon Noel Cross Joseph Canny March 3'', 1732- - Order'd Thomas Waits John Mason ohn Bampton Rich"! Husjcy Sum' Herd Sam' Held Junr John Herd James Chesley Matthew James Benj" Merrow Daniel Young Thomas Nock 'Thomas Perkins Joseph Perkins Nathaniel Roberts Thomas Dowens Benjamin Mason John Tebbets Sam' Tebbets Jun' Jeremiah Rolings Eleazer Wire John Tebbets Timothy Carrl Daniel Ham Lowe Roberts Philon Yeten David Daniel Ezekiel Wolonford Thomas Tebbets Son John Howard Henderson Timothy Roberson Timothy Roberson Jun. Jacob Hanson Nicolas Brock Jame.s Guppy Paul Roberds Ebenezer Downs Joseph Twombly Jphn Waldron John Waldron Junr. Richard Waldron Joshua Guppy Sam' Cromett Nicolas Hartford James Davis, tertius to lye for consideration. Petition for a grant of la7id. To His Excellency Jon" Belcher Esqr. Gov' & Commamd' in Chief in & over His majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England and to the Hon'''' His Majesties Council in Said Province The Petition of Sundry Persons Inhabitants of Durham, Dover, Exeter & Newington most Humbly Sheweth That whereas your Petitioners are men who have been bro't 172 NEW HAMPSHIRE up to Husbandi"y & farming, but want Lands to exercise their faculty on to their advantage none of them having any share or Propriety in any of the New Townships ; they did about six or Seven years agoe Petition the Hon''''' the then Lieut. Gov' & Council for a grant of a Tract of Land to yo' Petition'" & that they might be Incorporated into a Township — And whereas nothing was then done upon it but yo' Petition'" prayer neg lected they most humbly pray that yo' Excell>' & the Hon''' '' the Council in yo' great wisdom & goodness would be pleas'd to grant yo' Petition'^ a Tract of Land where you shall think proper in this Province Since they have endur'd the brunt & hardships of the Late war have been entirely left out in all former Grants and are all men who are able & willing to settle & Cultivate Land if they had it — and yo' Petitioners shall as in duty bound ever pray &c Francis Mathes — in behalf of the other Petitioners Jany. 3" 1753-4. A List of the Hugh Adams Jno Edgerly Joseph Edgerly Junr. Jno Kent Joseph Edgerly Moses Kimmm Zebulon Dam Jno Drew Benja Daniel Steph. Willey Thos Footman James Langley Thos Langley Jno Bickford Junr Joseph Thomas Nathan Kenniston Jno Crimmet Jno Burss Thos Bickford Jun. Solomon Sias Joseph Bickford Saml Willey Zach Edgerly Abra Stevenson Christopher Kenniston Jona Kenniston Jno Fox Edwd Wakham Thos Shepherd Joseph Simons Joseph Drew Joseph Wormwood Wm Willey Petitioners' na77ies. Jacob Wormwood Benja Durgan Steph Jenkins Francis Drew Jno Jenkins Joshua Chesley Joseph Jackson Anthony Jones Saml Jones Richd Jones (Tno Dam Junr Hatevil Leighton Benja Bickford Jno Leighton Jun. •James Gurdy Richd Denbow James Smith Sampson Doe NichsDoeJno Palmer Hopely Ayres Benja Bennet Eleazer Bennet Joshua Crimmet EUwd Hilton Josluia Crocket John Crocket Hezekh March M'm Durgun Wm Durgan Jun. Jno Durgan Joseph Durgan Jona Dnrgau town PAPERS — DOVER. 173 Abra Bennet Junr. Francis Durgan Jno Lasky Abednego Leathers Jno Doe Jun. Jno BarboT Jno Footman Joseph Footman Jno Follet Clemt Sias Danl Doe Benja Doe Joseph Chesley Jun. Solo Davis Ale.\Mnder Hodgdon Jno Daniel Lcnincl Bickford Doilovah Bickford Wm Shepherd Alex Hodgdon Jun Jno Hodgdon .Tno Mason Joseph Doe Paul Chesley Lemuel Chesley Thos Huckins Joseph Stevenson Jun. Saml Chesley Jun. Theodore Willey Jeremy Pinner Ordered to be suspended til Benja Burdit Saml Adams Sleph Bursa Ezekl Hilton Steph Jenkins Jun. Danl Rogers Joseph Smith Jun. Jno Langley Charles Hilton Moses Edgerly Troworthy Durgan Joseph Sias Thos Chesley Winbum Adams Jno Adama Joseph Kent Thos Chesley Job Langley Caleb Wakeham Thos Willey James Drisco Thos Drew Elijah Drew Miles Randall Beuja Mathews Thos Laighton Gershom Matthews Francis Footman Benja Bennet Philip Crimmet next Session. A List of the training Sergt Daniel Titcomb Ser. Thomas Laiffhton CorplJohu CIcmants Corl John Young fori .John Bickford Coi'l John Laiffhton Joshua Perkins Paul Cenney Ephraim Tebbetts Thomas Ash Joshua Cenney Samuel Holdeu Joseph Bickford Timothy Eobiuson John Cromwel Solomon Perkins John Perkins Richard Plummer Thomas Cenney men under Tho' Millet, Cap'^ of Dover. Thomas Cenney Junr Oatis Pinkliam Thomas Waits Joseph Crumwel Abraham Xute .John Pearl Nathaniel Aston Josepli Aston Thomas Drew Junr Moses Varney Hatevil Hall James Jackson Timothy Moses Jnn. John Huckins David Daniel Samuel Chesley Stephen Willey Anthony Jones Joseph Daniel NEW HAMPSHIRE John Daniel Henry Bussey Eli Denierrat Jun. James Clark Job Demerrat John Ham Jun. Daniel Bunker Zechariah Bunker Henry Tibbitts John Field Jun. Samuel Scarboard John Starboard John Tiittle James Tuttle Thomas Tuttle Nicholas Tuttle Samuel Hays Joseph Tibbetts Shadraclt Hodgdon John Giles .Tames Laighton Trustrum Pinkiiam William Allen Joseph Allen Paul Xiite Thom.13 Pinkham Jr. Hatevil Lnighton .Tohn Harvey Nathaniel Roberts Thomas Roberts Julyy« 21 1740 Joseph Dam Joseph Hall, Jan. Howard Henderson Jun. S.amuel Roberts Ebenezr Tuttle Jun. Joseph Hubbard Tobias Randol Charles Bickford Icb.ibod Tibbitts Stephen Hawkins Aaron Roberts Thomas Ransom AliROUS Bantom Isa.ic Allen Clemant Ham Benjamin Bodge Jun Vincent Torr Stephen Pinkham James Pinkham Jun. Jonathan Daniel Jacob Daniel Jonathan Harriman John Randol Joseph Drew John Follet Solomon Pinkham Jun Robert Wille Benjamin Wille Clement Harvey Total 97 A List of y Second foot Scargante John Horn Jonathan Young Epiierem Ham Jolm Tasker Corporals Ezcra Kembel Nutha. Young John Demerit Drumers John Carter ) Jolm Marden ( Daniel Plumer Job Clement Saml Clement Saml Dam S.aml Alley John Alley John Muckelaroy William Whitehouse James Withrel John Hanson Jun. Company of Dover, July the 24, 1740. William Horn Nathl Horn Ezekel Wentworth Epherem Wentworth Jun. Joseph Connor James Chesley John Varney Nemiah Kembel Thomas Hanson John Horn Jun. John Waldron Nathn Varney Stephen Varney Elihn Heays John Tebits Nathn Ham Daniel Ham Daniel Horn Peter Hayes TCWN PAPERS — DOVER. »75 John H.'iyes Jon. Saml V;irney Thomas Heays Ezeki:ili Heays Mark C; ils Ichobod lleays John Ti-libits Jun. Jerem in ii Tebbits Isaac Twombly Thoma-. Young Isaac Ynnng Robart Kuens Jnn. John El. ens Nathl liiin^on Benjn I-.vens Robart Hanson John Cook Heniy I ickfird Nathn (iarland William Twombly Jun. Saml Voung Stephen Otita Isral Hodgdon Jun. John II- nson Timothy Hanson James Kelley Joseph Hanson Jnn. Ichobc Cenney John J nics Hoses ^''inget Joseph :Iall Richari* r^cammons Jona C'luch Isaac V atson Saml J! <,-e Henry ?iarshal Richard Pinkem Jan. Ebenez r Pinkem James .iber Maul II mson John T 1 ombly Jnn. Benja . !leu Saml D .vis Saml A ley Jun. "Willian' tlill Saml ^^ illiams Jonth i:am WilliaUi Perey Joseph llix Francis I)ru SolenKiu Emerson Williaii Tasker Thomu. Bickford Ezaria' .Judey Derey I itman Zechariah Pitman Zechariah Edgerly William De-neret Daniel Harvey John Bu>s('ll William l.iiK.-.ell James Hnrkcns Nathl Diivis John Fay Jnn. Ralph Hall Joseph Perkins Benjn Ilnil John Brown Joseph Jackson Clement lau Meshack nru Elezirl): vis Daniel Cli meat Richard Cleark Jonth H.-in-on George Ho irn Joseph Hiisings James Y'oung Jabez Gailand Saml Heard James Rich.ird Isaac Horn Joseph Ham Bnben Heays Joseph Heays Saml Hansnn Daniel Eyens Nathn Ha. dou Jon. Ezekiah Ciuk Elezer Ycung Benjn Y'oi.ng Joseph Hanson third Joseph Estears Isaac Hanson George H nson Elisha Esi era Jonth Chusing Jun. Saml Gerrish John Wiu^et .Tun. Saml WinJet John Whi:^iilhouse Benjn Tlir isher SamlWatson Saml Dnvis .Tun. Saml Tai!ker Thomas Harris David Dru Joseph Eyens tbir J Solomon I aiison BeiOn Pin .era Beiija Heays Job Clement Jan. 176 NEW HAMPSHIRE A True Coppey pr. Me William Welland Clark A true Coppey attested by the Clark under oath Total 153. John Winget Lef This is the List of the Troopers under the Command of Cof^ Trustram Coffin in Dover, July f 29, 1740. Corpll Benja Ham Corpll Jos Records Corpll Jos Thomas John Young Jnr James Nute Jnr Isajic Lebbey Paul Gerrish .Tnr Saml Heard Jnr Ralph Twombly Benja Hanson Jnr Dudley Watson Benja Wamouth Jun. John Tebjietts Jun. Richard Waldron Ebenezer Nock Wilham Styles William Home Jun. Thos Tebbets Jun Moses Stevens Shedrech Walton Benja Robarts Jun. Eleiah Tuttell Spenser Wintworth John Drew John Heard Jonathan Dnrgen John Drew Jun. Richard Jones Joshua Stagpole Daniell Rogers Jonathan Watson Dodefor Ham Ambros Bamptom Daniell Home Jun. Joa. Drew Nathaniel Rendall Jun. Jonathan Hanson Stephen Jankins Jun. Benja Jackson Samuell Stagpole Stephen Robarts Clark Petition against a new Parish. To His Excellency Benning "Wentworth Esq' Cap* General Governor and Commander in Chief in and over his Majes tys Province of New Hamp' in New England Together with The Hon''' ^ his Majestys Council & House of Representa tives in general Assembly Conveaned Wee your Humb'° Petitioners without a due Consideration having heretofore Signed a Petition carried into the general Court in order to be set off a Parish by our selves which Peti tion if Granted "Wee find will be greatly to our disadvantage and very hurtful to ourselves and Families for the time to come first Because that after a due Consideration wee find that our part that have Petitioned are but few in number and many of us under such poor Circumstances that wee appre hend that at present we are in no wise able to Support our selves & Families and to pay what we shall be obliged to do in order to the settling & mentaining an Orthodox Minister TOWN PAPERS DOVER. 1 77 amongst us. Secondly Because that whenever it may be thought there may be another Parrish the meeting house ought to be set up in the Center of the Parish and not y" Parrish to be Established in manner & form as Petition* for. The meet ing house now at Madbury standing almost home to Durham line and will by no means accommidate Many of us Neither many other out settlers who dont live within the Parrish Peti- tion'd for. "Wherefore "we your humb'^ Petitioners beg that your Excellency & Honours would in your great wisdom and Goodness take this affair into your wise Consideration and put an end to the whole proceeding thereof all which Wee your Hum'* Petitioners in duty Bound shall. ever pray Dover -May y^ 8"" 1744. Henry Bickford Isaac Twombly John Evens Joseph Evens Jonathan Hanson Joseph Twombly Robert Evens Stephen Pinkham Abraham Clark. Petition for leave to have a Lottery. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor & Commander in Chief in &¦ over His Majestys Province of New Hampshire — The Hon""'' his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives for said Province In General As sembly Conven'd the 2^ Day of January 1760 The Humble Petition of John Gage Esq' Howard Hender son & Dudley Watson Gentlemen all of Dover in said Prov ince as Committee of said Town for this purpose Shews That the said Town by divers ways & means is as your Pe titioners apprehend more burthened with Charges of One kind or other than any other in the Province in Proportion to the Polls & Estates Subjected to Discharge them Among which the Bridges maintained at the Public Expense is not Inconsid erable But especially the well known & now much us'd Bridge over Cochecho River (which is gone much to Decay) is a Great & Standing Expence— That it is now necessary the said Bridge should be Rebuilt for which a considerable sum of Money will be wanting the Levying of which in the Common Way will be too Grievious to be sustained at Present notwith standing the Urgency of the Demand ^ •? • • That as there are at Present many Examples of Raising money for Public uses by way of Lottery that the money Risk'd by Individuals who will where opportunity Favours be adventurers may be of General advantage the said Town have upon Consultation Judg'd they might make a Good use ot this 12 178 NEWHAMPSHIRE way for the End aforesaid and directed your Petitioners to ap ply for liberty accordingly — An as this libei'ty is a matter of mere grace and favor and not of Justice and right your Peti tioners beg leave Humbly to suggest that Considering it in that view the Town of Dover seems to be a proper Subject for that favour not only in Regard of the Burthen aforesaid but also of the Principal Share it has Sustained of all the Calamities Af flictions Troubles & Burthens'with which the Province in Gen eral has been Concerned frorn the Beginning — Wherefore your Petitioners most Humbly Pray that they may have the Liberty afores'* Granted to said Town & leave to Bring in a Bill accord ingly and they will as in duty bound ever pray &c John Gage ) ^ .^ How* Henderson l^^"^"^^"^^ In Council Jan'ry 4"" 1760 read & ordered to be send down to the HonWe Assembly Theodore Atkinson Secy. Province of ") In the House of Representatives Jan 4, 1760. New Hamps /This Petition being read "Voted That the prayer thereof be Granted and that ye petitioners Have Liberty to Bring In a Bill accordingly A. Clarkson Clerk. In Council Jan'ry 5"" 1760 read & Concurr'd Theodore Atkinson Sec'y. Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of Dover for a Bridge to cross Bellamy's Bank. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor and Commander in Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire The Hon""' His Majesty's Council and House of Representatives in General Assembly Convened, Oct. 12'" 1756 The Humble Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of Dover in said Province Shews That there is a Public High Way laid out in Dover aforesaid from the Road that leads from Coche cho thro' Littleworth so called to Barrington to the Main Road that goes thro Madbury which Highway crosses Bellamy's Bank Freshet or Brook A little above Capt. Paul Gerrishes saw mill over which Freshet or Brook there is no Bridge for want whereof at certain times there is no Passing & thereby the Good Ends proposed in laying out Said way are in a Great Measure Frustrated and is also a standing Grievance to the Owners of the Contiguous Lands by Passengers throwing town papers — DOVER. 1 79 Down the Fences for Convenient Passage, when they cannot pass said Freshet which wou'd be prevented by a Bridge. That the Way aforesaid is Really useful & Necessary which was the Reason why it was laid out and tho' this matter has been Represented to the Town and the Necessity of having a Bridge there urged to make said Way Serviceable without being Injurious to Particular Persons and the Town Requested to Build it at their General Expence Yet they Cannot be Pre vail' d upon to do it. That Every Town is by Law Obliged to Provide for and Keep in Repair all Roads or High Ways Passing thro' them and there is the same Reason that they should Build Bridges where they are Necessary or the High Ways leading to Such Places would be useless tho' as the Law Relating to the Lay ing out High Ways is Silent as to this matter & it is a Case omitted your Petitioners are Necessitated to make this appli cation. Wherefore they Humbly Pray the Premises may be Consid ered and the Said Town of Dover Enjoined tc Build a Con venient Bridge at the Place aforesaid to Render said Way use ful or Provide Such other Relief herein as in your Great Wis dom & Goodness you shall Judge proper and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray &c. Eli Demeret James Young Paul Gferrish Jonathan Evens John Tasker John Kielle Thos Davis John Hanson Paul Pinkham Ebenezer Vamey Jinler Job Demeret Israel Hodgdon John Roberts Samuel Davis Samuel Roberts Thomas Davis Junr. Solomon Demeret Moses Waymoth Ebenezer Tasker Joseph Hicks Isaac Buzzell James Jackson J unr. Joseph Jackson John Huckins John Tasker Jun. John Huckins Junr. Ebenr Demerit Samuel Chase Thomas Bickford Anthony Jones John Bickford 3d Richard Jones liiB James Jackson Tristram j*) Pinkham John Demeret Jun. mark Zackriah Pitman John Molony Coner Pitman Daniel Yovmg John Demerit Samuel Daniels Samuel Drew Joseph Daniels Daniel Meader William Demerit Benja Evens Joseph Lebbey Zacriah Boody William Gleden Nathiel Tebbets James Davis Daniel Evens Samuel Young Jonathan Hanson Isaac Twombly Daniel Cook l8o NEW HAMPSHIRE Silas Hanson Ichabod Caney Richard Cook Samuel Davis John Cook Joseph Twombly Hezekiah Cook Paul Twombly Joseph Young John Buzzell )iia JohnWingett Nath H Hanson Timothy Perkins mark bis Stephen Hanson WUl MBuzzel James Hanson mark Joseph Evens Thomas Evens Benjamin Evans Benjamin Bussell. Meshach Drew Prov. N. \In Council October I3»'' 1756 Hamps J read & ordered to be sent to the HonH'e Assembly Theo Atkinson Secy. Province ^ j^^ ^j^^ j^^^^g ^f Representatives Octob 14* 1756. ot JNew pphe within Petition having been read Ordered That the Petitioners be heard thereon the fourth day of the Sitting of the General Assembly nextafterthe first Day of Novem' Next Ensuing & that the Petitioners at their own Cost & Charged cause the Selectmen of Dover in said Province to be serv'd with a Copj; of s* Petition & this order of Court thereon to appear & Shew Cause if any they have why the prayer th^-eof should not be granted Andrew Clarkson Clerk In Council Eodem die read & Concurr'd Theo. Atkinson Sec. Petition in relation to being set off in a separate county. To his Excellency John Wentworth Esqr. Captain General Governor & Commander in chief in & over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire — To the Honourable his Majesties Council and to the Hon*"'' House of Representa tives in General Court convened this ii''^ Day of March 176S We the Subscribers being Agents legally appointed by the several Towns hereafter mentioned beg leave to present our humble, Petition unto this Hon*"'^ Court, and in terms of the utmost Deference & respect to shew forth — that as your Excel lency and Honours are about Dividing this Province into Sep erate & distinct Counties your Petitioners in their s* Capacity Humbly Hope that as the s* Towns have long since been incor porated and are now become very populous & may reasonably be supposed still more to increase and as some of them have been indulged with certain Priviledges & Franchises & as the adjacent Towns are also settling & greatly improving : Your Excellency and Honours will condescend to confirm a "Vote of this Hon'"^ Court passed at their last Fall sitting for Dividing TOWN PAPERS — DOVER. iSl this Province into three Counties so far as said vote relates to these Towns with regard to the boundary Lines only And your Petitioners humbly pray y' Excellency and Honours would indulge them with a Hearing on this important Subject when we presume to Hope we shall offer to this Hon"'" Court such Reasons as they may Judge sufficient to induce them to grant us the Prayer of our Petition & to set off the s* Towns into a distinct & Seperate County with such Towns as were then an nexed in the aforesaid vote And your Petitioners as in Duty bound in their said Capacity shall ever pray John Gage \ For Tho» Wallingford "1 „ .u Otis Baker /Dover Jn- Wentworth [Somersworth Daniel Rogers ] John Plumer "I r> u ^ Volintine Mathes I r,„^j,^^ John, McDufee | Rochester Jeremih Burnum ™ Paul Hayes 1™ • , John Smith ) Samuel Brewster I ^^'¦'^'"2'°'^ Petition relating to a Bridge, To his Excellency John Wentworth Esquire Governor and Commander in chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire the Hon''" his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives for said Province in General Assembly convened the 13th day of November 1770 The humble Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dover in said Province Shews That the Inhabitants of said Town were divided in senti ment about the place of building a, new Bridge over the Co checho River at the Falls and tho' there was a "Vote of the Town for placing it below the Falls your Petitioners apprehend the "Vote would not have been pass'd had the meeting been general (many persons being then absent in the Woods) or cou'd they have obtained a Second fair meeting so that those who were for having the Bridge placed below the Falls pro ceeding on the authority of said Vote have built a Bridge be low and the Place "where the old Bridge stood being on an an cient Highway and most convenient for Travellers the Inhab itants who were for having the Bridge there supposed the Town to be under a necessity of building one there Also which was done in the Course of the last Summer & there are now two Bridges at said Falls which your Petitioners apprehend to be needless. That the lower Bridge is not so convenient for Travellers nor so well approved of by them nor can the Town dispense with the Duty of maintaining a Bridge above where there has 'been one for near one hundred years past and therefore a "Vote for 1 82 NEW HAMPSHIRE changing or altering and placing a new Bridge so far out of the way or at such a Distance from the old place was utterly illegal and had it been ever so fairly obtained cou'd not have been valid without a greater authority than such a Vote. Wherefore your Petitioners most humbly pray that the whole proceeding in this Case may be examined by the legislative Authority and the following Questions resolved viz "whether the Town had a right by their Vote to change the place of building a Bridge so as to be exempted from building and maintaining one where it used to be — Whether their proceedings have been fair and legal upon supposition they had a right to determine the matter by the agreement of the Town. Whether the Bridge below or that above will be of the most general Service & best answer the public Good. Whether there is any necessity of maintaining both said Bridges and if not "which the Town shall be at the expense of building & maintaining for the future with such other matters and things as in your great Wisdom & goodness you shall find incidental and neces sary to be determined in order to the regular proceeding of said Town in making their Rates which is not yet done and for the settling peace & good order in said Town and your Pe tioners as in duty bound shall ever pray &c Howd Henderson Joseph Clements Timothy Clements John Cenney Tlmo Robinson Jr Jno Waldron Jr Silas Hanson John Waldron Nehm Kimball Thomas Hanson James Vamey Thos Hanson Jr. Ephm Kimball William Hussey William John Kimbal Paul Husey Daniel Varney Jos Vamey Jr Tobias Varney Stephen Varney Ephm Wentworth Spencer Wentworth Reuben Wentworth John Whitehouse Samuel Ambros Tom Heard John Heard Moses Roberts Aaron Roberts Joseph Roberts Stephn Varney Jr John Harford Nathan Varney Moses Horn John Horn Wm Robinson John Pinkham James Chesley Paul Kimbal WilliamTobias Kimbal John Hoyt Joshua Vamey Jacob Sawyer Jethro Heard John Horn Benja Horn Zacheus Pvu:inton Nathaniel Horn Paul WeUand Elijah Coffin Paul Varney Daniel Heard Thomas Varney Benja Hanson Jr. Saml Varney Jr. Solomon Varney Jedediah Vamey John Horn Jun TOWN PAPERS — DOVER. 1 83 Isaac Horn Jonathan Door Timo Robinson Daniel Elijah Tuttle Thos Shannon James Tuttle John Gage 3d William Horn Jno Varney Jun. Elijah Vamey Ichabod Varney Samuel Ricker Isaac Horn Jun. Moses Rand John Vamey Ebenezer Horn Ebenezer Varney Thomas Goudy Timothy Varney Joseph Peasley Bichd Waldi-on Jeremiah Tibbets Richd Kimbal George Young Mordecai Vamey Timo Hussey John Elisha Purinton Josiah Wille Joseph Waldron Thomas Horn Nicolas Harford Samuel Mills David Rand Daniel Heard Willm Waldron John Varney Amos Varney Ezra Kimbal Stephen Horn Samuel George Horn Ephm Tibbets WiUiam Gage Pusler Downs Phineas Ricker In Council Dec. 14, 1770 The enclosed Petition read and ordered to be sent down to the Hon*"!' Assembly Geo King D. Sec. NeJHamps°hire}^" ^^^ "°"=^ °^ Representatives Dec. 14"' 1770. "Voted That the Petitioners be heard on this Petition on Wednesday the second day of Jan'y next if the General Assembly be then sitting and if not then on the third Day of their sitting next after and that they serve the Selectmen of Dover with a Copy of this Petition and order of Court that they may shew cause why the Prayer thereof should not be granted M. Weare CI. In Council Dec 15, 1770 Read and concur'd Geo. King D. Sec. Copy of so much as is legible examined by Geo King Dep. Dec. Ne Ha >¦ In the House of Representatives Jan? 16, 1771 The within Petition being Considered. It appearing that there was a Town Vote for Building the lower Bridge it is tho't to be just that the Charge thereof should be paid by the whole Town — But it appearing that the upper Bridge is not useful! for the Publick Wherefore Voted that the said upper Bridge shall hereafter be maintained at the charge & Expence of said Town and that the Petitioners have Leave to bring in a Bill accordingly M. Weare Cler. In Council Jan 17, 1771. Read & concurr'd Geo King D. Sec 184 NEW HAMPSHIRE Another Petition relating to Bridges. Province of "I New Hamp j" To his Excellency the Governor the Honorable his Majestys Council and House of Representatives of s" Province May it please Whereas by misunderstanding & a party Spirit prevailing among the Inhabitants of Dover in said Province they have built two Bridges over the River one above the other below the Cochecho falls in Dover (so called) the one by vote of the Town the other by your Petitioners & the dispute running so high which shou'd be the Kings and Countrys Bridge each Party strenuously contending for their own they having the Town Vote in their favor and we Antiquity & conveniency on ours to end or determine which we petitioned your Excellency and Honors to say which shall be the established Bridge for the use of his Majesty's Subjects which you were pleased to determine in our favor which we gratefully acknowledge and return our sincere acknowledgements for said favor but by your act or determination you enabled the Selectmen of Dover to assess the Polls and Estates in said Dover as for other Town charges to pay the charge of the lower Bridge which has been done and paid and no provision is made by said act or other- ways for payment of the established Bridge. We petitioned the Selectmen but they deny'd then "we petitioned two Justices unus Quorum to call a Town meeting of the Inhabitants of Dover to see if they would Vote to pay for the building the es tablished Bridge a Meeting was called by said Justices and the Town voted in the negative. Therefore we pray you will direct & enable the Selectmen of Dover to assess the Polls and Estates in the same as for other Town Charges for payment of said upper Bridge above the falls on their receiving a true and reasonable account of the charge of the same and we as in duty bound shall ever pray. Dover 23" May 1773 Signed by us Inhabitants of said Dover. John Heard Daniel Heard Jun. Paul Varney John Hayes William Foss Samuel Hurd Daniel Heard John Ham Timothy Varney John Varney Silas Hanson Richard Waldron Jno Waldron Ezra Kimbal John Kimbal John Horn Ephm Kimbal Thos Hanson John Withouse John Waldron Timothy Roberson Jr. Joseph Roberts Ebenezer Horn Stephen Hussey Nathaniel Horn Timothy Hussey Samuel Ambros jno Vamey Jr. TOWN PAPERS — Dovrn. 185 Jediah Vamey Thos Hanson Jun. Nathan Varney Nehm Kimbal Moses Rand Paul Kimball Ephraim Wentworth Joseph Peaslee Reuben Wentworth Isaac Home Jonas Goudy Isaac Horn Jun. Elisha Purinton William Horn Joshua Vamey Timo Robinson Thomas Varney Elijah Tuttel Paul Welland James Vamey Stephen Varney Ichabod Varney Jno Conner Elijah Varney Jethro Heard Mordecai Varney John Waldron 3d Moses Roberts Paul Hussey Timothy Clemens John Harford John Pinltham Ben Hanson Junr. James Tuttle James Chesley Samuel Tuttel Joseph Waldron In Council May 27, 1772 This Petition was read and ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''" Assembly Geo. King Dep. Sec^ NewHamo i'^^ '^^ House of Representatives May 27* 1772 Voted that the Petitioners be heard on this Petition on the 5"^ day of June next and that they serve the Selectmen of Dover with a Copy of this Petition and order thereon but if the General Assembly be nbt then sitting then on the third day of their siting next afterwards William Parker In Council eodem die Geo King D. Secy. Read and concurd Copy examined by Geo King Depy Sec'y Petition relating to removal of Rocks frotn Salmon Falls river. State of 1 New Hamp- >- shire. J To the Honorable the Council and House of Representatives of said State. The Subscribers hereto [most humbly Shew That for many years past a considerable Trade as beneficial to the Commu nity as to Individuals hath been carried on by the people liv ing on what is called Salmon fall River which Trade has ever been attended with the greatest Inconveniences on account of many very large pointed Rocks which lay scattered in the Bed of said River for near a Mile below what is called Quamphe- 1 86 NEW HAMPSHIRE gan Landing — That all attempts to raise Money by Subscrip tion or otherways for the purpose of removing said Rocks have hitherto proved unsuccessful the charge of that Business hav ing been deemed too heavy to be borne by the few when the many were as closely interested — That to the^ obstructions aforesaid your Petitioners conceive it is in part owing that the Trade of said River hath lately veiy much declined but which they hope will soon revive on' their removal. Your petitioners are anxious as well for the good of the Com munity as for their own private Emolument, to have the said Rocks removed, and therefore in a Design so benevolent and useful Do pray the aid and Interposition of your Honors so far only as to enable them to raise by a Lottery about five hundred pounds which sum with what they can furnish in Labour and material they apprehend will be sufficient to effect the above purpose — And as in duty bound your Petitioners will ever pray &c Feb 23" 1779 Jacob Shorey Elip Randall Jedediah Goodwin Samuel Bracket James Bracket Jamee Roberts Humphrey Chadboum Stephen Hodsden S. Hill Jacob Lord Jr. Gilbert Warren Aaron Stackpole Humph. Chadboum 3d Ebenezer Lord Joshua Grant John Hamilton Jno Stanley Jr Samuel Ricker Isaac Morrill Joseph Fogg Paul Lord Nathan Lord Jun. Ichabod Goodwin Jr. Dominicus Goodwin Jona C. Chadbourne Joseph Pray Jr. Samuel Butler Nathaniel ? Jonathan Tebbets Thomas Butler Clark Garrish Robt Twombly Moaes Carr Benja Warren John Roberts Zacheus Vamey Ebenezer Ricker John Tebbets Jacob Quimby Benja Quimby William Chadwick Daniel Pike Robert Rogers Danl Woods John Tucker Alexander Gerrish John Haggens Wm Rogers Joseph Prime Jona Hamilton Jr. Nathan Lord Danl Haggens William Peamy P. C. Hart? J. Brackett Thomas Sheafe Joseph Simes Rich Champney Saml Sherburne Jeremiah Libley Mark Nelson John Noble Jonathan Vamey John Cutts George Dame Jeremiah Hill Saml Cutts Tobias Walker Stephen Paul I. Rollins TOWN PAPERS — DORCHESTER. 187 Thos Wk Waldron Thomas Shannon Geo Waldron DORCHESTER. Petition for extension of time to make their settleTnent. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq. Captain General Governor & Commander in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire in Council The Petition of John House of Hanover in the County of Grafton in the Province aforesaid Esqr. in behalf of Himself & the Proprietors of the Township of Dorchester in the Said County of Grafton unto your Excellency & the Hon*'^ Council humbly Shews That by Reason of the many Difficulties attending the Set tlement of New Townships y' Petitioners have not been able to perform the Setling Duties required by Charter, That there are Several families now setled there and more soon to remove that they have cutt a Road & laid out most of the Township, and are in hopes of Performing the Setling Duties if your ExcelF'' & Honours will indulge them with an extension of the Time for making their Settlement. Wherefore your Peti tioners humbly prays y' Excellency & Honours Favours to them in granting them such further Time for Setling as in your wisdom you may think proper And your Petitioners beg Leave to assure y' ExcelP^ & Honours that they will be Solicitously attentive to fulfill their Duties required by the Charter of s" Township and as in Duty bound y' Petitioners will ever pray John House. Ports'"" Dec. 3" 1771. Petition for a new Charter. [New Charter was granted May i, 1772. Ed.] Province \ of New Hamp / To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Governor and Com mander in Chief of said Province in Council — The Memorial of John House And his Associates humbly sheweth. That your Memorialists having lately prefer'd a petition for an Extension of the Charter of tlie Township of Dorchester l88 NEW HAMPSHIRE now under forfeiture which Extension they since find will be attended with insuperable Difficultys, as many of the late pro prietors will neither prosecute their Settlements nor be per suaded to pay their necessary Taxes. Your Memorialists are now desirous of withdrawing the said Petition & wou'd pray y' Excellency & Honours that they may be favor'd with a new Charter of said Township engaging to admit with them all Such of the late proprietors as -will ap pear to do the necessary Dutys And immediately to bring into said Township a Number of good Settlers — to clear the Road thro' the Same leading to the College & comply with every other Condition or Reservation which your Excellency & Hon ors may seem meet to direct — and your Memorialists as in duty bound shall ever pray — John House For himself & his associates Portsmouth zS"" april 1772. DUBLIN. [Originally called Monadnock, Np. 3, was granted November 3, 1749. Ed.] Petitio7i to be incorporated into a Township . Province of "( New Hampshire J To his Excellency John Wentworth Esqr. Captain General Governor and Commander in chief in and over his Majes ty's Province of New Hampshire aforesaid & Vice admiral of the same. In Council. The Petition of Josiah Willard J' agent for and in behalf of the Inhabitants and Settlers of a Tract of Land in said Prov ince commonly called & known by the name of Dublin (or Monadnock No. 3) Humbly Sheweth That your petitioner is Impowered and authorized to inform your Excellency that the Said Dublin is rated among the Towns and Parishes in this Province for the prov'" Tax and that the said place is not legally qualified to raise and collect the said Taxes whereby they may be construed delinquents if the same should be omitted ; He also begs leave to suggest to your Ex cellency that the said Dublin is presumed to be sufficiently in habited and convenient for Incorporation He therefore hum.bly Prays in behalf of his Constituents as afores''. That they may be erected and Incorporated into a Township and that they TOWN PAPERS — DUNBARTON. 189 may be invested with the priviledges and powers usually en joyed by Towns in this Province. The power given your pet' with the several signers, being herewith presented, and your petitioner in his said Capacity will ever pray &c. Josiah Willard Jr. Portsm" 25*'' March 1771. DUNBARTON. [This town was formerly called Starks-Town, and was incorporated 10 August, 1765. Ed.] Petition of Capt. Caleb Page of Starkstown. Prov of 'I N. Hamp. / To his Excellency B. W. Esq. Govern' & Command' in Chieffe in and over s* Province & to his Maj*>' Council & General Assembly. Humbly sheweth Caleb Page in behalf of himself & other the Inhabitants of a Place called Starks Town in this Prov ince that by order of the General assembly he was Directed by a particular Warrant from the Treasurer of the Prov''" to assess a Certain Sum from the Petitioners as Inhabitants of Starks Town afores'' and also the Petitioner received at the same Time one other Precept Directed to the Select Men of Starks Town for the assessing & Collecting the Pr" Tax for the Curr' year. The Warr'^ Directed to your Petitioner for arrears of the Pr" Tax for former years in these affairs your Petitioner begs Leave to Inform your Excellency & Hon'^ that the Inhabitants are by no means able to Pay such sums & that if their ability was equal to the Demand they are in no Capacity to assess the In habitants as they are not incorporated nor Entitled in any way to Town Priviledges therefore Prays to be admitted to explain before your Excellency & Hon'* the Precise Circumstances & Condition of the s'' Inhabitants & your Petitioner as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray. Caleb Page. Province of "(In the house of Representatives Dec' 7"^ 1763 New Hampshire /This Petition being read Voted That Colo Sam' Barr & Col» John Goffe Esqr^ be & they are hereby appointed to take an acco' of all the Polls and Rateable Estate In said Town & make Report to the Gen' Assembly as soon as may be under oath A. Clarkson Clerk. igo NEW HAMPSHIRE Province of \ In Council December 7* 1763 New Hamps. J Read & Concurr'd T. Atkinson Jun. Secy. New^Ham"! }^" '^^ ^°^^^ °^ Representatives May 4'" 1764 The Committee appointed to take an Inventory of Starks town made their Report yesterday which Report is on file and Voted That the petition be Dismissed A. Clarkson Clerk In Council May 5"^ 1764 read & Concurr'd T. Atkinson Jun. Secy Petition in relation to a school lot. Province of \ New Hamp. / To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq. Captain general governor & commander in chief in & over his Majestys prov ince of New Hampshire and the honourable his majestys coun cill & house of Representatives for said Province. The peti tion of James Stinson of Dunbarton in said province most humbly Sheweth that the Inhabitants of said Dunbarton at a legal meeting for that purpose on the 25"' day of October 1 773 voted that this petitioner should have the school lot in said town which is the lot number twelve in the fourth range in ex change for fifty acres of the easterly end of the lot number eleven in the third range and the half off the easterly end of the lot number twelve in the same range. Wherefore as it is thought said exchange would accommodate the School in said town as well as the petitioner — The petitioner therefore prays your Excellency & Honours by a resolve or act of As sembly for that purpose "would confirm said town vote and your petitioner as in Duty bound shall pray &c Sam. Livermore, for the petitioner. January ii"* 1774. In Council Jany 18, 1774 Read and ordered to be sent down to the HontJ'^ Assembly Geo King D. Secy. New"^ Hampshire } ^" '''^ "°"'^ °^ Represent. Jany 18 1774 Voted that the Prayer of this Petition be granted & that the Petition ers have leave to bring in a Resolve accordingly William Parker Cler assembly In Council eodem die Read and concur'd Geo King D. Secy. At a Leaugel Meeting of the Inhabitants of the town o fDunbarton assembled October y 2s'ii 1773 And Voted that James Stinson Should TOWN PAPERS — DUNBARTON. I9I have the School Lote in said town which is the Lote N" twelve in the fourth Range in Exchange for fifty acres oif the Easterly end of the Lote N" Eleven third Range and the half oif said Easterly End of N" twelve in said Range A true Coppy Attest W" Stark P. C. Resolve to exchange the School Lot in Dunbarton. New^Ham°s 1^" *^^ House of Representatives Jany 20* 1774 Upon reading the Petition of James Stinson of Dunbarton in this Province praying that the said Town of Dunbarton might be Impow ered to carry into Execution a certain vote of said Town viz : that he the said James Stinson should have the School Lot which is the Lot Number Twelve in the fourth Range of Lots in said Town in Exchange for Fifty Acres off the Easterly end of the Lot Number Eleven in the third Range and the half off the Easterly end of the Lot Number Twelve in said third Range. All which having been heard and con sidered and it appearing that said Exchange will be for the Advantage of both Parties — Therefore it is Resolved & Voted That upon the said James Stinsons making and executing to the Selectmen for the use of the Town of Dunbarton aforesaid a good and valid Deed of the afore said Fifty acres off the East end of the Lot Number Eleven in the third Range and the half of the Lot Num'" Twelve in said third Range for the uses and purpose of supporting a school in said Dunbarton forever. That then the said Town of Dunbarton be and hereby are Impowered to appoint some Person or Persons to make and Execute to him the said James Stinson his heirs and assigns forever a Good & Valid Deed of the aforesaid Lot Number Twelve in the Fourth Range which deed shall be esteemed good & authentic to all Intents and purposes J. Wentworth, Speaker. In Council Jany 25, 1774 Read and concurd Geo King D. Secy Consented J. Wentworth Petition of Caleb Page relating to school Lot. Province oft New Hamp / To His Excellency John Wentworth Esqr. Governor in chief in & over said Province The Honourable Council and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened. May ii"" 1774 The Humble Petition of Caleb Page of Dunbarton in the County of Hillsborough Gentleman in behalf of himself and a number of the Inhabitants & Freeholders of said Dunbarton Sheweth That when the Lands in said Town were allotted. Lot number nine in the third Range was laid out for the use of the School forever. Afterwards on the Tenth Day of June 1 761 the Proprietors of said Dunbarton voted to exchange the 192 NEW HAMPSHIRE Schoot Lot with William Stark of said Dunbarton if he would purchase Lot number twelve in the fourth Range for the use of the School. Which Lot number twelve the said Stark after wards purchased for his own use, but hath never conveyed the same for the use of the school according to the Condition of said Vote. Afterwards at a suppos'd Meeting of the Inhab itants of Dunbarton afores'' (which meeting was called within Six Days after the Warrant therefor issued and the same War rant put up in a very private Place) it was voted by a few of the Inhabitants that James Stinson of said Dunbarton should have the Lot Number Twelve called the School Lot in Ex change for fifty acres off the Easterly End of Lot Number Eleven In the third Range and the half of said Easterly End of Lot Number Twelve in the same Range In Consequence of which Vote obtained in an unfair and private manner The said Stinson petitioned your Excellency and Honors setting forth the purport of the same vote and that an Exchange of said Lots would be a mutual Benefit. Wherefore your Excel lency and Honors Resolved that upon the said Stinson's making and Executing to the Selectmen for the use of the Town of Dunbarton afores'' a Deed of the afores'' fifty acres of the east erly End of the Lot Number Eleven in the third Range and half of Lot Number Twelve in the same Range for the use and support of a school in said Dunbarton forever, that then the Town afores ' should be empowered tb appoint some person or Persons to make to said Stinson his Heirs and Assigns forever a good and valid Deed of the said Lot Number Twelve in the fourth Range Since which said Resolve the Inhabitants of said Town have at two legal Meetings voted not to exchange said Lot N" 12 as they apprehend they have no legal Tide to the same but that the Lot number nine in the third Range re main the School Lot in said Town as it was laid originally for that purpose and that if they were Owners of the Lot Number twelve in the third Range called tlie School Lot would not ex change the same because it is much better situated and of double the Value of the Land proposed to be given by said Stinson in exchange. But as every Method is and hath been taken to per suade and terrify the People of said Dunbarton to vote in ex change of said Lot agreeable to said Resolve whereby the Peace of the Town hath been much disturbed and if the In habitants should make a Deed thereof to said Stinson they must necessarily expose themselves to a suit. Wherefore your Petitioner humbly prays that the same Resolve may be made null and void that an order may be passed hereon to stop any further Proceedings upon the same Resolve untill your Excel lency's and Honors final order herein and your Petitioner as in Duty bound will ever pray &c. Caleb Page. TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. I93 Province of") In Council May I2t'' 1774 New Hamp j This Petition was read & ordered to be sent down to the HonW' Assembly Geo King D. Secy Province of") In the House of Representatives May 12"' 1774 New Hamp / The foregoing Petition being Read. Voted That the Petitioner be heard on this Petition on the Second Day of the Siting of the General Assembly next after the tenth day of June next and that the Petitioner Serve the Selectmen of Dunbarton and James Stinson named in this Petition with a Copy of this Petition and Order that they may have Opportunity to Shew Cause why the Prayer of the Petition Should not be Granted, and further Voted That all Pro ceedings on the Resolve mentioned in this Petition be stayed in the mean time. M. Weare CI' In Council May is"" 1774. Read & concur'd Geo King D Secy. DUNSTABLE. [This town was granted and settled under the authority of Massachu setts and remained under that Government until the divisional line be tween New Hampshire and Massachusetts was established in 1741. The original grant embraced a large tract of territory,- including Dunstable in Massachusetts, parts of the towns of Tyngsborough, Ms., Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield and Merrimack in New Hampshire. The name of the town was changed to Nashua by an act of the Legislature, which passed 8 December, 1836. The date of its incorporation by New Hamp shire is I April, 1746. Ed.] Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of Pine Hill, Dunstable. Province of '1 New Hamp / We the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Westerly part of Dun stable called Pine Hill, Have Bought the Several Places or Farms that we now Possess, Since the Said Inhabitance Peti tioned His Exc^ &c to be annexed to Holies and the Several Persons we Bought of Sign'd said Petition, which Petition we humbly pray may be granted (as we expected it would be) when we purchased our Farms Joseph Taylor Dunstable Nov. y= 22" 1763 James Hill James Taylor Abrh"" Keyzer 13 194 NEW HAMPSHIRE Extract from the Votes of a town meeting in Dunstable. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable in the Province of New Hamp"" Regularly Assembled on monday y* 5* of December 1763 An extract from the Vote of said meeting. Whereas John Willoughby Benja Parker, Elnathan Blood amos Philips Jonathan Hubbard Ger shom Hubbard & Daniel more Complain that they have no Benefit of the money they pay for Preaching in this Town by Reason of the Dis tance they live from the meeting House Therefore Voted that they be released from Paying any money that shall be raised for Preaching in this Town for Three years from this day for their polls & Estates if they continue to own their Real Estate where they now live Except the Town should move the meeting house to the Center of travel & Provided they attend M^ Emersons ministry at Holies during said Term Copy from Dunstable Record, Jonathan Lund Town Clerk Exam* &c Dunstable Dec. 6 1763. Petition of inhabitants of West Parish of Dunstable for a garrison and men. Province of "I New Hamps. j Dunstable June 18* 1744. Wee the Subscribers Inhabitants of the West Parash in the District of Dunstable do hereby authorize & desire M' James Stewart in our Names and Behalf to make proper application to the Governmant of New Hampshire Setting forth our being Situated on the Frontier and Exposed to the Enemy and the Necessity we are in of a Guard & pray for a Sutable & Seasonable Relef thare Viz : at meeting of the Inhab itance of the west in Dunstable Regularly assembled and Voted & chose Samuel Cumings moderator. Voted & chose James Stewart to Repre sent the parish at New Hampshire Voted to Request six garrisons and five and twenty soldiers. Capt. Peter Powrs Josiah Hobard Lieut Benj" Farley Will" Hartwell Ens. Jerathmell Comings Thomas Peck Samuel Comings Will"" Colburn Joshua Wight Thomas Neuens James ? Daniel Wooster Peter ? John Boyntn Jun"" Stephen Haris Henery Bonton Stephen Hasaltine Will" Blanchard David Nevens Zerubable Kemp Samuel Farley Will" Adams James Stewart John Phelps Jonathan Danford Elathen Blood Josiah Brown Josiah Blood John Brown Joseph Chesley Nathaniel Blood Stephen Amsl Samuel Parker Moses Procter Benj* Blanchard Joseph McDaniels Benj" Blanchard Jun. James McDaniels Nichlas French ? McDaniels Jonathan Lougey Jonathan Melnan Benj» Parker Enoch Hunt Amos Philips Daniel Emerson TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. I95 Petition for protection against Indians. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Capt. General and Govenor in chief in & over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England — The Honourable the Council & House of Representatives in General Court con vened.The Memorial and Petition of James Stuart in the Name and behalf of the Inhabitants of the West Parish and District of Dunstable in the said Province Humbly Sheweth the said Parish has been Settled by his Majesties Subjects about four teen years and a Gospell Minister ordained above a year that the Settlers had an Eye at enlarging his Majesties Dominions by going into the Wilderness as "well as at their own Interest that many Thousand of pounds has been spent in clearing and cultivating the Land there and some thousands more in build ing houses Barns & fences the breaking up of which Settle ment will not only ruin the Memorialists but greatly di serve his majesties Interest by encouraging his Enemies to encroach on his diserted Settlements and be also hurtfull to the Province by contracting its borders and drawing the war nearer the Capital That it was by a long and Importunate Intercession of this Province (and not of the Memorialists seeking) that they are cast under the immediate care of this Government which they conceive gives them so much the better right to its protection that as war is already declared against France and a Rupture with the Indians hourly expected your Memorialist unless they have spedy help will be soon oblidged to forsake their Settle ments how Discervicable soever It May be to the Crown Dis honourable to the Government hurtfull to the Province and ruin ous to themselves Wherefore your Memorialists Most humbly supplicate your Exelency the Honourable Council & House of Representatives to take the Premises into your wise & mature consideration and to grant them such Seasonable Relief as May Enable them to Subsist in the War & secure against the Ravage & Devasta tions of a blood thirsty & Merciless Enemy and your Memo rialists as in duty bound will ever pray. James Stewart. Dated att Portsmouth June y" 32, 1744. 196 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition in relation to a certain tract of land. To his Excellency Bening Wentworth Esqr. Governour & Com ander in Chief in & over his Majestys province of New Hampshire in New England, and to the Hono*''" his Majes tys Council for said Province Humbly Shew the Inhabitants of the Town of Charlestown in the County of Middlesex in the province of the Massachu setts Bay That in the Year Sixteen hundred and Sixty by Ver- tue of an order of the Generall Court of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, There was laid out a Tract of Land on the western Side of Merrimack River for the use of the School of Charlestown aforesaid Containing One Thousand Acres More or Less at a place Call'd by the Indians Souhaganack and within the Bounds of old Dunstable a Coppy of which Laying Out and the Bounds thereof is hereunto annext. That in the Year Sixteen hundred & Seventy one The To"wn of Charles town obtained a Deed for the Same Land from three Indians Then Inhabitants near Merrimack River a Coppy of which Deed is Also hereunto Annext. That by the late Burning of the Boundary line Between the province of the Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire the Said Tract of Land falls within the province of New Hampshire Wherefore the s'' Inhabitants pray your Excellency and Hon ours That when you shall be pleased to Take Under Consider ation the making any Grants of Confirmation the Said Tract of Land may be Confirmed to the Proprietors or at least no ways Infringed Upon by any New Grants that the Proprietors May be held in their Just Rights that the Needless Expence of Law Suits may be prevented and Your petitioner as In Duty Bound Shall ever pray &c John Foye In the be- Aug. 4, 1742. half of the said Inhabitants Indian Deed. To all People to whom these Presents shall come Greeting. Know y= that we Nimrod alias Ohkohhan Son of Robin Indian and Wunnun- togin Son of Pahphomo-hammunt Indian and John, Indian alias Jah- kananunguiss son of wassarmemit, now Inhabitants of Naamcock on Merrimack River near Patucket, for and in consideration of a valuable sum of money to us and to each of us well and truly paid by the Select men of Charlestown in the behalf of their Town, the receipt whereof we do by these presents acknowledge and therewith to be fully Satis fied contented and paid and thereof and of every part and parcel thereof do fully clearly and" absolutely acquit release and discharge the said Se lectmen and Town of Charlestown their heirs and assigns forever by these presents have granted bargained and sold aliened enfeoffe'' and con firmed and by these presents do fully clearly and absolutely grant bar gain and sell alien enfeoffe and confirm unto the said Selectmen and Town of Charlestown one parcel of Land containing by estimation one TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 197 thousand acres, be it more or less, situate lying and being within the bounds and limits of Soughgenuck land lying near the upper end of the Second great Interval and on the South side the said River beginning at a great hill called Dram-cup-hill and so extending down the river about two miles and so to ly in every respect and particular according to the record of said thousand acres (abiding yet on file in the County records) granted by the honWe General Court of the Massachusetts to the School of Charlestown. To have and to hold the above granted and bargained premises and every part and parcel thereof with all the priv ileges and appurtenances to the same appertaining" or in any wise be longing both upland Meadow Interval-land Swamps Rivers, Brooks broke up land fishing places with all the benefits profits and Commodities of the same to the said Town and school of Charlestown and Selectmen thereof and to their heirs and assigns forever and to their and their only proper use and behoof and we the said Nimrod alias Tash-kobham Wun- nuntogin and John alias Pakana-nunguiss for us and each of us our heirs administrators and assigns forever do covenant promise and grant to and with the said Town and Selectmen of Charlestown for the time b^ing and so from time to time that we the said [Indians] (i) now are and of ancient times have been by our forefathers and near Relations the proper and true owners of the aforesaid Land, according to the best title that any Indians can claim, and that we have (And hereafter shall be ready the likes to do in case of need) made out our just right and title therein and thereto and that wee have good right full power and lawful authority to grant bargain and sell all Indian right Title and In terest therein or thereto unto the Said Selectmeii and Town of Charles town and that they the said Selectmen and Town of Charlestown shall and may at all times and from time to time forever hereafter quietly and peaceably have hold occupy possess and enjoy the above granted and bargained premises with all the profits and Commodities privileges and appurtenances to the same appertaining or in any wise belonging as aforesaid without the lawful Lett hindrance trouble molestation or de nial of us the said [Indians] or either of us our heirs Executors Ad ministrators or assigns of us or either of us or of any of them or of any other person or persons whatsoever lawfully claiming and having any Indian Right Title or Interest therein or thereto by from or under us or either of us or by any other ways or means whatsoever. In witness whereof we the said [Indians] have hereunto set our hands and seals this fourteen day of July in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred and seventy one. Nimrod alias Tash ^ kohan, his mark and (1) Names as before, Ed. a seal Pakanun X guiss his Mark and a seal Wunnuntogin X his Mark and a seal. Read, signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us Joseph Whiting, Eleazar, Monoquasson Jacob alias Patatuck x his mark Jonathan Danforth. July 15, 1671. Wunnuntogin and Pakana-nenguiss Indians late ot Natakuck now of Wamesit freely acknowledged this writing to be their act and Deed. Daniel Gookin Assistant. July 15, 1671 Nimrod Alias Tashkohhan acknowledged this Instru ment to be his act and Deed before me. EdWi Tyng Assiss' Charlestown Octo"' 8"> 1695. Entred by Sam' Phipps Record' Copy from the Registry of Deeds for middlesex Book 10, page 425-6 Examd. by Fras. Foxcraft Reg' At a Second Sessions of the General Court held at Boston y le"- of October 1660 198 NEW HAMPSHIRE By Virtue of an Order of the Generall Court laid out for the use of the School of Charlestown, One Thousand Acres of Land more or Less in the Wilderness on the Western Side of Merremacke River at a place comonly called by the Indians Souhaganucke beginning at the foot of a great hill and so extending Eastward about Two Miles down the said River Si bounded with the River North and by Land laid out for Mrs. Anna Cole on the East. The Wilderness elsewhere Sur rounding according to marked Trees all which are Suflaciently bounded with C. and is more fully Demonstrated by a Plat taken of the same by Jonathan Danforth Surveyor The Court doth allow and approve of this Return A true Copy as of Record Attest J. Willard Secy Petition in relation to conflicting town meetings. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Capt. General Governor & Commander in Chief in & over His majesty's Province of New Hampshire the Hon"'" His majestys Coun cil & House of Representatives for said Province in General Assembly convened the lo"* Day of May 174S The Humble Petition of Joseph Blanchard of Dunstable in said Province in behalf of himself & other Freeholders & In habitants of the said Town Shews That on the 1 2"^ Day of March last past the Selectmen of Dunstable afores'^ Issued a Warrant Directed to the Constable of said Town Requiring him to Warn all the Inhabitants of said Town who were Qualified to Vote in the choice of Town officers to meet the 30"" Day of the same month to chuse Town officers for the Current Year. &c. That the Inhabitants of the said Town accordingly met & after some Debate Concerning the Qualifications of Voters in such affairs they proceeded to the Business of the meeting & fifty three then assembled who were Qualified according to the Laws by which they had here tofore been Govern'd who Divided into two parties thirty six in one & Seventeen in the other & each chose a moderator Select men & all other Town officers who are all sworn to the faithful Discharge of their Respective Offices whereby there are \.\yo or a Double set of officers for every office in the said Town the Evident Consequence of which is the utmost con fusion — That there is an absolute necessity for Officers in the said Town .Legally chosen & Qualified whose Authority there may be no Just Grounds to Dispute as well with Regard to the Province taxes as to those matters & things which more Immediately Concern the Town the Decision of which in the Common Course of the Law would be both tedious & Expen sive and not answer the Exigencies of the Town. That these Inconveniences to the said Town are in a great measure owing TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 199 to their particular Circumstances being but Lately Incorpor ated can have no Custom to Govern their proceedings in such cases And to the Defect of the Province Laws Relating here unto. For your Petitioner cannot find there is any Law of this Province that Determines the Qiialifications of Voters in such Town meetings for the Choice of Town Officers the only Law that Relates to that matter Says That the Free holders & other Inhabitants of Each Town Ratable at twenty Pounds Estate to one Single Rate besides the Poll &c. Shall Vote But there being no Law that Distinguishes what Estate is Rata ble and what is not (which yet the very Term Ratable Estate supposes) the Directions of this Law in this case are Intirely useless That it would greatly Contribute to the Peace and Dispatch of such meetings if the Law was Express & Clear who should Govern them till a moderator is fairly chosen for in matters of Importance & when the People are Divided every man having an Equal Right to Govern they dispute as hotly about that as any matter they have to do In which point the La"w is Intirely Silent and with Respect to Towns newly Erected no customs can have Existence (as was before hinted) But such as can have no operation that Such Places Especially must Labour under Insuperable Difficulties unless aided by the General assembly or the Standing General laws of the Province in this Particular amended Wherefore your Petitioner most Humbly Prays that the Premises may be consider'd with all Convenient Dispatch — That the Choice made by the majority of the Votes afores'^ may be confirmed and declared valid or that the whole pro ceedings may be nullified and a new meeting called under the Direction of the General assembly — and some Law Enacted that may Prevent the like Inconveniences for the future. And your Petitioner as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray &c Joseph Blanchard. In Council May 17, 1748 read & ordered to be sent down to y« Honble House Theodore Atkinson Secy ^H°am°^shirr}^° *^^ House of Representatives 17"' May 1748 Voted that y» Petitioner be heard on this Petition y'' next Thursday come seven night & that he (at his own cost) serve both sets of Select men & both Town Clerks that were chosen on s* thirtyeth of March with a copy of this Petition & this order of Court between this Day & y next Fryday night that they may shew cause if any they have why y Prayer of y« Petition should not be granted ¦^ ¦> ^ " D. Pierce Clk 200 NEW HAMPSHIRE In Council Eodem Die read & Concurred Theo Atkinson Secy Eodem Die Assented to B. Wentworth. May 26"' 174S Voted That y= whole Proceedings of y" Town of Dunstable at their meeting on y» thirtyeth of March last be nullified & made void and it is hereby order'd that a meeting be held by the Freeholders & Inhabi tants of s'' Town of Dunstable qualified to vote as is herein after men tioned on the third Wednesday of June next at ten o'clock in y« fore noon at y« meeting House in s'' Dunstable to choose a Town Clerk Selectmen & all other Town officers as Law Directs which meeting shall be warned by posting up a Copy of this order of Court attested by y" Secretary at two publick Houses in s"* Town ten Days at least be fore y' Time appointed for holding s'' meeting. and Capt Thomas Cole- burn of Nottingham West is hereby appointed to be the moderator of s'' meeting & to be paid for his Trouble therein by said Town of Dun stable and it is resolved that all Freeholders being Inhabitants & all other inhabitants ratable at twenty Pounds Estate according to y' last year's Invoice of s"' Dunstable have a Right to Vote at s* meeting & that y° Petitioners have Liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly D. Pierce CI' In Council May 27''' 1748 read Si concurr'd Theod. Atkinson Secy Eodem Die Assented to B. Wentworth In Council May 27"" 1748 read & non concurrd and Voted that the Several Votes Past at the meeting within mentioned of which Magr. Zacheus Lo-vwell was mod erator be & hereby are ratifyed & Confirmed & that the respective officers ellected at the said meeting be Deemed the Lawfull officers of the town for the year Insueing & that the other meeting mentioned above, held in s'' Town at the same time of which Mr. Jonathan Lov- well was chosen clerk and all the votes actions & Transactions thereof be & hereby are made Void & of none Effect and Tis hereby further order'd & Directed that all Parties in the s'' Town conform themselves accordingly The" Atkinson SecJ" Sent down for Concurrence New Hamp } ^^ '^^ House of Representatives 27* May 1748 Voted That the foregoing Vote of the Hon. Council be nonconcur'd & that y« House adhere to their former Vote D. Pierce CI' TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 201 Petition for dividing the Province into Cou7ities. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Govr. &c. the Hon"'" his Majestys Councill & House of Representatives in Gen' Assembly Conveined. Portsmouth y" 9"" day of Apr. 1754- Wee the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Province of New Hamp' on the West side of Merrymack River Would most Humbly Remonstrate That the Extent of the Settlements of this Province is upward of One Hundred Miles Westward from Portsmouth the Place where all the Courts in the Prov ince are held. That the Great Difficulties of Travill & Expence to and from the Court on all County Emergencys Lays the Western Inhabit"'^ under Insuperable Difficultys as well as Occasions Great delay to the Partys & Jurors whose Business Calls them to the Courts of Judicatory to the Great Impoverishing of the Government. That wee Humbly apprehend that these Griev ances might be in Some Good measure Redressed by Dividing the Government Into two Countys and will be a means of a Great Increase of Inhabitants & Improvements in the western parts of this Province Wherefore your Petitioners most Humbly Pray That your Excellency & Hon'^ would take the Premises into Considera tion & Grant Relief by Dividing the Province into two Countys by such a Dividing Line & with Such Powers and authoritys as in your Great Wisdom you shall Judge Convenient and your Pet'" as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray. Joseph Blanchard Oliver Woods Zach' Lovewell Jonathan Lund Thomas Harwood John Huston Jonathan French Medad Combs William Cox Charls Butterfield George Lyons Isaac Powers Nath" Perkins Jonathan Powers Jun Edward Cox John Snow Samson French .' Eleazer Farwell John Roberson John Saris James Sawyer Zach' Lovewell jun. John Honey Benjamin French William Harris Joseph French Tho» Kellecut Joseph Eayrs Jonathan Powers Samuell French Samuell Perham Charles Cox Giddon Honey Winkall Wright Jonathan Combs James Jewit James Taylor David Clemons William Lancey William Lund John Butterfield Henry Parker John Alld Samuel Kenney Thomas Butterfeld Thomas Lund John Butterfeld Jun. 202 NEW HAMPSHIRE John Alld Jun Joseph Still Thomas Lancey Daniel Merrill James Combs Henry Kinne Nehemiah Lovewell Jeremiah Colburn Ephraim Lund Samuel Huston John Pirkin.? Daniel Searles Ephraim Butterfeld John Combs Thomas Mane Joseph Winn Jun. Ephraim Butterfeld Jr. Phineas Lund Stephen Butterfeld Peter Honey Jeems Herwood Jo' Hale John Herwood Salvanus Whitney Jeams Herwood Jun. Thomas Heall William Blanchard Thomas Blanchard John Phelps Banjaman Davis Amos Phillips Tho' Davis Jonathan Phelps John Aven Benj" Parker Jonathan Cram Elnathan Blood Thomas Pollard Daniel Moor Ephraim Adams David Hobart James Searles Gershom Hobart Warning for a Town meeting. Province of \ New Hamp / Whereas the General Court by Law have Impowered Eleaz' Tyng, Zacheus Lovewell and Joseph French Esqr. to call a meeting of the Pro prietors of the Common and undivided [Land] in Old Dunstable for Choosing a Clerk and for agreeing on Som meathod for calling meeting of said Proprietors for the future in s'* Law it is Provided that no Per son shall appear or Vote as an attorney for more than one original Share. These are Therefore to Notifie and Warn the proprietors afore said that they meet at the House of M' Benjamin French Molder in Dunstable in the Province afore"' on the Thirtyeth Day of April Next at nine of the Clock in the morning Then and there I To Choose a Clerk to said proprietors 2 to agree on som method for Calling meeting of Said proprietors for the future. Eleaz' Tyng Dunstable March i8, 1760. Zacheus Lovewell Joseph French New hampshire Dunstable april so"" 1760 the above haveing ben Posted and Published according to Law, The proprietors mett at time and place agreeable to the above Notice and made choice of M' John Tyng for their Moderator by a majority of the Interest Present Eleazer Tyng Zacheus Lovewell Joseph French Att a meeting of the Proprietors of the Common and undivided Land in old Dunstable held at the house of M' Benjamin French Inholder in Dunstable in New Hamps April 30, 1760 The proprietors haveing been called upon to give in their votes for a Clerk and Their Votes Colected Sorted and Counted it appeared that TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 203 Joseph French Esq' was Chosen by a Majority of the Interest Present who was sworn to the faithfuU Discharge of his Office by M' Justice Lovewell Then the following method for calling meeting for the future was agreed on and Voted that upon application of five of the said Proprie tors to the Clerk of s'' proprietors in writing under their hands desire- ing a meeting of s"! Proprietors he is directed and Impowered to call a meeting of the s"" Proprietors by Posting up a Notification at some Pub lick place in Dunstable in Newhamp' and in Dunstable in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay and Notifying the same in the Boston Gazatt fifteen Days before the said meeting Expressing in the s"! Notification all such matters and things as are desired to be Transacted at s'' meet ing the s* meeting or meetings to be appointed and held in Dunstable in New Hampshire as the Clerk shall appoint and in Case of the Death of the Clerk or his Refusell to Call a meeting or meetings as aforesaid then and in such case Co" Tyng and Leutenant Robert Fletcher or either of them upon such application are Directed and Impowered to call such meeting or meetings as aforesaid. Attest John Tyng moderator A true Copy atest pr. Joseph French Proprietors clerk Att a meeting of the Proprietors of old Dunstable at the House of Mr. Benjamin French inholder in Dunstable in the Prqyince of New Hampshire on Thursday y' 24 day of July 1760 Voted and Chose M' Jo seph Blaney moderator Then voted that this meeting be adjourned to the Wednesday the 15 day of October next ensuing to the House of Tho' Harwood Inholder in Dunstable to meet again at two of the Clock in the afternoon in order to act on the articles in the notification for this meeting. October y' 15 1760 the Proprietors of old Dunstable being meett ac cording to the above adjournment at the house of M' Thomas Harwood Inholder in Dunstable in the Province of New Hampshire and the mod erator did not attend the meeting and the said Proprietors waited untill the evening of said day and then the Question was put to the said Pro prietors whether they would proceed to go on with the Business of said meeting and it was answered in the negative by the majority of the s'* Proprietors present and then the said proprietors Dispersed A True Entry of all the Votes and Proceedings of s"* meeting pr. Joseph French Prop' Clerk A True Copy attest pr. Joseph French Prop' Clerk At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable Regularly Assembled y" 3'' day of Feb^ 1763. Extracts from the votes of said meeting. A Vote Proposed as foUoweth That Jonathan Lovewell Esq' Capt. Nehemiah Lovewell & Lieu' Robert Fletcher be a Com'" to make Answer to the Petition of John Willoughby & others who Pray that they may be set off to Holies and that they or either of them attend the General Court and opose said Pe tition as it is unreasonable and there shew reason why it should not be Granted : Passed in the Affirmative A True Copy pr Jonathan Lund Town Clerk Feby y 3'' 1763 Sam^ Hobart as attorney for the town of Dunstable. We the Subscribers of Dunstable in the Province of New Hampshire 304 NEW HAMPSHIRE Constitute and appoint Sam' Hobart of holies in the Province afore said Gent"" our Lawfull attorney in the matter of Gifting a Part of Said Dunstable annexed or Joined to holies aforesaid to Carry on a Petition of us the Subscribers in the General Cort wherein we Signify our De sire of having a part of Dunstable annexed to holies aforesaid to do all we ourselves might or could Lawfully do in or about the premises if Present by virtue hereof as Witness our hands and seals this fourth Day of march A. D. 1763 David Hobart Signed Sealed & Deliver'd Daniel Mesam in Presents of James Hobart John Willoughby Jr. Elnathan Blood W" Cumings Amos Phillips Gershom Hobart Benj" Parker Jonathan Hobart Oliver Lawrence Answer to the Petition of sundry inhabitants of the town of Dunstable. Province of "I New Hamp J To his Excellency the Governor & the Hon'" his majesty's Council and assembly of said Province. Whereas sundry Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable have Petitioned your Excellency & Hon'^ Complaining that they are unjustly used by Dunstable and Praying that they may be Fread from Supporting the Gospel where they can have no benifit thereby and be added to Holies Therefore we the Sub scribers by order of the Town of Dunstable Beg leave to an swer said Petition and shew that the Comp" is groundless & the Prayer unreasonable as to Dunstable meeting house which they complain of its being at so Great a distance from them if it is unjustly fixed it is owing to them Selves for many of them voted to have it there and non of them Voted against it for after the Timber was drawed to the place a Vote could not be obtained to Raise it where it is before the Petitioners agreed to it and they can have the meeting house moved where it will be Just and equal to have it where they please for when ever they have endeavoured to have it moved there has been enough of the Town to Join them in it so as to obtain a vote for it as appears by the votes herewith and when such votes have been passed they have failed pursuing it for fear it should be done and so they prevented from being set off to Hollis as they have in time past so it seems they are now stired up by some of Hollis people to bring this Petition in order to uphold the un just proceeding of Hollis in setting their meeting house where it now is for in the year 1756 Hollis joined these Petitioners in TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 205 a Petition of like kind with this and had a day appoynted to be heard on the same and by order of the Gen' court the se lect™ of Dunstable were notified of it and when Hollis & the Petitioners Inhabitants of Dunstable found that Dunstable was determined to answer that Petition and shew the unjust design of it the Petitioners were either afraid or ashamed to appear in defence of their own Petition. And now Hollis are En deavouring to have the South part of Monson anexed to them and should that be don and also the westerly half of Dunsta ble anexed to them then their meeting house where it now is will be aboute Right so that could it now be obtained to breake up and ruin two Towns it may hereafter be sumthing of a cover to hide the Iniquity of Hollis and help the private Interest of some mercenary persons but can't possably promote the Publick Good nor help the Interest of these Towns. In order to Incorporate these Towns so as to promote the Pub lick Good & the peace and hapiness of the Inhabitants (which by Runing the Province line fell in to this Province) and to prevent the Truble of after Divisions the Governor and Coun cil took a very v\rise and Parental ceare by sending a Com'"" of Disinterested Gent" to veiw and examin in to the Situation of the Inhabitants that so they might know what lines would best answer that Good end and after said com'"" had taken such view and heard all parties and made their Report to the Gov' & Council these Towns were incorporated as the lines now stand and in our Charter the Governor & Council have Reseived to themselves their heirs and successors the Power of Dividing said Town when it shall appear necessary and convenient for the benefit of the Inhabitants which at present is not nor cant be and the Petitioners having Prayed the Gov ernor and Council to divide them from Dunstable and finding that the Gov' & Council are Imovably set to defend the Pub lick Good and the Inhabitants of Dunstable in the Injoyment of those Priviledges Granted to them by their Charter so that from them they can tobtain their unreasonable Request They now Pray the Hon'" assembly to give them sum aide as the Gov' and council unresonably denighed or neglected to re- leave them in their dificulty as they pretend but we don't doubt they will meet with same Repulse from the Hon'" as sembly as they have from the Gov. & Council in such an un reasonable and unjust request for should Hollis move their meeting house where it ought to be and the Petitioners act Peacably with their own Town they will then be much nearer to their own meeting in Dunstable than they can be to Hollis meeting as appears by the Plan of each Town and by what they say themselves in their own Petition aboute the distance they are now from Hollis meeting and as to what they urge of 206 NEW HAMPSHIRE their once belonging to Hollis and helping to settle a minister there is not true if it is they did not live on the places they do now for many if not all the Petitioners have settled in Dun stable since Mr. Emerson settled in Hollis and for them to urge such false please can never answer the end they Expect so as to excite the pity of this Great and Hon'" Court who can't but abhor the designs of those who try to destroy the peace and ability of Towns to advance sum private Intrestand when the reason they offer is not true and in behalf of the Town of Dunstable we pray y' E.xcellency and Honours would dismis said Petition which is so Groundless & unreasonable and we as in duty bound shall ever pray Jon" Lovewell ) p Nehemiah Lovewell >- °''" Robert Fletcher ) Dunstable Feb'' y" 4"' 1 763 Petitio7t of Zacheus Lovewell a7id Joseph Blanchard. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Gov' and Com mander in Chief in & over his majesty's Province of New Hampshire The Hon"'" his majesty's Council & House of Representatives for said Province in General assembly Con vened May the 4'" 1768 The Humble Petition of Zacheus Lovewell & Joseph Blan chard Esqr"* as two of the Proprietors of Dunstable and inbehalf of said Proprietors Shews That the Proprietors of the Common '& undivided Land laying in Old Dunstable so calld live & their Lands now lye in the Province of the Mass Bay as v/ell as in this Province and by the method they had Established, their meetings were to be called by their Clerk who was the Late Joseph Blan chard Esq' Deceasd, whereby that method is Impracticable & your Petition'" are advised that the standing Laws of the Province do not Direct to any method of Calling: meetings in buch Cases. That as to those Proprietors who live & the lands which lay in the Massachusetts there is no Difficulty, because there is a Law Providing in such Cases but as they are but a Part and as to the Lands the Lesser Part a meeting by virtue of the Law tliere would not answer the General advantage, nor au thorize a meeting of the whole which is the View they have & which the Situation of their affairs Demand, there being a Present necessity of Transacting Some Business at such a meeting. Wherefore they Pray that the Said Proprietors may be Convend in this Province by the Same method they maybe there, that all may be called together in the Same way & at the Same time in both Provinces & when they are met they TOWN PAPERS DUNSTABLE. 207 may unite in One Body & Settle the future method of Calling their meetings, and that your Petition'^ may have leave to bring in a Bill accordingly and (if should be formed a General act it may Prevent the like application hereafter but which they Humbly Submit) they shall as in duty Bound ever Pray &c Zacheus Lovewell Joseph Blanchard In Council May 5"" 1758 read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon"" House Theo Atkinson Secy. New Hamps }^" the House of Representatives May 6"" 1758 Voted That the Petitioner have Liberty to bring in a General Bill Andrew Clarkson Clerk In Council Eodem Die read and Concurrd Theodore Atkinson Secy. Consented to B. Wentworth Petitio7t by Joseph Blafichard. Province oft New Hamp / To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Gov &c. of the Province of New Hampshire the Hon'''" his Majestys Coun cil & Assembly of said Province the Petition of Joseph Blanchard Esq in behalf of himself and Sundry others of the Prop'* of the Common & Undivided Lands in the Township of old Dunstable Who Humbly Shews That on the 15"^ day of Octo' last said Prop" had a meeting which was held by adjournment and among other things it was Inserted in the Warning of said Meeting to Choose a Clerk for said Prop'^ But the Moderator that "was Chose at the first Meeting did not attend the Adjournment. Therefore a Ques tion Arose Whether the Prop'* Could Legally Proceed in the Choice of another Moderator and Proceed in the Business of said meeting. But after some Debate Some of the Prop'° did Proceed and Choose a Aloderator and a Clerk Who has since Commenced an action against the Former Clerk for the Rec ords of said Prop'* and your Petitioner is advised that the Dis- put is of such a nature that a Determination in the Common Law will be attended with many Difficultys which will Greatly hurt the Interest of said Prop'*- Wherefore y' Petitioner humbly prays that y' ExcelU & Hon'' will take the Premises 2o8 NEW HAMPSHIRE under Consideration and appoint Some Suitable Person to Call and Govern a Meeting of said Prop'* for the Choice of a Clerk or grant Such other Relief as in your Great Wisdom you shall see meet and y' Petitioner as in Duty Bound shall Ever pray &c Joseph Blanchard. May 2^ 1762. N^°^Ham°^}^" the House of Representatives June 25, 1762 This Petition being read The parties Concerned appeared & after being fully heard thereon Voted That the prayer thereof be Granted & that Col" Meshach Weare Col» Peter Oilman & John Phillips Esq" be & hereby are appointed to Call & Moderate Said Meeting & that the petitioners have Liberty to bring In a Bill accordingly A. Clarkson Clerk In Council Eodem Die read & concurred W^ Brown Esq" letter and Power of Attorney. Sir. Being informed by Col° Brattle that a Proprietors meeting of the com mon & Undivided Lands in Dunstable was tb be held there the 4"' In stant in order to remove M' French from being Proprietors Clerk & to place in his room young Blanchard ; I herein inclose you a power of Attorney to appear & vote for me at said meeting hopeing you will use your utmost endeavor to prevent the records belonging to this Propriety from returning into the hands of a family that the Proprietors in gen eral have I believe but little Cause to thank them for the use they have already made of them. My late Brother Benjamin had 4 original Rights in the Town of Dunstable and I am his surviving administrator Brother Samuel & myself haveing Letters of Administration on his Estate. I heartily wish you & the injured part of the Proprietors a good Issue of this affair & remain Sir Your most Humble Serv' W. Browne Beverly June 2* 1760 Mr. John Tyng At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable at the meeting house in Said Town on the sixth day of October ,1760 Voted and Chose Jonathan Lovewell Esqr. moderator Voted that Zacheus lovewell Esquire hire preaching untill the Last of November Next and that he Draw money out of the Treasury to pay the saim and that Two Hundred pounds old Ten' be raised and assessed on the Inhabitance of this Town for that End Voted that the Meeting house be moved and that Messrs. Joseph Fletcher Joseph Danford and Abraham Kindal be a Comitte to fix a place where will be Just and Equal and that Elathan Blood and John Serls be a Comittee to wait on said Comittee and Git them to attend on said Business and that a Survaor be Provided if need be and all the Cost be paid by the Town And then it was Voted that the meeting Should be adjourned five TOWN PAPERS DUNSTABLE. 2O9 weeks to meet at the Dwelling house of Coll" Zacheus Lovewell Esquir and the meeting was adjourned Acordingly November y" 10 1760 the Inhabitants of said Dunstable meat acording to adjournment the Comittee appointed to fix the meeting house place reported that theay tho' the most Just Place for a meeting house for this Town is about one Hundred rods westardly from Lund Bridge so called by a pine Tree marked J on the Sotherdly side of the road that Leads to Tho' Hails Land from said Bridge Proposed that the Vote Passed y" 6"" of October to sett of John Wil- loby with his Lands to Hollis to be reconsidered Passed in affirmative. Proposed that John Willoby and his Land that viz about 130 acres about his house be set off to Hollis upon Conditions he pay Town and Province Tax with this Town untill be dun by Gen" Court Passed in the affirmative. [Province of \ To Oliver Constable of the Town of Dunstable in New Hamp' J said Province Greeting in his majestys name you are hearby Required forthwith to Notify and warn all the In- (Seal) habitants of said Dunstable that theay Esemble and meet at the meeting house in said Dunstable on Mon day y' Sixth Day of October next att Two of Clook af ternoon T to see if the Town will agree that John Wil loby and others att pine hill be sett off to Hollis with their Lands. 2 to se if the Town will agree to hire preach - ing and do anything Relative thereto as shall then be agreed on. 3 to se if the Town will Build a Bridge over Nashua river against Jon^ Powers Jun's Land and do what shall be agreed on Relating the saim 4 to raise any sums of money for Town Chardges as shall be agreed S to se if the Town will agree to move the meeting house in the Center of Land or where will be Just and equal and do anything to Effect the Saim as shall then be agreed on and se that you make Due return Zacheus Lovewell Dunstable Sep y 17"' 1760 Jonathan Lovewell Joseph French Province of \ New Hamp' f Dunstable October j'' e"" 1760 Pursuant to the within Writen warant I have notefied and warned all within mentioned to meet at the Time and Place within mentioned and for the Business within mentioned Oliver Larnwance Constable A True Copy Examd Jon" Lovewell Town Clerk Voted that Col" Lovewell Coll» French Capt Lund Benj" French and Dan' Serls be a Comittee To Treat with the Inhabitance of Pine Hill about there being sett off to Hollis and that theay make repoart to the Town at the Next adjournment of this meeting then Voted that the meeting be adjourned to the 24th of November Instant to the Dwelling hous of Zacheus Lovewell Esquir to meet at one of the Clook afternoon and the meeting was adjourned accordingly November y H'" 1760 the Inhabitance of Dunstable meet according to adjournment the Com ittee apointed to treat with the Inhabitance of P'"? hill about there be ing sett off to Hollis reported that the said Inhabitance offered fifteen 2IO NEW HAMPSHIRE hundred pound old Ten' to the Town if theay were sett off and a Vote was Proposed to se if the Town would sett off said Inhabitance to hollis and it Passed in the negative. A vote was proposed to se if the town would except the Com'ttees report about the meeting house place. It passed in the negative Voted — the Vote Passed y" 6 of October last to move the meeting house be reconsidered a Vote was Proposed the Inhabitance of Pine Hill should be Excused from paying to the men raised for hireing Preaching Passed in the negative Voted that the Messrs Joseph Fletcher Abraham Kimbel Joseph Dan forth be alowed fifty six pound old Tenor in full of ther account for the Service for fixing the meeting house Place and Zacheus Lovewell Es quire Twenty four pound old Ten' his account Entertaing the Comittee and Benj" French his account for Ditto three pound six Shillings old Tenor and Benj" Parker his account for Ditto Twelve pound old Tenor. Tho' Harwood his account for Ditto Twenty four Shillings old tenor Elathan Blood and John Serls for waitting on the Comittee and git- ting them to attend the Business Twenty six pound Ten Shiling old Tenor and the saim be asesed on the Inhabitance of this Town and paid out of Tresuary to the Several Persons as alowed above and then the meeting was Dismised. A True Entrey of the Votes of said meeting Jonathan Lovewell Town Clerk A Copy true from Dunstable Town Book of Records Exam'd pr. Jon" Lovewell Town Clerk Dunstable N6v' y" 26, 1760. Letter to Hon. Henry Sherburne. Sir We the Subscribers Proprietors in Dunstable having this day seen a Copy of a petition of M' Jo* Blanchard for himself & Sundry others wherein we think facts are misrepre sented there was a meeting of the proprietors at the desire of Mr. Blanchard who was desirous to have his brother Clerk the Proprietors in general are well pleased with Coll" French their present Clerk, the question put at that meeting was whether they would proceed any further in the business of s" meeting and Determined in the negative the meeting dismissed and after most of the Proprietors and Clerk gone the petitioner late at night as we hear attempted to go on with the meeting & chose himself moderator and his brother Clerk which at tempt we think unworthy of a Genf"^ and his brother has since brought his action at Law against Coll. French the Clerk which action is now pending and we think it will tend to the peace of the proprietors to have it there Determined and this petition dismissed & had there been time to call a meeting we TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 211 doubt not but it would be the mind of the proprietors — we are your Honours most obedient Humble Serv'* Eleazer Tyng John Tyng Thomas Harwood Thomas Lund. Dunstable June 22 1762 To the Honourable Henry Sherburne Esq. Speaker of the Honourable House of Representatives to be Communicated. Papers relating to the Settlement of Rev. Sa7nuel Bird of Dunstable, 1 744-1 749. List of the Qualified voters in the Town of Dunstable. Col. Joseph Blanchard John Alld Thomas Harwood Jon" Bowers Noah Johnson Henry Parker Sam' Whiting John Searles Jonas French Phin' Lund Jon^ French Tho' Cowen Jon" Lovewell Neh'" Lovewell Tho' Patch Tho' Hale Isaac Beauchamp W'" Lancey Jr. Henry Adams Josiah Butterfield Daniel Searles Benj" Richardson Joseph Butterfield Sylvanus Whitney Tho' Lund Jabez Davis W" Lund Benj" Parker Jon" Snow John Willauby Thomas Blanchard John Butterfield Eph"' Adams Eph"> Butterfield Jon" Lund John Huston Eph'" Lund Benj" French John Lovewell Jun. John M'Clenche Joseph Farley Sampson French To the moderator of the meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable y 2'' day of march 1746. This certifies that the above list is the names of the Qualified voters in said Town and all therein men tioned have a Right to rote in the affaires of said meeting Dunstable March y" 2'' 1746. Jonathan Lovewell "1 Selectmen Thomas Harwood /of Dunstable This is to certifie that the town meeting in Dunstable the 30"" day of march Last past at a motion of Sundry of the freeholders and other Inhabitants for the Choice of a Person to Sort the Votes of a modera tor, a vote was proposed by Joseph Blanchard by Poleing Previous to the vote & voted by a great majority they Would and that by thirty five votes Joseph Blanchard Was Chosen for that Purpose A motion again was made and seconded to Bring in their votes for a moderator and that Zach' Lovewell by thirty five votes Was chosen moderator 212 NEW HAMPSHIRE and that by the same number of votes Joseph Blanchard was chosen town clerk & Joseph Blanchard Zacheus Lovewell & John Butterfield was chosen SelecP and did further Choose Other Town Officers. Att' Joseph Blanchard. May 26"» 1747 those votes was Certified by major Zacheus Lovewell as moderator after he was Chosen J. Blanchard T Clerk At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable in the Province of New Hampshire Assembled at the House of Jonathan Love well (Inholder) in said Dunstable according to Law on Monday the sixth day of July 1747 Extracts from the votes of said Meeting. Voted and Chose Joseph Blanchard Esqr. Moderator of said Meeting it was then voted that this meeting should be adjourned to the last Mon day of August next to meet again that day at the same place at two of the Clock in the afternoon the meeting was accordingly adjourned. The Freeholders & other Inhabitants of said Dunstable being meet again at the House of Jonathan Lovewell in said Dunstable on monday y" 3i»' day of August 1747 Pursuant to the aforesaid adjournment y^ 6^^ day of July 1747 a vote was then Proposed whether a Minister Should be chose this Meeting or not and it was voted in the affirmative that a Minister be chose this Meeting. Then a Vote was proposed as foUoweth — Where as the Church of Christ in this Town of Dunstable in the Province of New Hampshire on the sixth day of July last made Choice of the Rev. M' Samuel Bird for their Pastor and Teacher and having presented their vote to this Town with a desire that this Town would Concur with them in their Choice and make choice of the said M' Sam' Bird for the Settled Minister of this Town Now there fore be it voted and agreed that the said Churches Choice be Concurrd with an that the Said M' Samuel Bird be Chose for the Settled Minister of this Town voted in the affirmative (& declared by the Moderator A true Copy Exam"* pr. Jonathan Lovewell Town Clerk We the Subscribers Inhabitants & Freeholders of the Town of Dun stable hereby Desire Si Impower Joseph Blanchard Cap' Joseph French & M' Jn° Butterfield or either of them in Our Names & Behalf to Rep resent to the Gen" Assembly of this Province the Unreasonableness & illegal Proceeding of Sundry of the Inhabitants of Dunstable in their town meetings the Sumer past and Particularly the Town meeting July the sixth 1747 and the votes at the adjournment of that meeting. And all votes Relating to the Choice or Settlement of Samuel Bird as the Minister of this town and pray that they may be made void or Otherwise Relieve us in the premises. Province of "1 New Hamp. / Jason Russell Gideon Honey John Lovewell Jun. Samuel Sarles Benjamin French Henry Adams Phmehas Lund David Hobart Thomas Patch p Ephraim Butterfield Simeon Blood Amos Phillips Josiah Swan Joseph Farley Jon" French Joseph Swallow Joseph Butterfield TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 213 Joseph French Sylvanus Whitney Jonathan Comes Phinehas Adams Thomas Blanchard Ephraim Adams John Butterfield Thomas Adams Elnathan Blood Gershom Hobart William Lund John Willoughby the names of those persons y' voted for y« Rev" Sam' Bird being y» Settled minister of the Town y' 31 of Aug' 1747. Noah Johnson John Buck John Lovewell Gideon Honey Tho' Harwood Henry Parker Jon" Lovewell Nehemiah Lovewell Jon" Snow John Alld Sampson French W" Alld John Shed Tho' Heale John Searles Tho' Cowen Jona. Searles Tho' Kellecut Sam' Kenney W" Lancey Jun. Jon" Lund John McClenche Tho= Lund Josiah Butterfield Eph" Lund Benj" Richardson Sam' Whiting John Huston W™ Johnson John Honey Benj" Thompson Jabez Davis Y" names of those that voted in the negative. Joseph Blanchard Tho' Adams Joseph French Phin' Adams Josiah Swan Sylvanus Whitney Daniel Searles Jon" Combs W" Lund John Combs Jon" French Richard Straton John Lovewell Jun. John Butterfield Phin' Lund Elnathan Blood Tho' Blanchard Amasa Parker Eph"" Adams The freeholders that are ag'' M' Birds Settling and the Sums of y" yearly income of y" real Estate sett ag'' the name. Compare with the Invoice Real Estate Joseph Blanchard 100 o o Jonathan French 23 o o Joseph French 3? Tho' Patch 16 Daniel Searles 24 Joseph Butterfield 15 Tho' Blanchard 16 Ephraim Adams 30 John Lovewell Jun 1600 Samuel Searles 18 o o Joseph Farley 45 o o Jonathan Combs 800 Phineas Lund 300 Gideon Honey 5 ° ° 214 NEW HAMPSHIRE John Honey I Silvanus Whitney 15 Elnathan Blood 8 Jn" Willowbe Phillip Clerick 9 fn" Butterfield 20 'Jph. Butterfield 14 Benj" French 30 Joseph Swallow I 0 0 Simeon Blood I James Harwood David Hubbard 8 Amos Phillips 7 Jasen Russell I Benj" Parker 17 Gershom Hubbard 3 Josiah Swan 10 Zacheus Lovewell 31 Tho' Adams 38 Jn" Phelps Jonathan Phelps William Cumings 15 S83 Isaac Beauchamp John Beauchamp 60 tending Stock Henry Adams 25 On his wife & children W" Lund 30 on his Father's Land Jonathan Bowers 15 On his Father's Land 130 A list of the Freeholders in favor of M' Bird and the Sum of y« val ine of the yearly encome of the Real Estate Noah Johnson 18 Tho" Harwood 5° Samuel Whiting 4 Jonathan Lovewell 37 Tho' Lund 6 Jonathan Snow S Ephraim Lund 2 John Aid 8 Henry Parker 10 John Searls 4 Nehemiah Lovewell 15 Tho' Hale 4 W° Lancy Josiah Butterfield 4 Benj" Richardson 6 John Huston 10 Sampson French IO Benj" Thompson 193 At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable in the T0"WN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 215 Province of New Hampshire on Tusday the fifteenth day of September 1747 Extract from the votes of said meeting a vote proposed as foUow eth Whereas this Town of Dunstable at their meeting y» 31" of august last made Choice of the ReV^ Mr. Samuel Bird for the Settled minister of this Town and did not at the same meeting settle any sum to be paid him for his yearly salary — Therefore it is voted and agreed that the full sum and Quantity of one hundred ounces of coin silver Trov weight Sterling alloy or the full value there of in Bills of Publick Credit be paid annually to the said M' Samuel Bird for his Salary and to Commince at the day that he is ordained Pastor of the Church of Christ in this Town of Dunstable and that the same be assessed on the Inhabi tants of this Town and paid to him annually so long as he shall con tinue in said office. Unanimously Voted in the affirmative. A true Copy Exam'i Att' Jon" Lovewell Town Clerk At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable in the Province of New Hampshire on Tuesday the fifteenth day of Septem ber 1747 Assembled according to Law Extracts from the votes of said Meeting then a vote was proposed as foUoweth — Where as this Town of Dunstable on the 31'' of August last voted and chose y« Rev^ M' Samuel Bird for the Settled minister of this Town and Joseph Blanchard Esq' Henry Adams John Lovewell Ju' Joseph French Jon" French Jon" Combs Josiah Swan Sylvanus Whitney Ephraim Butterfield Thomas Blanchard Joseph Butterfield Richard Stratton Ephraim Adams Thomas Adams Phinehas Adams Samuel Searles William Lund Jur. Phineas Lund & John Combs having man ifested their dissatisfaction with the Choice and unwillingness to attend his Ministry therefore voted and agreed that said Persons and their Poles for the time being Lyable by Law to be rated and such Tenants for the time being as shall live on their Estates unless such Tenants shall give their attendance at said M'" Birds meeting be and hereby are Excused and discharged from all rates and Taxes what so ever that shall be raised and assessed on the Inhabitants of this Town for the Settle ment Salary or Supportof the said M' Bird and all other their Estate Real and Personall while in their Possession equally discharged also for the Erecting and finishing a Meeting house where the said M' Bird shall Preach always Reserving as the Condition of this Grant or vote that the Persons discharged as afore said do not vote in any affair Re lating to the Said M'" Birds Settlement Salary or Support or "the placing Ordering or Building the said Meeting house and in case any of them for the future do thus act in any of the affairs as afore said then the afore going vote to be void as to such person also provided that when any of said persons shall give their Generall attendance on said M' Birds Ministry the afore said vote where by they are excused to be void as to such person voted in affirmative A nother vote Proposed as foUoweth Where as this Town of Dunstable y' 31" of August last made choice of y^ Rev'* M' Samuel Bird for the Settled Minister of this Town and having determined to set a Meeting house for the Publick Worship of God near the Common Road of passing through said Town viz. the Road that passes by Thomas Harwood to Nashua River Bridge and Thomas Patch Joseph Farley David Hobart Amos Phillips Benja Par ker Elathan Blood John Willoughby Jason Russel Simeon Blood Gar- sham Hubart & John Butterfield having represented their Circumstances to this Town viz. their liveing near the westerly line of this Town so that if the Meeting house should be Built near said road they say it will 21 6 NEW HAMPSHIRE in no meashure accommodate them and that they cannot with any Con venience attend the Meeting also that they have lately before they ware Incorporated in this Town paid their proportionable part in Settling y^ Rev"! M' Daniel Emerson now in Hollis where they can now attend with much More Convenience then they can at a Meeting in this Town pro vided it be near said Road said Persons therefore desire that they may be Excused from paying any thing towards Building a Meeting house near said road and from paying anything towards Settling and Support ing said M' Samuel Bird so long as he preaches near said road and pro vided they Constantly attend at said M' Daniel Emersons Meeting on Lords days and pay their proportion to his Salary and make the Same appear to this Town and that if this Town of Dunstable Should at any time agree upon a place and Build a Meeting house near the Center of this Town or if a Com'^'' from the Gen" Court should settle the Place for said House that then they be not any longer Excused from paying as aforesaid Now therefore this town of Dunstable having Considered the Reasons offered by said Persons moving" them to Desire to be Excused from pay ing as aforesaid it is Voted & agreed that said Tho^ Patch and the other persons beforementioned by Name be Excused from paying anything towards Building a meeting House and Settling and Supporting Said M'^ Samuel Bird in case the said House be Built near Said Road and that so long as he continues to preach there and no longer and it is provided that if at any time this town agree upon a Place and build a meeting House near the Center of this Town or that when ever the Place Shall be Settled by the Gen'i Courts Com"=>' that then this Vote whereby said Persons are Excused be Null & Void and it is furtlier provided that said Persons Constantly attend said M' Emersons meeting on Lord's days and pay their proportion to his Sal- ery and bring Certificate from the Officers of the Church in Holies and the Select men of that Town that they have thus done and Deliver the Same to the Select men of this Town for the time being from time to time whenever there shall be any money raised for the Building a meet ing house or the Support of the Minister as aforesaid and that they & they only of said Persons who thus do be Excused as aforesaid and it is further provided that Said Persons do not act in any affair relating to the Meeting house or the Minister in this town and when ever they or either of them do, this Vote whereby they are Excused to be Void as to the Persons that Shall thus Act. Unanimously Voted in the affirmative A true Copy Exam^ pr. Jonathan Lovewell Town Clerk Petition relating to an illegal town meeting. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the Province of New Hampshire. To the Honourable His Majestys Councill for said Province & House of Representatives in General As sembly Convened The Petition of Joseph Blanchard, Joseph French John But terfield Jason Russell John Lovewell Jun. Benjamin French Phinehas Lund Thomas Patch, Ephraim Butterfield Amos Phillips Joseph Farley Joseph Swallow, Gideon Henry Sam- TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 21 7 uel Sarles, Henry Adams Josiah Swan Jonathan French, Jo seph Butterfield, Thomas Blanchard, Elnathan Blood, William Lund, Sylvanus Whitney, Phinehas Adams, Ephraim Adams Thomas Adams, Gershom Hobart, John Willoughby David Hobart, Phillip Woollen and Simeon Blood most humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners are Inhabitants and Freeholders in the Town of Dunstable in the Province of New Hampshire. That on the twentyeth day of June 1 747 Jonathan Lovewell and Thomas Harwood, Two of the Selectmen of said Dun stable issued out and granted a Warrant in writeing under their hands unto John Alld Constable of said Town therein and thereby requiring the said Constable to Notify and Warn all the freeholders & other Inhabitants in said Dunstable Qualified to Vote in Town affairs to Convene and meet at the House of Jonathan Lovewell Inholder in said Dunstable on Monday the sixth day of July then next at one of the Clock in the after noon, among other things To make Choice of a Minister for the Supply of the said Town and to Give the Minister that should be chosen such encouragement as should then be agreed on or do any thing in order for the Setling a Minister in said Town as should then be agreed on. That the s'' Constable made his Return of said Warrant and that he had notifyed and warnd all the within mentioned to meet at time and place and for the occasions within mentioned That in Consequence of the Said Warrant and Notification There was a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the said Town of Dunstable at the House of the Said Jonathan Lovewell in Dun stable aforesaid on the said sixth day of July afores"* That at said meeting a Moderator was chosen — And then it was voted that the said meeting Should be adjourned to the last Monday of August then next to meet again at the same Place at two of the Clock in the afternoon and the said meeting was accord ingly adjourned. That on the said last Monday in August afores'' at a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of said Dunstable at the place aforesd. in Consequence of the said Adjournment one Mr. Samuel Bird was chose for the Settled Minister of said Town That at a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dun stable afores"* on the fifteenth day of September 1747 (Tho' the warrant for calling said meeting was to warn all the freeholders and other Inhabitants in said Dunstable to meet) among other things it was voted that the said Mr. Samuel Bird his yearly Salary as Settled Minister of said Town should Be one hun dred ounces of Coined Silver Troy Weight Sterling alloy or the full value thereof in Bills of public Credit and to Com mence at the Day he shall be ordained Pastor of the Church of Christ in Dunstable That sundry Persons not freehol ders ins"* 2l8 NEWHAMPSHIRE Town voted in & for the Choice of said Minister & for said Salary. That your Petitioners humbly Conceive that the said Meet ings and the "Votes past at said Meetings relating to the Choice of the said Mr. Bird to be the settled Minister of said Town and also to the fixing and Setling of the afores'' Salary on him as Minister aforesaid are contrary to an act of this Province Entitled An Act for the Maintenance and supply of the Minis try within this Province. That nigh Two thirds of the free holders in said Town are against the said Mr. Birds being the minister of Said Town That the said Two Thirds of said Free holders own near three fourths of the Estate in said Town that must Support and maintain him the s'' M' Bird upon an assess ment. That your Petitioners look upon themselves to be under great difficultys at present and that they shall be still under greater if the Said "Votes are allowed and held to be lawfull valid and binding — ^Wherefore your Petitioners most humbly Pray your Excellency & Honours that they may have a hear ing on the Premises and that in the mean time the said Town of Dunstable may be ordered and enjoined not to do or act any thingfarther inconsequence of the said Votes And thatyour Ex cellency and Honours will make and declare the said Meetings & the Votes afores'' to be illegall null and void or grant your Petitioners Such other Relief as you shall see meet and reason able and your Petitioners As in Duty bound Shall ever Pray &c Joseph French for himself and Behalf of the other Petitioners Nov. 21*' 1747 In Council Nov 21, 1747 read & ordered to be sent Down to the Honi"'* House Theodore Atkinson Secy Province of") t .., tt ,- t. New Hamp/ ^ House of Representatives 21"' Nov. 1747 Voted That y Petitioners be heard on this Petition y« Second Day of y« Setting of y" Gen' Assembly after the first of Jun« next & that the Pe titioners at their own Cost serve ye adverse Party with a Copy of this Petition & this order of Court that they may have Liberty to shew Cause if any they have why the Prayer of y" Petition should not be granted ^ ^ ., D. Pierce Clr. In Council Eodem Die read & Concurred Theodore Atkinson Sec^ Nov. 21. Consented to B. Wentworth. New Hamp } ^" '^^ House of Representatives 9'h March 1747-8. "Voted That the farther Hearing of y^ annexed Petition be deferred 'ti 1 y« Second Day of y^ Sitting of y<' Gen' Assembly after y= tenth of April next .'J r D. Pierce Clr. TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 219 In Council March lo"" 1747-8. read & Concurred Theodore Atkinson Secy. Eodem Die Assented to B. Wentworth Ne"vv Hamp \^^ '^^ House of Representatives 13'» May 1748 Voted that the Prayer of y" annexed Petition be granted & that y" meetings & y Votes mention'd in s'' Petition be & hereby are declared illegal null & void D. Pierce Clr. In Council May 14'" 1748 the above Vote of the House read & Concurred. Theodore Atkinson Secy. In Council May 17, 1748. Consented to B. Wentworth [It is uncertain to what paper or They seem to stand alone. Ed.] Joseph Blanchard Jonathan French Joseph French Thos Patch Jsaac Beauchamp by his son or At torney John Beauchamp Henry Adams Daniel Searls Joseph Butterfield W" Lund Tho" Blanchard Ephraim Adams John Lovewell Jun"^ Sam' Searles Joseph Farley Jonathan Bowers Jonathan Combs Phinehas Lunde petition the following names belong. Gideon Honey John Honey Silvanus Whittney Elnahan Blood John Willowbe tenant to Joseph Farley Phillip Clerick John Butterfield Benj* French David Hubbard Simeon Blood Amos Phillips Jason Russell Benj" Parker Gershom Hubbard Josiah Swan Zacheus Lovewell Tho» Adams — Attorney to Judith Adams Nottingham West March y« 31*' 1748 this may Certifie that Joseph Blanchard Esqi" was sworn to the faith- full Discharge of the office of Town Clerk and assessor in the town of Dunstable for the Current year before me Ezekiel Chase J. P. Minutes of Town Meeting in Dunstable March 30"' 1748. At a meeting of the Inhabitants Qualified to vote in the Choice of 220 NEW HAMPSHIRE Town Officers in the Townof Dunstable in the Province of New Hamp" being Regularly Assembled at the House of Jonathan Lovewell in said Dunstable y'= so"" day of March 1748 in order to make Choice of Town Officers. Voted and chose Jonathan Lovewell moderator of said meeting Voted and Chose Jonathan Lovewell Town Clerk. Voted and chose Jonathan Lovewell William Lancey Thomas Har wood Noah Johnson & Jonathan Lund Selectmen. voted that the said Selectmen'be assessors. voted and chose Ephraim Lund Constable. voted and chose Josiah Butterfield & Saml Kenney tithing men. voted and chose John Searls & William Lancey Jun. surveyors of high way. voted and chose John M'^CIenche & Thomas Murdough Field drivers. voted and chose John Huston & Sampson French fence vewers. voted and Chose Benj" Richardson William Alld & Benj" French Hog constables. a True Copy from Record of the whole of said meeting respecting Town officers Exam"^ atf Jonathan Lovewell Town Clerk This Certifies that we the Subscribers Inhabitants & Quallified voters in the Town of Dunstable voted in the Choice of the above said officers the day above said Jonathan Lovewell Th,oraas Harwood William Lancey Sampson French Thomas Lund Jonathan Lund Ephraim Lund Josiah Butterfield John Alld John McClenche John Huston John Searle's mark X Samuel Whiting William Lancey Jun. Noah Johnson Thomas Cowen Benjamin Richardson William Johnson's mark X Henry Parker William Alld. we the Subscribers certifie that Nehemiah Lovewell was present & voted in the above said meeting but being out of Town when the others Subscribed this paper had not opportunity to Subscribe. Jonathan Lovewell John Alld Province of "I New Hamp. j This Certifies that the Inhabitants that ware Quallified to vote in the Choice of Town officers in the Town of Dunstable in said Province being Regularly Assembled for that purpos the 30"" day of March 1748 did Choose the Persons here after inentioned in to the respective offices as is here after Expressed. Jonathan Lovewell Town Clerk. Jonathan Lovewell, William Lancey, Thomas Harwood, Noah John son & Jonathan Lund Selectmen. voted that said Selectmen be assessors. Ephraim Lund Constable. Josiah Butterfield & Sam' Kenney Tithing men. John Searls Si William Lancy Jn'" Serveyors of highways. John McClenche & Tho^ Murdough Field drivers. John Huston Sampson French Fence vewers. Benja Richardson William Alld Si Benj" French Hog Constables. Att Jonathan Lovewell Town Clerk. TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 221 Province of \ New Hamp. J Nottingham March ye 31st 1748 the afore said Jonathan Lovewell and Thomas Harwood were Sworne to the faithfuU discharg of their Respective offices where they were chose as above before me Ezekiel Chase J^ Pais Prov of \ New Hamp J Nottingham West april y^ 2, 1748 The aforesaid William Lancey Noah Johnson Jonathan Lund Josiah Butterfield Sam' Kenney John McClenche Tho^ Murdough John Hus ton & Benj" Richardson were sworn to the faithfuU discharge of their Respective offices where to they were Chose as above, before me, Ezekiel Chase Js. Pais Province of"! New Hamp / Nottingham April y= 18"" 1748. Jon* Lovewell of Dunstable in said Province was Sworn to the faith- full discharge of the office of Sealer of all weights and measures in the said Town of Dunstable where he was Chosen. before me Ezek' Chase J' Pais John Phelps and others' assent to Jo" Blanchard's petitio7i. Wee the Subscribers Inhabitants and Freeholders of the town of Dun stable do hereby Signifie that we are not for the Setling M"" Sam' Bird as minister of this town & should if Opportunity had permitted Joyned with Jo' Blanchard Esq'" & Others in Petitioning the Gen' Assembly for making null & void the vote Wherebj' he was Pretended to be Chose and are Still desirous that the Same may be done Jonathan Phelps Dunstable May 3" 174S John Honey Jonath" Bowers William Cuming John Phelps. Remonstrance. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governour &c The Hon. his majestys Council & House of Representatives in Gen' Court assembled at Portsmouth May y"" 19'" 1748 Wee the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable would Most Humbly Remonstrate That Inasmuch as a Representation of our Circumstances has bin made to this Hon" Court Relating our Last March meeting for the Choice of Town Officers, on the 30"" of said month by Joseph Blanchard Esq' praying that the choice made by the majority of Voters mentioned might .'' the Town officers by them Chosen be Confirmed or the whole proceeding nullified & a new meeting Called &c That we are in necessity for Redress in those things and in 222 NEW HAMPSHIRE as much as the Choice of officers made by the said Thirty Six Whereof Major Zacheus Lovewell was Chosen Moderator & the s'* Joseph Blanchard Town Clerk Were agreeable to the Town in Gen' & in which choice two thirds at least of the free holders & Inhabitants in s'' town of any proffitable Estates or such as had bin Costomary to Rase did vote in the affirmative, and should a new meeting be called We Imagine it would be only to chose the same persons over again that the Scarcity of Laborers and the Season of the year so much Demand our at tention to our business, our Plabitations are so scattered that Warning and holding such meeting at this Season would be very Chargeable. That if it might be the pleasure of this Hon. Court to estab lish and Confirm the s'' officers it would free us from these as we apprehend unnecessary Charges, & Quallify us Imediately to do anything necessary for the Publick alTairs of s'' Town Which is very Humbly Desired &c Joseph Butterfeld Josiah Swan Henry Adams Benjamin French Jonath" Bowers Joseph French Ephraim Butterfield Zacheus Lovewell Benjamin Davis Phineas Lund Gershom Hobart his Elnathan Blood Thomas X Blanchard Jr. Thomas Patch mark David Hobart his his Joseph ><^ Swallow Joseph x Farly mark Mark Jason Russell Amos Phillips Simeon Blood John Willoughby William Cumings Benj" Parker his John Phelps Samuel X Saris John Butterfeld mark James Harwood Sylvenus Whitney Thomas Blanchard Thomas Adams William Lund Gideon Honey Isaac Waldron Ephraim Adams John Beauchamp Jonathan French Jonathan Combs John Combs Daniel Searles Petition of Jon^ Lovewell in answer to Joseph Blanchard's petition. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Capt. Gen' & Governour in chief in & over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire & the Hon"= his Majesties Council & House of Representatives for y» Province in Gen' Assemblv Convened May lo'" 1748 Jonathan Lovewell of Dunstable in said Province for him- TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 223 self and other freeholders and Inhabitants of Said Town in answer to a Petition of Joseph Blanchard Esq' for himself & others (now lying before this Hon'"^ Court) Humbly Shew — That in Said Petition is Shewn forth that y° Selectmen of Dunstable by their Warr' cal'd a Town meeting in Dunstable to be of Persons Qiialifyed to vote on y'= 30"' day of March last for y' Choice of Town officers for y"* Current year that y'^ In habitants Met accordingly and after some Debate about y^ Quallifycations of Voters they proceeded to y'= Business & that 53 Men assembled who were Quallifyed according to y° Laws by "which they had heretofore been Govern'd "who divided into two parties 36 in one & 17 in y" other that each party chose a Moderator Select men & all other Town officers — a Double set chosen and Sworn for every office — the evident Consequence of which is the utmost confusion &c By this state of y'^ Case in their Petition they Grant y"^ au thority of the Selectmen to call the Meeting but don't mention who Govern'd the Parties Mentioned who took their Votes & Determin'd y"^ Choice or whether there was any officer to Enter & record y" votes or show how the meeting was managed — representing y*^ case as if one party had as good right to act as y'' other in any manner when the truth of the matter is That the Petitioners in a very Disorderly uncivil manner took y*^ Se lectmens "warrant from them and went out of y" house ap pointed by y'= Selectmen to hold y" meeting in and Gathered a Party together some qualified Voters & Some not so and acted like a mobb of madmen in such a manner as never was done in this Province Since it "was a Government — the Select men all the while proceed to take votes at the time & place appointed to hold y° Meeting when & where a Moderator was the Voters present orderly chosen & y° business of y** Town orderly caryed on all town officers chosen & duly Entered by y"^ clerks Duly Sworn as y^ Laws & custom of all Towns in y^ Government have time out of mind used — which officers your respondents conceive to be y'' officers regularly chosen for y' Town & that they ought to Serve in their respective offices — The Petitioners Knew that what they had done was Disorderly yet they did the same with Design to Disturb y" peace & good order of the Town for if they were y"" Major part of y" voters Qualifyed they might have chosen who they liked best into of fices without Snatching up y"* warrant and runing out of doors & holding a meeting abroad in the fields where they were not cal'd by their warrant to hold it the necessity of having officers regularly chosen is evident but the question is whether these Petitioners have right to Complain of y'= Proceedings of y'' Town in General when they themselves & no others have made all y" Disturbance & Disorders they mention in their Com plaint. 224 NEW HAMPSHIRE They further say in their Petition that their circumstances are Particular that they were lately Incorporated can have no Customs to Govern their Proceedings in such cases — and that ye Province Law is Defective & does not say what Estate is ratable therefore Intirely useless That every man has an equal Right to Govern in Town meeting till moderator is fairly chosen y° Law silent about it & that they must Labor under insuperable Difficulties unless aided by the assembly or y'= Standing Laws amended & so they pray that their own partys choice (which they call y'' major part but was not nearly so) may be Established or that those Votes which were Lawfully passed may be made null as well as theirs In answer to which y^ respondents say that the Petitioners lately Incorporated having no Customs to Govern Begin with very bad precedents to make Customary that any man may Set himself up to Govern in town meeting against y"^ authority that caled y^ same It is such a Practice as was never known in this Government nor in any of the neighboring Govern ments all y^ towns in this Province have always made that their Practice that y'= Selectmen who call y"^ meeting Govern y" same till a moderator is chosen they take the Votes & de clare who is chosen moderator & then y* moderator takes his place and Governs That there is Defect in y^ Laws of y"^ Province & that y- Laws are useless is a bold and Dareing af front to y*^ Government for that in all & every town of y^ Province the Laws have been understood & all the towns have been Quietly & regularly ordered & Governed and will be so still notwithstanding y'^ Disorderly Practice of The complain ants who have violated the Laws&: Good customs of y' Towns in all y"^ Governments & to cover their Riotous & bad behav iour complain that there is no Law to Govern them. At a Legal meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable on the 18"' Day of April A. D. 1774 Voted that Jonathan Lovewell Esq' be agent for the Town of Dun stable to Petition those that are in proper authority that the s'' Town of Dunstable may have the Priviledge of Sending a Person to Repre sent them in the General assembly of this Province A true Copy attest Jo' Whiting Town Clerk Dunstable may y' 6"' 1774 Dunstable Petition to send a Representative. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Cap*^ General Gov ernor and Comander in chief in and over his majesties Prov ince of New Hamp. & the Hon''''= his majesties Council. The Petition of Jonathan Lovewell of Dunstable in County TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 225 of Hilsborough and Province afore said on Behalf of the Free holders of said Town of Dunstable in their Town meeting assembled ap' y° i8"' 1774 pursuant to their vote for this Pur pose Humbly Shews That the said Town of Dunstable is a very ancient Settlement and so long ago as the year 1680 there was Thirty Families settled there and a learned orthodox minister ordained amongst them — That the Inhabitants wer repeatedly distressed by a Bar barous Indian Enemy and with great DiflSculty kept Posses sion of the Ground. That they were then under the Jurisdic tion of the Province of the Mass" Bay and for very many years were priviledged by that Province to send a Person to repre sent them in the General assembly anualy Convened at Bos ton untill the Divisionall line between said Province took place. That in the year 1746 the said Town of Dunstable falling within this Province the Inhabitants of said Town wer by His majesty's Letters Patent under the seal of this Province Incor porated in to a Body Politic and Corporate to have continu ance forever by the name of Dunstable with all the Powers & authorities Priviledges & Franchises which other Towns in said Province or any of them by Law then had or enjoyed and to their Successors forever. That for several years since the said Town of Dunstable en joyed the Priviledge of voting for a Person to Represent them in the General Assembly for this Province That for about Twelve years last past the Freeholders of said Town have for reasons to them unknown been Excluded from their ancient Priviledge altho they are not only conscious of their Loyalty and attachment to His Majesty King George the Third and all in authority under him and determined on every occasion to Testify their Duty. Wherefore your Petitioner on Behalf of the aforesaid Free holders of Dunstable and in vertue of the vote aforesaid Most Humbly Prays your Excellency and Hon'^ that they may be restored to their ancient Priviledges and be properly repre sented in Future and your Petitioner as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray Jonathan Lovewell. May y" 10*'' 1.774 15 226 NEWHAMPSHIRE Papers relating'to the annexation of the West part of Dunstable (now Nashua) to the Town of Hollis : Containing Petition of the Inhabitants of the West part of Dunstable , Remonstrance of the Selectmen of Dunstable, Answer of the Agents of Dunstable, Plan of the territory to be disannexed (i) Warrant for a Town Meeting, in Dunstable, Proceedings of said Town meeting. Extracts frorn the Records of Dunstable. 1756 and 1757. Petition of People in the West part of Dunstable (now part of Hollis) to be annexed to Hollis. Province of 1 New Hampsh / To iTis Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor and the Hon'^ his Majestys Councill The Petition of a nomber of the Inhabitants in the westerly Side of The Town of Dunstable in said Province and the Town of Hollis Joyning with them Humbly sheweth. That your Petitioners that live in Dunstable live in the west side of the Town next to Hollis and are so far from the meet ing House that it is all most Empossible for us to attend the publick worship of God there for some of us live seven and a half miles and the nearest five and half from the Meeting House so that we Cant nor Dont go to meeting there and we receive no priviledges with them for they have sot the Meeting House to acommodate them Selves and seem not in the lest to Regard us only to get our money our Difficulties are so exceeding great that make us Dispare of haveing any Comfortable Reeving gospeals Previledges unless we can obtain the aid and Assis tance of your Excellency and Honnors Wherefore your Petitioners most Humbly pray that your Ex cellency and Honnors Would so far Compassonate our Cir cumstances as to Relieve us in the Premises by seting us of with our Land to Hollis to which we once belong'd and help settel our Minister and now go to attend the publick worship of god and must if we are Continued as we be the furdest of us from Holies Meeting House is not more than three Miles and a half or four miles and the bigest part about two miles and a half and three miles to the which we can go with some degree of Comfort Wee therefore pray that your Excelency and Honors would be plesed to annex us to Holies with about 2500 acres (1) The Plan is found in the originalMS. Papers Vol. U. p. 267, in secretarv's of fice, but omitted in this volume. Eb. TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 227 of Land as we have Discrebd in a plan Which will gratly Re leve us from our present Difficulties and help us to a Comfort able Injoyment of gosple prevelidges Wee your Humble Petitioners therefore pray that your Ex cellency and Hon" would Releive us as in your great Wisdom Shall Seem Meet and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall ever pray. John Willoughby William Cumings Elnathan Blood Joseph Farley John Phelps Anna Patch Daniel Mooar Benj" Parker Nicholas Youngman Sam' Cumings "| Selectmen Gershom Hobart Sam' Goodhue >¦ of Jonathan Hobart Enoch Noyes J Holies Amos Phillips Sam' Hobart David Hobart Nehemiah Woods In Council December 16, 1756 read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon*'" Assembly Theodore Atkinson Secr^ ¦j,j TT > In the house of Representatives Dec 16* 1756 This Petition being read Ordered That the petitioners be heard thereon, the third Day of the Sitting of the General Assembly next after the 15"" day of Jan'y next Ensuing & that the Petitioners at their own Cost & charge Cause the Select men of Dunstable to be Served with a Copy of s^ Petition & this order of Court thereon to appear & Shew Cause if any they have why the prayer thereof should not be Granted Andrew Clarkson Clerk In Council December 17"' 1756. read & Concurred Theodore Atkinson. Nevv 'HTm"*^} ^" the house of Representatives Jan 21" 1757 This being the day appointed to hear the within Petition and the Select men of Dunstable by their Petition to the General Assembly of the 14"' Instant desireing that the hearing thereof might be put of to a further Day for the Reasons in s'* Petition mentioned & the petitioners making no objection Resolved that the hearing thereof be put off till the 2^ Day of the Sit ting of the General Assembly next after the first Day of April next & all persons Concerned are hereby Required to Govern themselves ac cordingly Andrew Clarkson CJerk Ne^ HTm°p}^" *^^ House of Representatives May iS"" 1757 William Cumings Representing to this house that he was not duly Notified of the time appointed for the hearing this Petition & praying that further time may be appointed for a hearing thereof Therefore Voted that the Petitioners be heard thereon the Second day of the 228 NEW HAMPSHIRE Sitting of the General Assembly Next after the 20"' day of June next Si that the petitioners Serve the Selectmen of Dunstable with a Copy of this order of Court Andrew Clarkson Clerk In Council Eodem Die read & concurred Theo. Atkinson Secy. Petition relating to another hearing. Province of "l New Hamp ] To His Ex'^y B. Wentworth Esq' Gov' &c. The Hon''= his Maj"' Councill & House of Representatives in Gen' Assembly Conveined at Ports" &c. The Remonsti-ance of the Select" of Dunstable in Answer To The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of Dunstable and the Select" of Holies for setting of Certain Lands "with, the Pet" that Belong to Dunstable to the To"wn of Holies Humbly Sheweth That Tho the Order of Court pass'd in Councill 17*'" of Dec' Last Directing That the Select" of Dunstable Shou'd be Served with a Copy of the Pet" & Order of Court thereon Nottwithstanding the Pet'" have delayed to lett y"* Respond'^ know any thing of Such Pet" and Order untill the Eleventh day of this Instant Jan^ and the hearing to be the third day af ter the 15"' Instant, if the Court Shou'd be then Sitting (the contrary of which' we cou'd not know) The time being so short the Select" Could not by Lawfull Warning Assemble the town to know their minds before the time of Hearing which we Humbly Conceive they ought by no means to be abridged off". Wherefore we Humbly pray (that unless Their peti" be with drawn or Dismissed without day that there may be a further day for Hearing thereon, and Inasmuch as 'tis probable if the town Resolve to appear and make answer there will be Occa sion of Sundry Surveys and Measures to be taken, the clerer to descover the TTuth of the facts alledged in their pet" which cannot with convenience be done till the Spring & besides the Hardship it would be for Such a Scattered town to Assemble Soner than march meeting Since that is so near, & in the mean time y' Pet" can Suffer no great 111 convenience) That the Hearing may be assigned Some time after the first of may next Which is Humbly Submitted by y' Ex"'' & Hon'^ most Obed"' Serv*^ J. Blanchard \ Select" Jon"* Lovewell [¦ of JoN^ Lund ) Dunstable Dunstable Jan'^ 14'^'' 1757. TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 229 Petition against annexation to Hollis. To His Excellency B. Wentworth Esq' Capt. Gen' Gov' of the Province of New Hamp' &c & the Hon'" His Majestys Council. Whereas Sundry Inhabitants of Dunstable & the town of Holies Joyning with them have Petitioned y' Excellency & Hon'^ Praying the s"* Inhabitants that are Petitioners may be with Their Lands Sett to Holies, and afterwards in the same Petition pray that they may be annexed to Holies with about 2500 acres of Land (as they say they Have described in apian) and further pray for Relief as to you shall seem meet And shew as the Grounds of their Compl' their Distance from our meeting house that it was not sett to accommodate them & that seemingly they are Only Regarded to get their money Off" which the Selectmen of Dunstable had notice by Order of His Majestys Councill & the Hon''' The Assembly to shew cause if any they had Why the prayer Thereof Shou'd not be granted. Therefore the Subscribers Agents of the Town of Dunstable Begg Leave to answer & Shew That by the Charter of Incorporation a Reservation is made to his majesty his Heirs & Successors, of the Power of Divid ing the same when it shall appear necessary and Convenient for the Benefit of the Inhabitants — accordingly their applica tion was to y' Ex'=y & Hon'"* — How that Petition came to drop down to the Lower house, or they order in a Thing they had no Lawfull cognizance of Wee cannot tell — that in the present case nothing can lye before them to Determine and in this an swer Shall address our Selves to y' Ex"^ & Hon"' only — Waving our not being Notefied by Prop' authority if y' Ex'=y & Hon'^ think meet to sustain their Petition Beg Liberty to State the facts & y' Indulgence to hear them thro'. That the town of Dunstable ab' 1736 was by actof theMass'^ Divided into two Parishes Reserving for the first Or Standing part (being then ab' to build a meeting house) Such parcell Only as wou'd Continue & not probable to be sub-divided af terwards — The Remainder of what Was then old Dun stable (now Holies monson and part of Merrymac & part of Dunstable,) was made the Second Parish — which then Consisted of ab' 70000, acres had an annuall tax of two pence an acre for four years On all the Non-residents Lands to Enable them to Build a meeting house ann settle a minister with an after Tax of near the Same Sum Greatly Exceeding the necessary use for which the Grant was Intended, however they disposed or divided the money That the first Parish 1738 Built & finished a Meeting house at a Large expence. 230 NEW HAMPSHIRE That 1 741 the Province line was Run & left of the first par ish about two thirds of the Inhabitants & Estates on the Mass'' side. That 1746 y' Ex'=>' with advice of his Majestys Councill ap pointed a Comittee to Enquire into the Situation & Circum stances of this Western Acquisition in Order for its Incorpora tion into towns That the Settled part of the Second Parish (since Holies) was present before that Comittee and the dividing line between that town & Dunstable was then fixed, after a full hearing of all partys. Tho Dunstable by that line was a quantity Suffi cient for a town, yet the Habitable part so small (not more than five thousand acres. Scarce worth Improving) and that so scat tered, viewing their past Burdens & Misfortunes with Great Reluctance took out their Charter — On the South the Province line On the East the Great River On the north the Poverty of the land wou'd make no advantage, by an addition Exclusive of the present Pete" & they Cheifly on the westerly Side Thus Shut up Tho Holies would admit five times the Settlers & Better Land as Their first Entry was at the Easterly end. Dunstable for their accommodation only Submitted to the line as it now stands when they Ought to have advanced a mile further West at the least. On examination we find that Holies on True measure is ab' eight miles in '.ength East & west And about four miles & half north & South promiscuously Settled at Each end. Sometime after their Incorporation Holies set up a meeting house with part of the money we & others had paid for that use & sett it about a mile an half from their East line Regardless of the Comp"' of the Inhabitants & prop'" on the westerly part so that many of them now are eight miles as they must travil from their meeting much further than any of Dunstable are from Our meeting house. Had measures in Equity been taken as was in Dunstable to place their meeting house the present Pet" wou'd be many miles nearer to ours (& doubtless will soon be the case) Wee are Sencible that this vexatious Petition is Stirred & en couraged by Holies purely to prevent Justice to their Western Inhabitants which they foresee will Obtain unless they can Cloack it by Ruining Dunstable. The Reasons as to Distance & accommodation might much Stronger be' urged — Exclusive of the province tax, in favor of the South part of the town. That the familys in Dunstable able to Support themselves & bear any part of Our charge does not Exceed Forty, the Peti tioners Included & shou'd they be Indulged it must end in their disappointment & be fatal to us. TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 23I As to their treatment in the town Setling the meeting house Useing the money &c we wou'd not trouble you With the Ar guments Just in Our favour — Only Refer to the votes we here annex. Demonstrations of their good usage. Had not the Depth of Snow and bad weather prevented we had shown their fallacious pretences to their distance from each meeting house all the aforegoing facts are Ready to veryfie What Genius had Given them front to mutter out this Mot- tley Petition is Difficult to Guess. The pretentions both of Holies & the Pet" are totally Ground less. Wherefore we pray that their Petition may be Dismissed Joseph Blanchard ") a ta r •L T f Ag" for Zacheus Lovewell > t\ ^ -u-i T TT. \ Dunstable Joseph French. ) [Here follows a plan of the land petitioned to be annexed to Hollis, about 2500 acres — which is omitted. Ed.] Province of "1 To John Searles One of the Constables of Dunstable New Hamp j In said Province Greeting. Seal In his Majestys Name you are hereby Required forthwith To No tify & Warn all the freeholders & Other Inhabitants In said Dun stable Qualified to Vote in the following Town affairs that they As semble S Meet at the meeting house in Said Dunstable on Monday the 21" Day of March next at one of the clock afternoon. I"' To Chuse all Town Oflicers for the Ensuing Year Required by Law. 1^ To hear the Town accounts & Do anything Relating the Same as Shall then be agreed on. 3'1'y To See if the Town Will Do any thing to Shew Cause why the Petition of William Cumings & Others should not be Granted who have Petitioned the General Court to be annexed to Holies & Do any thing Relating the Same as shall then be agreed on 4"'i>" To see if the Town Will Do any thing to Prevent the Common Being Over Stocked & act as shall then be agreed on & see that you make Due Return hereof & fail not at your Peril. Dated at Dunstable February 28"' 2757 Joseph Blanchard "| Jon" Lovewell >¦ Selectmen JoN'' Lund J Province of 1 New Hamp j Pursuant To the Within Warrant I have Notifyed & Warned all the freeholders & Other Inhabitants Qualified to Vote In the within Town affairs to meet at the Time & Place & for the Occasions as are Within mentioned. Dunstable March y 21''' 1757 his John X Searles Constable mark Dunstable April y' 2'' 1757 A true Copy taken from Dunstable town Book pr Jonathan Lund, Town Clerk 232 new HAMPSHIRE At a Town Meeting of the freeholders & Other Inhabitants In Dun stable Qualified to Vote In Town affairs assembled at the meeting house In Dunstable On Monday the 21" Day of Sept' 1757 Extract of the Votes The Question Was Put if the Town of Dunstable Wou'd set off the Inhabitants & Land as Petitioned for by William Cumings Si Others to be annexed to Holies or any Part thereof & Voted In the Negative then Voted that Joseph Blanchard & Zacheus Lovewell Esqrs. & Cap' Joseph French be agents In the Behalf of the Town of Dunstable Joyntly or Severally or any tw6 of them to Shew Cause Why the Prayer of the aforesaid Petition shou'd not be Granted A True Copy pr. Jonathan Lund town clerk Dunstable April 2^ 1757 A True Copy Taken from Dunstable Town Book pr Jonathan Lund Town Clerk Choice of agents March 21'" 1757 At a meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable Regularly assembled at the house of Thomas Harwood In Dunstable the 5"' Day of March 1754 Extracts of the Votes Voted that all the Inhabitants on the Place Called One Pine Hill viz : those to the West of Sampson Frenches & John Butterfield making a strait Line be excused from all charges In fitting Raising & finishing the old meeting house. Dunstable april y 2^ 1757 A true Copy taken from Dunstable town Book Pr. Jonathan Lund Town Clerk At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable held at the house of M' Jonathan French On the 24"' Day of July 1749 Law fully Warned for the following Purposes Extract of the Votes Also voted To hire a School for Eight months & that three months part thereof be Improved the North side Nashua River In two places. One the Most Convenient place at One pine Hill & that two months be Kept In the middle of the Inhabitants Between Nashua River & the Province Line & that the Other three months be kept the One half at the South End & One half at the North End to be Determined by the Committee to be Chosen the Most Convenient Places for that Purpose Dunstable April y' 2'' 1757 A true Coppy taken from Dunstable town Book. Pr Jonathan Lund Town Clerk N. B. Y« Petitioners Live at a place called One pine hill At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable Assembled on Wednesday the 30"" Day of April 1746 Extract of the Votes of said meeting Also Voted that the Inhabitants that by the Charter Was Incorporated With this Town of Dunstable Who Was by any Other Act or Law While Under the Jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Government Incor porated With any Other Town or Parish & have Continued to Pay Rates to the Respective Ministers of those Places be& hereby are Voted and Excused from the Tax or Rates Due to M' Swan to Compleat his Salary Down to the Last Day of March Last TOWN PAPERS — DUNSTABLE. 233 Dunstable April y" 2'' 1757 A true Coppy taken from Dunstable town Books Pr. Jonathan Lund Town Clerk At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable assembled according to Law on Monday the Second Day of March 1746-7 Extract of the Votes of Said Meeting. Whereas it has been proposed by the Inhabitants of this Town of Dunstable at Several Town Meetings to agree upon a Place Where to Erect a Meeting house for the Public Worship of God In this Town & no place being agreed upon & it Being Necessary that a place Should be fixed oragreed upon for Said Use & to Prevent the Charge of a Courts Committee in Settling the Same & that the Same May be Don Just & Equal it is Proposed that a Committee of three Judicious men hereafter to be Named be chosen (Belonging to some Other Town or Towns) & that they be fully Impowered to meet & agree upon or fix a Certain place for Erecting a Meeting house In this Town of Dunstable & that they View the Land in Settling the Same & that the Said Committee or the Maj' Part of them Certify to the Clerk of this Town (In Writing by them Signed) the Place they Shall agree upon or fix for Said use & that In their Judgment it is a place that is Just & Equal & Will Best acom- odate the Inhabitants of this Town of Dunstable & the Clerk is hereby Ordered to Record the Same Which Being Done shall be & Remain the Place for Building a Meeting house In this Town for the use aforesaid if the Land Can be had for the Same & that the Select men Desire Said Committee to Meet In this Town & agree upon a Place as aforesaid upon the Cost & Charge of this Town — Voted In the affirmative Dunstable April y' 2'' 1757 A true Coppy taken from Dunstable town Book Pr. Jonathan Lund Town Clerk Province of New Hampshire We the Subscribers Being Chosen a Committee By the Town of Dun stable In said Province at their Meeting the 2'' Day of March 1746-7 to fix & agree upon a place to Erect a house for the Public Worship of God In Said Dunstable according to the Directions in said Vote given us having Viewed the Land & hearing all Parties fully thereon So far as they See Cause have fixed & agreed That the Placefor Builds the said house on be & hereby is stated (as In our Judgments most Just & Rea sonable to be all Circumstances Considered) By the high Way on the Easterly Side thereof about four Rods from said Way at a small Pine Marked against M' Samuel Whitings New field (so called) Near the Place Where the Road Comes from Phineas Lunds. as Witness our hands this 23'' Day of May 1747 Joseph Fitch John Chamberlain Robert Fletcher A true Copy Attes Jon" Lovewell Town Clerk Dunstable April y= 2^ 1757 A true Coppy taken from Dunstable town Book pr. Jonathan Lund Town Clerk At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Dunstable In the Province of New Hamp' Being Regularly Assembled at the house of M' Thomas Harwood the 21" Day of December 1753 Then Voted the Place Whereon to set up a house for Public Worship 234 NEW HAMPSHIRE on Lords Day be at the Crotch of the Roads as Near as Can be With Convenience (Near the house where Jon Lovewell Now Dwells) Voted that the old Meeting house be Took Down Moved & Set up on the Place this night Voted for that Purpose & that the Same be forthwith Done & that the Hon""'" Joseph Blanchard Esq' Zacheus Lovewell Thomas Harwood Joseph French John Butterfield Jonathan Lund Ephraim Adams Jon" Lovewell & amasa Parker be a Committee to Effect the Same & that the Necessary Charges be paid by this Town Dunstable April y 2^ yr 1757' a true Cop" taken from Durrstable town Book Pr- Jonathan Lund Town Clerk Then Voted that Joseph Fitch of Bedford Capt. William Laurance Esq' of Groton & Capt. John Chamberlain of Souhegan East be the Committee to settle the Meeting house Place as afores'' & that they make Report Within three Months Voted that Capt. Rob' Fletcher be Chosen to Serve In the afores^ Com'"' in Case Either fail Dunstable April 2'' 1757 A Copy Taken from Dunstable Town Book [Here follows a plan of Pine Hill on the west part of Dunstable, which is omitted. Ed.] DURHAM. [This town was originally part of Dover, and long had the name of Oyster-River. It was incorporated during the administration of Gov. Belcher, 15 May, 1732. Ed.] Petition for Incorporation as a Town. To the Hon"'^ John Usher Esq' Lev' Govern' Comand' in Chief of his Majes" Province of New Hampshire and to the Hon'"= the Councill. Wee the Subscribers Inhabitants of Oyster River Humbly Petition and Pray That whereas, his Moste Sacred Majesty King William has been pleased through his grace and favor to grant unto yo' Hon' by his Royall Commission with y« Councill full Powers and authorities to Erect and Establish Towns within his Majes ties Province and whereas now y' Petitioners have by divine providence settled and Inhabited that Part in this his Majes" Province Comonly Called Oyster River and have found that by the scituation of the place as to Distance from Dover or Exe ter butt more Especially Dover now being forced to wander through the Woods to y' place to meet to and for y" manage ment of our affaires are much Disadvantaged for y° Present in our Business and Estates and hindered of adding a Town and People for the Hon' of his Majesty in the Inlargement and In- TOWN PAPERS— DURHAM. 235 creas of his Province Wee humbly Supplicate that yo' Hon" would take itt to yo' Consideration and grant thatwe may have a Township confirmed by your honours which we humbly offer the bound Thereof may Extend as foiloweth. To begin at the head of Rialls his cove and so to run upon a North west line seven Miles and from thence with Dover line Parrelell untill we meet with Exeter line that yo' Hon' would be pleased to Grant this Petition which will not only be a great benefitt Both to the Settlement of our Ministry The Population of the ¦place the Ease of the Subject and the strengthening and ad vantaging of his majest' Province butt an Engagement for yo' Petitioners Ever to pray for the Safety & Increase of yo' Hon'^ and Prosperity John Smith Joseph Jones James x Bunker Sen. John Williams Thomas Williams William Willyoums Henery Vines .' Nathanie.ll Meder John Meder Sener John Meder Jn William Faster x his mark James x his mark Philep Dudy. x his mark Demeret x his mark Joseph Jengens x his mark James Bonker x his mark James ? . — . — ¦ ? Joseph Meder Joseph Smith Edward Wakeham Thomas Wille Thomas Chesley Philip Chesley sen Francis Pittman Thomas Chesley Jr. George Chesley William Jackson Joseph Bunker John Woodman Stephen Jones ? Davis x mark Samson Doe John Doe Jeremiah Cromen James X Durgin mark Willioum X Durginn ma : Elias Critchett Phillup Cromel - mark John Cromel Jeremiah Burnnum John Smith Thomas Bickford John Meder Francis Mathes Henry Nock John Willy x mark Thomas Edgerly John Edgerly Edward x Lethers his mark Henry Mash William x Durgin his mark Ecclesiastical document relating to Durham, 1723. j^gyend Hon. & beloved. understanding Col. Davis & his wife are ab' to Joyn in full com" w"" yo' church this is y" by virtue of y° communion of churches to enter my objection ag" y"' for scandalous crimes untill their publick confession & reformation i^' crime ag" him is his hipocrisy in .pretending he could not w"' our church on ace" of Capt. Jones who (as he said) had taken a false oath ab' Capt. Hills land at y" falls w'" Jos 236 NEW HAMPSHIRE meader also when he Considered not the beam in his own eye relating to another oath he himself took concerning Wheel wrights pond 2" crime is his Sacrilegious fraud in his being The ringleader of the point peoples first rase of my first years sallary retain ing 16 pound thereof now almost sixteen years 3" crime is his Sacrilegious covetousness of the parsonage land for his son Daniel acting thereby like Ahab coveting & forceable entry upon Naboths Vineyard 4'" his late wresting the Law of this Province in his partial Spite ag'^' his own legal minister for so innocently playing at nine pins at a house no ways license for a Tavern & also for re proaching & defaming s"* minister as being in drink or dis guised there''"' besides his the s" Jas. Davis being so desper ately & notoriously wise in his own conceit his pretending to have so much religious discourse in his mouth & yet live so long (40 years) in hatred unto contempt of & stand neuter from our crucified Saviour & his honouring his sons & his wife also above the Lord of Heaven by his hearkeing to them more & rather than to him i sam' 2 : 29 in the second place ag" her the s'' Elizabeth his wife. i"' crime is her railing ag^' the s"' minister publickly at the church meeting in the meeting house by saying that the s'' minister told a lie in the pulpit ab' Sobriety Thomas &c 2 crime is her profane mockery at Christ's ordinance of a church meeting for discipline by her saying in a way of de rision theres going to be another caball now i e a horse race- ing from caballas the starey constellation or else a secret coun cil for some mystery of iniquity 3'' crime is her being disorderly as a busy body at every one of her husbands Courts to be his advisor or intermedler in his passing judg'"' in any case as if he sh'' regard her more than his oath the Law or evidence if these criminals will have these crimes to be proved at any church meeting to hear the Same ^ch yr reverend pastor Mr. Jona Cushing may please to ap point. Then as the Hon'"''' Col. Richard Waldron Esq. is one of the members of yo' Church in full comunion & a chief Jus tice of peace for the Province as a Subject I desire but as an ambassad' for Christ I demand of his Hon' aforesaid a blank sumons & notification seasonably as a complain' to sumons ev idence for the confirmation of y° premises as witnesses [two Hebrew words] (i) Pastor. the woman's 4"' crime is her so evidently insnaring her son Thomas into so many denials of any such concern' w"" Sobri ety Thomas in all that Scandalous business. For which cum multis aliis &c as baptized Children of the covenant by their (1) This was undoubtedly wi'itten by Rev. Hugh Adams, of Durham. See Prov Pap. Vol. IV. and V., "Adams." Ed. TOWN PAPERS — DURHAM. 237 prop' minister they are both of y™ laid under y'= Censure of his pastoral rejection as unbaptized heathen man & woman as War ranted by the law of christ in Titus 3:10 i Tim" i : 20 Titus 2 : 15 Math 16 : 19 Mai 2:71 Sam' 15 : 23 Math 3 : 10. Acts 8 : 13 : 21 : 23 untill thir publick Confession & amendm' of life — concerning whom therefore I must suppose in charity for yo' church by the receiving such among you w"* not dare to transgresse these written orders in the Apostolick Law of Christ I Cor. $ : II & Sundry other Scriptures. Petitio7i of sundry aggrieved inhabitants of Oyster River. To the Honorable John Wintworth Esq'" Lieu' Govenor and Commander in Chief in and over his Maj'"'^ Province of New Hampshire in New England and to the Honorable his Majs"'^ Counciel and Representatives for said province. The Humble Petition of Sundry aggreved Inhabitance of the parish of Oyster River Most humbly Sheweth Whereas we the Subscribers In Habitance of said parish Have allways been Constant hearers and Paid our Rats to the Minister of said Parish as by the Rait List of assessment Will make ap pear and Likewise Sundry of us have Been at a Consederabel Charge in Bulding a Meating House in said parish it being Nier and more Convenent for us to attend upon the Publick Worship of God at Oyster River Meeting House then at Co checho Meeting House which is a great way further for us to go tho Never the Less as we understand we are in Danger of Being Excluded from our said Priviledges by such an Unequal Line of Boundary between the parish of Oyster River and Co checho which if being so stated will be Greatly to the Damage of yo' Petitioners. We do therefore Humbly Crave Liberty of the More Mature and Superior Judgment of your honours in the General As sembly praying yor honours to take it in Consideration that there may be a more Equael Line of Bound'ry Set so that yo' aggrieved petitionars may not be under such Grat hard ships, and yor petitioners shall ever pray, Joseph Jones in behalf of the Rest whose names are to be given in Joseph Daniel Zachrah Edgeley William Broun William Glines James Jackson Samuel Daves Thomas Lethers Joseph Hiks John Tasker James Busell Samuel Chasley Morres Fouller Joshua Chasley John Busell 238 NEW HAMPSHIRE Joseph Parkins Eli Demerett Thomas Bickford William Demerett Ralph Horll John Demerett Samuall Parkins John Huckins J'oseph Jones Jun' Job Demerett Benj. Jones Derry Pitman John Jones Thomas Willey Jun. John Rand Joseph Daniel the third John Remiss Noel Crose . Timothy Moses John Daniel Thomas ? Benjamin Evens Samuel Chesle Harvey Buswell John Allan William Buswell Dec. 10, 1729. Petition of Francis Mathes and others for a new parish in Durham. To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq' Governor and Com mander In Chief in & over His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire in New England, the Hon'"' His Majesty's Coun cil and House of Representatives for said Province In Gen eral Court Convened Jany. 31^' 1739 The Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of the Town of Durham in Said Province Humbly Shews, That the Inhabitants of the Said Town are divided Into two parties Respecting their Ecclesiastical affairs, the One such as adhere to the Reverend M' Hugh Adams the late Minister of the Said Town & who Continues so to the said party, the other (who are much the Greater) are such as have Oppos'd his Standing in that Relation to them, & still Continue so to do. That notwithstanding it "was the opinion & Result of the late Ecclesiastical Council held there that it would not be Expedi ent for him to be any Longer the Minister of the said Town yet considering his former Services his advanced years and the unhappy Circumstances of himself & Family they Earnestly Recommended and press'd it upon the said Inhabitants that they should Liberally make Provision for his Support during the Stay of himself & Family among them — which is what would be highly agreeable to your Petitioners That altho Several propositions have been made touching that matter yet nothing has been agreed on nor any care taken to Secure the performance thereof in the manner Recommended as aforesaid. That your Petitioners apprehend it would be a great Inde cency if he who was once & so long the Minister of the said Town should have no other provision made for his Support than what the Law Provides for one of the poor of the Town TOWN PAPERS — DURHAM. 239 and that he should be Reduced to a Necessity of Depending upon such a Subsistence That your Petitioners are desirous Still to Sit under his Min istry and are willing to support him & his Family Suitable to his character & Station among them, and conceive that his being Comfortably Supported would have a good Tendency & be the Means of making peace in the Town (respecting Eccle siastical matters) and would keep all parties quiet & Easy. But your Petitioners however willing are notof ability to afford such Support while they are Subject to & pay towards the Maiitenaace of another Minister, in the Town. Wherefore they most Humbly pray that they with Such oth ers of the Said Town as will associate with them (not Exceed ing the one half) may be Exempted from paying toward the Support of any other Minister & May be discharged from all charges of that nature laid on them by Law by their Oppo nents from the time of the aforesaid Result and may be Incor porated as a Parish during the Life of the Said M' Adams in order to Maintain him & his Family & to Enjoy the Benefit of his Ministry. Or that the Town in General may be Obliged to afford him a Comfortable Subsistence during his abode there Or that Such other Method may be pursu'd as this Hon"''' Court in their Great Wisdom & goodness Shall think proper for the peace of the Town & the Ease of that aged Gentleman — and your petition ers as In duty bound Shall ever pray &c. Francis Mathes Towerthey Durgain Thomas Footman Joshua Durgain Thomas Drew Hazekiah Marsh Joseph Wheeler Joseph Duda ., William Lord Joseph Duda Jun. John Edgerly Benmor Dnda Stevephen Wille John Cromut Joseph Stevenson Phillip Cronyit John Footman David Davis Joseph Footman Jacob Tash Benjamin Pender Isacc Mason John Durgen Nathanael Watson Benjamin Durgen Nathaniel Frost Benjamin Pinder Junr. John Smart Frances Durgen John Mason Joseph Drew Benjamin Burdet John Kant Pumfret Whitehouse Moses Edgerly Vallitin Hill John Kant Junr. Sam" Adams John Drewe Sam' Willey Benjamin Benet Joseph Bickford James Durgain Jun. Abraham Banneck William Durgain Benjamin Banneck James Durgain Jonathan Durgain Will™ Durgain Jun. William Wormwood Joseph Durgain Joseph Edgerly 240 NEW HAMPSHIRE William Accason Joseph Edgly Thomis Bickford Abraham Stevnson John Bickford February the 15"" 1739-40. In the house of Representatives. The within Petition read and Voted the Petition be dismissed. James Jeffry Cler. Ass"" In Coun' feb 21'' 1739-40 Read and the Question put whether the Council Concurr'd with the representatives vote. four voted yea & four nay w'''' were all that were present. R. Waldron Sec? Durham July y" 24"" 1740 A list of Names of all the Soldiery that Is under my Comand from Sixteen years old and upward as the Law Directs. John Smith Jun' Capt" Sargt Thomas Stevenson Sarg Samuel Willey Sarg John Grummet Sarg John Edgerly Cor. Joseph Wormwood Cor Joseph Davis Cor. Joseph Edgerly Cor. John Durgain John Footman Joseph Footman Samuel Smith Benja. Smith Joseph Chasly Ebenezer Smith Benj" Pender Francis Durgain Eliphalet Daniel Reuben Daniel John Kent John Kent Jun. Abraham Mathews John Drew Elijah Drew Tho Bickford Robert Kent Tho. Langley William Lord Stephen Willey Benja Mathews Nolintin Mathews Abraham Mathews Jun Joseph Stevenson Abraham, Stevenson Caleb Wakham Francis Footman Daniel Davis Tho Footman Jun. John Genikins Benja Genikins Robert Burnham Jun. John Burnham Jun. Richard Dunmore Benja Davis Jabez Davis Jeremiah Davis Solomon Davis Ebenezer Davis Samuel Meeder James Burnham Ichbod Denmore Joseph Bickford John Langly Jobe Langley Hezekiah Marsh Willm Willey John Mason Daniel Doo John Doo Joseph Doo Benja Doo Will"' Wormwood Jun. Will"' Jncks Joshua Crumet Abraham Bennet Jun. James Durgain Jun. Will'" Durgain Phillip Crommet Benja Bennet Isac Mason David Davis Samuel Joy Joshua Davis Joseph Dudy Joseph Dudy Jun. Benmore Dudj' Tho Willey Theodor "Willey James Smith TOWN PAPERS DXJRHAM. 241 Joseph Smith Joshua Woodman Tho Yorke John Cretchet Samuel Watson John Willey Joseph Gleden James Burnham Jun A true Coppy of the List Rool taken y Last Training Day and Cop- pjed out July y" 29"> 1740 Total 86 Joseph Drew Clerk Daniel Meader' s Petition, Feb. 11, 1745. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Govenor & Com mander In Chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire the Hon'''" His Majestys Council & House of Representatives in General Assembly Convened the ii"" Day of Feb5 1744-5 The Humble Petition of Daniel Meader of Durham in the Province of New Hampshire in behalf of himself & the People called Quakers Inhabitants of Durham afores*^ Shews That your Petition' was Chosen Constable of the Said Town at their annual Meeting in March 1743 for that year & at the same time One Isaac Clarke was chosen a Constable or Col lector of the Minister Rate thereby Intending to Exonerate the Constable of the To"wn (properly so called) from that service. That since that Choice M' Hugh Adams has Recovered a Judgment ag y s" Town at the Court of Appeals for a consid erable sum of Money w''^ the Town was obliged to Raise, a Meeting was called & a vote was past for Raising a sum of Money but Expres'd in a Covert disguised manner purposely concealing the use & design to which it was to be applied with an Intent as your Petitioner Conceives both to oblige him to Collect it & the Quakers to pay a part of it who are Exempted by law from paying any part of money Raised to the use for w'*" this was Really designed — And pursuant hereto a list of Rates was made wherein all Denominations were taxed to wards the sum voted as aforesaid & artifice & contrivance used to get it into the hands of your Petitioner & to oblige him to Collect the money. That as the Laws of the Province do not oblige any man or men to pay towards the Support of any way of Worship but that which he or they attend much less will they Compel any man to Collect money for the Support of that mode of worship from which he dissents and the money adjudged to M' Adams aforesaid & which has been Collected (with other money) and since paid to him Comes within the meaning of the Province Laws granting Liberty of Conscience & other Privileges re specting Religious worship as any sum to be raised for any ministers yearly Salary. 16 2^2 NEW HAMPSHIRE Wherefore y' Petition' Humbly prays that as the Quakers have not yet paid the part of said Rates which they were as sessed they may be Exempted & discharged from paying the same and he Exonerated from the burthen of making such Col lection And farther as your Petioner conceives the Collecting any part of Said Rates was an unjust Imposition on him he Prays that he may be paid by the Said Town a Quantum Meruit for that Service and he "will as in Duty bound Ever pray &c Daniel Meder. Petition of Joseph Thom.as and other inhabitants of Dur ham. To the Hon''' '' the House of Representatives for the Province of New Hampshire in General Assembly Convened Nov' 1755- Humbly Shows. Sundry of the Inhabitants of the Town of Durham in Said Province That they apprehend themselves ag grieved By the Return made by two of the Select men, of Said Town of the Person said to be Chosen to Represent the Said Town in the Last Election for That they Conceive upon a fair Examination of the Facts Relative thereto, it will be found That Joseph Thomas their Late Representative was really the Person Legally chosen & Ought to have been so Returned. That the true State of the Case is thus, upon Reading & Counting the Written Votes put in it appeared that Lieut Stephen Jones had one more Vote thari Said Thomas upon which there appeared a Sufficient Number (who being Doubt ful whether it could be so upon a fair Examination) Desired a Poll to Put the matter beyond Dispute which was accordingly Granted the Event of which was that there were thirty nine Polls in favour of said Thomas & thirty two Polls in favour of said Jones — whereupon the Moderator Declared the said Thomas the Person Elected & Directed the Clerk to make the Entry accordingly— Yet so it is that the said Jones is Returned as the Person Elected & said to be Notified to attend accordingly all which upon an Impartial Inquiry will Turn out as your Peti tion'" apprehend to be a Misrepresentation & a bold Infringe ment upon the Rights & Libertys of the Electors & worthy of Inquiry & Exami" wherefore your Petitioners Humbly pray the Premises may be taken under Consideration by this Hon"'" House & Such a Resolution form'd thereupon as shall be found upon Examina' to be agreeable to the Truth of the DiflTerent TO"WN PAPERS DURHAM. Hi facts & allegations Produced & made by the Different Parties Concern'd and your Petition" Shall Pray &c. Jos Thomas Eliphalkt Daniel Jonathan Durgain Benj Jenkins Petition for a highway. Prorince ofl Ne-wHamp. ) To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Captain General and Governour in chief in and over his Majest" Province of New Hampshire & To the Honourable his Majesty' Councill & House of Representatives in General Court Convened Thii Eleventh Day of FebruaryA. D. 1768 The Petition of us the Subscribers being Inhabitants and Freeholders of Durham, Newmarket and Towns adjacent Most Humbly Sheweth That at his- Majesty's Court of General Sessions of the peace begun Si held at Portsmouth within and for the said Province of New Hampshire on tho first Tuesday of September last. Your Petitioners humbly Petitioned said Court of Sessions for a " High way of two Rods wide to be laid out from the Bridge at Lamprele River To the Road leading from Durham Point to Durham Falls in The following manner viz. beginning at tlie County Road at said Lamprele River near Joseph Hams Dwelling House & to Run as the Path now Runs through lands of Walter Bryant Esq' and Abraham Ben nett To lands of Samuel Smith at the Gate at the Head of said Smiths Pasture from thence running between said Smith 8c Bennitts Land to the afores'' path at the Head of said Smiths lane and Down said Smiths Lane To the End thereof. Thence running between said Smith & Bennitts land & Through Said Smiths land as The path now goes To Lands of Joseph Chesle Thence Through the Several Lands of Said Cheslej' The heirs of Ebenezer Smith Esq' Deceased and John Smith to lands of Thomas Stevenson & through said Gtevensons land between his House & Barn To lands of Joseph Footman & through said Footmans Land to lands of Dependance Bickford & John Dur gin and through said Bickford & Durgins land To & through Lands belonging To the said Heirs of Ebenezer Smith To Mathes' Creek (so called) near the Mill and over the said Creek between lands of the Honourable Peter Levius Esq'' and John Kent To Lands in possession of John & Joseph Drew Thence running between said Levius & Drews Land To a Road Leading from Durham Point to Lamprele River" — and 3^ NEW HAMPSHIRE at the Court of General Sessions holden at said Portsmouth in December last The Petitioners prayed for a Committee To view the Several Lands Through which said Road was In tended to be laid out and To Report To the said Court of Ses sions Thereon but the Court refused To send a Committee or to grant the prayer of the said Petitioner and accordingly the Petition was Dismissed by means whereof your Petitioners are much aggrieved as the said Way if laid out would much Com mode your Petitioners as well as his Majestys Subjects in gen eral. Wherefore your said Petitioners Most humbly pray that your Excellency & Honours would Take The matter under your Consideration & Cause the said place to be viewed & if the said way should appear to be necessary & Convenient Then To order the Said Way to be laid out and opened in such way & manner as your Excellency and Honours shall in your great •wisdom Think fit and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound will Ever pray Feb. 11 '" 176S. David Davis James Cram Moses Edgerly Jr. Tho" Stevenson Truworthy Durgin Jun Joseph Drew Stephen Wille Jun John Drew Nath' Norton Joseph Wormwood Jr. George Bickford Dep. Bickford Volentine Mathes Francis Mathes John Mead John Edgerly Ede Hall Bergin John Smith Zebulon Doe Jun. George Tuttel Jonathan Doe Tim" Murray Edward Smith John Mundro Bradstreet Doe Province of "1 In the House of Representatives Feb 18"' 1768 New Hamp. ( The within Petition being Read Voted That the Petitioners be heard on this Petition the third Day of the Siting of the General Assembly next after the tenth Day of March next and that they at their own Cost Serve the Selectmen of Durham with a Copy of this Petition and Order of Court that they May Shew Cause why the Prayer thereof should not be Granted M. Weare Clr. In Council Feb" 19"' 1768 Read & concurr'd Geo. King Dep. See Province of 'I In the House of Representatives March is"" 1768 New Hamp. / The Parties being heard on this Petition and the matter Considered — Voted That Andrew Wiggin Esq' Capt. Eliphelet Merrill and Capt. Ezekiel Wprthen be a Committee to View the Road Petitioned for to hear what any Persons Concern'd may offer and make Report to the General Assembly as soon as may be. The Cost of the Committee to be Paid by the Petitioners M. Weare CI' TOWN PAPERS — EPPING. 245 Province "1 At a Town meeting of the Free holders & other Inhab- «f Ne-w^ Hamp. / itants of Durham held at the Meeting House in s" Dur ham on Monday the 7"' day of March 1768 at 3 o'clock P. M. 'J Voted that Capt. Thomas Chesley shall be an agent in behalf of the Town to answer to a Petition signed by Thomas Stevenson & others. Directed to the Governor, Council and representatives of s^i Province requesting a High Way To be laid out from the Bridge at LampereeJ River To the Road leading from Durham Point to Durham Falls. And lo shew cause why the Prayer of s'' Petition should not be granted. A True Copy— Attest John Smith S. Cler pro tempore EPPING. [Epping was incorporated 12 February, 1741. Ed.] Petition of the Inhabitants of Epping for Tnen to protect them. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governour and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire and the Hon''^ His Majesties Council and House of Representatives for said Province in General As sembly Convened Humbly Sheweth the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Epping in s'" Province that your Petitioners are Sensible of the weak and Defenceless State of the Town of Nottingham which Lies on our Border — That the Inhabitants there Seem very much Discouraged Insomuch that Some are Removed and others are about Removing out of Town. That if that Settlement should Break up this Parish with Part of New Market and Durham will become Frontiers which we of ourselves Shall not we fear be able to Defend and the Enemy who will be much Incour- aged will have near access to the very Bowells of the Province which may Possibly have very Fatal Consequences. We Do therefore by these Presents Humbly Request your Excellency and Honours to take the Premises with other Rea sons that may occur into your wise Consideration and if it ap pear Proper make Provision for and send to said Town of Nottinghatn to be Kept there for their Safeguard and Defence — Such a number of Men as may be needfull for that Purpose and as that Town is very much Exposed we Humbly Presume that a much Larger number will be necessary for that End than has been allowed them in years Past, and as the Common Road iietween Red Oak Hill so called and Nottingham is very Dan- 346 NEW HAMPSHIRE gerous to Pass we Would Request that a Small Scout of Men Maybe sent to the named Gareson on Pantuckaway road to scout from thence to Sanborns Garrison when not wanted for that to Guard the People at s'' Garrisons May it Pleas Your Excel lency and Honours it appears. to us that our Safety in a Great Measure Depends upon the Safety of Nottingham "which we Hope you will Effectually Provide for and we shall Esteem it as an Instance of your Paternal Care not only of Nottingham but of your Petitioners also who as in Duty Bound shall Ever Pray &c. Edward Stevens Jonathan Foulsom Benjamin Rawlings David Page Richard Samborn Nathan Samborn Jonathan Keesey Joseph Goodhue Onisipherous Page Joseph Edgerly John Elkins Daniel Elkins Samuel Elkins Robert Hinkson John Hinkson John Dudley Moses Hoyt James Chase Jacob Freese Elias Smith Jeremiah Present William Prescut Abraham Brown John Rowell John Page Epping March 5"" 1747 In Council March S"" 1747 read & ordered to be sent down to y Hon" James Whidden Joseph Emery Joseph Cass Ezekiel Brown Abraham Folsom Jonathan Smith Jonathan Rundlet Eleazer Elkins Jeremiah Elkins Is'rel Blak Joseph Blak Jediah Blake Jeremiah Prescot John Prescut 'William Eaton Jonathan Gliden Joseph Noris Moses Noris John Noris John Manten Daniel Manten Ebenezer Manten Caleb Gillman Israel Gillman John Morison House Theo'' Atkinson Seer EPSOM. [This town was incorporated 18 May, 1727. Ed.] An Act to invest Proprietors of Epsom, with town rights, &c. Anno Regni Regis Georgii Secundi Magnae Britannia Francis & Hi- berniEB Decimo Septimo. An Act to Invest the Proprietors of the Township of Epsome with TOWN PAPERS XPSOll. 247 the Powers & Privileges of any other Proprietors of Townships in this Province. Whereas the said Proprietors have Represented that they were not Enabled to proceed in the Settlement of their Township so Effectually as they might do for want of sufficient powers and authorities of Law to Enforce & Expedite the payment of such Sums of Money as should be agreed & voted by the said Proprietors to be Raised for the promot ing & Carrying on the Settlement aforesaid — And as the making such Settlements are of General Benefit to the Province as well as for the Interest of the Particular Proprietors Be it therefore Enacted by His Excellency Govern' Council & Rep resentatives in General Assembly Convened & by the authority of the tame That the said Proprietors of the Said Township of Epsome shall be & hereby are Invested with all the Powers Authorities & Privileges given by Law to the Proprietors of any Town ship within this Province Respecting the voting Assessing Raising & Collecting or Levying any Sum or Sums of Money that have been or shall be agreed upon & voted by the Majority of the said Proprietors at any Legal meeting for defray ing the charge of the Gospel Ministry in the s"" Township and for the future may La"wfully use & Exercise the same Powers, Authorities & privileges in all other respects as occasion shall serve as fully & amply to all Intents & purposes whatsoever as the Proprietors of any Town ship in this Province & in the same manner as if the same had been herein particularly mentioned and in Like manner may proceed to call or. notify any future meeting of the said Proprietors & to order Govern & manage their proceedings & affairs at such meeting This act to Con tinue & be in force for the Space of five Years & no Longer. In the House of Representatives apr 18"' 1744. The above Bill Read three times & past to be Enacted And' Wiggin Speaker Petition of John Weeks. Province ofl New Hamp / To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor and Commander in' chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire, The Honorable His Majestys Councill and House of Representatives in General Assembly Convened the Third day of March 1761 The Petition of John Weeks of Hampton in Province of New Hampshire Esq' in behalf of and as agent for the Propri etors of Epsom in said Province Most humbly sheweth That a Considerable part of the land in Said Epsome is owned by Non Residents. That there is no law in this Province whereby Proprietors of Common and undivided lands can raise Money by 'Taxes and Cause the same to be Collected. That the In habitants of said Epsom are unable to build a meeting house for the Public Worship of God or to support a Minister of the Gospel among them That the Proprietors of Epsom aforesaid at a meeting of said Proprietors held at Epsom aforesaid by 248 NEW HAMPSHIRE adjournment on the tenth day of September 1760 voted that the Proprietors of land in said Epsom Should pay two Shillings old Tenor per acre for every acre of land which then was laid out in Severalty in Said To"wn To be paid within one year froni the said Tenth day of September afores'^ Partly to pay for the perambulating the Several lines of said Town and for laying out the undivided lands in said Town and the Remainder to be applied towards building a meeting house and maintaining a Minister in said Epsom — Also That the Proprietors aforesaid should pay one Shilling old Tenor per acre per year for five years next after the said one year should be expired, to be ap plied towards the building a meeting house and maintaining a Minister in s ' Epsom and at the same meeting voted your Peti tioner agent for said Proprietors to prefer a Petition to the General Assembly for a Confirmation of said Vote : Wherefore your Petitioners in the Capacity afores'' prays your Excellency and Honours by an act to Ratify and Confirm Said Vote And to Authorize & Impower the said Proprietors to tax all the lands laid out in Severalty in said Epsom on the said Tenth day of September afores ' at two Shillings old Tenor per acre for one year for the use and purpose aforesd. And to enable the said Proprietors to Collect the Same also to tax for five years next after the said one year every acre of land that shall then be laid out in Severalty in said Town at one Shil ling old Tenor per. acre each year for the use and purpose afor- said and to enable the said Proprietors to Collect the Same. John Weeks Agent In Council March 3'' 1761 read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''' Assembly. Theod Atkinson Secy The Petition of the Inhabitants of Epsom, for abating the Province Tax. Province ofl New Hamp / To his Exelency Benning Wentworth Esq' Cap' General Got- ernour & Commander in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire and to the Honable Counceill & house of Representatives now Convened in General As sembly at Portsmouth the Petition of his Majestys Good Subjects Inhabitants of the township of Epsom in Said Province Humbly Sheweth We the Poor Inhabitants of the township of Epsom in Said Province humbly Beg Leave to Remonstrate our Very Poor Distressing Curcumstances to your Compassion & Most Earn- TOWN PAPERS EPSOM. 249 estly Crave your Pity and pray your Honours to Relieve us from the unsuportable Burden of Province tax under which we are made to Grone and Which we think we Cannot Possibly Sur vive under unless your Honours Will be Pleased to Mitigate and free us from. Gentlemen our Numbers are Very small & we are very much Exposed to Losses our young Cattle Sheep & Swine are often Destroyed by Wild beasts and further we have Lately Seteled a minister among us which we are affraid we Shall not be able to Support by Reason of the Poor Cir cumstances we are now under we are not able to Build a Meet ing House but our Minister is obliged to Preach in Some of our Dwelling houses the tax which was Laid on us the Last year many of us were obliged to hire the money to Pay our Necessities are very Grate by Reason of the Scarcity of Pro visions "we have been obliged to Lay out all that we have got for years Past & are now much in Debt this is to Entreat your Honours to take of the heavy tax which we now Labour un der & Restore us the money we Paid Last year & your Peti tioners Shall Ever Pray as in Duty Bound John McClary Isaac Lebbee Jun. George Walles Reuben Lebbee Nathan Marden Amos Blaso John Black Samuel Beckford Ephraim Lock Samuel Black Reuben Sanborn Jun. Thomas Hins Eliphalet Sanborn John Blaso Reuben Sanborn Ephraim Bery James Wood William Blake Abraham Lebbee Benson Ham Abraham Walles John McGaffey Benjamin Blake Andrew McClerj Thomas Blake Abner Evens Isaac Lebbee In Council June 24"' 1762 Read & Order'd to be sent down to the Hon'''"' Assembly Theodore Atkinson Jub. Sec' Province of 1 New Hampshire j Epsom May the 26, 1760 these are to notifie the propriters of the town of Epsom to meat at the house of Cap' Andrew McClarey inepsom on wensday theeightenth of June next at ten of the clock in the fore noon then and their to see if the proprietors will asist the inhabitance in bulding a meating house and asist the inhabitance about the hiring a minister or any other thing that may be thot proper for the benefit of s"" town and to see if the pro- pritors will devide the undevided Land in epsom and likewise see if they will preamblate the several lines in s"* Epsom. A true Copy atest by N Marden proprietors Clark f^jBlaYelSe'-'-" 350 MEW HAlfPSHIRB At a. Legal meeting of the Proprietors of the town of Epsom held at the house of Cap' Andrew McClary on wensday the 18 day of June 1760 1 TOted M' Isaac Lebbee to be moderator for the present meating. a voted that the meeting be adjorned untill the tenth day of Septem ber next at ten of the Clock Before noon to be held at the place afores'' A true copy atest by Nathan Marden proprietors Clark September the 10, 1760 I voted Nathan Marden be propritors Clark for the propriters of Epsom untill another be chosen. ' 3 voted that the proprietors pay two Shillings pr. Acre old tener for all and every acre of Land which is laid into Severelty in the town of Epsom within one year from this Date partly to pay for the perambe- lating the Lines of s'' Epsom & laying out the undevided Land and the remander to be applyd towards Building a meating house & mantain- ing a menester in s'' Epsom and also that the propriters pay one Shil ling old tener pr. acre pr. year for five years next after the s'' one year is Expir'd to be applied towards building a meating house and maintain ing a minister in s^ Epsom. 3 voted that John Weaks Esq' be an agent for the propriters of Ep som to prefer a petition to the general Court for a confirmation of s" rotes and also for an act to ena'ole the s"* propriters to colect s'' sum. 4 voted that Capt. John McClary be a Committee to peramblate the Lines of Epsom & to Divide the Undevided Land in Epsom. 5 Voted that Nathan marden be a Committie man for the Same. 6 voted that Ephraim Lock be a Committie man for the Same Isaac Lebbee Sen' moderator A true Copy atest by Nathan Marden propriters Clark We whose names are under writen Desir the select men of Epsom to insert the foUong and Call a propriters meating Viz. Tohn Weeks "It, -. Bracket Johnson I P™P"'«« William Bery William Blaso Leve Dearborn Isaac Lebbee Sen' John Lebbee Georg Walles "Ephraera Lock Nathan Marden John McClary Benjamin Holt Andrew McClary Isaac Lebbee Junr. EXETER. [Exeter was purchased of certain Indian Sachems by Rev. John Wheelwright and others, 3 April, 1638. The purchase embraced thirty miles Square. Under this purchase, the settlement was made.] Combination at Exeter, 1639. [See and compare copy from Ancient Record of Exeter, Prov. Pap. Vol. I, pp. 131—133.] TO"WN PAPERS EXfiTER. 25! Combination for government at Exeter, with the forms of oaths for rulers and people. Whereas it hath pleased the Lord to move the heart of our dread Sovereign Charles by the grace of God King &c to grant license and liberty to sundry of his subjects to plant themselves in the western parts of America — We his loyal subjects, breth ren of the church in Exeter, situate and lying upon the river Pascataquacke with other inhabitants there, considering with ourselves the holy will of God and our own necessity, that we should not live without wholesome laws and government among us, of which we are altogether destitute, do in the name of Christ and in the sight of God combine ourselves together to erect and set up amongst us such government as shall be to our best discerning agreeable to the will of God professing our selves subjects to our Sovereign Lord King Charles, according to the liberties of our English colony of the Massachusetts, and binding ourselves solemnly by the grace and help of Christ, and in his name and fear, to submit ourselves to such godly and christian laws as are established in the realm of England to our best knowledge, and to all other such laws which shall upon good grounds be made and enacted amongst us according to God, that we may live quietly & peaceably together in all god liness and honesty. Mo. 5 D. 4, 1639. John Wheelwright Robert Smith Augustine Storer Ralph Hall Thomas Wright Robert Seward William Wentworth Richard Bulger Henry Elkins Christopher Lawson George Walton George Barlow Samuel Walker Richard Morris Thomas Petit Nicholas Needham Henry Roby Thomas Wilson William Winborne George Rawbone Thomas Crawley William Cole Christopher Helme James Wall Darby Field Thomas Leavitt Robert Read Edmund Littlefield Edward Rishworth 1,°^" Gramme Francis Matthews Philemon Purmot Godfrey Dearborne Thomas Wardhall William Wardhall The Elder's or Ruler's Oath. You shall swear by the great and dreadful name of the high God maker and governor of heaven and earth and by the Lord Jesus Christ the prince of the kings and rulers of the earth, that in his name and fear you will rule and govern his people according to the righteous will of God, ministering Justice and judgement on the workers of iniquity 352 NEW HAMPSHIRE and ministering due encouragement and countenance to well doers, pro tecting of the people so far as in you lieth by the help of God from for eign annoyance and inward disturbance that they may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. So God be help ful and gracious to you and yours in Christ Jesus. Oath of the people. We do swear by the Great and dreadful Name of the High God, Maker and Governor of heaven ^nd earth, and by the Lord Jesus Christ, the King and Saviour of his people, that in his Name and fear, we will submit ourselves to be ruled and governed according to the will and word of God, and such wholesome laws and ordinances as shall be derived therefrom by our honored Rulers and the lawful assistants, with the consent of the people, and that we will be ready to assist them by the help of God in the administration of justice and preservation of the peace, with our bodies and goods and best endeavours according to God. So God protect and save us and ours in Jesus Christ. Exeter Sept. 26"' 1738 To the Gentlemen Selectmen of Exeter : We the Subscribers pray you wou'd forthwith call a town meeting and we pray you Insert the following in your s'' warrant for a town meeting. — To the town of Exeter — The Petition of us the Subscribers In habitants of the western part of the first parish in Exeter, Humbly Sheweth — That we your Petitioners have for diverse years Labour'd under inexpressible Disadvantages & Difficulties on many accounts More particularly by reason of our Great Distance from the publick Meeting House, so that Even in the Summer Season we and our Families cannot attend Regularly & Constantly on the publick worship of God as we would doe and in the "winter Season for Diverse years past have thought it Best to be at the Expence of Supporting preaching amongst us without any abatement of our Rates to the Support of the ministry in this Parish, and Having made some Provision & Been at some Cost toward Building a Meeting House among us — Being now Desirous of Being a Parish by ourselves and as soon as may be Conveniently to Settle an Orthodox Gospel Ministry among us — we therefore pray that you wou'd consider our Circumstances and pass a vote to set us of by ourselves, to be in all respects a Distinct parish as the Parish of New Mar ket is now set off" from the first parish in Exeter and we pray if you see Good to vote the Bounds of our Parish as follows. Beginning at old Pickpocket upper Saw-Mill and from thence running South to Kingston line, thence west and by North by Kingston Line four miles, thence north four miles, thence Easterly to New Market South west corner Bounds and So Bounding by New Market South Bounds So far till a South TOWN PAPERS EXETER. 253 Line will Strike Pickpocket mill, and then to run from r^ew Market Line South to s'' Mill the Bounds first mentioned. Andrew Oilman Daniel Sanburn Edward Colcord Nicholas DoUofe Nicholas Dudley Nicholas Gordon Stephen Leavit Amos DoUofe Benjamin Veasey Elisha Sanburn Jonathan Robinson Jonathan Smith Jeremiah Bean John Marsh James Robinson Charles Young Solomon Smith John Roberds Jun. Jonathan Cram Ezekiel Smith Antipas Gilman Thomas Gordon Daniel Rundlet Josiah Moody Joshua Bean Samuel Roberds John Mudget John Bean Thomas Mudget James Dudley Humphrey Wilson James Dudley Jun. Ephraim Robinson Joseph Atkinson John Morgan Nathaniel Foulshom John Holland Benjamin Scribner Maverick Gilman William Graves Benjamin Fifield Moses Fifield. A true copy attest Elisha Odlin town clerk. Exeter May 5"" 1739. According to y Desire (by Mr. Russell) I have hear Sent A List of all The military officers In Exeter with TheDateof There Commissions under Gov" Belcher. My one Comission bares Date May 7''' 1731. Capt. Peter Gilman Capt. Sam' Gilman, Capt. Thomas Dean, Capt. Edw'- Hall, Lieut Daniell Gilman, Lieut Isreall Gilman Ens" Rich"* Mattoon. All These Comissions bares Date July 12"' 1731. Leut. Dudley Odlin Cor" Ezek' Gilman Quarter Mast' Jon" Connor, Lent Theophilus Smith, Ens" John Gilman, Ensign James Levit. These Comissions Bare Date Oct. 21' 1737. I am with Respect s' Your very Humb'' Sarv' John Gilman. To The Honi-'' Rich' Waldron Esq' Petition for a Parish. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor & Commander in Chief in & over His Majestys Province of New Hampshire in New England. The Hon'"''' His Majes ty's Council & House of Representatives in General Court Convened. The Humble Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of the North Westerly Part of the Town of Exeter in said Province Shews. That your Petitioners being Settled in the aforesaid part the said Town Labour under Great Difficulties in attending the 254 ^^^ HAMPSHIRE Public Worship of God by Reason of the Distance & badness df the Way to the Meeting House Most of em living More than seven milesfrom it, & some above nine, so that many Pers'oris in their Families can attend the Public Worship but seldom. That being most of them new Settlers (tho' upon good land) are not able to maintain a Minister among themselves while they are Subjected to & actually pay their proportion to the maintenance of the Gospel & other Charges in the To"w*n. That a considerable Pari'sh might be set oflT from the said Town by the following Metes & Bounds v'z. Beginning at the Nortii West Comer of Exeter & from thence running South 29 Deg. W. partly by Nottingham & partly by Chester line four miles and an half & from thence to extend carrying that breadth of four miles and an half East & by Soutli till it comes to the head line of New Market Parish Ijeing bounded North'ly partly by Nottingham & partly by Dover Line and Easterly partly by New Market & partly by Exeter the said four miles & an half being something Broader than New Market & so ex tending a little beyond it upon Exeter which w^ould Compre hend your Petitioners Estates & yet leave a Large and able Parish at the Town below 'em (which would hardly miss 'em) And tho' they are but few & Poor in Comparison of the rest of the Town yet they would Gladly bear the charge of Support ing the Gospel among themselves were they Exonerated from that & other Town Charges & duties in the ether part of the Town — But as the aforesaid Bounds Comprehends a Tract of very Good Land they have reason to think from that as vi^ell as by experience that they shall Increase in number every j^ear & Especially when accommodated better with respect to the Pub lic Worship. That a Parish Incorporated by the aforesaid Boundaries with the usual Privileges & Immunities would be a Considerable means of Cultivating & Improving a large Tract of Land which is now unsubdued, inasmuch as People will be thereby Encouraged to go out & Settle there, & the" Public in General as well as the said Town in Particular Benefited thereby. Wherefore your Petitioners Pray This Hon"''' Court would Please to take the Premises under Consideration and Grant that they may be Incorporated into a Parish with the usual Parish powers & Privileges by the Metes & bounds aforesaid & Exonerated from paying to the Support of the Minister of the Town & other Town charges & duties that so they may support & Maintain the Gospel a school &c. among themselves with more conveniency for themselves & Families— Or in such other manner as this Hon""^ Court in their Great Wisdom & Goodness shall think proper & your Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray &c. TO"WTf PAPERS — EXETER. «S5 Jacob Smith Theophilus Wodley David Laurens leradiah Blacke James Norris Jun. Joseph Blake Samuel Elkins Jun. Benjamin Rolings Elias Smith George Been John Elkins Nathan Hoight Daniel Elkins Samuel Norris Jonathan Morris Jun. Samuel Eltins James Rundlet Elezar Elkins John Rowell Jeremiah Elkins Joseph Avery Caleb Giltman Joseph Norris Israel GiHman Jonathan Rundlet Jacob Sanborn Joel Judkins John Sear Nathan Samborn Israel Shaperd Samuel Smith Hezakiah Swain Jonathan Smith James Chase Ithiel Clifford Daniel Lad Joseph Gorden Joseph Malora John Carty i Benjamin Poter Timothj'^ Morgen Jonathan Foulshara Jeremiah Prescut Ebenezer Marden Richard Sanborn John Norris Simon Garion Jonathan Norris Job Rowell John Folintown James Norris Jeremiah Prescut Jun. Jonathan Gidden Joseph Edgley John Hall Moses Rolings. In the House of Representatives Jan 15"' 1741 The within Petitiom Read and Voted That the Petitioners forthwith Serve the Select Men of Exeter with a Coppy of the Petition and the Votes thereon — ^That the Town of Exeter may appeare at the Gen"' Court or Assembly next Tues day fortnight to Shew Cause (if any they have) why the prayer of the Petition may not be granted — And if the General Court or Ass"" Shall not be then sitting, Then to appeare the Third day of the Sitting of the next Sessions of Gen' Assembly. James Jeffry Cle Abs°* In Council Jan 21 1741-2 Kead & Concurrd Rich" Waldron Sec Jan 21 1741-2. Assented to B. Wentworth In the House of Representatives Feb. the 2'' 1741 The within Peti tioners were heard and the dellegates from the Town of Exeter and they agreed that the Bound shall be as foiloweth viz. to begin at Durham Line at the North West corner of the p'ish of New Market and from thence Bounding on the head Line of said New Market to the South west Corner of the same, and from thence to run South ab' twenty nine degrees West parallel with the head Line of the Town of Exeter Extending to half the breadth of the Township of Exeter from Dur ham Line aforesaid and from thence to run V/est &: by north to the Midle of the head Line of the Town of Exeter and from thence to bound upon Chester and Nottingham to the North West corner of Exeter and from thence bounding East & by South on Nottingham & Durham to the first bounds. Therefore Voted that the prayer of the Petition be granted & that they be set off by the Bounds aforesaid and have all powers within themselves 256 NEW HAMPSHIRE as any Town within this Province Keeping & supporting an Orthodox Minister to preach among, them (excepting the Choice of Represent""') and untill they shall have liberty to have one among themselve they have liberty to Joyn with the Town of Exeter in the choice of Men to Represent the Town as usuall and that they pay their Proportion of the charge of such Representatives and. that they be not Exempted from pay ing any charge of the Town of Exeter that has already been assestupon them and that they have Liberty to bring in a Bill Accordingly. James Jeffrey Cler. Ass'» In Council Feb. 3, 1741-2 Read and concurred Rich'' Waldron Secy. Feb. 3, 1741-2 Assented to B Wentworth Whereas there is a Petition preferred to the General Court by the northwesterly part of this town to be incorporated into a Parish & s'^ Court have Ordered s'' Petitioners to Serve the Selectmen with a Copy of s'' Petition that the town of Exeter may appear at the General Court on Tuesday the Second of Feb')' next to Show Cause if any they have why the Prayer of s"" Petition may not be Granted — These are therefore to Notify all the Freeholders and other Inhabitants belonging to the town of Exeter to assemble themselves together at the town house in Exeter on Monday the first day of February next at one of the clock afternoon then and there to choose two or more fit persons to represent this town in General Assembly if they see fit to make answer to the above Mentioned Petition in Behalfe of the town of Exeter. Dated at Exeter Jany y° 23'' 1741-2 Thomas Deane "l Nath' Webster >¦ Selectmen Josiah Gilman j A true Copy Attest Elisha Odlin town clerk At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the town of Exeter holden at the town house in s'' Exeter FebJ i'' 1741-2 1 Voted Samuel Gilman Esq' Moderator of s"* Meeting 2 Voted That two men be chosen to make answer to the Petition pre- ferr'd to the General Court or assembly by the Northwesterly part of the town with power to act before s" Court on behalf of the town as they shall think proper. 3 Voted That Samuel Gilman Esq' & Lieut Theophilus Smith be thee two men for the End afores'' A true Copy Attest Elisha Odlin town Clerk At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the town of Exeter held at the town house in s'' Exeter Feby 8"" 1741-2 Voted Lieut Daniel Gilman Moderator for sii meeting Voted That the meeting be adjourned to this day fortnight one of the clock in the afternoon to meet again at the town house. The meeting being again met according to adjournment this 22" day of Feby 1741-2 Voted Thomas Deane Clerk for si" meeting. Voted That the Petition of the Inhabitants of the Southerly & South- TOWN PAPERS EXETER. 257 westerly part of the town of Exeter be granted and that they be set off to be a Parish by themselves and that they have set off to them and their successors the one Halfe of the Breadth of the Land in s"" town Lying at the westerly End thereof for a Parish and that it be Bounded as foi loweth viz : Beginning at the head of New Market Line then running on a South line to Exeter Great Fresh River and then halfe a Mile up s" river, & then South to Kingston Line and so to the head of the town ship Provided that the above s'' Parish doe settle an Orthodox Minister of Christ and maintain & support the same and all other Parish Charges within the same of themselves. A true Copy Examin'd this 23'' day of Feby 1741-2 pr. Me Elisha Odlin town Clerk Counter Petition. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governour and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire and to the Hon'''^ his Majesties Council & Representatives now in General Court assembled. Humbly Sheweth your Petitioners (Subscribers hereto) Free holders and Inhabitants of the South westerly part of the Town of Exeter that your Petitioners for Several years past have with Some of our Neighbors erected a house for the Publick wor ship of God in the most convenient place as we then and now think for the ease and benefit of the Inhabitants of that part of the Town in General and have in the winter time carry'd on the Publick worship in it but Several persons of that part of the Town haveing of late without our Privity or Consent Peti tioned the To"wn to be set off" as a Parish within Particular boundaries as Mention'd in their Petition and the Town hav ing met to consider their Petition adjourned the Consideration of the said Meeting to a further day and untill New Market & Eppin Parish lines were run but the Time of the meeting on the adjournment happening before the runing of New Market and Eppin lines your Petitioners and also Sundry of the In habitants of the Town Expected that the said meeting would have been further adjourned till the said lines had been run and that nothing would have been acted at said Meeting but being press'd on by the said Petitioners who themselves then unjustly voted for the Petition's being Consider'd and Granted by which means it was then consider'd & granted as afores'' by which Means if your Excellency with this hon*"' " court should confirm the afores" vote then pass'd it would Greatly Injure your Peti tioners and therefore your Petitioners humbly move your Ex cellency and this hon^'*' Court that the Consideration of any Petition that is or may be preferr'd to your Excellency and this hon'"'' Court for confirming the afores" vote may not be heard and pass'd upon untill some convenient time be given your Pe- 17 258 NEW HAMPSHIRE titioners to appear and shew cause wherefore the Said Vote ought not to be confirmed. And your Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall ever humbly pray &c Dated at Exeter March 1 1 '" 1741* Andrew Gilman Ebenezer Colcord Timothy Leavitt Nicklas Dudley Daniel Jels .' John Dudley Joseph Leavitt Samuel Dudley David Smith Jonathan Thing Josiah Thing John Holond Benjamin Gilman Moses Juitt Jonathan Wadleigh Jr. Nicklos Smith John Roberts Samuell Edgley Will" Bean Job Judkings Humphrey Wilson Natinel Thing Jeremiah Been Edward Colcord Daniel Wormall John Dudley Juner Nicolas Dudley John Gorge Edward Stevens Jearimear Gilman June'" Stephen Leavitt Haley Stephens Sarah Jorden wid John Odlin Jun. Samuel Smith ? Jonathan Gilman Junr. John Conor Nicklis Gordon Edward Colcord John Gils In the House of Representatives June 22'' 1742. the within Petition Read and Parties Heard A Voted That the Peti tion be Dismissed James Jeffrey Cler Ass"' ¦* In these dates readers will bear in mind that the old style is followed— Marcli 11, 1741, being Marcli 11, 1741-2. Ed. Petition for Parish privileges. To his Excelency Benning Wentworth Esq' Goven' & Com mander in chieff" in & over His Majestys Province of New Hamp'' The Hon""' His Ma,jestys Council & House of rep resentatives for s" Province in Gen' Court Convened. The Humble Petition of Sundry Persons Inhabitants on the Southerly or South Westerly parte of the Town of Exeter in s" Province Sheweth. That their Estates & habitations are so far from the meeting House where they usually attend the Publick Worship as makes it very Inconvenient for them, most of them living above five miles Distant therefrom Considering of which & the Large Congregation that belongs to the meeting house afores" & their abillity The Town at a Publick meeting on the 22" day of Feb'' last have voted a new Parish should be Errected by the Bounds set forth in the Vote (if the Gen' Court Saw meet) which will comprehend your Petitioners Estates & habitations & if a Parrish was Errected there will have a Tendency to Promote the settlements of the Lands in that Parte of the TOWN PAPERS EXETER. 259 Town & of the Town adjoyning which vote is herewith Pre sented. That your Petitioners finde a number of Persons of the s ' Town have allready Petitioned this Court that this Petition may not be Granted untill they are heard against it but have not set forth any reason they have against it but Proposed to Do it (as it seems by their Petition) ore tenus upon the hear ing whereby your Petitioners will be under this Disadvantage that they cannot Inform their Council of those facts which will be necessary in answer to what shall be alleged. Wherefore your Petitioners most Humbly Pray that the)' may be errected & Incorporated into a Parrish by the Bound aries in the s" Vote & that if this Hon''' ¦- Court think Proper that the afores' Petitioners Should be first heard that they would order that they file their objections in Some Publick office in writing some reasonable time before the Day of hear ing that so your Petitioners may have a fair opportunity of an swering them & your Petitioners as in duty Bound shall ever Pray &c. James Dudley Jon' Crane Rob' Young Tho» Mudget Darby Kelley Joseph Thing Benja Veasey Antipas Gillman Elisha Sanburne John Folsham Jeremiah Bean Jn» Levit Jun' James Robinson George Roberts Benja Fifield Jon" Smith James Dudley Junr. Jeremiah Row Jn" Roberts Jun' Jon» Taler Moses Fifield Zach" Judkins Ja' Morgan John Levet Jos" Bean Ithiel Smith Maverick Gillman Alex" Roberts Tho* Gordon Benj" Scribner Dan' Sanborn Sam' Dudley Charles Young David Bean Nich' Gorden Joseph Atkinson Jn" Smith Sam' Roberts Jn° Bean Ezekiel Smith Josiah Moodj' Jacob Smith Jn" Brown Ebenez' Hutchinson Rob' Brown Daniel Hilton Sam' Jones Jn" Midget Nathiel Foulsum W"" Graves W'° Smith Jon" Robinson Shobel Sanburne Nich" DoUoff In the House of Representatives, March 17"' 1741. The within Petition read & another Petition of Andrew Gillman of Exeter & others who Desire to be heard before the Prayer of the within Petition be granted. Voted that some or one of the above or within Petition" Serve the Said Andrew Gillman with a Copy of the Petition & Court order thereon forthwith & that the Parties appear the third Day of the Sitting of the 26o NEW HAMPSHIRE Gen' Assembly next Sessions to be heard & that the Contrary party may shew Cause (if any they have) why the Prayer of this Petition may not be Granted Si that Andrew Gillman & others file their objections in the Secretarys office Ten Days before the next sitting of the Gen' Assembly James Jeffrey Cler Assembly In Council March 22'' 1741 The above vote read & Concurr'd Theo'd Atkinson Secy Vera Copia Theodore Atkinson Sec' In the House of Representatives Jun 22'* 1744 The within Petition Read and the Parties heard thereon and those that desired to be heard against it, and voted That the Prayer of the Petition be granted they maintaining an or thodox minister & that Ichabod Roby & Richard Jenness Esqrs. be a Committee of this House to Joyne Such as the Hon'''" the Council shall appoint to go on the Spot and View where it is most Convenient that a new meeting House may be placed. So as to be most Convenient for all the Parties Concern'd & that to be Conclusive and the Petition ers have liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly James Jeffrey Cler. Ass"' Remonstrance. Whereas a Number of the Inhabitants of y'' Southerly or South westerly part of the town of Exeter By a vote pass'd at a meeting held by adjournment at the town house in Exeter Febry. 22" 1741-2 were set off" to be a parish by meets and Bounds Express'd in Said vote which they have Since Peti tioned to Court to Confirm we think ought not to be confirmed for y'^ following reasons. I Because as w^e apprehend the s' vote was illegally ob tained the meeting Being before adjourned, to have the Line run which was not done, and y'fore many Inhabitants not present thinking the meeting would be further adjourned, and the s* Petitioners Being the maj' Part of the voters forc't it on and voted it and it Being a particular favour to themselves we Esteem it illegal & y'fore not to be Confirmed 2 Because we with some of our neighbors a number of the Inhabitants of the s" Southerly &c. Part of the town have been at considerable charge in Erecting and Building a house for the worship of God and the meets and Bounds by which they are set of is contrary to what was ever Proposed by s'' Inhabitants on y' part of the town and was without our Knowl edge or Consent and has a manifest tendency to destroy our Labours and to overthrow or at Least Greatly Disturb the wor ship of God amongst us. 3 Bee : The Line of s" Parish includes or takes in manv of us & Great part or all of our Estates altho' we timely entre'd TOWN PAPERS — EXETER. 261 our Protests against any such thing under present circum stances & y'fore &c. 4 Bee : of our inability we being not yet ripe for a Parish, under our present Divided circumstances having Got nothing in any forwardness therefor, & most of y« Petitioners Exceed ing poor, and scarcelv able to live now Even as we may say y^ Biggest part ot them and having a meeting house to Build a Minister to Maintain & settle and a school to maintain to gether with y" Largeness of Provinces taxes and we Being also mjch Divided amongst ourselves, it would as we appre hend if confirmed be to the utter ruin of many familys an im poverishing of the place, a Damage to themselves & families a Laying a yoke upon us all which we shall not be able to Bear 5 Bee : the Confirming of the same under our Present Cir cumstances would as we apprehend be but confirming of con fusion and disorder amongst us and instead of advancing and Enlarging y Kingdom and Interest of x" would tend to in crease intestine Jars and animositys amongst us Even as fear to our entire over throw at last, & y'fore not to Be confirmed. 6 Bee : we would further Give as a reason the unpresidency of the thing to be Set of to be a Parish Before agreed w '' to set a House & even whilst quarreling about the same y' Like Instance not to be Given we Believe in New England y'fore pray y' it may not be confirmed. Warrant for y- meeting the 17"' of Alay. Whereas upwards of thirty of the Freeholders & Inhabitants of the town of Exeter have Desired us the Subscribers, Selectmen of the s"" town forthwith to Issue a warrant to warn a meeting of the Freeholders & Inhabitants of the said town to take into consideration the vote that was on the 22'' day of Feb'y last by adjournment as they think illegally obtained by the Petitioners of the Southerly Si Southwesterly part of the town of Exeter for being set off as a Parish within particular Boundarys as set forth in their Petition which vote the s'' Petitioners have since preferr'd a Petition to the General assembly of iihis Prov ince to get a Confirmation of - and for asmuch as the said thirty Inhab itants & freeholders afores'' think said vote was Illegally obtained and that themselves as well as the town in General shall be Greatly injured in Case said vote is Confirmed : These are therefore to notify the free holders and Inhabitants of this town of Exeter to meet at the town house in s"* town on Monday the 17"' day of may Currant at two of the clock in the afternoon to consider of a vote if they think fit first if they think the said vote was Legally obtained or not. 2'"y if the Confirma tion of said vote will not be of a manifest Injury to the town in Gen eral. 3'y if the town will then Choose some person to represent the same at the next sitting of the General Court in June next and to doe 262 NEW HAMPSHIRE what else they shall then think proper to be done about the Premises. Dated at Exeter afores' the third day of may anno Domini 1742. Jonathan Connor John Odlin Jr. Nath' Webster 'Robert Light a true copy attest Josiah Gilmon Elisha Odlin town clerk Selectmen Re7nonstrance. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Governour & Commander in Chief in and over his Maj"'='* Province of New Hampshire in New England and to the Hon'''" His Majesties Council for said Province & House of Representa tives when Conven'd in Gen' Assembly. Whereas Sundry of the Inhabitants of the Southerly & Southwesterly part of Exeter in New Hampshire at the Last Sessions preferred a Petition to this Hon*'' ''¦ Court to be set off a Parish (from the old meeting House in Exeter aforesaid where they usually attended the Publick Worship) by meets and Bounds as set forth in the Said Petition. And whereas after the Intent of the above Petitioners was known by us the Subscribers who never Consented to the said Petition we did also Prefer a Petition to this Hon'' '^ Court Dated at Exeter March 11, 1741 Praying that the above Petition might not be granted until v^^e were heard, upon which the Court on Con sidering both Petitions Ordered that we should file our an swers in the Secy'' office ten days before the Siting of the As sembly in their next Sessions- In obedience to which order — for answer why we may not be included within the said Peti tion and set off from the old Town with them Petition'* Is that we do not nor never desired it and that our Estates are parted by the Line proposed. None of us Living within the Body of the new Precinct Proposed but on the Lines on the East and South Sides and that the s'' lines proposed will be very injurious to us & therefore we Humbly Pray that our Poles and Estates may still be Continued to the old Town of Exeter, and we are humbly of opinion that it would be a very great hardship to set off so great a number of us, the Sub scribers from the Place we now belong to against our Wills and Interests and which wou'd prove so Great Damage to us on all accounts and that if this Hon''^ Court think Proper to sett off that new District, we humbly pray y' we may be polled of to the old Town with our Estates within the s" boun darys and as in Duty Bound we shall Ever Pray &c. May 24"" 1742 TOWN PAPERS EXETER. 263 Andrew Gilman Samuel Dudley Tr. Timothy Leavitt Jonathan Thing" John Roberts Ebenezer Colcord Nicholas Dudley Edward Stevens Benjamin Gilman Jonathan Wadleigh Daniel Wormall Daniel Qiiimby Edward Colcord Andrew Downer Humphrey Wilson Abraham Smith Biley Lyford Samuel Smith Copp Haley Stevens Josiah Thing Jeremiah Bean ? Nickelas Dudley Jun. Joseph Leavit Sarah Gordon widow William Bean John Yonge Edward Thing Nath' Webster Nicolas Smith John Evinly Daniel Giels John Dudley Moses Juet Stephen Leavit At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the town of Exeter held at the town house in s^i Exeter May 17"' 1742 Voted Mr. Daniel Thing moderator for sii meeting. At the same meeting it was put to vote whether the town would act any thing on the warrant and it pass'd in the Negative A true Copy attest Elisha Odlin toun clerk Remonstrance. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governour & Comander in chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England & to the Hon*"" His Maj"*'" Council for Said Province & House of Representa tives w" Convened in Gen' Assembly Whereas Sundry of the Inhabitants of the Southerly & Southeasterly part of the Town of Exeter in New hampshire aforesaid at the last Sessions Preferred a Petition to this Hon'"' "^ Court to be set off a psish. (from the old Town of Exeter where they usually attended the Publick Worship) Setting forth therein that the Town at a Meeting held the 22" day of febru ary last past voted a new psish should be errected by the bounds set forth in the vote of the 22" of Feb (which would comprehend the Petitioners and their Estates) as pr. their Petition. And by a Petition dated at Exeter the 11"' day of March last past by Sundry Persons who signed the Petition so dated Andrew Gillman & others Presented the Same to the Gen' Court praying that the Petition first above referred to might not be granted till they were heard, the Hon'''" Court ordered that the said Petitioners should serve the said Andrew Gill man w"" a Coppy of the said Petition and Court order thereon and a day of appearance at the sitting of the next Gen' Ass"* 364 NEW HAMPSHIRE and also to file answers ten days before the sitting of the next Gen' Ass'" in the Secretaries office (to show cause &c) And in obeyance to Said order, and for Answer (besides w' is in the said Andrew Gillman & others Petition) they beg leave to say i"*' That they are humbly of opinion what was acted at the meeting held on the 22" Fe" last was not done in conformity to the intent of the Town at the first meeting which was held the 8"' of Fe** & y' on y'' 22" of Fe'' was by adjourn ment, the Reason of which adjournment was (That New Market & Epping Parrish Line might be run and until it was run) that the Town & People might the better know what & whose pssons & Estates would fall in. But the day of the said meeting on y'' 22'' of Fe'' fell out, before either of the Said Lines were Run and your Respondents Supposing the meet ing would be againe adjourned until the Said Lines were run they were not at the meeting nor did Several of them know whether their houses or Estate would fall "within or without the Said Line of the proposed new pssish The Petitioners for the new Parish took the advantage of so thin a meeting and would not adjourn againe to have the aforesaid Lines run But obtained a vote for setting themselves off (they being v' Majority) and gave themselves bounds- all which manage ment we think to be ag" Law or Equity- & therefore not to be regarded or Confirmed. 2" By the Bounds Set forth in the vote of y" 22" of Feb. the Estates of Several of your Respond'" are split & Divided so as some of their houses are in the old Town & their im proved Land within the bounds proposed for the New Pre cinct and Severall of their homsted Lands divided some one side of the Line and some on the other which may be very prejudicial to them. 3"'" they are taken in by said Line of y" proposed precinct against their wills or knowledge (b}' the vote of y" 22" Feb. afforesaid being past before the Lines aforesaid was run accord ing to the intent of the Town) or that many of them knew how the Lines of the proposed Parrish would fall & none of them being Petitioners. 4"' the Great Confusion & heart Burning it will Raise by & with Som (if not amongst the whole) to be forced ag' their wills to that they never desired, and will So greatly prejudice them and their Estates. -thiy -pjjg Respondents under their present circumstances & the Circumstances of the Petitioners think they are not yet able to support and maintain the necessary Charges of a psish. Wherefore they humbly Pray the Prayer of the Petition may not be Granted. But if the Hon'^" Court Shall see good to indulge the Petitioners with a Grant of a new Precinct ac cording to the Bounds in said Vc .e of y'^ 22" Feb. TOWN PAPERS — EXETER. 265 Then your Respondents Most humbly Pray the Hon''''' Court that their Poles & Estates may be Polled oft' to the old Town of Exeter, untill further order and your Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray &c May 2o'"' 1743 Andrew Oilman for him self and the other respondents afores'' Rec'd into the Secy's office for the Province of New Hamp"' the 27"' May 1742. In the House of Representatives June 24"' 1742 Upon Reconsidering the Votes on the Petition of the Inhabitants of the Southwest part of Exeter for being set off a Parrish- And upon Considering the Within agreement of the Several Parties Voted That Richard Wibird & Geo Walton Esq'' Si M' Jon" Thomson be a Comit tee to go & View the places agreed upon by the Parties as within men tioned for the placeing the New Meeting House And to fix the place where said Meeting House Shall Stand and that to be a finale Conclu sion And that the Petitioners have liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly for parish Powers and also that the charge of the Comittee be borne and paid by the whole Society- the Committee to make their Return into the Secretarys office. James Jeffry Cler. Ass"' In Council June 26"' 1742 Concurrd & John Douning Esqr. aded to the above Comittee. Theo. Atkinson Secy. Eod" Die In the House of Representatives the Council vote of addition Read and Concurrd James Jeffry cler ass"' Eod'" Die Assented to B. Wentworth Report on location of a meeting house. We Elisha Sanburn in behalf of the Petitioners for a Parrish in the "Southwest part of Exeter And John Dudley on behalfe of the opposers of said Petition (excepting those Persons that live on the South Side of Exeter River) do agree That two places are proposed where to place a new meeting House for Said District viz : one place to be at the North East Corner of David Robinsons Land in said District Joining to Jon" Robinsons Land the South Side of the way that goes to Craw- leys falls mill Above Deer Hill mill, the other place at the South East Corner of Cap. James Levits Mowing Lot by a Gully on the North Side of the above Road and that Each party makes Choice of a man Indifferent and a third person be chosen by both parties & if they can not agree upon the third person. Then the two persons first chosen shall make choice of a third person, and that they three prsons Say at which of the above places the Meeting House shall Stand or at any -convenient place between the above two places mentioned. In Witness 266 NEW HAMPSHIRE of the above said agreement the parties above named Each for the par ties he Represents have hereunto Set their hands this 23'' June 1742 Elisha Sanborn John Dudley Brintwood's Petition about the Lines of the Parish. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Governor & Commander in Chief in & over His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire The Hon"''' His Majestys Council & House of Representatives in General Assembly Convened Septem ber the 14"" 1742. Humbly Shews Joseph Leavit & Elisha Sanborn both of the Parish of Brint wood in the Province of New Hampshire & as Agents for Said Parish. That the Inhabitants of said Parish Are in an unsettled Condition & Labour under Considerable difficulty notwith standing the favour & Indulgence of the General Court in making them a Parish which arises from the uncertainty of the Boundaries on the Lower part of said Parish next to Exe ter Town. For as the Line which Divides said Parish from- said Town is to begin at the Head of New Market Line & then to Run South to Exeter River making near a Right An gle with new market Line and the head of that Line is not sufficiently Ascertained it makes the said Dividing Line uncer tain and the Said Parish of Brintwood "will be Longer or Shorter according as the said Line shall be Settled which Considerably affects the Inhabitants thereof & the affairs of the Parish and Especially with Regard to fixing the Meeting house & other matters Relating thereunto. That the Parties Interested cannot agree of themselves in the Premises Where fore the said agents Humbly Pray that a Committee may be appointed by the General Assembly with sufficient authority to ascertain the said Boundaries of the Said Parish of Brint wood as soon as may be by fixing & Running the Said Line of New Market and all other Lines necessary to the end aforesaid for the better Regulation of the affairs of said Par ish & preventing Differences & Disputes between the said Parishes & the Town of Exeter atas" or that the same may be done in such other method & as soon as to the Wisdom & Goodness of the General Assembly shall seem meet. And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray &c Joseph Leavit Elisha Sanborn In the House of Representatives Sept. 17"" 1742 The within Petition Read : and Voted That the Prayer of the Peti- TOWN PAPERS — EXETER. 267 tion be Granted in the following manner viz : That Capt. Icabod Roby M' John Sanborn and Cap' Nathaniel Ealy be a Comittee to Run Si mark out the Boundary Lines Between Exeter old Parrish and New- Market and Between Exeter Old psish And Brentwood and that they make Return of theire doing therein & present a Plan of the Lines they Run how they have Markt out the Boundarys to the General Assembly next Thursday if the Assembly be then Sitting (if not) then on the third day of the Sitting of the Gen' Assembly at their next Sessions, for acceptance and that all the Parrishes aforesaid shall have Libert}' to be heard (to shew Reason if any they have) why the Lines Shall not be Settled Agreeable to the Report of s"* Comittee before itbe Con firmed by the Gen' Court. And that in case Mr. John Sanburn & Capt. Ealy or Either of them will not accept & go with Capt. Roby to Run said Lines, That then Capt. Roby Imploy two good understanding men to be chaine men on oath to go with him & that he make Return as aforesaid the Petitioners paying the Charge. James Jeffry Cler. Ass"' September 17, 1742 In Council read & Concurred. Theodore Atkinson Secy. Eodem Die Assented to B. Wentworth Petition of Andrew Gilman and others. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Governour and Commander in cheif in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire and to the Hon''''' his Majesty's Council & Representatives in General Court assembled Humbly Sheweth the Subscribers hereunto Inhabitants of the Parish of Brintwood having for some years past Erected a meeting house for the Public worship of God in the most Suitable place for us that live on the North Side of the river and have also Carry'd on the Publick worship in it at our own Cost and in as much as the moving said house or our being obliged to move the Same or pay towards the Erecting a New Meeting house further up into said Parish would be a great hardship as well as cost unto us Several of us Living two miles & upwards from the present meetinghouse. Where fore we humbly pray your Excellency and this hon'"''' Court will in your Great Wisdom take our Case under your wise Consideration and Grant us Liberty to Continue to Carry on the worship of God in the present meetinghouse that we may be free from all charges and Duties to any other house that Shall be built and that we may be set off as a particular Dis trict with such other priviledges and by Such boundaries as your Excellency and this hon'^'" Court in your Great wisdom shall see meet to Grant us, And your Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall ever pray &c. Dated at Brintwood Nov' 16"' 1742. 268 NEW HAMPSHIRE Andrew Gilman John George Nicholas Dudley Jeremiah Bean Timothy Leavit Jonathan Thing Daniel Wormall Samuel Smith Bangaman Gilman John Morgin Jonathan Gilman Edward Colcord Jr. Samuel Stevens Nicklous Dudley. Juner Jmereh Gilman John Quimby Thomas Mudget Jonathan Dudley Samuel Edgerly Haley Stevens Humphrey Wilson Sarah Gorden Stephen Leavit John Leavitt Tho' Dudley Junr. Joshua Bean Nicklous Smeth Ithiel Clifford Darby Kally Mavrick Gilman Will'" Bean Jonathan Stevens .' Edward Colcord Antipas Gilman Edward Thing Masey Dudley Andrew Donner Samuel Dudley Jun. John Mudget Mathes Bean Moses Jewett John Odlen Jun. Josiah Thing John Quimbe Jun. John Dudley In the House of Representatives 1742- the within Petition Read and Voted that the Petitioners (at their own cost) serve the Selectmen of Brentwood with a Coppy of this Petition and the votes thereon and y' they appeare the 3'' day of the Sitting of the Gen' Ass"' after the 25"' day of December next to shew cause (if any they have) why the prayer of the Petition may not be granted James Jeffry Cle' Ass'" Prov. N. Hamp — Nov. 23'' 1742 the above vote of the House read & Concurred Theod Atkinson Secy. ''HTm?'^^^}N°-4-i743 Assented to B. Wentworth In the House of Representatives May the 24"* 1743 the within Petition and their opponents heard by their Council the House having Considered thereof. Voted That this Petition and also a Petition signed Joseph Thing & Peter Thing & ten others Desiring to be admitted to Joyne with the within Petitioners be both Dismissed James Jeffry Cler Ass'" Brintwood to pay Prov"^ Tax to Exeter. Whereas the new psish of Brentwood in the Town of Exeter has been Set off from the old Town of Exeter Since the Proportioning the Towns &c..in this Province has been made — And the Warrant from the Treasurer came directed to the Select men of Exeter for the Prov. Tax w''' Included the Poles & Estates of those persons & Estates in Brent wood and since they have been sett off they Refuse to pay Exeter Con stables their Proportion of the Prov" Tax which is like to cause a dif ference between the Town and parrish — For prevention whereof Voted That the Poles & Estates belonging to said psish of Brentwood pay TOWN PAPERS — EXETER. 269 their Proportion of the Province Tax as they are already Assesed by the Select men of Exeter for the Present yeare. To the Constables who have the Warrants to collect the same and for the future that Brent wood Joyn with the Town of Exeter in making their Province Rates till otherwise ordered by the Gen' Assembly and that an act be drawn up accordingly. James Jeffry Cler Ass'" In Council Nov 25"' 1742 read & concurrd Theodore Atkinson Secy Eodem Die Assented to B. Wentworth Copy of a report of a Comittee ab'- Brintwood meeting House. Prov" New 1 Persuant to an act of the Gen' Court Bareing Date hamp' I the 26"' Day of June 1742. Portsm" Feb [ Wee the Subscribers being appointed by s'^ act as a 1=' 1742-3 J Committee to Survey and View the parrish of Brintwood in the "Town Ship of Exeter in the province aforesaid To See where the Most convenient and Comodious place is for the Erecting of a Meeting house for the accomidation of the aforesaid parrish, according to the power and authority given us by the aforesaid act Wee have veiwed all parts of said parrish as was shew'd by the Committee ap pointed by Vote of the parrish aforesaid to attend and shew us the Several parts of said parrish and Inhabitants. Wee doe therefore ad judge & Determine that a Certain peice of Land call'd or known by the Name of Capt. James Levitts Lott that Lyes upon the North side of the Road or high way that Leads from Deer hill mill to Crawlys Falls Mill upon the Westerly side of the Gully att the Easterly Corner of said Lott is the most convenient place according to the best of our judgm' and shall be the spott for the setting the meeting house on, Which wee give as our Judgm' and Determination under our hands the Day above Said John Downing "j Geo. Walton y Comittee Jonathan Thompson J At a Legal parish meeting held at Brintwood on Monday February the 19"' 1742-3 Voted Mr. timothy Leavitt moderator of s* meeting at the same meeting it was voted that Jeremiah Bean Si Joseph Leavit be chosen to agree with the man that owns the Land where the Commit tee hath Determin'd a place for a meeting house in s'' parish & also to take a Deed of s"! Land for the use of the parish of the afores* man If he see fit to give a deed at the same meeting it was voted that John Roberds John Marsh Jeremiah Rowe James Roberdson Daniel Sand- burn be Chosen a Committee to Imply men to procure timber for a meeting house in s** parish & all other Stuff that is necessary for build ing s* house in s"" parish, at the same meeting it was voted that the meeting house in s'' parish be builded by way of Rate sixty feet long & forty feet wide, at the same meeting voted that the same Committee have power to agree with Carpenders & other Labouring men in s"* parish to build the frame of the s' Should their Petition be granted It would Put the Par ish to More confusion and Dificulty about seting the Meeting houses than ever has been yet & besides should their Request be granted there are many families in s"* Parish as they say which lives convenient to poll off some to Kingston & some to Epping for the benefit of going to meeting which purpose to petition s'' Court to poll off also If this Petition be granted. 3'"'' Inasmuch as that after three of the Gentleman who were appointed in the Charter for s'' Parish to State the place where y' meeting house should Stand had appointed the place there was a unanimous Vote in s'^ Parish at a legal Par ish Meeting to build a meeting house on the spot appointed by s* gentlemen & then chose a Com''^'' to take care & to build s** house which Committee agreed with men to build it at the Parish's Cost & it is now framed Ready to be Raised but the Present Selectmen Refusing to Raise Money by way of Rate to pay the charge the men that did the work Kept out of there honest due, And they Petition'^ as we Suppose think to Escape paying their part of the charge towards building s'^ meeting house by there Polling off And several of them being of the first Petitioners for s^ Parish. We hope that by these objections and What may be further offered on in gen' your Honours Will Pleas to deny there Re quest. And that and End May be speedily put to our long troubles we labour under. Dated Dec' 26**^^ 1743. John Roberds Biley Harde John Marsh Nicklas Gordon Nath' Folsham Jedediah Prescutt Benjamin Fifield James Young John Brown Thomas Gording 274 NEW HAMPSHIRE Jeremiah Bean sen. Moses Fifield Williman Graves Jeames Robinson Hanary Marsh John Folsham David Bean Benjamin Veazey John Roberds Jun. Baniman Roburds Ezekiel Smith Robert Brown Job Keniston James Dudley Jun. Daniel Sanborn Geog Robt : s Elisha Sainborn Joseph Leavitt Daniel Gorden Daniel Giles Daniel Giles Jun John Giles David Smith Jeames Marsh Biley Lyford Jonathan Smith Benjamin Rogers Thomas Critchett Isaac Clefford Jacob Hobs Joel Judkins Jehial Smith Zechriah Judkins Samuel Rogers .' Robert Young Ambros Hinds Charles Young John James Nichelas DoUoff Jeremiah Row John Mudget Jonathan Robinson Jonathan Talen ? Samuel Young John Bean Benj" Scribner Joseph Moody Edmund Roberts Nicholas Gorden Jun. VOLUME III. EXETER TO JEFFERSON. EXETER— (continued) . Petition of Andrew Gilman and others about a meeting house, 1743. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. (rovernour and Commander in Chief in and over His Majesties Province of New Hampshire- And to the Hon"' " his Majesties Councill and Representatives In Generall Court assembled — We the subscribers Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Northerly part of the Parish of Brintwood in the Province aforesaid Do Humbly Crave Leave of your Excellency and honours to Lay this our Humble Remonstrance of our Dis tressed Circumstances before your Excellency and honours as follows Viz : Many of us Living four or five miles Distant from Exeter Meeting house have Attended the Publick Worship of God at that house for many years past with Great difficulty and our families Encreasing made it much more Difficult Especially in the Winter Spring & Fall of the year — Wherefore about eight years ago we with several of the Southerly part of said Parish Erected a house for the Publick worship of God in the most suitable place as they thought, and we Now do think to carry on the Publick Worship in and accordingly at our own Charge have carry'd on the same in the winter. Spring and fall of the year ever since as we had for four years or thereabouts before Erecting said house car ry'd on the Publick Worship in a Private house Standing near our Present Meeting house — And about Last February was twelve month the Freeholders & Inhabitants of the Southerly part of Brintwood aforesaid Petitioned the Town of Exeter aforesaid to be sett off as a Parish Contrary to the will and Desire of most of us, and said Town of Exeter Granted their said Petition Not with standing many of us Dissented therefrom. And their said Petition being granted they afterwards Apply'd to your Excel lency and honours for a Charter for said Parish which was Granted them Contrary to our Desire and Greatly to our hurt- And we also having Earnestly Petition'd your Excellency & 276 NEW HAMPSHIRE honours that we might be Permitted to Continue to Carry on the Publick worship of God in our said house and to be set off by such Boundaries as your Excellency & honours should think meet and be Exempted from all Charge towards the meeting house and ministry in the Southerly Part of said Par ish &c : as by our Petition Lying before your Excellency and Honours in your hon''''' Court may appear which Petition the hon"'" House of Representatives have seen meet to Dismiss- And also your Excellency & honours having appointed a Com mittee of four Gentlemen two out of Each house to prefix the place where the meeting house ought to Stand — Three of said Gentlemen have been and made return, but is accounted voy'd by your Excellency & honours. For that the Committee Did not all joyn in their Returne and for "which Reason our Peti tion was also Dismisst. wherefore our Case at Present seems very hard and Difficult we having been at such cost to Erect our said house and to Maintain Preaching in it hitherto, and the minister also who hath hitherto Preached to us being at our Earnest Desire willing to Continue "with us in the Minis try. If your Excellency & honours will in your great wisdom take this our Remonstrance of our Difficult Circumstances in our Present meeting house not being Establish'd and our afore said Petition not being Granted and the great charges and Difficulties we hitherto have and Still do Labour under, under your Excellency and Honours wise consideration and be pleas'd to grant us Releif herein as in your great wisdom you shall see meet & As in Duty Bound we your Excellencies & honours Most Obedient, Humble Servants shall Ever Pray fee- Dated at Brintwood June 27"' Anno Domini 1743. Andrew Gilman John George Humphry Wilson Edward Thing Edward Colcord Daniel Quimby Nicholas Dudley Sarah Gordon Antipas Gilman John Leavitt Timothy Leavitt Samuel Stevens Beniamin Gilman Joseph Hoyt Samuel Edgerley Joshua Been Samuel Dudley John Morgin Jonathan Thing John Holon Stephen Leavitt Zekil Claford Josiah Thing Samuel Smith Jonathan Hadley Daniel Wormall Nicolas Dudley Jun Marthy Been Jeremiah Bean Haley Stvens John Dudly Jeremy Gilman. Jun In the House of Representatives Jul^' i" 1743. The within Petition Read & Considered on Si Voted That Eleazer Russel Esq Mark Langdon Gen' & Mr. Noah Barker of Stratham be a comitee to Joyne such as the Hon""'" the Council shall appoint to go to the Parish of Brentwood and View the Situation of said Parrish, & TOWN PAPERS — EXETER. 277 see whether it will be most convenient for the Inhabitants thereof to be Divided Into two Parrishes or whether the whole shall meet at the Meeting House already Built for some Limited time or to Conclude upon some other method that they shall think to be for the best good of the said p'ish. In order for their being settled in Peace, and that they make Report to the Gen' Ass'" the third day of the sitting of the Gen' Ass'" at their next sessions And that the Petitioners be at the charge of the Comittee and that the Petitioners serve the Sellet men of Brentwood with a Coppy of this Pet" & Votes that they may Notifie the p'ish of these proceedings - and that those that will dispute what is acted may appeare at the day above said. James Jeffry Cleri" Ass'''y Eodem Die In Council read & concurrd & the Above s'' Comittee hereby estab lished & Impowerd for the End Above s'' Theod. Atkinson, Secry Eodem Die Assented to. B. Wentworth. Petition of sundry persons in Exeter about support of a Minister amo7tg themselves. — 1744- To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governor and Comander in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of Ne"w Hampshire in Council, Humbly Sheweth. Andrew Gilman Nicholas Dudley and Humphry Wilson, Freeholders and Inhabitants of the North erly part of the Parrish of Brentwood on Behalf of themselves and theire distressed Neighbours, and friends Living within the Northerly part of said Parrish, who have once and againe been supplicating v' Excellency with the other branch of the General Assembly for our being sett off from the other part of said Parrish, and that wee might Injoy the liberty of carry ing on the Publick Worship of God in our present Meeting House free from any Charge to be Laid on us by the other part of Said P'ish, and in as much as our Grievances Still re- maine unredrest, and fearing the daily approches of Greater by unreasonable Taxes &c — We your humble Petitioners, for our selves and our dis tressed Brethren and Neighbours, would therefore humbly crave Leave from y' Excellencie once more to lay' our dis tressed circumstances under your wise consideration and hum bly pray that your Excellency will be pleased to think of some speedy way to set us off from the other part of said Parish, and from the charges thereof. That we may still continue the Publick Worship of God in our own Meeting House, and not be forced to go to the Meeting House, which some of the other part of the Parrish would have us, which we could not do (in time of war) without the utmost hazzard of the Lives 378 NEW H.AMPSHIRE of our Selves & Famillyes. The place where their meeting House is propos'd to be sett, being in the midst of a Great Swamp, and verry hazardous and also difficult to go to either in Spring or Fall of the yeare — We your humble Petitioners most humbly leave our selves and our distressed circumstances to the Pitty and compassion of your Excellency, humbly pray ing your Pitty and Compassion and the heareing and Granting this our Petition, as in your Wisdome you shall see most meet- And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c Dated May 26"' 1744. Andrew Oilman Nicholas Dudley Humphry Wilson In behalfe of the rest that have now a Petition lying before the Gen' Ass"> Petition to be exempted from support of a tninister not of their choice. 1744 To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governor and Comander in Cheif in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampsh' &c, and to the Hon'''" His Majesties Councill and House of Representa tives, in Generall Assembly Conven'd — The Humble Petition of a Number of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Exeter, Humbly Sheweth that att the Annuall Meeting held in Exeter in the year 1743 : The Town did att s" Meeting proceed (in a hasty and resolute Manner as wee Conceive contrary to the mind of most of your Petitioners who timely enterd their dissents) to chuse a Com ittee, Absolutely to agree with, and Settle Mr Woodbridge Odlin as a Colleague with his father in the Ministry which "was effected by s'' Comittee, and the Gentleman soon settled : which being very greivous to us & wee most of us apprehend ing that neither wee nor our households would be likely to proffit under his Ministry therefore could not receive him as our minister and have for our own and households Spirituall Edifi cation supported a Gospell Minister to preach to us upwards of a year, and have been Obliged to pay our proportion toward the Settlement, and Salary of S'' Gentleman, notwithstanding : and as most of us have tho't it our duty so to do, wee still look upon it our duty for our own, and our households & others Spirituall Edification to settle a Gospell Minister amongst us and in order thereto have erected a meeting House for the Publick worship of God att our own cost, and having already TOWN papers — EXETER. 279 ¦made application to the town for releif, but they granting o us none : wee tho't it our duty to make application to this Hon*"'^ Court for relief, therefore wee humbly pray that your Excellency, and Hon" will take our case under your wise con sideration, and grant us relief in the following manner Viz. by exempting us our households and Estates, and all those persons and familys with their Estates, whose hearts the Lord shall Incline to join with us, within a limmited time to be prefixt by your Excellency, and your Honours from paying any thing to the further support of the now settled ministers, or those that may Succeed them ; provided wee support a Gospell Minister amongst ourselves : or to grant us relief in any other way that you in your great Wisdom shall think best ; And if your Excellency and Hon''' should think it reasonable That wee have some allowance made us for the money wee have already paid, toward the settlement and support of s'* Gentleman, and your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray &c- Exeter July 18"' 1744. John Lord Sam" Gilman Nehemiah Gilman Daniel Smith Josiah Gilman Daniel Thing Benj" Thing Jonathan Gilman John Leavitt Wadleigh Cram Daniel Gilman Josiah Ladd Dudley James James Dudley Peter Gilman Daniel Folsom Trueworthy Gilman Moses Gilman. Jun John Gilman 3"" Samuell Dalloff Jon' Judgskins Charles Rundlet John Sloper James Thosten John Dudley Theophilus Smith John Phillips Thomas Lord Samuel Noris Nich" Gilman, Jr Thomas Dean Abnar Thustin Moses Swett Robert Lights Sam" Gilman, Jr John Dean Richard Smith Nicholas Gordin Jonathan Gilman, Jr John Light Stephen Thing Jeremiah Bean Richard Smith, Jr John Looge. Jun John Haines Eben' Sinkler Jon" Young Benjamin Lary True Dudley Joshep Smith Abner Dollof George Dutch Joshua Foulsham John Robinson, Jun In the House of Representatives July ig"" 1744. The within Petition, Read, and Voted that the Petitioners at their own cost and Charge Serve the Selectmen of the Old Town of Exeter with a Coppy of this Petition, and the Votes thereon. That the said Selectmen may call the said Town togeather to choose Agents (if they see cause) to appear the second day of the sitting of the General Ass"" 28o NEW HAMPSHIRE after the Last day of July curr' to shew Cause (if any they have) why the Prayer of the Petition may not be Granted. James Jeffry, Cler. Ass" In Council July 20"' 1744- read & Concurred Theodore Atkinson^ Secry. Eod"" Die- Assented tO'- B. Wentworth. At a meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Exeter holden at the town house, in Exeter July 30"' 1744, Voted, Maj' Nich" Gilman mod"' of said meeting Voted, that their be agents chosen to Repersent thie town in General Court or Assembly Voted That M' Nich" Peryman, Mr James Gilman & Zebulon Gid- ding b« agents for that end Voted 'That they or either of them to appear in General Court at the next seting to shue cause why the Petition of a number oi this To^n should not be Granted and to Defend the town against the same- A Copy- Zebulon Giddinge, Town Clerk. Agreement of parties. October y" 15"' 1744. Acording To the advice of His Excelencey we a number of Booth Peartie in the Parish of Brintwood have Descorsed on our afair Con- searning an agreement- And the upper People Desire stell to stand by the first Act in making the Parish. Notwithstanding they whose Names are under written are willing Rather than to be devided that the meeting house should be sit by way of Rate Viz, As Near the Senter of the width of the Parich on the Middle Rode as may be and as Near the Botim Line as that one half the money according to the Rate this year shall be Raised Above ^t — Reuben Smith Elisha Samborn Benj" Veasey Benj" Fifield James Young Daniel Samborn Jeremiah Bean John Roberts Jon' Robinson Jerr'' Rowe James Robinson Moses Jewet Petition in Answer to that praying for exemption, £c. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth. Esq' Governor and Commander in Cheif in and over His Majestys Province of New Hampshire, and to the Hon''''= his Majestys Council & House of Representatives in Generall Assembly Convened- The Agents for the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of Exeter in the Province aforesaid Legally Chosen at their meeting held at Exeter aforesaid on the thirtieth day of July TOWN PAPERS — EXETER. sSl 1744 to make answer to and Shew Cause why tlie Prayer of the Petition of a Number of the Freeholders and other Inhab" itants of the Tovm of Exeter- Prefeared to your Excellency and this hon"'^ Court (on the 18"' day of July 1744.) may not be Granted. -r . • Tlie said Petitioners have been Guilty of a very '"P ^ Great Mistake in setting forth in their Petition the Hasty & Resolute manner (as they conceiv'd) of chusing a committee absolutely to agree with and Settle M' Woodbridge Odlin as a Colleague with his Father in the Ministry, which they Say was Effected by Said Committee and the Gentleman Soon Settled — We Humbly Crave Leave to Reply and Say that the said meeting (being on the 28"" day of March 1743.) was carried on by the Freeholders and Inhabitants (Except ing the Petitioners) in as Moderate & Deliberate a manner as annual meetings have been usuallj' carry'd on in, and the choice of the said Committee was made after a mature consid eration and Deliberation of the Voters then Present (as "we apprehend) by a very Great Majority and sometime after one of the said committee (viz) Mr Benjamin Thing refusing to act an'd the others not thinking it Safe to act without him (be^ ing chosen to Act Joyntly) upon their Representation of it to the Selectmen of said Town another Town meeting was called on the thirteenth day of June then next to see if the Town would proceed in Chusing another in his room or give pow"er to the Remainder of the said Committee or the Major part of them to act in the Premisses — At which meeting after Due consideration of the Voters then Present they Voted that the Remainder of the said committee or the Major part of them should have full power to act in and about the Premises : And the Gentleman was not ordain'd untill the Twenty Eighth of September following Waiting that time in hopes that many of the Principal men of the Now Petitioners would have been Reconcil'd to the Gentleman whom they by their request, with Sundry others on the 4"' of January 1 741 by a paper under their hands approv'd of and Pray'd his assistance with his hon"' Father in the ministry and thereby prevail'd with him to refuse a call that was about to be made him at the Town of Biddeford, where he had for some time preached to the Great Satisfaction of that People, and also at many other Places as well as in our Town too well known to- be Denied by the Pe titioners, and his Life and Doctrine being agreeable To us the Town Proceeded as before — And what moved many of the Petitioners to be prejudiced against him we know not. — For at the ordination there were "Twelve Churches by their Elders and Delegates Call'd to advise and Assist in the ordination be fore whom many of the now Petitioners made their Objec- 282 NEW HAMPSHIRE tions in writing against their Proceeding to said Ordination and were Patiently heard by the said Elders and Delegates, who after serious Deliberation on the said Objections Judged the same to be Insufficient and so Proceeded to the Ordina tion since which several of the Petitioners have joyn'd in Communion with our Church and two of them (viz :) Mr : Benjamin Thing and Mr John Light, neither they nor their Familyes have forsaken the Ordinances, and Major Thomas Deane, another of the Petitioners who had for some time left the Communion of the Church upon his Declaring that he was Convinced that it was his Duty to Returne to the Ordi nance of the Lords Supper and to Joyn in communion with this church hath been Lately Re admitted to and Partaken of the Ordinance ?'">" We Crave Leave to Observe that some of the now Pe titioners Joyn'd with others in a Petition to the Select men for their Incerting in their warrant for the annual meeting to Con sider of and Vote if they tho'' meet the Choice of a Committee to call and agree with the said M" Woodbridge Odlin to assist his hon'' Father as a colleague in the ministry with him &c- 3'"' We would Crave Leave to Observe that the reasons that Several of th^ Petitioners who were church members Gave by a paper under their hands Dated May 14"' 1743, for their with drawing at first was ' ' That they had Observed with Grief the Conduct of our Rev'd Pastor Mr John Odlin with regard to the work of Gods Glorious Grace in the Late out pouring of his Spirit Amongst us of which they Trusted many of them had been the Subjects, and their being Convinced in their Consciences that our said Pastor and Church Did not treat the same as a work of Soveraign Rich Grace, but that the method of their Late Conduct, the Petitioners apprehended had been, and Continued in Opposition thereto- in as much as the Instrument it had pleased God to make use of in carry ing it on and the Subjects of it are Discountenanced" they meaning as we apprehend thereby, that our Rev''' Pastor and Church Refused to allow such of the Itinerant Preachers to Preach in the meeting house, who did not first wait on our rev'' Pastor and give him Satisfaction as to their Principles and Doctrine, & also that he did not comply with the Irregularities of the Times, and also as to the method of the Settlement of Mr Woodbridge Odlin which wee apprehend was Right- ^thiy -yy-g further Observe that (as we humbly Conceive) the calling & Settlement of M' Woodbridge Odlin was agreeable to the Laws of this Province, & the usage of the churches in this Government : much the Greater part of the Town being Sen cible of their need they Stood in of an assistant to his hon" Father by reason of his age as well as his bodily Infirmitys TOWN PAPERS — EXETER. 283 and also having had full and Satisfactory proof of the Said M' Woodbridge Odlins Life Conversation and Doctrine- jthiy ^g Humbly Conceive that the Prayer of the Petition if Granted Will Tend Greatly to the Prejudice not only of this church but also of all the other churches of this Government and will be a manifest breach of the Law of this Province and Contrary to the Constitution of the churches in the Coun try for any small number of Persons who through unreason able Prejudice shall desire this Hon'''" Court to Exempt them selves, their Familys and Estates from paying toward the support of the Present settled ministers or those that succeed them when the Law of this Province in that case already made & provided obliges them so to do, unless the Petitioners should so change their Principles in Religion that the Act of Parliament would Free them from the same which we appre hend is not the Case of the Present Petitioners — Neither have the Petitioners, Either before the Council Present at the ordination, or the Council Lately call'd by this church sup ported their Objections against the calling & ordaining of Mr Woodbridge Odlin. And the offence Taken at the settlement of the Rev. Mr : Woodbridge Odlin under the Notion of his being an opposer of the work of God- the said Last Council in their Result say that therein they tho' they (meaning the withdrawing brethren, some of the Petitioners) had cast an undue Reflection upon him — And as to the Validity and Regularity of his Settlement, they found it "was agreeable to the majority both of Town and Church and approv'd and ratified by a 'Venerable Councill of Churches call'd by this church — and the said Councill Further adjudg'd that the agriev'd brethrens calling a Council at the Time and in the manner they did, was an uncommon Step of Proceedure, and that this church have been in the way of their Duty and have Done no more than they had a right to do in calling them as a Councill without the agrieved brethren. They being Desir'd to joyn in calling them — 6'>' We Humbly Conceive that the conclusion of the Prayer of the Petitioners is absurd unreasonable and unjust in Desir ing to have some allowance made them for the money they have already paid towards the settlement and support of 'rtie said Gentleman, meaning (as we suppose) our Present Minis ters- as to the settlement of the Rev" Mr John Odlin very few if any of the Petitioners paid any thing towards it, and as to the settlement and support of the Rev" Mr Woodbridge Odlin, Several of the Petitioners having Lately come into the Town have paid Little or Nothing towards it and some of them not in the Rates untill this year- Lastly- We Humbly Crave Leave to Observe to your Ex- 284 NEW HAMPSHIRE cellency and honours That the Principal motives (as we con ceive) that the Petitioners have used in their Petition in order to Induce this hon'''" Court to grant the Prayer of their Peti tion are these two (viz) "First that they have Supported a Gospel Minister to preach to them upward of a year " and 2''^y that they "have at their own Cost Erected a meeting house" — And as to the first we humbly conceive that they will be under Some Difficulty to prove that they have Supported a Gospel Minister and we conceive that their Separating from the Established Ministry of The Town without Just cause was Evil in itself and the Evil Example thereof has Drawn Many belonging to the Neighbouring Towns & Parishes away to their Separate house and to Leave their own Ministers which thing if Countenanced by this Hon''''^ Court will be a Leading Ex ample to Others, and be a means of bringing'this Province into the utmost Confusion both by Dividing Familys and Sep arating friends and Christian Soeieties- And 2"'-' as to their Erecting a meeting house (as they say in their Petition) at their own cost, We humbly Conceive that any number of Gentlemen may build an house at their own Cost if they please ; But for this Hon'''" Court who have the Religious as well as Civil Interests cf this Province under their wise Care, to set it apart for the Publick worship of God, to the Disturbance and breaking up of the Neighbouring Churches and the Publick peace of the Government, we humbly Con ceive would be a Great Grief and burden to the people in General and bring the Province into Such confusion as will Render the Inhabitants unable to Support the Charge of the Government. For These reasons with what others we shall crave Leave to Lay before your Excellency and Honours, We Humbly hope This Hon''' " Court will be Induced not to Grant the Prayer of the said Petition but to Dismiss the same- NiCH. Ferryman James Gilman Zebulon Giddinge Replication to the foregoing. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Gov & Com and' in Chief in & Over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire the Hon'"" his Majesty's Council & House of Represen" in Gener" Assembly Conven'd — The Reply of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of y'= Town of Exeter who have Petitioned to be Exempted from TOWN PAPERS — EXEXER. 285 paying towards the support of the ministry in said Town &c. to the answer of the Agents of s' Town to their Petition May it please your Excellency & the other the Hon'''" Branches of the Legislature The fav' granted your Petition'" ¦with regard to an opportunity of making a written Reply to the answers made to their Petition in behalf of the Town gives them Encouragem' to hope for success in the matter under Debate as the merit & Weight of w' Shall be offer" can in this way be much better Consider'd Your Petition"* would beg deave Humbly to Observe in General, that in this aflair as they are not Influenced by sinis ter views, corrupt or vicious Principles nor any but Conscien- cious motives their Case claims the closer attention & greater tenderness — and as they are Sincere in their Principles which relate to tliis matter so they would be just in their Reasonings upon it : & should therefore have been glad to have avoided entering into the consideration of several points & matters of fact moved in the said answer because they will be a Diver sion & a Digression from .'he Main Question- but could not prevail with the Agents to wave them. To come then to the s" answer & Reply in as brief & clear a manner as we can by following the Several Articles thereof. We must Observe their first begins with charging the Petition'* with a mistake in Representing that the Town in Setting Mr Woodbridge Odlin proceeded in a hasty & Resolute manner, & then they go on to give an acco' of y' affair, the Substance of w"'' is that it was carried on "w"' great deliberation & every step Maturely Considered : That every Person Concern'd acted their part from y" fullest Evidence & Strongest Conviction of the Expe diency of the thing & the Legality of the means, & the Like — - But in this ace' there is nothing said of the Art used first to prepare matters by prevailing on near Seventy Persons to sign a Petition to the Select men praying a proper Clause might be Inserted in the warrant for the Annual meeting 1743 & so working up the minds of the Petitioners to favour the thing before it came to be considered in Public — They also have •omitted to Observe that when the Town "was met & about to proceed on this affair : the Non-Petitioners or most of them made the strongest Remonstrances ag"" desiring it might be suspended for some time at least offering to supply the Desk if necessary by Subscription as they had done y" year before hoping that a little time as it would have given greater Oppor tunity to have advised & proposed so it would have produced a greater unanimity of Opinion, if not terms of union & peace — They dont say a word of the Contempt w"' w"*" this was Rejected. & how Resolutely they proceeded as well to Vote the Raising money as chusing a Committee to Effect & carry 286 NEW HAMPSHIRE these designs into Execution which had been Contrived before,. nor how their proposals at the second meeting were Rejected — nor that a church Com"'^'' was chosen to call assistance for the Ordination before the agreement made w"" the Gentleman to be Ordain'd w"'' with many other transactions too tedious to Recite, prove the thing to be Contrived & determined before it came to be Voted, and that those who asserted their free dom & Liberty had Reason to be dissatisfied, the whole being done before the Deacons & Standing Church committee had any notice of it only as Inhabitants of the Town, and after the Town had determined the matter & a com'"" chosen to agree the Terms a Proclamation was Issued under the ministers hand, appointing a Day of fasting & prayer in the Town to seek Direction, now these proceedings & much more of the like nature were Just Causes of Dissatisfaction with this Set tlement, & that we might well say it was Resolute if not hasty Especially if we Consider that the Towns Committee (men chosen no Doubt with good Policy) was Impow^er'd to com pleat this agreement "without making a report to the Town for their Confirmation or Approbation which is the usual way,. for we think a precedent like this cant be found w"'' th° by virtue of a Particular Law^ may be barely called Legal can by no propriety be term'd prudent & w'^'' if ever it was done be fore was only done, as we Conceive it was here to serve a Sinister End- But as to what is objected to us, that we had a hand in Call ing or Inviting the Gentleman to preach in Town we Con ceive there is no weight in it, for such Invitation is always understood to be in order to chusing, w'^'' necessarily Imply's Refusing — When a Congregation Invite several Candidates, they are often call'd from other places, where they are upon probation But it was never suppos'd that such Invitation car ried in it an obligation to chuse the Person Invited for where more than one Preaches before the choice, all cant be chosen, and if but one Preaches, where can be the choice — unless it be that which we have all heard of — But we pass on The second article of the answer we conceive is of no Consequence in this Debate, if admitted to be true, for it only proves that some of the Petitioners are not of the same mind now w"" they once were of in this Particular affair — Nor is the third more to the point ; for it only shows the Respondents have assum'd a power of Judging the hearts of those they there speak of^ And as to the 4"' we would only observe, that if this settlement was Legal, it will be very Difficult, if not Impossible to prove it to be agreeable to the usage of the churches in this Government. TOWN PAPERS EXETER. 287 In their 5'" Article we conceive the Respond'" proceed on fallacious principles & take for granted propositions which cant be proved — as that if this Petition is granted, not only this church, but all the churches in the Goverm' will be greatly prejudiced — Now where is the prejudice to the church as such if these Petitioners were dismissed — there will be a church still left, of a competent Number, Invested with the same powers & enjoying the same Privileges as they now enjoy — and if the Number desiring to be Dismissed be so small as is Represented the objection is still of Less wight- and as to Churches in General how are they like to be affected by it- no other ways than they always are by gathering a new church, when the members belong'd to any other before ; and if this is of any weight it will always be an Objection, in that case as well as in this : & so there must never be but one church in a Town tho ever so Large — and the same argum' may be always made ag' erecting new Parishes, for the old must be hurt by the Loss of any of its Parishoners by an in crease of charge on those that Remain — Again when tis said the granting this Petition would be a manifest breach of the Laws of the Province the Objection Implies that this court are to proceed only on Laws already in force that they are Re- strain'd by them, & are only to put such Laws in Execution — which is not the case, the petitioners ask for a new Law, & apply to those who can make it- the doing of w"'' will no more be a breach of the old, than the making any other new Law & the same argum' lies with Equal Reasoning ag' mak ing any new"" Law, for every Instance of that Kind in some sense alters those before in force — The Question therefore ought not to be whether the Law ask'd for will be a breach upon other Laws. But whether the End propos'd by it be good, whether it is R' & Reasonable to be done, & in order to discover that we beg leave to observe that we take it for un doubted Truth in w*^' all Christians are agreed That the end of all Public worship is the Hon' of God & the Edification of the Worshipers, that is, the Improvem' of their minds in all christian Graces & virtues that these two are never separated, & therefore the edification of the "worshipers always implies the former ; That assemblies worship & care only means to attain the End. Viz the Edification of those who attend them. That this cant be done where the worship is not voluntary, for it must be in Spirit and in truth, free & sincere- That there is a great variety in the fitness of means arising from many cir cumstances particularly the diferent Capacities & tempers of Persons w*^'' may make means very fit & useful to one Person, not so to another, and that in these cases the right of Private Judgment is to be maintained more than in any, for here every ^88 NEW HAMPSHIRE man must Judge for himself, & tis impossible another can Judge for him, and that hereupon he ought to follow the Dic tates of his own Conscience — That tis every mans duty to pursue this end, as tis the Noblest & highest that can be pro posed by the fittest & best means — 'from these principles w"*" are indisputable, it evidently follows, that when a man appre hends he can obtain the afores" end better in one Congregation than in another, he ought to Join to that w'^'' he Judges the better for that purpose. & when a number sufficient to embody in Church order have the same Judgm' as to that point they ought to separate & embody ; it then becomes their duty for it is certainly a duty to use those means "we Judge fittest, for ob taining the best end : & the omission of it is the omission of a Known duty, for which Conscience will Inevitably Con demn — he that denies this must with the same breath condemn the Reformation for upon these & such like principles the Re formed Church Separated from the church of Room, who condemnd them for it, for she mortally hated Separations- He therefore that will not allow of it in the cases here put, must if he will be consistent in his principles. Return to the mother Church from which the first Reformers separated — Now the civil Magistrates Ought to be the minister of God for good to the People, & where their greatest good is concernd ought to give them the greatest Countenance. If it be said tis enough for such separatists to enjoy their Liberty of Separating with out being Eas'd of their taxes — the answer is that would be making them purchase their Liberty of those who enjoy their own freely & is not Liberty Equally every mans right who has not forfeited it.? If so no man should be oblig'd to purchase it at a dearer Rate than his neighbour, and where such a sep aration is made from an apprehension of duty & in Obedience to Conscience it is so far from being Just matter of Reproach or blame to the party or of offence to others, that it ought on the other hand to Receive that Countenance & approbation justly due to those who have a sense of duty & tenderness of Conscience sufficient to put them upon the performance of it- The Respond'" indeed say the Petitioners are a small number of Persons, who separate thro' unreasonable prejudice & here again they suppose that true w'-" we deny, namely that we have no Reason for separating — for it appears to us to be duty iipon such principles & arguments as have been before men tioned & therefore think ourselves free from the just imputation of prejudice, & they have no Right to judge our hearts & con demn us for Hypocrites — Beside how easy it is to charge, & to Return the charge of unreasonable prejudice. Every party in Politicks as well as Religion is exceeding apt to think • all the opposition to their measures proceeds from unreason- TO WTN PAPERS EXETER. iSp ^ble Prejudice, & if men would but open their eyes they must needs see thiiigs as they do and none more apt to run Riot ih this opinion than that party which is uppermost, which alwstys Supposes it self in the Right — But here it seems in this caise it is quite plain there is the opinion & Result of a Council^ But we cant think it proper to trouble this Court with thoSe Jtffai^s, a pairticular detail & Consideration of w"'' would be rriOre than could be done in a weeks time, nor are they at all pfoper to be discuss'd here- and after all should itbe done it "\(Vould amount to nO more than this — T-Cvo men differ eacfh Calls in his friend to advise which they do, but advise dlffet- eiitly according to their Different Apprehension & thereuptth each man follows & applauds the advice he likes best — In Short "whenever a sufficient number agree to gO off ftota a church or churches, & Embody by themselves & by their 6iit- ward actions or the General course of their lives in a Judgrrtetit of charity there is Reason to think them sincere in their pretensions, if they are willing to support the preaching of the gospel & other ordinances among themselves & especially "when their Separation does not break up the churches they leave, we humbly Conceive, & with great deference & submis sion would say they have a right to demand of the authority, that protection. Exemption & Countenance whereby they m'a.j finjoy their Opinions & Sacred Rights on as Cheap & Easy terms as their neighbours so far as the Circumstances of their case will admit — The Sixth & Last Article begins with charging the Peti- 'cion" with absurdity &c In desiring some allowance for w' they have paid towards the settlem' of the minis''' &c- As to the settlem' of the Rev" Mr Odlin the Elder, tis out of the Question, but as to the other we see no such absurdity, for many Reasons, but especially considering this was purposely made as chargeably, even to us, as it could be, by making that a Public charge which might have been otherways defrayed, as to Other parts of this Article tis comprised in the foregoing there being no great difference between saying, men Separate from unreasonable prejudice, & saying it is evil in self, that it is of Evil Example & draws others to do the like differs little from saying it would be of Dangerous consequence to the Churches, all which is only beging the thing in Question ^for we think it for the good of the churches, if by Churches we understand the People of the churches & not the Minister orily, & if by good, is meant their Spiritual Edification & not the great point of maintaining the minister in Affluence & Ease — But this they say if done will be a leading example & we say all the better, if it be a thing which ought to be done, Which is our appreihension of it, & that not only in this caiSe 19 290 NEW H.AMPSHIRE but all others so circumstanc'd ; as to other fearful conse quences mention'd they are merely chimerical : & Deserve no- Answer- But here it is worth considering whether force. Compulsion or Restraint is a likely way to promote the Inter ests of pure religion, whether to compel to Conformity is a likely means Ever did or ever will Make a sincere Conformist, & what Interest is such a Conduct likely to promote, unless- that of the purse of the parishioners & the more comfortable Subsistence of the Parson for the Larger the Parish, the higher the Salary is no false Logick — But those who are ag" their neighbours Spiritual Benefit from Lucrative or frugal princi ples do not do as they would be done by, they do not Exercise that charity "which seeketh not her own, and he is Effectually ag' such benefit who prevents or Endeavours to prevent his neighbours from using those means he judges his duty to use. St Pauls Exhortation in this case is for every man to please his neighbours for his good to Edification — As to other mat ters taken notice of in this Article of the answer we cant think them of so much consequence in This debate as to need a particular Reply — The Building a meeting house or not is of no farther moment in this affair than as it argues those who have done it to be in Earnest & That they think it to be a matter of Some Consequence or they would not have been at that Charge — Upon the whole it is Humbly Submitted "whether the Interest of Religion will not be more promoted — whether any such pernicious consequences are like to follow as are Suggested & whether the Interests of a Considerable number of good & faithful Subjects to the Government will not be advanced by granting this Petition 1 and Lastly whether the Consequences are not likely to be more pernicious which must follow from a Denial — •D c .1 <"i ) In behalf By- Sam"' Gilman f „ , Peter Gilman f ^ ..^. ) Petitioners October y 8"' 1744. "We whose names are under written having by chance heard that his Excelency & the Hon*-'' Councel heath sent a Survaier (i) to the Parish of Brintwood in order to Devide the same, and we being taking into the Lower Part and have bin at Grate Charge in Getting the Parish, 'We Pray that we may not be Conbin'd therin for we are sencible that their is not a sufficient number in it be at the Nessuary Charges of a town Parish on Preseint, but that we may have a years Liberty for consideration on what His Excelency shall se fit to Give us — (1) In the original MS. volume, pp. 27-31, are surveys or plans of the proposed distinct PariBhes. Ed. "^ "^ town PAPERS — EXETER. 29 1 Jonathan Cram John Mudgett Jeremiah Row Thomas Mudget Jonathan Eayer f Nichloss Smith Jonathan Robenson "William Been Moses Jewett Jonathan Wodley Jonathan Thing John James Petition of sundry inhabitants of Exeter to be incorporated into a new Parish. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Captain Generall. Governor and Commander in Chief In and over his Majes ties Province of New Hampshire and To the Hon'''" His Majesties Council and House of Representatives Convened in Generall Assembly 'The Petition of a Number of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of 'the Town of Exeter in Said Province — Humbly sheweth That there has been a Minister settled in said Town of Exeter Contrary to the Minds of many of your Petitioners who Timely Enter'd their Dissents against it- That your petitioners have hitherto (Contrary to their Minds) been compell'd to pay Taxes for the support of the said Minister (who carrys on the Publick Worship in the Old Meeting house in said Town) Which your Petitioners Humbly Conceive is unreasonable and Unjust- That your Petitioners have Erected a Meeting house & Set tled a Minister at their own Cost, and with the Help of Some Valuable Donations appropriated to the use of the Church Have supported the Gospel and Carry'd on the Publick Wor ship of God in the Said New Meeting house For about Twelve years last past with Peace and Concord amongst themselves — Wherefore your Petitioners Humbly pray Your Excellency & your Honours to Take the case of your Petitioners under your wise Consideration and Grant us Relief, By Freeing your Petitioners with their Estates, & such other Persons (and their Estates) as shall joyn with us (within a time to be Lim ited by your Excellency & your Hon") From paying any Tax for the support of the ministry in the said Old meeting house for the Future ; And by Incorporating us and Such Persons, and Investing us with Such Powers & Securing to us such Priviledges or otherwise Granting us such Aid or Relief as your Excellency & Honors In your Great Wisdom shall Think best- And your Petitioners as in duty Bound shall ever Pray Ac- April 8"' 1755- ^? JJ.EW HAMWSHIEE John Lougee, Jr Edward Colcord Nicholas .Smith Jonathan Judkins Joseph Mudget Jerimiah Folsom Thomas Nealey Joseph Acres Jonathan Ambrose Robert Lord Eliphalet Lord Stephen Thing Joseph Stacey Jon" Young Benjemito Rogers Stephen Palmer John Leavitt Joseph Smith "Wodley Cram Edmund Lougee Nathaniel Ladd Peter Gilman Sam' Gilman Thomas Deane Theophilus Smith Daniel Thing John Lord Robert Light Josiah Gilman Sam' Gilman. Jr John Phillips Daniel Oilman Nich' Gilman Thomas Lord Benj" Thing Abner Thurston John Dean Nath' Folsom SuminBrsbee Gilman Josiah Ladd Richard Smith Richard Smith, Jr Sam' Smith Josiah Barker Abner Dollof Sam" Dollof Joseph Dollof John Robenson Jr Peter Robenson John Haines John Gilman, Jr Widow Mary Gilman Province of N. Hampshire — In Council April 9"" 1755 Read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon'' Theodore Atkinson — Secry. New Hamps I '"" ^^^ House of Representatives April 10" Upon Reading the within Petition, voted that the Petitioners be heard on the said Petition in the third day of the sitting of the Gen' Assembly next after the twenty eighth day of April Ins' and y' the Pe titioners at their own cost serve the Selectmen of Exeter with a copy of this Petition and of the orders thereon to shew cause if any they have why the Prayer of the Petition should not be granted Matthew Livermore, Clerk. In Council, Eod'» Die- Read & Concurred — Theod' Atkinson — Secry. N^w Ham°p } ^" *^ "°"^^ °^ Representatives, Sept 6"' 1755 Upon hearing the Petitioners of the within Petition and the Respon dents Voted that the Petitioners be set off as a Distinct and Separate Parish from the old parish in Exeter with the Estates they do or shall own in s"! Town for the time being and for the future that when any person or persons shall come into s'' Town to settle or any Person or Persons in sii Town shall arrive to the age of twenty one years such persons shall have the liberty of three months to determine to which Parish such Person will belong to gether with the Estates they then do Joseph Swasey John Boyoden Dudley James Trueworthy Gilman Thomas Piper Elias Ladd Daniel Gilman Nehemiah Gilman James Thurston Jr William Harris Assembly I7SS- TOWN PAJ»ERS' — ffXETER. 2% or .srfeei'waida shall owti' as afores* such' Determination to be' by giving notice thereof in writing, unto the clerk of thb new parish "within tkw &¦? three months and in default thereof to. belong, unto the old parish Tliat the petitioners be exempted from paying any Taxes unto theold parish" for this present year or to the support or maintenance of th'e minister in- the old i)arish or any thing" relating' to the minisferial Tst* that is* New parish" have power to choose atl officers necessary . few maHH aging parish affairs or to raising money for y' support and maintenance of the ministry, and that the petitioners have Liberty to bring in a Bill a«coT(Ifhgly — Matthew- Li-j-ermotte Cleric. IwiCoaocil, September 9"" 1755 The within. 'Votes of thie House read &.coT»cuCT'd> Theod' Atkinson Secry Answer of the- Town (Committee of Exeter to the foregoing^ TerHis^Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq.' Captain Generafl GoTernour and Commander in Cheif in' and over hifs Majes-" ti«8 Province of New Hampshire awd to th'e H6noui'aM<^ his Majesties Gouncit an'd House of Representatives corl" vened in Generai Assetafeily. We- being, chosen by the Freeholders and Itthabitants of thei Town of Exeter to represent said Town, and on the' behalf of our Constituents to make answer to a petition- preferred to thi* Honorable Court by a number of Freeholders and Inhabitant* of said Town praying that they and their Estates mar for the' future be exempted from paying tO the support of the ministfy i» the old meeting House seeing they represent . in theif peti- tiewjv that a minister was settled contrary to the minds of many of the petitioners- In Answer to which). We humbly beg leaive- to reply as follows — i°* Many of the petitioners especially those that entered their Dissents against the settlement of our Minister the Rev^ Mr Woodbridge Odlin were those that first invited him tO" pneach in this place and were the Cheif Instruments of his being called from a remote place to labour among the peopl6 here, Who had he not esteemed their invitation to Him a call from God might now have been serving the Interest of the Redeemers Kingdom in a distant part, But the said Gentle-' man being Induced by the Importunities of the said petition-' ers and others in the Town accepted of the Invitation to employ his Labour among them for a considerable Time, of the expiration of which the Church & Congregation being sensible of the Infirmities of their aged pastor, tho't an assis tant with him in the ministry and pastoral care of their souls would be for his & their comfort & having had a long 294 NEW HAMPSHIRE Tryal of our present minister by a considerable majority were ¦well satisfied with Him and made choice of him in a way agreeable to the Laws of the province. The Town proceeded at their annual meeting march 28, 1743 To Chuse a Commit tee to agree with and settle the said Mr Odlin by a consider able Majority, And this Committee was further confirmed in their office by said Town, at a meeting of the Freeholders & Inhabitants June 13: 1743. Those petitioners that entered their Dissents being present and voting "with the Town at said meetings, as to the Validity and Regularity of the Settlement it was agreeable to the Majority of Town & Church approved of and ratified by a venerable Council called by this Church- 2. Those who dissented against the settlement of the said minister among the petitioners are many of them such as rent themselves of from the Church Counter to their Covenant Engagements or Church Relation, & Contrary to the Plat form of Church Discipline, and their setting up is disallowed off as being contrary to the Known order of our churches, and a Council of ten churches have in their Judgment upon the case declared their disallowance of those Brethrens vvrithdraw as being very unjustifiable and reproachful to Religion. 3. Those petitioners do not profess themselves to be of any different persuasion from the Church they belonged to, but acknowledge they are settled upon Congregational principles and that they could hold occasional Communion with our minister & Church, and if so why not stated? What need of supporting a Seperate Interest to the prejudice of Religion and the peace Interest of the Town. 4. We would inform the Court that there is but about twenty five of the petitioners that entered their Dissents against the settlement of our Minister the rest of them consisting of such persons as have moved into Town or come of age many of which posses no Estates in the Town and some that were forward for the settlement at that Time have for what Reasons we Know not been prevailed with to Join with Them- 5 . The Town has already been divided into so many parishes that we conceive it is unreasonable & what would render it very inconvenient & detrimental to the Town, for a number of persons that dwell in the midst of us (which have no propect of being better accomodated than they might be at the old Meeting house) to be exempted from supporting the charge of the public ministry, where they with their Families might' conveniently attend, and we apprehend that we are not at present more than sufficient to support the charges of one parish with other public charges — 6. We apprehend it is unreasonable that the petitioners their TOWN PAPERS EXETER. 295 Families and Estates should be exempted from paying to our Minister, in that several of their Families attend public Wor ship at the Old Meeting House and there is no prospect of their being inclined to alter their Sentiments- 7. We concieve that the countenancing a Number of persons in setting up for themselves without sufficient Reasons that are not of different persuasions from those they went of from will be a tendency to the subversion of all Order in Towns & Churches- Wherefore from the consideration of the ill Consequences of Countenancing them in their irregular proceedings the great Disorder & Confusion that may thereby be introduced into Towns & Churches, we conceive will have a Tendency to the destroying of all order and running all into the utmost difficulty, if their petition shou'd begranted. Things being in such situation we cannot but apprehend that fixing them on a civil Establishment will be encouraging unwarrantable seperations and destructive to the peace and Order of the Churches in the province- For these & other weighty reasons that might be offered (which will occur to your minds) We humbly Pray. That your Excellency & Honours in your great wisdom would dis miss so unreasonable a petition which we conceive tends to the Subverson of Religion. Zeb" Giddinge John Rice. Result and advice of an Ecclesiastical Council, in Exeter. We the Elders & delegates of the third church of Christ in Ipswich, the two Churches in Cambridge & the third in Glocester Convened in Council July 29'" 1755 in Exeter at the Mutual request of the Pastor & the first Church in s"* Town and a Number of the brethren called the New Gathered Church to Judge of all matters of difference subsisting between them in order to lead them into a happy Reconciliation & restoration to Christian Comunion and fellowship — After humble Supplication to God for direction in this Important ai?air and full hear ing the parties came to the following Result : I" Notwithstanding any Greivances the Brethren of the New Gath- er'd Church (so called) may have met with or apprehended they had met with from their late Rev'd Pastor and the brethren of the Church yet we Judge their manner of withdrawing Comunion from the Church was disorderly, And that such a conduct tends to destroy the peace and order of these churches, but we Apprehend some Charitable allow ances are to be made in favour of these brethren Considering the Cir cumstances of those times and their plea of unacquaintedness with the order of these Churches. 2'"? We Judge the Reflections of the Separating Brethren upon the late Pastor & the Other brethren of the Church (Calling them oppos- 296 NEW HAMFSHIRS ers of the work of God? SPYer^iu Grace &c) to be unbecpmingJEjtpresjr sions, savouring of an uncharitable Spirit or of too great abounding iji their own sense and opinion of things, and we should have been gfad if: they had been more full and Ex.press in Acknowledging the wanjitb. & Severity of their Expressions. jdiy "With respect to receiving to Comiii^ion tfie members of other churches who are under admonition : we declare that such a practice is utterly inconsistent with the order and peace of these churches, and that if this New Gathered Church (so called) retain any such members i^ is Just matter qf pffesnce to thfr churches of Christ, and in order te any reconciliation with these churches it is our Judgment tjiat tl>ey deny such members any further fellowship in Special Ordinances till they are restored to the Charity of the Churches to which they respect- Hpiy belong or regularly dismissed. ^'¥:( Provided t)>e New Gathered Church (so called) shall manifest tjieir consent to and acpeptanpe of the Judgement- of this Councill a^. ^jpciye apd their readiness to , Practice agreably hereto, wee; advise tl^^ Pastor and first Church in this Town to forgive their brethren whatso-> ever has been offensive in their late Transactions and not withstanding the Exceptionable stepps they hav£ taken towards their being formed into a Churc^.State, "Vetthat they own them as n Church qf our Lord Jeflus Christ apd their Pastqr (so called) as a ininister of Christ an^ receive them to Christian comunion in all Ordinances and acts there of as they do other Churches. 5*li And upon their Complying as above we recomend them also to the. iellowship Si, cornunion of all the other churches in the land walk^ ii\g in the faith & order of the Gospel : At the same time Earnestly, recomending it to the Newr Gathered Church (so called) to pay all cjue respect to the churches of Christ, and to Exercise great caution that they avoid every thing which may greive or offend them : And now dear brethren of the New gathered church (so called) we have pro posed such terms for your being accepted into comunion with the churches as upon a Mature Impartial weighing matters we think highly reasonable for you to comply with, and such as we Judge necessary, to secure the Interest of Religion, the honour of Christ, and the peace and Safety of these churches. We therefore cannot but hope that God will convince you of your duty here in And incline you to a hearty cqijnplyance herewith — And as to the Rev' Pastor and beloved bre;th- ren of the first church, we cannqt but hope, that considering the tinies vifhich have pass'd over us, and the present Circumstances of yourSep- e^ra^ing brethren, you will upon their Submitting to and accepting of qiir Judgment & advice forgive tjiem in whatever has been by theav Greivous or offensive to you & receive them, (together with the person whom they acknowledge for tlieir Pastor) in their respective capacities. and treat them accordingly by all propper acts of Christian Fellowship & Comunion, And now ReV" Hon") & Beloved it will be to us matter of Joy and thankfuUness to see the people of God in this place thus united in holy fellow ship : And we Earnestly Exhort & beseech you in the bowels of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive one another as you hope thar God for Christs sake will forgive you, and that you would Embrace one another as in times past in the Arms of Love & Charity, And that there be a friendly interchange of all acts of Christian, broth erly Comunion as occasion may Call for. And that there be a carefull avoiding Everything in Speech or behaviour, that may grieve or offend Each other, and if there should be some different sentiment as to some particular points, that there be a careful preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Finally brethren farewel, be perfect be of Good TOWJI, PAPERS — BXBTER. 3^ CcinMorfi t«e of que nHndiUypip peace »p4tli* God of Love andp^ac* sJijJl b? -w}tl> yoH, Avn^fi, Exeter Aug'* i'' 1755. Voted unanimously Sam' Wiglksworth, Moderator- A> true copy. Attest Swn Cook. Scribe, Aicceptance of the foregoing Result and Advice, At a., meeting of the New Ga.th'' Church of Christ in Exeter — August Voted^.That weconsent tp and acceptiOf the Judgment and-Advic&of tjj.e Council mutually chosen by us arjd the first chijrchi of Chrfst in said To"Wn — as is contained in their result dated August i'' 1755 — ancj sign'd by the Rev'' Samuel Wiggles"worth as moderator — and we hereby msnifest our Readiness t» practice agreeably. theretc Yqted likewise— Tl»at a csipy of the alcove b^e B««ttQ.th^ Re,v* Wo^W^- bi^jd^. Odlin, t« \^ communicated tfi the ^rst Chwrph of Christ i'^ Exeter. Samuel Gilman "| Ruling Eld" in Daniel Thing V behalf of the Jph,i> Phillips J Churchti. E»qvince of "1 To the Hon'''' His Majesties Councill For the Provr New, Hampsh' J ince of New Hampshire — "these certifie that the sum which was voted by the Town of Exeter ttt the Rev'* Mr.- Woodbridge Odlin this Present year was for his Sal ary only, & not for -an-y- Arrearages d«e to hJTO from- the- Town. But, ^ the? e was somethi5vg due to him from the Town Sjt that tinaCf The s^pie is Included in the Town Rate for the. Current Year and .not in thft Mhiisters Rate. •Adl which is Humbly Certified l)y your Hon""" most Hum'° Servants — •L°'!f.*V^K?^" 1 Selectmen Rob' Light 1 ^ ^f Jonathan Gilman Jr ( p,^.^., Charles Rundlet J ^''"^• Exeter Sept' 8"" 1755. Concurred, but caremustbe taken in the act to have Provision tbat- th^ Town may choose officers to ma^ke the ministerial rate — and also to repair the churches reciprocally That all arrearages if any be paid -byv both as if not sepa-rated. The act will not Pass without these a,rticje«; are Inserted. Petition of John Odlin and others for power to call Parish meetings, &c. To His Excellency Benning 'Wentworth Esq. Governor and Commander in Cheif in and over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, the Hon'"' his Majestys Council & House of Representatives in General Assembly Convened Dec. 6"^ 1763. Humbly shews John Odlin, Josiah Sanborn and Sam' Brooks, all of Exeter in said Province : That by an Act Pass'd in the twenty ninth year of his Late 398 NEW HAMPSHIRE Majestys Reign a new Parish was incorporated in that part of Exeter Remaining, (commonly called the Town) after the Parishes of Brentwood & Epping were set off which was called the new Parish & Invested with the Powers usual in such Cases, and the remaining part of said Town was made a Parish & authorized to manage their affairs Relating to the support of the Gospel ministry. Separately and for that pur pose was authorized to chuse assessors of the Parish Taxes Collectors &c which were to be chosen at the annual Town meeting for as to Town affairs there was no alteration by said act and this was the only Vnatter that could be transacted at the Town meeting respecting said Parish as may at large appear bv reference to said act. That your Petition'' suppose it was the design of said Act that such assessors should be authorized to call such meetings of said Parish as there should be occasion for without any re gard or matter to be done by the select men of the Town, but that power is not given (unless by a very remote Implication) so that as to any special Business to be done by said Parish as repairs additions &c to their meeting house they have no method of consulting and Determining but what is drawn with Question & Dispute upon the Doubt about calling the meeting nor can they obtain a meeting for the Select men refuse to call it and the assessors doubt their authority That there is a necessity of repair" their meeting house purchasing a Bell & transacting other Parochial affairs which are all suspended by the ambiguous Language of said act Wherefore your Petitioners pray the advisement of the General Assembly thereon and that by a Resolve they would Declare that the said assessors have Power to call such meet ings of said Parish, if it appears to be within the Intention of said Act, or to put said Parish or remaining part of said Town under a new Regulation, & that no officer of the Town as such may have any thing to do with said Parish and that your Petitioners may have Leave to Bring in a Bill accordingly and they shall ever Pray &c. John Odlin, Sam' Brooks. TOWN PAPERS — FRANCESTOWN. FRANCESTOWN. 299 [This town was settled about 1760 by John Carson, a Scotchman, and was incorporated 8"" of June, 1772. Ed.] Petition for a land tax to build a Meeting house, &c. Province of "j To his Excellency John Wentworth, Esq. New Hampshire I Captain Genneral and Governer in Chief County of f ^'^ ^'^^ o'^^*' ^^^ Majestys Province of Hilsborough ) New Hampshire and to the Hon"'^ his Majesties Council & House of Repre sentatives and general Court Assembled — The Petition of us the Subscribers Humbly Sheweth : That Whereas Frances Town in the Province and County aforesaid hath no Land left or laid out by the Original Pro prietors for the Encouragment of the first Gospel Minister to settle amongst us we your Humble Petitioners humbly desire your Excellency and Honnours to make an Act To Collect or raise a Tax of a Penny half penny per acre for two yeais or more or less as your Excellency and Honnours shall see fit upon all the land within the Town afforesaid for the settle ment of our first Minister and Building a Meting House your Excellency and Honnors Complience herewith will verry much serve our Intrest and Encourage the Settlement of the 'Wilder ness : And your Humble Pettitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray — Francestown Aprile az'' AD : 1773. Thomas Quigly Oliver Holmes John Quigly Asa Lewes Thomas Quigly, Jr Nathan Clough James Hopkins Samuell Nicolas Robert Fulton, Jr William M'Master John Dickey Hugh M'Gumery William Lee Robert Morel William Starrett John Carson Sam" Nutt John Brown Adam Dickey David Lewis William Holmes Henry M'farson Joseph Dickey Charles Mellon Benjamin Seleper Samuel Gregg Samuel Marten John Hopkins William Butterfield Robert Hopkins William Butterfield. David Gregg Nathan Fisher Province of New Hampshire- In Council May 13"' 1773- Read & Order'd to be sent down to the Hon'''" Assembly. Geo : King DepJ" Sec^ In the house of Represen' May 14, 1773. On Reading the foregoing Petition Order'd that the Petitioners at their Own Cost cause the Substance of said Petition to be printed in JQO NEW HAMPSHIRE the New Hampshire Gazzette three weeks successively & that the Peti tioners may be heard thereon the third day of the sitting of the General Assembly after the I't"' day of June next- William Pa,rfcor, Clerk. In Council Eodem die. Read and Concur'd. Geo : King, D. Secy. ^'^Ham^sMr?^'*}^" ** "°"** °^ Represen- Jan. 14'" 1774. ¦Voted that the Prayer of this Petition be granted thart the Petition"- h»veJeave to bring in a bill for laying a tax on the LandS' mention'd in swd Pejtition for the term of two years of a One penny half penny an .^iwe Es*ch year W'" Parker Cler. In Council Eodem die, Read::«nd Concurred with this amendment, that the Lands in said Frances Town belonging to the Purchasers, of Masons, Patent be ex empted from the above mention'd tax. Geo King, D. Secry. ^^'^^°f|ln the House of Represent" Jan le"- 1774. The Above vote of Council read & non concurred & 'Voted that the House adbere to their former 'Vote. W'»> Parker, Clerk In- Council Jan>" 19"' 1774. Read and nonconcurred. Geo. King, D. Secry. In the House of Representatives Jany ig"" 1774. Voted that the Prayer of this Petition be granted, that the Petition ers have liberty to bring in a bill, for laying a Tax. on the lands men tion'd in said Petition for the Term of Two years of one penny half penny pr acre Each year. Provided it shall not Interfere with ormafce' void any former agreement made between the Grantors, or any of them, & the Grantees of Said Francestown William Parker, Clerk, Assembly In Council Eodem die. Read and Concur'd. Geo. King, D. Secy. FRANCONIA. [Franconia, which was originally called Morristown, was granted February 14, 1764, to Isaac Searle and others. The first permanent settlement was made in 1774. En.] Petition of John Wendell, agent, for the town of Fran conia. Province of ) To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq' New Hamps' | Captain General Governour & Commander in Chief in & Over His Majestys Province of New Hampshire and Vice admiral of the Same in Coun cil—The Petition of John Wendell of Portsmouth in the County TOWN PAPERS FRANCONIA. JOI of Rockingham in the Province aforesaid Esq' in behalf of himself and as Agent to the Hon*"' John Temple Esq. Sir Firancis Barnard Bart., Thomas Hubbard Esq. and Benjamin Akerman unto your Excellency and the Hon'"''^ Council Hum bly Shews — That your Petitioner & the aforementioned Gentlemen claioi Lands by Purchase & as Grantees in the Township of Pran- conia, and that he applied to his Excellency before the Expi ration of the Charter for a renewal thereof in behalf of the former Grantees who was pleased to grant him a Warrant to the Surveyor General to procure a survey thefreof : who tbete- upon issued out Orders to Benj. Whiting Esq' as his D''' Sur veyor, to return a survey thereof, and the Said Whiting and others have made Several attempts for that Purpose at a con siderable Expence to your Petitioner but has not been able to effect it by reason of impassable Mountains & has informed your Petitioner that one half of said Township is so moun tainous & Rockey as not to be inhabited. And your Peti tioner in behalf of himself & those he represents humbly begs ieave to represent unto your Excellency & HonoOrs, that they are the Only Persons who have been at any Expence upoii this Service or have any way regarded the Townsiiip as worth their Notice, as also to pray your excellency & Honours to grant so much of said To-wnslhip, as may be found Inhabita ble on a survey thereof, to your Petitioner and his Associates, & so much of the Township of Lincoln adjoining thereto as will make a full Township on which your Petitioner & his associates may make a settlement of the same : or otherwise to relieve them on the Prayer of this Petition as your Excel lency & Honours in your Wisdom think proper, & your Peti tioner as in Duty Bound shall Ever pray — John Wendell. Portsm" Jan^" 22, 1772. Petition of Alexander Phelps and others, relating to forfeit ure and re-grant of Franconia and Lincoln. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq. Captain General, Gov' and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, In Council The Petition of Alexander Phelps and his Associates hum bly sheweth that there is a Tract of Land in Said Province, Containing about forty six Thousand Acres without any allow ance for highways &c, formerly Granted by the Names of Franconia and Lincoln, which Land has been hitherto wholly neglected by the former GraiUecb and thereby become for- 302 NEW HAMPSHIRE feited, which lands altho much broken may answer for a Set tlement, for a Small number of Inhabitants — Whereupon your Petitioners most humbly pray your Excellency to Grant and Confirm to them their Heirs and Assigns the whole of said Lands, Except Six Thousand acres, butting "westerly two miles wide, on y* Town of Landaff and Southerly five miles on y^ Southerly Line of said Tract — Subject to usial & Cus tomary Restrictions & Limitations and they as in Duty bound shall ever pray. Alex' Phelps. Portsmouth, May 31, 1772. GILMANTON. [This town was granted May 20, 1727, to twenty-four persons by the- name of Gilman, and 152 others. Ed.] Province of ) To His Excellency Benning Wentworth New Hampshire J Esqr. Captain General Governor & Com mander In Chief In & Over his Majes ty's Province of New Hampshire — To the Hon''"" His Majestys Council & House of Representatives Convened in General Assembly. The Petition of Theophilus Smith Esq' Capt' John Odlin, & Doct' Josiah Gilman a Comittee for and in behalf of the Proprietors of the Township of Gilmantown in said Province, Humbly Sheweth That the Setdement of the Said Township has been long Re tarded by Reason that no Provision hath yet been made for a Legal Taxation to be made & levyed on the said Proprietors to Defray the Charge of said Propriety which Have already arisen or may hereafter Arise in Settling Said Township— That if such Provision be made by An Act of this Hon"'" Court, the said Petitioners believe that a Settlement of the Said Township may be soon Effected — That Such Settlement of said Township will be not only a great Benefit to the Said Proprietors, But to the Province In General- : — Wherefore the Petitioners Humbly Pray That your Excel lency & Hon" will take the Matters of this Petition Under your wise Consideration and Pass such Act or Acts to Enable the said Proprietors to Raise such Sum or sums of money by Taxing the said Proprietors (as they shall find necessary fromi TOWN PAPERS — GILMANTON. 303 time to time to Defrey the charges aforesaid) as your Excel lency & Hon'= In your Great Wisdom shall see fitt. And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray &= May 15"" 1760. Theo. Smith John Odlin Josiah Gilman. In Council May 16, 1760. Read & Ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''« House Theod' Atkinson Secry. New Hamps }^" *^ house of Representatives Feby 12"' 1761 This petition being Read— 'Voted That the prayer thereof be Granted & have Liberty to Bring In a Bill accordingly. A. Clarkson, Clerk. In Council Feb. 13"' 1761 Read & Concurrd. Theodore Atkinson, Secry. GILSUM. [This town was incorporated July 6, 1763. Ed.] Vote of Westmoreland to. set off a part of the Inhabitants to GilsuTn. 1766. Att a Meeting of the free holders and the Other Inhabitants of the Town of Westmorland holden on March the Twelfth Day 1766, Voted to set of the people to Gilsum that Belong to the North East corner of this Town from Walpole Corner to Keen Line — A Trew Coppy as Recorded on the Town Book. Isaac Butterfield |- Town Clerk Vote of Gilsum to set off the west end of the town. Province of New Hampshire. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Gilsum meet at the House of Mr Jonathan Smiths in s*" Town on Tuesday the 26"' of Au gust 1766 being meet and duly formed Mr Joseph Spensor Being chose Moderator to Govern S'' Meeting Sd Inhabitants Voted to sect off the West End of S'' Towne as far East as the Mountain Range — A True Coppy of the Vote as it was then past Test pr. me, Tobadiah Willcox, Town clerk. Gilsum Sep'"" y i" 1766. Assent of inhabitants of Gilsum to be set off. NewHlmp'shearlG"-™. July the i" AD: 1768, This may Certifie the Honerabell General Cort of this Provence, that 304 new HAMPSHIRE ¦We the Subscribers Inhabitince of the East parte of the Town of said Gilsum Do Agrea and give our free Concente that the West peai^e of this the Said Town of Gilsum shold be sett oif to be one Ihtier Tpwn Pearish or presink with a part of Westmoland and to Extend as fear East as is here Disscribed (viz) To Begin at the South Line of said Gilsum 80 Rods East of the South East Corner of Westmoland Ledg (So cald) and to Run North by the neadel 260 Rods then Makeing a seatt off 80 Rods East, and then Running North by the Neadel a cross the said Town — In Conformacion hereof we Subscribe Josiah Kilburn, Henry White Ebenezer Kilborn P^latiah Pease Jonathan Adams John Ch^naan Medad Thornton Obediah Willcox. Petition for a new town. To His Excellency John 'Wentworth Esq. Captain General, Governour &c in and Over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire — The Hon'"'' His Majesty's Council and House of Representatives for said Province — The Petition of the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the West erly Part of the Township of Gilsum and the Northwesterly Part of the Township of Westmoreland in said Province Humbly Sheweth : That said Westerly part of Gilsum being seperated from the Easterly Part of the Same Township by a long and im passable Mountain almost thro the Township of said Gilsum Dividing the Same so as leave about one third part of this Lands of the Township of said Gilsum on the Westerly side of said Mountain, and no convenient Communication can be had with the Easterly Part of Said Township, so very neces sary for the well Regulating and management of Town affairs ; and the Westerly part of said Gilsum being too Small in Con tents of Land for a Seperate & Distinct Town, Parish or Pre cinct, And whereas the Northwesterly part of said West moreland being that part of said Town Called Westmoreland Leg Lying at a Great Distance from and very dificult Passage to the main Body of y' Town and Inhabitants of said West morland and also Paying large Taxes for the Support of the Ministry & other Town Charges, without being able to Re ceive any Benefit or advantage therefrom And being adjoining to and conveniently Situate to be joined and incorporated with said Westerly part of Gilsum therewith to make one Seperate and Distinct Town &c. Now your Petitioners humbly pray your Excellency and Honour that Said Westerly part of Gilsum and Northeasterly part of Westmoreland : (viz begining at the Southeast corner of Walpole thence running Southerly on a Straight Line to th«; North West corner of Keene thence running Elasterly On TOWN PAPERS — GILSUM. 3Q5 the Line of said Keene to the Southeast corner of Westmore land Leg so called and continuing the same Line Eighty Rods East of Sd (last mention'd) corner thence runing North two Hundred and Sixty Rods, thence East Eighty Rods, thence on a North ^ine to the North Line of said Township of (5il- sum thence West on the Line of Said Gilsum to the ^orth- "Nyest Corner of the Same thence South on the Line betweep s^id Gilsum & Walpole to the first mentioned Bounds tJiat part of said Westmorland & Gilsum included in the afore- fnentioned Lines, rnay he taken off from y'' aforesaid Towns of Westmoreland & Gilsum, and be Erecte4 made and Incor porated into one Seperate & Destinct Town, Corporation & Body Politick with all the Powers, Priviledges and immuni ties that any town hath or by Law ought to have in said Province or otherways as to your Excellency & Honours seam fit and as in Duty bound shall Ever pray-(i) Dated Gilsum July the V" AD. 1768. Obadiah Willcox Benjamin Wheeny .' Samuel Hall Joshua Fuller Job Gleason Joseph Mack Joseph Spencer Jonathan Pareish Moses Field Peter Hayward Thomas Smith William Barns Ichabod Smith Charles Rice Eliphalet Darte Nathaniel Darte John Marvin Jonathan Smith Abel Allen Jonathan Smith, Jr Woolston Brockway (1) A plan of the proposed new town is found in the original MS., volume HI., p. 77. Ed. In Council October 22^ 1768. Read & ordered to be sent down to Hon*"'' Assembly Geo : King, Depy Secry. New''Ham°s'}^" the House of Representatives Oct'" 25'" 1768. The foregoing Petition being Consider'd and the Votes of Each Town Shewing their willingness, also a Plan Produced, Voted That the Petitioners have liberty to bring in a bill for Incor porating said Town Pray'd for the Bounds to be Agreeable to the said plan M. Weare, Clr. In Council Eodem Die — Read & Concurrd — Geo. King, Depy Secry. 20 3o6 NEW HAMPSHIRE GOFFSTOWN. [This town was originally granted by the Province of Massachu setts, and was incorporated June i6, 1761. Ed.] Petition of Archibald Stark for soldiers to guard the garrison at Amoskeag. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Capt General, Governour & Commander in Chief in & over His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire the Hon'"^ His Majesty's Council and House of Representatives for said Province in General Assembly Convened March the 9*^'' 1747. The Humble Petition of Archibald Stark of a place called Amaskege in said Province Shews — That your Petitioner has lived at said Place for the term of ten years last past and has at his own cost Built a Garrison there of Considerable Strength & Conveniency by which the Place may be Defended against the Common Enemy with the assistance of a Competent number of Soldiers : That there are upwards of twenty families that are settled there which have been Encouraged by your Petitioners Reso lution hitherto to Stand their Ground & maintain their Setde- ments who must inevitably leave them if the said Garrison should be broken up — That the Situation is such as make it a place of Importance to be Supported being a Common Stage between Londonderry Chester and Pennycoke Suncoke & other Settlements & in the Course of Business there very Convenient for Travellers to Stop at, & proves a necessary means of Communication between the settlements as well as a Barrier & cover to many Settlements & families between that and Londonderry — That as your Petitioner has been at great charges to bring his Plantation there, to the Condition it is now in & laid out all his substance for that purpose (whereby he Conceives he may justly be Esteemed a Public Benefactor) it is not only of the utmost Importance to him that the Place be Defended, but also gives him some claim to ask it, and as his Fortune Depends upon it, and it may be his Life as weli as others, He most Humbly Prays that a Competent Number of Soldiers may be allowed him to be Posted at said Garrison & to Guard & Defend him and others in Performing the nec essary Labours of the Ensuing season, that their Husbandry may not be Dimminished and your Petitioner as in Duty- bound Shall Ever pray &c. Archibald Stark. In Council March 9"' 1747. Read & Order'd to be sent to the Hon"" House. Theodore Atkinson, Secy. be said Committee. TOWN PAPERS GOFFSTOWN. 307 Votes at a town meeting in Goffsto'tvn. County of Hillsborough > A meeting legally warned and in Province of New Hampshire j held at the meeting house in Goffs town on munday the 11; Dav of July 1771. ' Votted, Capt James Karr Moderator. Votted, That the meeting be carried on by Poleing. Votted, That there be a comittee chose in order to treete with Mr Joseph Currier in order for settlement — Votted, That there be seven men chose for sd committee. Votted, Samuel Blodget Esq' Capt James Karr Jotham Tuttle Job Dow Tho» Sherla Alex'''^ Gilcrest Votted, Fifteen pounds Lawfull money to Descharge the Debt of said Town. Votted, To throw up the Road from Jonathan Martins, to Capt Ladds and e«cept of the Road that was laid out by the selectmen last year, and that Capt Ladd is Satisfyed for the same. Votted, That the Town will prosecute those that have trespassed on the ministers and school lots. Votted, That the meeting Stand adjourn'd until Monday the 29 Day of July at four oclock in the after noon. "The Inhabitants being met according to said adjournment July 29, Votted, To Receive the Report of the Commitee, viz Sam" Blodget Esqr Capt James Karr Jotham Tuttle Job Dow Tho» Shirla Alex' Gilcrest Votted, That the meeting be Dismissed A True Coppy of Record attest pr Alex. Walker, Town Clerk. Petition for a Presbyterian Society. To His Excellency, John Wentworth Esq. Cap" Gen' Gov ernour and Commander in Chief, in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire, In N. England — And to the Honourable his Majestys Council & House of Representa tives In General Assembly Conven'd. The humble Petition of his Majesty's Subjects, Inhab" of Goffs Town and Province affors'' Sheweth- That your Petitioners most or all of them have been educated in the Presbyterian Persuasion and look on themselves as bound in conscience still to adhere to the same persuasion ; That your Petitioners generally inhabit one part of said 308 NEW HAMPSHIRE Goffs Town which renders their associating together for pub lick worship more convenient — That your Petitioners have had some supply of preaching from the Presbytery to which we are connected and expect more from time to time, and soon to be in a Capacity (through Providential Smiles) to build a meeting House, and settle a Minister of their own persuasion. May it therefore please your Excellency & Honours impar tially to consider the Premises, and by your authority to enact that your Petitioners may be a distinct Society Cloath'd with Parish powers that so they may be in a Legal Capacity of Levying Parish Charges, and your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray &c — Dated at Goftstown, November 2^ t-77^- William Madole Tho- Kennedy Thomas Shirla Robart Kennedy John Dinsmoor Samuel Kennedy Alex' Gilcrest Wilam M'^erson John Dunlap John M'ferson Robert Sherly (?) James Moor John Gillmor William Dunlap George Addison John Butterfield Sam' M'=Farland George Cunningham John Orr James Barr, Jr. James Marr Antipas Dodge Ma' Kennedy Joseph Kennedy Daniel M'farland David M'Clure James M'=ferson, Jr Jn" Little James M'=ferson Daniel Allen Tho» Miller Silas Walker Danell Marr David Currier James Barr Alexander M^Cay Petition of the Inhabitants of Goffstown, 177^5 relating to town disputes. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq Capt. Gen' Gov. & Commander in Cheef in and over His Majestys Province of New Hampshire, & Vice admiral of the same. The hon''' ^ His Majestys Council & House of Representatives for said Province to be conven'd at Portsm" in said ,Province on Tuesday the 19"' day of May Current. We the Subscribers Inhabitants of Goffestown in the County 'of JHillsboro' in said province, humbly Complain"S — That th« Inhabitants of said Goffes Town at their last an nual "march meeting having some disputing -on :the business of itbe Day, aftEnwhich the Selectrmen published who were Legal TOWN PAPERS- — GOFFSTOWN. 3O9 Voters, according to the Law of said province, after which the Votes were bro't in for a Moderator, The Votes were 25 for the hon''' ^ Sam' Blodget Esq & 26 for Alex'* Gilchrist, on which said Mr Blodget said one John Pattie was not a legal Voter, (who had voted for said Gilchrists being Moderator) the select men said he was, but Mr Blodget insisted he was not, & that his Vote should be thrown out, W^"" was done. Then the Votes stood 25 for one & 25 for the other, after which Mr Blodget pulled a power of Attorney out of his pocket, & read it, given by one Job Rowell (who is since dead) to his son Jonathan Rowell a minor & who had never been rated, Impowering said Jonathan to Vote at said meet ing & Mr Blodget insisted That said Jon" had a Legal Right to vote in Said Meeting by virtue of said power which said Jon" did & voted for Mr Blodget to be Moderator, w* turned the vote in Mr Blodgets favour & that said Pattie was not aU lowed to Vote, & the said Jonathan's voting & Pattie being deprived, caused different men to be chose Town Officers, than would have been, by which Means we humbly conceive we are much injured and deprived of our just & Legal Rights, Wherefore we your Complainants & petitioners humbly prays your ExcelP'' & Honours to take our Case into your Consid eration & grant us such relief as in your great wisdom shall seem meet, & your petition"^' as in Duty bound shall ever pray— Dated at Goffe's Town the 18"' day of May, AD. 1772. David Currier John Dinsmoor George Hadley Sam' M'farland Alex' Gilchrist Robert Speer John Little Will-" Dunlap Tho' Miller Thomas Shirla Daniel Marr Antipas Dodge James Marr John Clogston James Moor Daniel Allen James Barr Silas Walker Ja» Barr, Jr John Butterfield Alex' M'=Cay Ja' Fearson Samuel Kennedy Dan' M'Farland Thomas Kennedy William Fearson Phineas Hadley James Ferson George Cunningham John Orr Robert Kennedy David M'Clue George Addison John Dunlap Joseph Kennedy Asa Patie Matt" Kennedy William Madole In Council May 2i»' 1772. Read & order'd to be sent down to the hon"'" Assembly— Geo King, D^ Secry. May 22'' 1772. In the house of Representatives — Upon Reading this Petition Voted — that the pet" be heard on the said petition on the firstTues- 3IO NEW HAMPSHIRE day in June next & that they serve the said Mr Blodget & the former select men with the copy of said petition & order of Court thereon. W"- Parker, Cler. In Council Eodem die, Read & Concurrd. Theodore Atkinson, Secry — Copy Ex" Theodore Atkinson Secry. May so"" 1772. We the Subscribers bein present an saw Mr Jn" Pattey Rase his name which was granted at his Request. Thomas Saltmarsh Jonathan Martain A town tneeting called. Province of ] The freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town New Hampr I of Gofi"s Town Qualified as the Law Directs, are hereby County of ( notified to meet at the meeting hous in s'' Town on Hillsborough J Wednesday the fourteenth Day of this Instant January, at one oclock afternoon, then and there to act on the following artickles I'' To Choose a moderator 2'1'y To see if the Town will chuse one or more meet Persons to be Conjoynt with Capt James Karr one of the Selectmen of this Town, to make answer agreeable to a citation from his Excelency the Governor and Council and house of Representatives to a petition of a number of the Inhabitants of this Town, who are praying His Excellency the Governour and Council and house of Representatives to sett them oflf in a Distinct Parish, by themselves, and that the person or persons chosen as above be Impowered to transact any Other matter wherein the Town is concerned at the General Court 3'iiy To see if the Town will raise any Monies to defray the charges arising in attending the General Court and how much 4"'iy To Chuse a Committee to Sash and glass the Meeting house jthiy -po Chuse a committee to settle the accounts with Sam" Blodget Esq and see whether the Town will allow him Intrest for the moneys Due to him gthiy -po ggg ;f jjjg Town Excuse Capt Alexander Todd from paying Rates to the Minister he being a Presbyterian Dated at Goffstown January i"' 1772 To Sam" Richards, Constable, James Karr") c , . Alex'ToddP^'^'^*'"^" Pursuant to the within warrant I have warned all the persons within named to meet at time and place. Sam" Richards, Constable Goffs town January 15, 1772 A true Coppy of Record, Attest pr. Alex''' Walker— Town Clerk. TOWN PAPERS — GOFFSTOWN. 3II Proceedings at a town meeting. At a meeting Legally warned and held at the meeting house in Goffes Town on Wednesday the 14 Day of January 1772, Votted Samuel Blodget Esq Moderator, Votted That Sam" Blodget Esq. and Sam' Richards be a committee conjoynt with Capt James Karr one of the select men to make answer -to the citation from his Excelency the Governour and Council and hous of Representatives to a petition of a number of the inhabitants of this Town who are praying his Excelency the Hon""'* his Majestys Court and house of Representatives to set them of a parish by themselves and that they are Impowered to transact any other matter Concearning the Town of Goffes 'Town Votted Twelve Pounds Law full money be raised to Defray the charges arising in attending the Generall Court Votted To Chuse a committee to sash and glase the meeting house Votted That this said commitee consist of three men Capt Joseph Little "j Votted Tho" Saltmarsh \ be said Commitee Aaron Wells J Votted That there be a commitee to settle with Sam" Blodget Esq Votted. That said commitee consist of three men. Benjamin Stevens ) Votted Samuell Richards >-be said Commitee Capt Joseph Little J Votted That Sam" Blodget Esq Shall be allowed Intrest for his money Votted That the meeting be Dismissed A true Copy of Record Attest Pr. Alex' Walker Town Clerk, Petition for an emission of paper money . The Honourable Senate and House of Representatives of the State of New Hampshire to be Conven'd on the first Wednesday in September 1786. The Petition of the free holders and other Inhabitants of Goffs-Town Humbly Sheweth — That we your Hon''' Petitioners, perceiving the declining condition of our Country and of this our State of New Hamp shire in particular the Stagnation of Trade and Commerce amongst us as well as the slow progress of Agriculture and Mechanichism, together with the additional Calamity of an enormous debt incurred by the late unhappy War ; Prevails with us your Honours Petitioners to present you, with these our Grievances as we apprehend they proceed In tirely from the Scarcity of Cash amongst us through the want of which we cannot discharge either our publick or private debts — Conduct Trade or Commerce, Neither can the needy purchase the necessary articles of Sustainance — As we presume •every thinking person who has the care of the Welfare of his 3t2 NEW HARiPSItlRE Country at heart, plainly discetnfe the several causes from whence theste our grieviiaiices pi-oceeded, ias also th'e tniny Glaring and impendihg Calamities that ai'e likely to en'su'e them (unless timeously rernedied) we think it needless therefore to point them out to your Honoiirs : But to redress our Grieviancfes we wo'uld humbly pray your Honours forthwith to e'mitt a Qiiantity of pd'pet Ciirren'cy suf ficient to discharge this States Domestic debt for which the subjects are oppress'd by paying the Interest, knd to be a Cir culating Medium of Trade within this ¦state— -Let said fcur- tfency be put ikilo GircuUti'O^n by establishiiig it a La'wful tender in payment for all Contracts of a publick /or pWvate natiii'e within this state — ^likewise by redeeming this States Securities for Domestick Debts, of every Kind and description : And by requiring th'e poisstessors of these Securities iteTrie- diately after the publication 'Of said Currency to come and re ceive their "principal, aiici all such possessors "who shall hot ap pear within three j^lonths and receive their pay, shall forfeit their Interesti, and thotee Who shall not appear in twelve fnohths, and receive their ^ky 'tx) forfeit their principal & Interest, And that it Aiay Ci'rciilate the better we reccottimend it tO be made without Interest, And in such Bills as may be Easier changed for the benefit of Trade : And fiWthermot« we woHr^d reccommend to your Honours, that every method possible be taken by the Legislative Author ity for preventing its depreciation and Counterfeiting — ^by suit able punishments — ^let the punishment of Counterfeiting be death witholat respect of persons and also their accomplices, and Exorbittet extortioiievs, atid those who w'ould refuse to take it in pay for debts, or contracts of any 'kind, "within this State, be punished by forfeiting the debt or article exposed for feile — The method by Which this Currency shall be redeein'd, and the time when, we refer to your Honours wisdom or sotrie future Assembly to determine. Knowing that Tiitee will Solve what we cant foresee, and as we dont think that either debtor or Creditor can be in any wise Injured by this our Plan, but oa the contrary much benefited, we therefore desire to harmonize with our fellow Subjects of this State in their similar pro posals. Hoping this our Remonstrance will meet your Honours kind reception, we solace ourselves in the prospect of the future happiness which shall accrue from your Honours Compliance — wishing that the blessings of Heavens may always Rest upon your Honours just Resolutions, your Honours PetitioneJrs shall for ever pray. TOWN PAPERS — GOSPORT. 313 A Bank of paper curi^ency. At a Legal rneeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the 'Tbwn of Goffes Town held August 21" 1786— It was unanimously Voted to have a Bank of paper Currency made and at the adjournment of said Meeting held Sept 4"' Current, Voted that this their Remon strances for the same be accepted, and To be presented by their Deli- gate as such. Signed in behalf of the Town. Alex' Walker, Clerk. GOSPORT-^otherwise Star IsLand. [This place was incorporated 24th Dec, 1715, under the administra'^ tion of Lieuti -Governor George Vaughan. Ed.] Petition to he exempt from, paying Province tax. To his Excellency Sam" Shute Esq. Captain Generall, Gov ernor & Commander in Chief in & over his Majesties Prov ince of New Hamp. &c. To the Honourable the Council & Representatives Conven'd in Gen" Assembly now Sitting in Portsm" in s'' Province : The petition of Richard Yeton one of the Selectmen of Starr Island upon the Isles of Shoales in behalfe of the Inhab itants thereof most humbly sheweth — That the selectmen of the s"* Island have not Expressed any contempt to the Authority by their omitting to make an assess ment on the people thereof pursuant to the (.'') or "warrant & therefore humbly prays that Your Excellency and the Honourable Assembly would pass a favourable construc tion thereon & also prays that Your Excellency & this Hon ourable Assembly would be pleased to Consider the following pleas in favour of their being Excused from the Province Tax: The people are "\rery few in number & most of them arfe tnen of no Substance, live only by their daily fishing and near one third of them are single men and threaten to remove and leave us, if the tax be laid which will prove our utter ruine if bur fishermen leave us. The charge and expehce which they are at in the support of the ministry is as great as the people can bear at present it ha"ving cost them but lately the sum of Two Hundred pounds for that end in buildi'n'g a Meeting house=— which is not yet all paid. The Government have here tofore encouraged them that 314 NEW HAMPSHIRE they should be exempted from paying Province Taxes whilst they Exprest their forwardness in so good a Service. Though the Inhabitants have been very much richer and more numerous and their Trade greater than at present yet they were not then rated, nor the Inhabitants on the Island, in the Massachusetts Government. They live on a Rock in the Sea and have not any priviledge of right in common Lands, as other Inhabitants in the respective Towns have. They have defended themselves in the time of Warr Ag^' the publick enemy at their own Expence both for forts and souldiers whose wages they have paid, and finally all other Towns in this Province have been larger and more numerous before they "were taxed to the province rate. I do with a Humble Confidence assure your Excellency and the Honourable Assembly that we shall ever express a Loyalty to his Majesty and a ready obedience to the, command of the Government, but considering our poverty with the foregoing pleas in our favour, I do humbly pray that you will please to excuse us from the present tax, and when we shall be better capable shall readily bear our proportion of the publick charge — & So yo'' Petitioners shall ever pray — as in duty bound &c & Subscribes RiCH^ Yeton. 22'' April 1721. Petition of Selectmen for remission of taxes. Province of ] To his Excellency Benning Wentworth New Hampshire j Esq' Captain General Governour and Commander in Chief in and over the said Province, The Hon*'" his Majestys Council and House of Representatives in General Assembly Conven'd Jan'y 4, 1760 Humbly shew, Henry Carter, Richard Talpey and Charles Miller all of Gosport within said Province in behalf of them selves and the other inhabitants of said Gosport That the said Inhabitants have allways chearfully paid their Province Tax with Great Willingness and pleasure, so long as they were of ability and untill the four last years when their Circumstances in life became so low (being only a few ppor fishermen) and the necessaries for living being Excessively dearer at the place of their aboad one half more than at any other part of the Prov ince with the Great Difl!iculty of Transporting the same there togeather with their other great charge. Supporting the Gospel Ministry among them the fewness of the Inhabitants & their TOWN PAPERS — GOSPORT. 315 poverty and their few within four years last past being Greatly Reduced they having had thirty Two Ratable poles within that time left them to serve the King or Removed to other places. Six of which had familys and their is but few very few young men among them and the neighbouring islands in the Mass- Bay altho Very short of our number have on accont of their poverty been Exempted from tax for Twenty years last, and altho Warrants from the Treasurer have come to the Select men of said Gosport to assess the inhabitants for their part year after year yet the select men did only the first year assess them and on finding that was not paid, the poverty of the In habitants and some Great Incouragement from some of the Hon'''" General Court That on shewing forth the Difficulties Aforesaid the same might be Remited and since they have not made any assessm* for Province Tax and that that was made was never colected, and now the same amounts to a Very Con siderable sum and if their very poor and fe"w Remaining In habitants should be Oblidged to pay the same it would Greatly tend to their Ruin for the few Remaining young men would remove from them rather than Pay any part to such back taxes as were due before some of them were Oblidged by law to pay any, and their would be none but a few old helpless per sons left. And We would here beg leave to observe to this Hon"^ Court that had we had a Representative in Court at the time the proportion was made Gosport might not have been Tax'd but altho we were always inform'd that We were allow'd the Liberty of Sending one member to Represent us in said Court yet we never ask'd it Knowing it would be a great Cost to the Province, More than any advantage of Tax that could possibly be expected from the Inhabitants, for which Reason we never made any Enquiry into that matter. Wherefore We humbly pray the Consideration of this Hon*'" Court on the premises — and that you will be pleas'd to pass such act or Resolve to take of the said Back taxes and that we may be exempt for the time to come, or grant such other Re lief therein as in your Great Wisdoms shall Seem meet unto you — and then We from such Incouiagement shall have Great Reason to hope that instead of our few becoming fewer we shall increase in our numbers and be able to pay Province Taxes with Great Willingness when we shall have it in our ability — And by being heard in this our Request We shall as in Duty Bound Ever Pray — Henry Carter ) RicpARD Talpey |- Selectmen Charles Miller J 3l6 NEW HAMPSHIRE In Council Jany 4"' 1760— Read & ordered to be sent Down to the Hon'''" Assembly Theodore Atkinson, Secy. New Ham°^s }^" *^^ House of Representatives June 5'-^ 1761. This petition being Read— Voted — That the prayer thereof be granted & that the sum of five hundred & Twelve pounds Eight shil lings & one penny New Tenor that appearing to be the sum due from Gosport for the province Tax be Remitted, & that the Treasurer be hereby Intitled to Charge the said sum to the Province — £512 ,, 8 ,, I'* New Tenor — A. Clarkson, Clerk- In Council June the i6"» 1761, Read & Concurr'd Theo' Atkinson Secry Consented to B. Wentworth. Petition for a Lottery, for protecting the Harbor. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Capt General, Governor & Commander in Chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire, The Hon"'" his Majestys House of Representatives for said Province in General As sembly conven'd the 25*'' day of June Anno Domini 1766. The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of Gosport in the Province of Ne"w Hampshire and others whose Interest is Concern'd Shews That the situation of the Road & harbour at Gosport Afore said is well known to be exposed to the Violence of Winds & seas in many cases & Events which frequently occur by which they often sustain much Loss & Damage which they would gladly Prevent it by any means Feasible : That it has been Judg'd a Pier or Bason might be so con trived and Built as to be in a Great Measure a security in this Case and a means of great saving to your Petitioners & Preser vation of their Property That to make such a work Effectual a Larger Sum woud be demanded than your Petitioners by any means coud raise but as it woud be of very General Utility in its Consequences they flatter themselves the scheme for carrying on such a Building woud meet with suitable Encouragement from many other Persons besides your Petitioners & those who have con nections with them. Wherefore your Petitioners Humbly Pray that they may have leave to set up & carry on a Publick Lottery to raise money for the End aforesaid and for that Purpose to bring in a bill containing such Limitations & Restrictions as shall be TOWN PAPERS— GOSPORT. 317 tho't necessary but with such extent & Authority as shall be Sufficient to effect the Design & your Petitioners in Duty bound 5hall ever Pray &c. Jno Tuck Henry Carter Richard Talpey John Varrel Wilfiam Michamore William Holbrook Henry Shapley Richard Talpey, Jr Henry T^alpey Daniel Rindle James Hickey Samuel Varrel Samuel Varrel, Jr John Down John Down, Jr Samuel Downe Jeremiah Lord Jos. Damrell Peter Robinson John Walpey, Ambrose Perkins John Barter W"" Sanderson George Walpey Josiah Sanderson Henry Shapleigh, Jr Joseph Muchamore Elamuel Muchamore Benj" Muchamore Sam' Muchamore Arthur Rendle Arthur Rendle, Jr George Rendle John Rendle Edw* Bowdey Henry W. Andrews S. Mathews Ja» Ward Rich'* Langford W"" Bickam Sam' Healy John Puriell Sam' Currier Samuel Muchmore Gregory Puriell Sam' Cutts Daniel Rindge Geo. Boyd Nath' Adams Jonathan Warner Thomas Wentworth John Sherburne D. Sherburne Sam" Warner Titus Salter Abraham Trefethen Hugh Hall Wentworth W'" Knight Temple Knight Samuel Sherburne Geo: Janvrin Sam' Dalling John Flagg Joseph Whipple James Stoodly Rich. Hart John Moffat W'" Whipple Jno Parker H. Wentworth John Penhallow Thos. Bell Samuel Moffatt D. Pierce Paul March Jn" Newton Stephen Pierce Province of"! In Council June 28"" 1766. New Hamp J Reed & order'd to be sent down to the Hon*"'" Assembly. T. Atkinson Jun. Secry. New°Hampsh' } ^° '^^ House of Representatives, July s"" 1766. Voted — ^That the Petitioners be heard on this petition the second d^ay of the sitting of the general assembly after the first of September next and that the Petitioners at their own cost cause the substance pf this Petition and Order of Court to be Published three weeks success ively in New Hampshire Gazett that any Person may appear and Shew cause why the Prayer thereof should not be Granted M. Weare, Cler. 3i8 NEW HAMPSHIRE In Council Eodem die Read & Concurred. T. Atkinson Jun. Secry. Province of 1 j^ ^j^^ jj^^gg ^f Representatives Aug' 28"' 1767. New Hamps J The foregoing Petition being Read & Considered appearing Reason able & no objection made. Voted — That the prayer of the petitioner be granted and that the Petitioners have liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly. M. Weare, Cler. In council Eod"" Die — Read & concurr'd — T. Atkinson Jun. Secry GRANTHAM — formerly called New Grantham. [This town was first granted, July 11, 1761 ; but the conditions not being fulfilled, it was re-granted in 1767, to William Symmes and 63, others. Ed.] Petition for a new charter. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq. Captain General, Governor & Commander in Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire & Vice Admiral of the Same in Council — The petition of John Sargent of Norwich in the Province of New York, Yeoman by his Attorney, Israel Morey Esq. unto your Excellency & Honours humbly shews : That your Petitioner has setteld in said Norwich under New Hampshire Grants with a large Family, That being disatisfied "with his living under the Government of New York he hath purchased the Original rights of John Hawks Esq, Rufus Wells, Rufus Fields, Simon Alexander, Elisha Alexan der in the Township of New Grantham, with the sole Views of making immediate settlements thereon for himself and sons, but as he has not been able yet to effect it, and the charter being expired he is apprehensive he may meet with Difficulty, wherefore he humbly prays he may be quieted in his said Rights either by the Extension of said Charter to the former Grantees or being made Grantees in a New Charter of said Township, as your Excellency & Honours in your Wisdom may think best for y"^ Petitioner and as in Duty bound he will ever pray John Sargents by Israel Morey, his Attorney. Portsm" June 21'' 1772. town papers — GOSPORT. 319 Petition of Abel Stevens for the same. Province of New Hampshire- To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq. Captain General, Governor & Command' in Chief in and over his Majestys said Province of New Hampshire in New England and Vice Admiral of the same. In Council — The petition of Abel Stevens in behalf of himself and other Grantees and proprietors of the township of New Grantham in the Province aforesaid, Humbly Shews That the said Township of New Grantham was granted by Charter bearing date the S"' day of June Anno 1767, under certain Conditions of Culture &c. &c — The Form of Culture being particularly express'd to be performed in 5 years vizt, five acres for every fifty contained in each share on penalty of the forfeiture of every delinquent share — to be regranted to others and the Time aforesaid being no"w elapsed, and the duty above mentioned not being fully done on any one Right or share in the said Township — Whereby, according to the strict construction of the condition aforesaid, the whole of said Township is forfeited to his Majesty to be regranted as afore said — and the petitioner begs leave further to represent That there are some considerable Improvements already made in the said Township, aud that they have been prevented from complying with the Terms aforesaid on account of theii remote situation from any Inhabitants, and the Impossibility, for "want of Roads of getting up provisions &c. for their neces sary Support and subsistence, with such utensils as were need ful to make the required Cultivation — The petitioners there fore humbly pray your ExcelP>' and Honours would not take advantage of the breach of said Condition, but that you would be pleased to Extend the Charter of said New Grantham to the present Grantees for such longer Time as your ExcelP'' and honours may think convenient to complete the duty enjoined by their said Grant — The prospect not being so discouraging as when they received the former Grant, the said Grantees are determined to proceed immediately to fulfill the conditions re quired by their said Charter, provided Your Excell'' and hon ours will be pleased to indulge them in their above said Re quest And they as in Duty bound will ever Pray &c. Abel Stevens In behalf of the Grantees &c of New Grantham. Portsmouth July 4"' 1772. 320 NEW HAMPSHIRE GREENLAND. [Greenland was originally a part of Portsmouth. Eb.] Petition of the Inhabitants of Greenland for privi ledges — 1705. To His Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq — Govern'' and Com ander in Chiefe in and over his Majesties province of New Hampshire and Vice Admiral of the same^ — The humble Petition of John Johnson Abraharn Lewis and Samuell Weeks on behalfe of themselves and the Inhabitants of Greenland, belonging to the Town of Portsmouth Humbly Sheweth That there are about three hundred &, Twenty persons j men women and Children in Greenland who are Objidged to come to the Bank to meeting, and the distance being five and siJf miles and the season of the yeare occasioning bad travelling as alsoe the danger of the Enemy makes it very difficult and Tedious to gett to the said meeting, or to send their children every day to school being not able to Table them abroad ; Sp.e that your poor petitioners are almost deprived of publickly hearing the word of God or getting their children EducatecJ with Reading and writing And your petitioners have desired at a publick Town meeting to have the Liberty of a minister and schoolmaster among themselves. They paying their sallary and to be Exempted from paying to the minister and school master at the Bank but there is noe care taken about itt by the Town who continues Silent in the matter. May it therefore please y"' Excellency to Consider the premise, and to order as you in your prudent Judgment shall !see meet relateing to the same whereby yo'' petitioners may ob taine the priviledge of a minister and schoolmaster among themselves as aforesaid. And they as in duty bound shall ever pray &c John Johnson Abraham Lewis Samuel Weeks S"" May 1705 This Petition is referred to the Select men of Portsm" to make answer and objections if they have any to myselfe in a months time. J. Dudley. TOWN PAPERS GREENLAND. 321 Petition of sundry persons to be joined to Gree7iland parish. 17''' January 1716. To the Honourable George Vaughan Esq. L' Governor of his Majesties Province of New Hampshire and the Honourable his Majesties Counsel — The Humble petition of the Inhabitants That live on the Pattin adjacent to Greenland who are on this side of the line which was formerly Run between Portsmouth and Exeter be gining att Walls Crick & running to Hampton bounds — Humbly Sheweth That we the subscribers would humbly pray that we may be joined to Greenland Parrish because we there commonly at tend the worship of God, which is abundantly more conven ient for us than any other place of publick worship and have diverse of us been helpe full in building an house to worship God In there att s*" Parrish. We Likewise the Inhabitants of Greenland being a poor & small Parrish Humbly pray your honors to Grant that all the Inhabitants which are within the afore s** line from Walls crick to Hampton bounds May be aded to us — We therefore humbly crave your Honours Grant of these our request & yoor peti tioners as In Duty bound shall pray &c. Ebenezer Johnson ") John Cate, Assesors !¦ James Berrey J Nathanell Wright Richard White Jud. Allen Samuell Folsom Mikel Hicks Joseph Hill Walter Philbrick John Eveny Isaac Foss Jonathan Weeks Th° Letherbe. Petition of Greenland for a grant of ce7'tain powers, 1720-1. Province of ) To y'- Hon''' " John Wentworth Esq Ltt, Govern'' New Hamp' j and Command'-in Chief for y" time being, & to y'-' Hon"'" y" Councill of his Majesty" Province afores'*- The petition Jam" Johnson, Sara' Weeks & Josh Weeks of Greenland in behalfe of s'' Parrish — Hum>' Sheweth — That on y" 15"' Instant att a Parrish meeting Law fully con ven'd we your Petition""" were elect" a comitte to address your Hon''" & this Hon"'" Board in behalfe of our s" Parrish for 21 322 NEW HAMPSHIRE some further liberty" & Priviled- to be granted in & amongst ourselves for y' y' Petition" have now only y" liberty of Rais ing money on y'^ Inhabitants there for y"^ support of y" minis try schoole & poor w'''in y"^ District : & y*^ Province Tax being Raised by the Selectmen & assessors of Portsm" who living Remote canot posibly be apprized of y" perticular Capacity of y'^ several Inhabitants there — Whereby y'' Tax is many times very unequal- Wherefore your Petition'^ Humy Pray, y' your Honours in your Great Wisdom wil see cause to order y' we may be dismissed from y" Bank from having any tax laid on us there ; & y' we may be freed from y" charge and Trouble of attending y" Publick Town meetings there & y' a Comittee be By your Hon"'" chosen to Proportion Greenland in y" Province Rates & y' y" same may be Rais'' in Equal Proportion by our own assessors & y' Mr Treasurer be Direc"' to issue forth his Precept to our Parrish for y' End & y* "we may choose a con- stabl amongst our selves to collect y" assessments y' are from time to time made & y' we may be allow'' y" Privilidge of choosing one assembly man in our Parrish to Represent us m. Gen" Assem''' we paying him out of the Parrish stock which Grant" y'' Petition''" shal as in Duty bound ever pray &c. Jam" Johnson i8. Mar. 1720-1 Sam" Weeks Josh. Weeks. March 21'' at a Council — Psent y" Lt Gov' Wentworth, Sam' Penhallow Esq. Rich' Wibird, Coll» Walton Esq. Tho" Wastbrook, Esq. George Jaffrey— The above Petition Read, and Granted and Ordered that a com'ittee upon Oath take an account of y- Rateable Estate of y" District of Greenland by w"'' y« Proportion of the Prov. Tax, is to be Settled who are to make Return to this board, that the Treasurers warrant be made out accordingly. Petition of Greenlatid for a Township. To His Excellency Samuel Shute Esq' Capt Gen" & Com- 'and'' in Cheif & Over His Maj'>" Prov. of New Hamp^' and to the Hon'^' ^' the Council of s' Province — The Humble Petition of Sam' Weeks James Johnston & Mathias Haines of Greenland Parish in the Town of Portsm' in y Prov. of N. Flamp -^ afores' for themselves & in behalf of s'' Parish, Plumbly Sheweth. That yo' Petitioners are a district of Portsm" and always have been accounted Part of s' Portsmouth, and have paid Rates in s' Town accordingly, and but very Lately have been made a Separate Parrish, and the Town of Portsm^ afores* haying obtained a grant of yo'' Excellency & Hon' * for a Town ship, TOWN PAPERS GREENLAND. 323 Yo'' Petitioners Humbly pray that yo' Excellency & Hon'" would be pleased to Ord'' that yo'' Petitioners, as they all along have paid their part of the charges & help to support the warrs against the enemy as inhabitants of Portsm" afore"" That tliey may now Reap the benefit of the aforesaid Grant of Land in proportion w'" their neighbours — the other inhab itants of s*^ Portsmouth or that yo'' Petitioners may have an Equivalent of Land adjoyning to the afores'^ Grant, Granted unto us. And yo'' Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever Pray : Sam" Weeks, James Johnston, Matthias Haines. Portsm" May lo"' 1722. Portsmouth votes relating to Greenland. Att a Gen" Town meeting held in Portsm" y» 4"' June, 1705 : Where as y Town of Portsm" payes £100 p Annum for y support of their minister in ^^ Town — Att the Request of y inhabitants of Greenland part of s'' Town considering y" Distance of Ground y" num ber of persons & y« Danger of passing to Public worship. Voted, That y* inhabitants of Greenland be paid out of the Town stock their proportion of s'' £100 During y« Maintenance of an able Minister amongst them and no longer & y s'' Proportion be yearly, Proportion'' by the selectmen for time being y" Bounds of Greenland to be on y'= south side of coll Packers farme. Pr Sam" Keais, Town clerk. True Coppy out of y" third Book of Records for Portsm" : foil. 12 : p Josh. Peirce, Town cler.. 15 Mar. 1719-20 i'7o6 ¦^*'" ^ Gen" Town meeting in Portsm" y" 8"' Aprill, 1706, ' ¦ Voted, That y-^ Inhabitants of Greenland in this Town being freed from paying y' proportion of Rates for y= Ministrye fix'd att Straberry Bank in consideration of their maintaining a minister amongst themselves y s'' Inhabitants of Greenland having procured y' they may have 150 acres of land out of y" comons lying & being att Greenland : Bounded to y'' Sow west End of y" Great Swamp & y- s'' 150 acres to be taken out or Deduct' from w' may fall to y share of s'' inhabitants of Greenland of s'' comons whenever there shall be a Di vision of all y" Towns comons y" s'' 150 acres to be laid out by y" Lott layers where it may be most convenient for y" ministry & school for y" use of that part of y" Town. Sam" Keais, Town Cler. True coppy from y" 3 ' Book of Record for Portsm' foil : 13"' Josh : Peirce, Town Cler. 15"' Mar. 1719-20. 324 new HAMPSHIRE And That the Parish of Greenland be bounded upon the Great Bay by the farji of y" widow Jackson, Joshua Peirce, & Israel March : & so to Packers bridge, and thence to Joshua Hainses, M' Cates Si Edw'' Ayras's farm and from thence southwesterly to Hampton bounds : and that these Present Inhabitants with the lands and estates they live upon & whosoever shall live upon them hereafter or build & Inhabit within the limitts aforesaid, shall pay their Parish Taxes to Greenland. The Above is an Extract out of y Council book pass'd by the Gen" Assembly y 28"' of July, 1714. Attest. Rich'' Waldron, Cler. con. Petitio7i of inhabitants of Breakfast Hill (l). To the hon''" John Wentworth Esq. Liut Govern'' & Com ander in Chief in and over his Maj""" Province of New hampshire to y" hon'''" the Council & house of representa tives Conven'd in Gen" Assembly. The humble Request of us the Subscribers inhabitants about Breakfast hill & owners of Land neare Greenland meeting house, humbly Desires, That whereas v\re are soe neare said meeting house & have paid our part towards the maintenance of y" Ministry there Ev' since it hath been built, Y' for the future wee may be by act of Government set of towards pay ment of the ministry to y' place It being most convenient for us by many miles — & your Petitioners shall ever pray &c. May 25'-" 1725. his mark Thomas O bery James Whidden Jo" his O mark, bleak James Johnson Isaac his § mark, foos R. Wibird James fooler desires to pay to John Wheden Greenland & Sande-bech be a parish of themselves. (1) So called from the circumstance that a party of Indians in 1696, after an early attack on inhabitants ol" Portsmouth, and the slaughter of fourteen persons, hastily retreated, and stopped on the declivity of a hiU, (now in Greenland) and took break fast ; ever since it has retained the name of Breakfast Hill. See vol. ii, Prov. Pan. p. 1S9, note. Ed. Petition for extensio7i of boiiudai-y li7ies. Province of 1 To the hon'''" John Wentworth Esq. Liut New Hamp' j Go"von^ & Comander in Chief in and over his Maj"^'"" Province of New Hampshire and to the hon'"'' ° the Councill & house of Represent atives Conven'd in Gen" Assembly for s" Province. The humble Petition of Capt Samuell Weeks, Capt Joshua Weeks & Mr John Cate. "^ TOWN PAPERS GREENLAND. 325 In the behalfe of the Poore parrish of Greenland as they are Impowered by said parrish to represent the same with the select men of Greenland. humbly Sheweth. That whereas by a vote formerly of the Town of Ports mouth (of which the said Greenland is a part) It was voted that Greenland Bounds should be on the South side of Pack ers farm (which supose is now Doctor Marches) and Whereas by a Vote of the Gen" Assembly 28"' July 17141 Its said that Greenland bounds to Packers Bridge and thence to Joshua Haineses M'' Cates & Edw'^ Ayerses farm. The Same is verry Ambiguous Whether these are included or Excluded and alsoe Mr Edward Ayers at that time had two farms Southwest of s" Packers or Marches farm — & it is not mention'd which — And Whereas Cap' Langdon & the comittee that made the last return : run the line from said Marches farm to Edward Ayres Southwesterly farm. Exclusive of said Farm ; which line comes to Northward of Berry Brook in the Rhoad to Sandy Beech, which is not above a mile from Greenland Meeting house, and Excludes fifteen families that live about Breakfast hill from y^ s" Parrish of Greenland that used to pay there towards maintenance of the ministry & lyes most convenient for them to come there. The loss of so many families is verry Great & Grievious to your verry poore petitioners : Therefore your humble Petitioners Humbly prayes (That considering your said parrish of Greenland consists chiefly in verry poore Inhabitants) and Containes a verry small Quan tity of Ground ; Great Part of said Parrish being iiot three Quarters of a mile Deep & In the Deepest or Widest place verry little above a mile — That they containe a small Compass of Grond & no probability of Increasing themselves — humbly prayes your consideration & order that theire line betwixt them and Portsmouth may Extend Due south from Marches farm to y'= farm M'' Edward Ayers Bought of the Adm'' of Richard Jose Esq Deceas'd and thence South East to New Castle line which line will take in the fifteen families afore s" and suppose the line formerly Intended — -But if it should seem meet to your hon''" to take these fifteene families from said Parrish it would occasion theire Breaking up not being able of themselves that remaine to support the charges of the Ministry with the other contingents on them. All the Comittees that Ever made any returne relating to a Divissionale line being all of Portsmouth they made it as much in theire favor as possible by all Strain'd construction — There fore if your hon"" se not meet to Grant us the line Desier'd, That then y'' hon'" will appoint a Comittee of som other Towns (wholly Indifl!erent) to make and settle a line as they shall see 326 NEW HAMPSHIRE convenient, accordin to Portsmouth Town Voate, in 1705 and in Greater Certainty than hath as yet been Don. And your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray &c May 19'" 1725. John Cate Joshua Weeks Ebenezer Johnson Mathias Haines Sam" Weeks May y" 26"' 1725. In the House of Representatives read, and ordered that the Select men of Portsm" be serv'd with a copy of the petition and they to notifie the town of Portsmouth, To Appeare the second day of the setting of the next Gen" Assembly to show cause (if any they can) why the Pra^'er of the Petition may not be granted. James Jeffry, Clr. Ass'" In coun' Eod"" die. Read and concurred Rich'' Waldron Petition 7'elating to tax warrant. Province of \ To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. New Hamp'' j Captain General Governor and Commander in Chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire, The Hon'''" his Majesties Councill and House of Representatives in General Assembly Convened — Jan. 12"' 1763. Humbly Shews — James Bracket & Simon Dearborn both of Greenland in said Province yeomen and two of the selectmen of said Greenland for the year 1762 the Maj. part for them selves & in behalf of the Inhabitants of said Greenland that the selectmen of said Greenland for said year Raised a Tax on the said inhabitants and gave a list thereof to Joseph Pick- erin Constable of said Greenland for said year with a warrant, and the hands of the Majour part of the said selectmen, in consequence thereof the said constable hath made distress on sundry of the said Inhabitants of said Greenland who refused to pay their Respective Taxes and for which sundry actions are brot against him to the Inferior court to be held in March next, and on examining the warrant aforesaid, it appears that the Selectmen have neglected to seal the same, which is thought necessary by Law, and if so will greatly hurt said In habitants, for altho most of them may not dispute it,- yet there are many that do & so pay no Tax this year. Besides bringing a great charge on the said Inhabitants "for the suits allready commenced & others that may be, wherefore the Petitioners as town papers — GREENLAND. 327 aforesaid Humbly pray the advisement of this Hon*"' Court on the Premises — and that you will be pleased to pass such Order thereon as to make the said Warrant good & Valid The want of seals notwithstanding or grant such other Relief thereon as to you shall seem meet. And your petitioners as aforesaid shall as in duty bound ever pray. James Brackett ) Selectmen Simeon Dearbon ( ^ ° , , ) Greenland Province of "(In the house of Representatives Jany 19, 1763. This New Hamps' / petition being Read Voted "That they be heard thereon on fryday next, & that they Cause the sundry persons who prosecuted the constable for Illegally making Distraint to be notified thereof that they may be present if they see cause. A. Clarkson clerk. In council Eod'" Die. Read & concurr'd. T. Atkinson Jr Secry. Ne XT |-In the House of Representatives Jan>" 21, 1763 The party being heard on the within Petition — Voted & Resolved that the Warrant Referr'd unto in the within Petition is a good & Lawfull Warrant, the want of seals notwithstanding, and also resolved that all the warrants given by any selectmen or assessors singly or con junctly within this Province for the Collecting of any Rates or Taxes for the year 1762 shall be Looked upon and accounted legal and Valid the want of seal or Seals notwithstanding H. Sherburne Speaker. In Council Jan>" 22" 1763 Read & concurr'd with this addition (viz). That if the Plaintiifs men tioned in the within Petition, shall withdraw their suits Si not prose cute them, that in that case no com.plaintbe Receiv'd for cost in such actions from the constable or other Defendant in any of the actions aforesaid T. Atkinson, Jun' Secry. New Ham°^r}^" the house of Representatives Jan>" 25"' 1763. Read and Concurrd. H. Sherburne Speaker Consented to B. Wentworth. Petition for representation in the General Assembly. To his Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq. Capt. Gen" and Commander in cheif in and over his Maj*'" Province of New Hampshire, the hon"'" the councill & house of Repre sentatives conven'd in Gen" Assembly. The humble Petition of Capt Joshua Weeks Ebenez^ John- •son & Matthias Haines, Select men for the parrish of Green land in s"* Province In behalfe of the said Parrish, most hum bly Sheweth — 328 new HAMPSHIRE That the Parrish of Greenland for severall years past since they have been set of from Portsmouth have not had the Ben- nefit of having a voat in makeing choice of any person to sit in the Gen" Assembly, and therefore are humbly of opinion that they are much Grieved in not having any person to Rep resent them in Gen" Assembly nor any Vote in the choice of any other : Therefor y'" humble Petitioners most humbly prays For themselves and in Behalfe of said parrish of Greenland That your excellencie & hon''" &c will as in y'' wisdom you shall see meet to make such order act or Law so that your Petitioners may have the liberty of other Towns or precincts to have the choice of some one of their Freeholders to Represent them in the Gen" Assembly & your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray Joshua Weeks Ebenezer Johnson Matthias Haines May the 10"' 1732. In the house of Representatives. Voted, that the prayer of the Petition be answered and that his Ex cellencie be desired to Issue out a precept for an assembly man to ap peare at the next sessions in the fall — James Jeffry, Clr. Ass" May the 12"' 1732. In council May 13, 1732 Read & Concurred R Waldron, Sec'y I assent to the foregoing vote. May 15, 1732. J. Belcher GROTON — formerly Cockermouth. [Groton was incorporated 7th Dec, 1796. It was granted by the name of Cockermouth, Nov. 22, 1766. Ed.] Petition of John Hale and Samuel Hobart for a re-grant. To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq. Captain General, Governor & Commander in Chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire. In Council December 4"' 1771. The memorial of John Hale & Samuel Hobart, for them selves & a number of Others his Majestys subjects, Purchasers from the Grantees of a Tract of Land in the Province afore said of the Contents of about six miles square, which was TOWN PAPERS — GROTON. 329 granted 22'' Novemb'' 1766, by the name of Cockermouth on Certain Conditions therein specified, and the said Grantees have not been able to comply therewith, for sundry Reasons — The great Difficulty the first settlers have undergone, for want of Roads through other Towns adjacent & the discourage- men'^^ they have met with, by a long & expensive Law suit with the Proprietors of Plymouth &c and the time of settle ment being now elapsed whereby part of the said Town be comes Forfeited & reverts to his Majesty Your memorial humbly Pray that they may be favour'd with a Regrant of said Tract of Land & further time to settle the same in such manner as your Excellency & Honours shall see fit, & to Exclude such delinquent Proprietors of the Former Charter as have not done their proper share of Duty, and upon the usual conditions and your Memorial"^ as in Duty Bound shall ever pray. John Hale Sam' Hobart Memorial of James Goold and others about a Petition of Samuel Livermore. Province of ) To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq. Cap- New Hamp' j tain General Governor & commander in chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire and the Honourable his Majestys Council, most humbly sheweth — That your petitioners are Inhabitants in the Easterly part of Cockermouth that most of us have lived there a considerable number of years, with our families — thatwe have been at great cost & Expence in clearing and cultivating the land, building houses making Roads, Bridges &c all which we chearfully per formed, and sundry of us have made such Improvements that by the produce thereof with a common blessing we are able to Git a comfortable support — That when we first Began our set tlement we proceeded in a Regular manner having in the first place (most of us with the other proprietors) Purchased a Charter of his Excellency the late Governor of the Township of Cocker mouth, which Town ship sundrey years before that time had been survey"* and Lay'' out as by a plan by which we purchased said Town will appear and many of which Bounds According to said plan are plainly to be seen to this day, which bounds are Agreeable to the Late plan or map of the Province made by Docter Langdon and Major Blanchard, which are plainly to be seen to this day, & thatwe are all settled fairly & clearly within the old lines & Boundaries of said Cocker 330 new HAMPSHIRE mouth where we Expected to enjoy the Benefit of our Labour peaceably and Quietly, and with an Encorragement and ex pectation of having the Gospel settled amongst us & as Good and Loyal subjects to our King having as far as in our power complyed with his Royal Instructions with Respect to the set tlements that we have made where we now dwell — And Whereas Samuel Livermore Esq has Petitioned your Excel lency & Honours praying that the Westerly line of Plymouth may be Extended westerly to a place called Fletchers cornor which is a mile or more farther west than the antient & proper Line of Plymouth and which would be Takeing ofi' a mile of Cocker mouth and is the Land where "we all Live : If the prayer of said Petition should be Granted and by which means "we and our Houses and all our Improvements would be taken off from Cockermouth, and by that Means we should loose all that we have in the world & we & our familys be Reduced to poverty. We Humbly Conceive that Granting the prayer of Mr Livermores Petition is only to Serve the Particular Inter est of a few Individuals who are Interest" in the Common Land in Plymouth, Who cannot by any Means have any Just Right to our Land foi they have already much more land than is Given them by their Charter without this addition, and Ply mouth as a Town Do not appear to be Benefitted by the addi tion, and are not Desirous of any such Thing, and Whereas M'' John Fenton appears to joyn with Mr Livermore in said Petition, by Consenting that it should be Granted setting forth that he is a patintee of Three Thousand acres in the Land Pe - titioned for &c. We humbly Conceive that they have been lay ing their schemes to gether in order to injure and hurt us and to Take away from us our Substance, which we humbly con ceive we are Justly Intitled to by virtue of our fulfilling his Majestys Instructions. No Doubt but Mr Fenton has a just Right to Three Thou sand acres of his Majestys un Cultivated ungranted Land, but not any Right to our Houses and Improvements, any more than he has to our persons to be slaves to him — Wherefore we most liunibly pray your Excellency & Honours attention & Consid eration on this matter which is of Great Importance to us and that you would be pleased to Interfere and protect us in the peaceable and Quiet Enjoyment of our Infant settlement in the Wilderness and that you would not Grant the prayer of that Petition, nor put it Into the Power of Mr Livermore or Mr Fenton or any other person to Molest or Destress us and we as in Duty bound shall ever pray James Goold, Ebenezer Melven Jr Simeon Lovejoy Jacob Lovejoy Nathaniel Ball Jonas Hobart Ebenezer Melven Thomas Neven Jr Thomas Nevens Samuel Farley fNo date.] ' TOWN PAPERS — HAMPSTEAD. HAMPSTEAD. 331 [This town was incorporated 19 of January, 1749. Ed.] Petition for a Parish. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governor and Commander in Cheif In and Over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England, And to the Honour able His Majesties Council and house of Representatives in General Court Assembled. Jan i, 1743-4 The Humble petition of the subscribers Inhabitants in the Province aforesd, Sheweth. That the greater part of your Petitioners are Inhabitants of the Land in Controversie between Kingstown and Haverhill — That one part of us hold our Land of Haverhill and the other of Kingstown. That However the Right of the soil may be disputed, we are without Dispute of New Hampshire Gov ernment. That your Petitioners are at such a Distance from every Parish Meeting house as Renders our attending publick Worship upon the Sabbath in any of our Neighbouring Con gregations Exceeding Difficult, and to many of us quite Im practicable. That we are therefore obliged to procure some person to preach to us or else to live without the Benefit of that Ordinance. May it therefore please your Excellency and Hon ours to take our case under your Wise consideration, and either Vest us with Parish Powers with the following bounds viz. Begining at a Crocked red oak tree standing in London Derry line from thence runing Eastwardly three miles on Bryants line Thence Northwardly to a bridge called Capt Ingalls Bridge thence westerly so as to comprehend the Dwelling house of one Jacob Wells from thence to the Corner Beach tree on Chester line and from thence upon London Derry line to the bounds first mentioned. Or If this may not at present be granted at least to pass an Act to Impower us for a time to assess and Levie Taxes upon the inhabitants within the bounds above sd for the support of the Gospel and other Incident Charges and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray. Subscribers. John Hoog Samuel Worthen, Jr William Moulton George Little, Jr William Stevens Samuel Watts Peter Easman Beniamin Philbrick Michell Johnson Jonathan Kimball Hugh Tallant Ezekiel Little John Atwood Jeremiah Eatton Israel Huse Sam" Stevens, Jr Nathaniel Harriman John Johnson 332 NEW HAMPSHIRE William Eastman David Heath David Copps William Heath John Muzzy Robert Ford Joseph Stevens, Jr John Kezar Daniel Roberds George Kezar Daniel Roberds, Jr Otho Stevens Ebenezer Gill James Johnson Nathaniel Heath Obediah Davis Joseph Stevens Josiah Davis Daniel Johnson Joseph Little Thomas Croford Moses Tucker James Mills John Bond Zecheriah Johnson Jonathan Bond William Hancock Daniel Hebberd James Heath James Graves Steven Emerson James Cook Beniamin Emerson Jonathan Gile Caleb Heath Samuel Stevens In the House of Representatives Apr iS"" 1744. The within Petition Read and Voted that the Petitioners (at their own charge) serve the Selectmen of Kingston with a Coppy of this Petition and the Votes thereon that they may appeare the third day of the sitting of the Gen eral Assembly after the first day of May next. James Jeffrey Cler. Assm Vote of Kingston, setting off certain persons for a new Parish, (&c. Prov. of New Hamp. At a Legall meeting of the Inhabitants & freeholders of Kingstown held the 24"' of September, 1746, i" Lev' John Swett was chosen moderator of that meeting. 2'' Voted, That we do hereby as far as in us lieth sett oif Moses Tucker John Straw Israel Huse Jonathan Colby James Huse Daniel Hibbard James Graves Daniel Kidd John Bond Jacob Gurdy Jacob Wells David Straw Meshach Gurdy Reuben Clough John Straw Jr Israel Huse, Jr William Straw John Pressey Philip Wells Benjamin Tucker Jacob Tucker John Hogg & Joseph Dow Orlando Colby of Kingstown above 'sd with a certain Tract of Land in s'' town for a Distinct Parish or Precinct Bounded as foiloweth viz: be gining at the Beach tree which is the Dividing Boundary between London Derry and Chester s'' Tree standing on y" west line of s'' Kingstown and Running Southerly on s' Kingstown said Line as heretofore settled between s' London Derry & s' Kingstown to the Isl ands Pond (so called) then Running East and B South three miles. Then Northerly Till a North & B West Course will strike s" Kingstown TOWN PAPERS HAMPSTEAD, 333 line where it crosses the mill Brook (so called) as heretofore settled between s" Kingstown & s'' Chester & from thence viz where s'' Line Crosses s'' mill Brook to run Southerly on s^ line to the Beach tree first I'nentioned. This is a true copy taken out of Kingstown Book of Records. Attest Jed. Philbrick, Town Clerk. Petition of Richard Hazzen, <&c., about support of Rev. James Cushing. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governour & Commander in Cheif in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire in New England & to the Hon''''= his Maj esties Councill & House of Representatives in Generall Court assembled at Portsmouth for s* Province, May 1748. Humbly Shews. Richard Hazzen for himself and in behalfe of the Inhab itants of that Part of Haverhill district commonly called Tim- berlane. That the Inhabitants of said Timberlane have for the great est part of fifteen years past at a verry great cost and charge hired a minister to preach amongst them and at the same time been Excused from paying any thing towards the support of the Rev'' Mr James Cushing. That the Rev'^ Mr Cushings Hearers (Exclusive of said Timberlane) live about two thirds of them on the North Side of the Boundary Line and in this Province and the other third on y^' other side on which side lyes also the greatest part of his Personage or Glebe Lands That at a meeting of the District in November last Pursu ant to the selectmens warrant It was agreed & Voted that the inhabitants living on this side of y' line (meaning those who lived out of Timberlane limits) should pay the Rev"* Mr Cush ing Two Hundred pounds for his support this year. Old Tenor on consideration of the Depreciating of the money &c which would have been a small matter more than what they paid last year. That some time afterwards at a Legall meeting of the afore s'" Districts, The inhabitants of Timiaerlane were by vote set off from Mr Cushings Parish and near the same lines which a committee Sent By your Excellency & the Hon''"= Council thought proper to be done as appears by their Report. That notwithstanding the meaning & intent of the afore s'^ Vote respecting M'' Cushings Support by which the Inhabi tants of Timber lane ought to have been excused from paying any thing thereto & after they were set off" from Mr Cushings 334 NEW HAMPSHIRE Parish as much as the District had a power to do. The assess ors have rated us to Mr Cushing and thereby made their own Taxes much less than last year, & taken away our money from us which we should have had to pay our own minister That we have been thereby necessitated to make a Rate amongst Our selves to pay our minister but as we had no le gall power to do it some refuse to pay, so that we are now in a verry deplorable Condition unless your Excellency & Hon ours will Interpose on our behalfe. We therefore Humbly & Earnestly request your Excellency & Honours to compassionate our circumstances & give Such Orders that we may be excused from paying to y'' Rev* Mr James Cushing & at the same time that he may not be cheated and defrauded of his honest due, & that we may be Impowered- to raise a Tax amongst our Selves to pay our o"wn minister or that you will afford us Such other Relief as to your Excel lency & Honours shall think best for us. And for your Excellency & Honours your Humble peti tioners as in duty bound shall ever pray &c Richard Hazzen for himself & in behalf of y'^ Inhabitants of Timberlane.. May 12"' 1748. Petition of Edward Flint and others to be annexed to Hampstead. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governour & Commander in Chief in & over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England & to the Hon'"'^ the Coun cill of said Province, Humbly Shews, The petition of Edward Flynt, Samuel Stevens & others the Subscribers that your petitioners Liveing in that part of Ha verhill District commonly called Timberlane have always together with the other Inhabitants chearfully paid their Taxes & when a petition was preferr ' by the said Inhabitants to your Excellency & Honours to be incorporated into a Township, your petitioners signed y'= said petition & hoped that when the Township was incorporated that not only your petitioners Houses but their estates also would have been taken within y" charter being much more for the Interests of your petition ers than to be put any where Else. But so it is may it please your Excellency & Honours that by the Charter of Hampstead lately Granted, your petitioners Estates are so Divided that near one half lye within the Town of Hampstead & the other half is left out notwithstanding TOWN PAPERS HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 335 their Lands have for many years past been fenc' in and im proved & being so Divided & Split by the said Lines it is to the verry great damage of your petitioners We therefore earnestly request your Excellency & Honours to annex our whole lands to Hampstead according to our first petition. And for your Excellency & Honours your Humble petition ers as in duty bound shall ever pray &c. Edw" Flint Sam' Stevens Nehemiah Stevens David Stevens Sam" Stevens W" Stevens Joseph Stevens Hampsteid, February 14"^ i749- HAMPTON and HAMPTON FALLS. [Hampton belonged originally to Massachusetts, and was settled by people from that Colony, in 1638. In 1680, it was separated from Mas sachusetts and joined to New Hampshire. Hampton Falls was incor porated as a Parish in 1712. Ed.] Petition of Selectmen about taxes. To the Honorable y^ Lieut Governer and Counsell &c : with the Assembly now sitting att New Castle The humble petition of us y'' Select men of Hampton Sheweth That v"^ petitioners by warrant from y' Treasurer to make an^ assessment of 230 "'" and y' through a mistake in making y" Rate have made it 04 ' ' short of s'' Sums and y time being now out according to s' Warrant and yo'' petitioners not having power to Asses y"" Remainder Humbly pray yo Honors to im power y ¦ Treasurer to Grant a warrant to us y sd select men & Commissio "' and yo' petition'' will forthwith Make y' Rate for y" Remainder, & yo' petitioners will by y' blessing of God. never be wanting to pray for your Hon " John Moulton Thos Philbrick Abra. Green Philemon Dalton Jn" Deerbarne Jn' Tucke Peter Weare Selectmen of Hampton May y'^ 20*'' 1695. Voated, That y Selectmen are Impowered to make assessment on. 336 NEW HAMPSHIRE their Inhabitants according to there petition for adjusting that Rate past by y' Assemble John Pickerin, Clark Past by the Councile W"" Bed ford Dept Secry Petition of Abraham Drake and others about a tract of la7id in Kingstown. To his Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq. Capt. Generall and Governour in Cheif in & over Her Majestys province of the Massatusetts Bay & New Hampshi'' &c The petition of y" selectmen of y'- Town of Hampton in New Hampshire in behalf of y" freeholders & Comissioners of y'^" s'' town Humbly Sheweth That your petitioners this last sumer had Judgment given in favour of Mr Peter Wear at two Courts the Charge where of cost them more than 50 pounds, for not laying out a Tract of land at a place formerly called New-plantation since called Kingstown which s' Grant was to John Marston who sold all his Rights in Hampton unto one Deacon Page more than 40 years since which s ' Page hath ever since enjoyed his Rights & devisions of lands in Hampton above s'' untill this last sumer y'^ said Peter Weare produced a pretended deed of conveyance from y" s'' John Marston Writen & Signed at Andover & y'' same day acknowledged by his Father Nathaniell Wear Esq. in New Hampshire by s'' John Marston, which Deed is much to be suspected for a fraudilent Deed, for y*- if y" said John Marston "were living at y" time of y"^ Date of s'' Deed which is much questioned, yett certainly he was dead before any such instruments appeared, and it is farther evident by testimonies of y" Reaverent Mr Barnard ininister of y'^ town togeather with other principle men of Andover, y' y'^ s'' John Marston by Reason of age had not been able for some years before his death to go to y' publick worship not of a disposeing mind & mem ory much less able to travill in so short a time to acknowledge a deed in New Hampshire when there were so many justices in his way thether, besides severall other testimoneys who are of y" s'' John Marstons neer Relation who heard him say y' Mr Wear had been at him to sell him a piece of land at New plantation, but he would not do it. Wee therefore lay this our humble petition before your Excellency, together with y' Above mentioned Evidences and pray y' as y" said Nathaniell Weare Esq is in publicke place of trust, and whose signing an acknowledgment is of more vallue than two creadable Witnes & without which no Deed by Law can be executed nor Re- TOWN PAPERS — HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 337 corded, we pray y- y" said Esq. Weare may answer possitively whether he ever saw y" said John Marston of Andover in this province of New Hampshire since y" Date of y° said Deed made to his son Peter Wear by s'^ Marston, that so y" truth may appear, it being y" truth of all Testimony or Record y' nvakes them vallued, and y" said Esq. Wear hath been sum moned to y° Court & paid his charge, yet will Say nothingbut puts to prove possetively y' Marston did not grant to his son Peter or y' he was not in y" province of New Hampshire to ac knowledge it &c. The proceeding to y° finding out y° truth wee have no cause to dought but your Excellency will Justly do '&. your petitioners shall ever pray as in duty bound Abraham Drake ^ John Moulton \ a ^ ^ •iy T y belectmen Peter Johnson [ Samuel Dow J Dated 13'' of November 1708. Certificate of Nathaniel Weare. i6 November 1708. Nath' Weare Esq. being Exam'' before his Excellency the Governor and Council Whether he took the acknowledgment of one John Mars ton, formerly of Andover dec' to a Deed of Conveyance from the said Marston to Peter Weare dated the thirteenth day of May one thousand seven hundred and seven and now produced in court, and where the said Marston was when he acknowledged the said Deed and at What time. Mr Weare Answered that he being at Andover the 13"' day of May 1707 he went to the House of the said John Marston about noon and exhibited the above said Deed to the said John Marston since dec"* he being then in his Right senses and the said Marston did then & there of his own free & voluntary Will acknowledge the same to be his act and Deed. Examil before publick Councill the 16"" Novi" 1708. Chas. Story, Secretary. Certificate of Jabez Smith. Ham"" May 17'" 1721. Mr Greenough Sir. We Received y' Order of Assembly & in Obedi ence to s"" Order We Gave Notis to y" Freeholders In said town to meet this Day att three of y Clock After Noon & accordingly thay did meet & the Order of Assembly was red to them & y Constable Desired them to Bring in there Vots, but thay Brought none in. Sir I am yours to Sarve, Jabez Smith in behalf of y Select men. 22 338 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition for leave to make a separate tax. To His Honour John Wintworth Esq. L' Governour and Comander in Chief in & over his majesties Province of New Hampshire and the Honorable the Membdfs of the Councill & Represeptatives Now sitting in Generall Assembly. The humble address & Petition of his Majesties Loyall and Deutifull Subjects Inhabitence of the falls or South Parish in hampton most humbly sheweth That as there was formerly an act past that the Whole Town of Hampton should Raise thair Province & Ministars Rates to gether, wee of the falls parish finding many disadvantages in not having power to raise those Rates singly by our selves and in particular wee want to make an alteration & addition to our Ministers Sallery which wee cannot well doo by reason of our being obliged to Raise our Rates in Generall to gether in the whole town we have no Power to Raise for any addition by our selves. Wee therefore Pray that wee may be freed from that act and may have power given us in our Parish to raise our province and ministry Rates by our selves, that whatsoever wee have or shall agree with our minister for — wee may have power to per form and doo therein as the Law gives power to a town, as in all other Rates wee are single by our selves wee may be so in the province and ministers Rates likewise. As in your wisdom you shall think fit and your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray. In behalf and by order of the Inhabitants of s"^ Parish. Nath' Weare \ Ichabod Robie [-Selectmen. Nath' HealeyJ In Council Apr' ii"" 1726 Voted, upon reading y" above Petition That y" selectmen of y" first Parish of Hampton be served forthw'-'' with a copy of s'' Petition by the Petitioners & be notifyed that the hearing upon s'' Petition is appointed to be on Thursday next at 10 oclock A. M. that they may convene the s'' Parish to chuse an Agent or agents to appear before the Gen' As sem'? at y s' sons if any they have why the prayer of petition should not be granted.. This to be at the charge of the Petitioners James Jeffry cler. Assm. In Council May 13"^ 1732 Read and Concurrd R. Waldron, Secry. I assent to the above vote. May 15 : 1732. J. Belcher In the House of representatives March i'' 1732-3 The within petition being read & the pleas and allegations on both sides being heard & considered tis Voted that the s'l petition be dist- missed George Walton, Clr. protem. Concurrence in foregoi7ig petition. To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq & Gov & Coman der in Chief in & over his Majesties Province of New Hamps in New England & to the Honnourable Council & to the Gent" of the House of Representatives now sitting in General Assembly for s'' Prov. This is to Signifie to y Excellency & to the Hon-'" Council! TOWN PAPERS — HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 345 & to the Gentlemen of the House of Representatives, That Whereas we the Subscribers of Hampton Living whithin y' Limits or Bounds of this Petition for a Precinct or Parish out of Hampton & Kingstown, we are willing to Joyn with them & Desire to be Received & accepted as Petitioners with them and so we Rest with them in our Capacity his Majestys most dutiful Subjects & Humbly hopeing for a Gracious answer to our Petition. Hezekiah Blake Andrew Webster Ruben Smith ( Mary Longfellow Executrix to Nathaniel Derbun \ Nithan Longfellow De* James Perkins^ Jonathan Dow Objections thereto. At a Leaugual Meetting of the freeholders of Hampton New parish held this 28"'° day of August 1732. I'' Nathaniel Weare Esq. Chosen Moderator for said meetting 3<"y Left Ichabod Robie Chosen a Commite man to Appeare at the General Court to give in Reasons why the West part of the new parish in Hampton may not be set of to the East part of Kingstown to be a parish. 4'^ Capt Nathaniel Healys Chosen a Commite man for the Eand above said. Hampton February the 22 ; 1732-3 A True Copie as attest Joseph Tilton Clerk. At a Lagull town meting held agust y 28 1732. 2'^ Voted that we wont not sect of the Est part of ouer town for a district or parish to Jeyne with y" West part of hampton and that there was not one voter appared for y' sating them of att said meeting the Rason is Becase we are sensaball it will Rueine our town. 3'y Captn Johathan Samborn and Mr Ebenezer Stevens are chosen to Represent y* town at our Generall Cortt to give in our Rasins Why we did not grant the petitionars thare petition for to be sat of for a dis^ trict or parish at y Est End of our Town. A True Coppy "by Mr John Swett Town Clerk. Petition of Hampton Falls for a Fair. Tb His Excelency Jonathan Belcher Esq. Governour and Commander in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampsh'" and to the Hon''" his Majestys Councel. The Humble Petition of the Select men of the Parish of Hampton falls in said province Most Humbly sheweth That whare as in this our Parish and in the Touns and Par ishes Round about us, and to y° East ward of our Province Thare are Raised a Bundance of Quick Stock which to geather 346 NEW HAMPSHIRE with Other Traffick Twill in a year we want to sell, and having experenced Sumthing of benifet of a Time and place for Mar keting s^ Stock and Traflftck in our s* Parish, which Benifett not ondly our Parish but also our Province togeather with y" eastward Touns have shaired with us in by Reason of the Seath- uation of our Parish" being y' most conveanient to accomodate Boath Provinces. "We your Petitionours Therefore most Hum bly pray That his Excelency and y" Hon''" Councel order that y* second "Wednesday and Thursdays in May and y° Third ¦Wednesday and Thirsday in October to be days of Fair for Publick Traiding in this Parish att the now most noted Pub lick hous and Cuntory Road yearly and for ever, for the Beny- fites above Expressed As in duty bound will ever pray. Joseph Tilton 1 Selectmen Jonathan Prescutt Joseph "Worth Israel Blak Benjamin Green Hampton Falls Oct. 10'^'' 1734. of y° parish of Hampton-Falls. Grant of a Fair to Hampton Falls, 1734. George the 2^ by the Grace of God of Great Britain, [Prov. Seal] France and Ireland King Defend'^ of y" faith &" To all to whom these presents shall come, Greeting — Know yee that we of our Especial Grace certain knowledge and meer mo tion for the due encouragment of Trade and Traflic within our Parish of Hampton Falls in our province of New Hamp' in New England and for the more effectual carrying on of the same there — Have Given and Granted and do by these presents give and grant to the Inhabitants of our Said Parish & their successors the privilege of having holding & keeping two yearly Fairs in the s"! parrish forever, each to continue 2 day together & no more. The one "To begin on the last Tuesday in April, and the other on y last Tuesday in October, Annually, To have and to hold the said Privilege of keeping Two yearly Fairs as above- said for the Ends and purposes above expressed to the said Inhabitants and their successors forever In Testimony whereof we have caused our Province seal to be hereunto affixed Witness, Jonathan Belcher Esq. Our Gov" & Com' In Chief in and over our s* Province the twenty fourth day of October in y^ S"" y' of our reign, Anno'q Dom. 1734. J. Belcher. By His Ex"}" Comand w"" the advice of y' Coun. R. Waldron, Secy TOWN papers — HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 347 Agreement relating to Rev. Ward Cotton. Hampton 1733-4. Att a Legall meeting of the freeholders of Hampton this 12"' day of March 1733-4. 8'y Wee the freeholders doe agree to settle Mr Ward Cotton he in the work of the ministry with the Rev"" Mr Gookins provided his proposals be such as we can comply with and that three men be chose as a comit tee to Treat with Mr Cotton and to know his proposalls and make Re port to the Town at this meeting The comittee chosen are Se" Christopher Page & Sam" Palmer, Jr. Capt Jonathan Marston Vera Copia as attest Sam" Dow Town Clerk. Dissents. Maj' Wingett Jonhn Wedgwood Simon Marston Will Godfrey Morish Hobs Tho Marston Sam" Dearborn, Sen. Tim Dalton Daniel Samborn. Petition adverse to setting off a new Parish. To his Excelency Jonathan Belcher Esq. Governor and Com mander in chief in and over His Maj"'" Provence of New Hampsher &^ and to y° Hon'"' Counsell and Hous of Rep resentatives convean'* in Generall Assambly. The humble petition of us who are Inhabitants of y° west part of Hampton Falls parish most humbly sheweth That whare as thare is a petition prefered to y' authority afore s"* by Sundry of y" Inhabitants of y° est part of y" Town of Kingston and sundry of y° Inhabitants of y° west part of Hampton Fall parish to be set of a perticular District or pre- senct with preveledges and Limets as in s"" petition is Exprest And we Inhabiting in that part of s'' Destrict petitioned for that Doos Belong to Hampton Falls parish do with submis sion Declare ourselves posatively against s^ petitioners pro ceedings and conduct in that afair and that s'' petition was prefer'' without our knowledg or Desire and if s'' petition shold be granted we fere it will caus Devisions and parties amongst us on that acompt, which will be veary hurtfull both to church and Comunwelth, And there fore we His Maj'° most Loial Subjects and your most humble suppliants mo? humbly pray that your Excelency y" Hon''" Councell and Gen tlemen of y' Hous of Representatives in your wisdom and easiness will not suffer us to be carried away by constraint but will see caus not to grant thair Request and wee your peti tioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c John Prescut John Bachelder Robert Row Richard Samborn 348 MEW HAMPSHIRE Abraham Moulen ? Beniamen Cram Wadley Cram Samuel Blake Jonathan Tilton Jonathan Row Shurbun Tilton James Fogg Daniel Kelley Ebenezer Prescut James Sanbun John Page Steven Hobs Shadrach Ward' Edmund James David Samborn Simon Batchelder Timothy Huchison John Tilton Israel James James Prescut Phileon Blake William Evens John Cram John Tappen John Mellsher Joseph Draper Joseph Row Reasons against the sai7ic. Whare as thare is a pettion Exebeted to his Exelency and' the hon''''" Councell and liouse of Representatives in- the Provence of New hamsheir by Sundry of the Inhabitants of the Est part of Kings town and the west part of the Inhabitance of the Falles parrish in Hampton to be sett of two miles and a halfe In to Kingstown and two miles and a halfe in to Hampton as it is set forth in the petition for a peteckluer destrict or precint for the maintaining a minister with priveledges of cayring one the aifairs of a town or parrish and your Excelency y" Hon'"''' Councell and house of Representatives in your grat wisdons Clemency & Justess ordered y' y* parrish of hampton ffalles and the town of Kingstown be sarved with a copy of y" petition and to appeare the second day of the next falle session- to Shue the Resons if thay have any why y' prayer of petition should not be gran ted for which we the Inhabitants of Kingstown are Inxpresably thank full for your gratt wisdom prudence and Justess In this affaire and with your Leve give these following Reasons why y said petition should not be granted, firstly those of our town that are pettetioners are all of them new comers to setell In our town and som of them young men and nO' famelyes and none or but one of them ware att any truble or charge with us In the Long and Tedus wars that we indured in this town with the heathen enemy nore in building our meeting house In Said town for above twenty yeares agoe. 2'>' The meeting house wiiich thay have Raised Is so neare to the Sid of y destrict petitioned for that grate part of the ajasent inhabi tance which for a Long time have borne grate charges in y" Wars and all other Charges In the plaseand It is more defecult and worse for them to go to meeting there then where they now do. 3'y Many of y petetioners are new comers i'rom other plases to set ell neare the Line sume call it between the Masetusets and new Hamp- sheir and so as ocasion sarves them shift and shrink and bare no charge. any whare if they cane help it the Line being not yett determened. 4'y Sume of the petetionrs Lives In the Provence of the Masetusets- about Seven of them sume of them In Nebury and Sume of them att Salsbury and sume of them may heir the Salmes Sung at the meeting: house in the houses where thay now live, and Sume others of the peti tioners are amost as neare. If not quitt to a meeting house Thay have raised and have moved from Salsbury and Amsbur^' and other plases whare the Gospell is plentefuly preched and good orders Keept and for them to say thare is allmost a famine of y- word of God amongst them Is very obsurd and Redekules. S'y And to us the Inhabitants of Kingston It is well known that v.-e TOWN PAPERS ^HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 349 have been att grat charg and werry much exposed in y" war and since ben att grate troubefU and defrence about owr minister and are Justly and Quietly setteled In a brave Christian and Loveing way with agood worthy minister and if these petetioners cane have their desire In thare petition will make agrate dele of trubell amongest us againe and Prob- abell all is Because thay will not be att a Litell charge with us In building a meeting house In said town In the senter of said town whareby we all may have Rome to Mett In Comonalty for to take of two miles and a halfe from owr town of Kingstown will take allmost halfe y" Ratable Estate of our town and Sundry of our first Setlers with us and have ¦caryed one with us In the ware and other charges that have arisen In y town so that If thare petition should be granted it will have a gratt tendency to Ruine the Pease Love unity among us, and Render us very incapable of supporting owr Reverend Minister as we ought to do as In duty we are bound to do, There fore we pray it may not be granted. 6'y They say for preventing the defecelty and hard sheps thay for a Long time have Laboured under and fory^ advansment of y glory of God and the good of soules thay humbly pray which If they have La boured under such defecoltyes for a Long time it was and must be be fore they came heire whare they now Live for they have ben whare thay now live but a very litell time and for y' gratest part of them as thay say to be brought up In Igronces we hope and dout not but if thay will come to owr meetings and heire our minister they will grow wiser and pull down thare meeting house All which Considered with else may be said we your most dutifull and obedent Servants dout not but your Excelencey and y' hon" Coun sell and Gentellmen of the house of Representatives In your gratt wis dom Clemency and Justes will see casue not to grant thare petition for which we shall ever Remain werry thankfull and shall ever pray. JoN" Sanburn. Ebenezer Stevens. Names of persons in different towns who petitioned to be an nexed to Massachusetts — 1739- [See Prov. Pap., Vol. V., pp. 915-925-] £^*" These names not repeated in the Index. Ed.] In Hampton. Nathl Seargent Nathl Drake Jabez Smith Philip Towl Gershom Griffith Jno Sherburne Henry Fifield Edmund Rand .Tames Johnson Jr Samll Dalton Danl Moulton Jona Leavitt Wm Lock Wm Gross Samll Leavitt Thomas Lane Joshua Brown Benja James Thos Band Seth Fogg Wm Staniford Jabez Jamea Jacob Moulton Ward Cotton Charles Walker Benja Lampre Thom. Ward Eichd Sanborn James Johnson Caleb Towl Jolm aoeg BzeUel Moulton 35° NEW HAMPSHIRE Abner Samborn Isaac Libbe Peter Garland Thoms Bachelour Joseph Moulton Hampton, ^. Joseph Seecomb Simeon Brown Jno Carter Peter Tomson Job. Eastman Theoph'B Griffin Orlando Bagley James Wood Jeremiah Currier Thos Eastman his Theoph. X Clough mark Joseph Bean Balp. Blasdel Jr Jno Silaway Thomas Carter his Jno X Carter, Jr mark his Moses X Blasdel mark Tliomas Brown Wm Whicher Elipha. Griffin Wm Stephens Jno Griffin Theos Griffin Jr Danl Rowell Samll Hunton Enoch Blasdel Wm Bagnel Nathan Swett Daniel Young his Benj. B. Wadly mark Benjamin Sa-wyer Moses NichoUs Ebenezer Stevens Jr Joseph Sawyer Samll Tucker Joshua Woodman Jeremiah Wheeler Joseph Fellows Joshua Webster Jona Young Thoms Brown Jacob Brown Nehemiah Hobs Robert Drake Shubel Sanhom Jr. In KIHOSTOWN. his Jere X Quinby mark Ephraim Stephens Benjamin Choate Jr. Saml Webster his Saml X Bean mark Joseph Young Jr his Wm X Lovrin mark Jno Young Saml Robey Tristrim Sanborn, Jr Obediah Elkins Aaron Young Edward Scribner Robert Stuart Elisha Sweet Jacob Peasley Benjamin Eastman his Wm X Robey mark Ebenezer Webster Philip Hnntoon Jr Jno Darling Wm Boyuton Jachabod Clough Phineas Bachelder Ebenezei' Sleeper Nathan Rachelder Isaac Godfrey Jona Blasdel Benja French Samll Emone Josiah Tilton Ebenr Fellows Ebenr Bachelder Benja Clough Ehenr Collins Jacob Gale Ehenr Blasdel Jno March Benja Stevens his Samll X Welch mark TOWN PAPERS — HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 35 » his David F Qnimby mark Jno Sweet Jr Jno Huntoon Danll Gilman Joseph Elkins Jona Choate James Bean Danl Darling Nathl Smith Stephen Gilman his Robert X Stockman mark Philip Welch Henry Morrill Jeremiah Hubbard Richd Tande Wm Silloway Jabez Page Ephraim Elkins Jacob Flanders John Morgin Jona Stevens Jno Clark Samll Eastman Jno Hnton Joseph Bean Jr Paul Sanborn Jno Hubbard Thomas Elkins Jona French Stephen Flanders Wm Clifford Kingstown, 146. Nathl Weare Charles Treadwell Benja Sanborn Benja Sanborn, Jr. Nath. Healey Ebenezer Shaw Nathan Tilton John Cram Samuel Lane John Brown Daniel Brown John Brown, Tertlns Jacob Green Benja Prescutt Jona Bachelder Reuben Sanborn Samuel Tilton Abraham Brown Jabez Smith Benj. Swett Jona Sanborn (era Caleb Towl Dyer Hook Benjamin Sweet Nathl Huntoon Timothy Eastman Daniel Bean Elisha Winsle Eben Esman Benja Sleeper Jno Thom Jno Sleeper Daniel Moody WmLong Ralph Blasdel Jacob Morrill Jona Blake Benja Silla Charles Hunt Abraham Smith Wm Smith Jonathan Greley James Tapin Benja Morrill Jno Pifleld ters Stephen Merrill Philemon Wells Caleb Clough Isaac Griffin EUy Bede Samll Buswell Phillip Moody Jona Hobbs Benony Long Henry Bagly IH Hahfton Falls. John Stanyan Thomas Leavitt Caleb Swain Samuel Prescut Philemon Blake Joshua Blake Abner Sanborn William Russel Jonathan Fifield Samuel Shaw Joshua Purinton Winthrop Dow Amoss CasB Enoch Gove John French Benjamin Dow ¦Jonathan Hoag, Jr Ebenezer Blake Ephraim Hoit Joseph Thrasher 352 NEW HAMPSHIRE Thomas Brown Jeremiah Pearson Moses Stickney Ebenezer Gove Nathan Green Daniel Swett Jeremiah Benet John Flood Jonathan Chuse Thos Silla Archelas Lakeman, Jr John Flood, Jr Joseph Worth. John Worth Obadiah Worth Daniel Chase Hampton Falls, 72. John Calfe -James Norres James Willson Francis Towl Moses Hills Samuel Emerson Enoch Colby Jonathan Blunt Stephen Webster D.iniel MacFarland Ebenezer Dearborn Chester, 22. John Clark Moses Thirston John Thirston David Staniford Samll Leavitt Miles Leavitt Nathan Taylor Kichd Sinkler Samll Leavit Abraham Stookbridge John Stockbriige Charles Rundlet Satchwell Clark John Rundlet James Robinson John Robinson Moses Leavit Edward Fifield Ephraim Leavit Nathl Ambross Solomon Cotton Jonathan Chase Thomas Railings Richd Galley Joseph Hoag Jonathan Green Benjamin Green Jonathan Hoag Henry Drewe Job Haskell Stephen Palmer Philip Pravere Jeremiah Brown Ebenezer Knowlton Jno Knowlton Ralph Butler Nathl Burrell Nathan Cram Thomas Cram Meshech Weare Benja Hilyard. In Chester. Ebenezer Flagg Ebenezer Blunt Benjamin Smitti John Kezer James Vearnum Jonathan Hall John Hall Jonaa Clay Ephraim Hasseltine Ebenezer Carlton Christopher Carlton In Stkatham. Joseph Merril Benjamin Tayler Eichd Young Matt'new Tomson Joshua Kennison Owen Runnels Joseph Larrance Jonathan Fifield John "Veazey Nathll Piper Jonathan Silley Caleb Rawlings Jonathan Chase Jr Joseph Hoit Jr Joseph Edgerly John Purmott Richd Palmer James Chase William Calley Benja Hoag Enoch Merril Abraham Morgan, Jr John Avery William Chase James Eennison TOWN PAPERS HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 353 Ebenezer Folsham Joseph Merrel Samll Leavit, Jr James Leavit Benja Cotton Theophilus Rundlet Joseph Hoyt Stratham, 6:1. Moses Kennison Joshua Neall John Wadleigh Joshua Railings Thomas Calley Dudley Leavitt In Eibteb. Daniel Gilman Jona Norres John Burgin Robert Light Trueworthy Gilman Peter Gilman Benja Thing Nathl Webster Daniel Gael Jona Gilman Simon Gilman Josiah Gilman James Leavit Jr Samll Thing Israel Gilman John Kimbal Andrew Gilman John Light Jacob Tilton Samll Gilman Nicholas Gilman John Gilman John Lord John Odlin Thomas Deane Edward Hall Moses Gilman Nathl Bartlett Thomas Lord John Gilman 4th John Leavit Joseph Thing John Marsh Daniel Thing Philip Connor his Jona JJ Gliden mark his .Jona X FoulBom mark Jona Foulsom Abraham Foulsom James Gordon his Eph & Foulsom mark 23 his Thos X. Gording mark Benjamin Fifield his Benj. B.. Judkins mark Joseph Thing, Jr Peter Thing Jeremiah Gilman, Jr Edward Gilman Darbey Kelly Abner Coffin Job Judkins his Benj. X Foulsom mark his Nicholas X Gorden, Jr mark John Quimby James Gilman Dudley Odlin Ezekl Gilman Nathl Bartlett, Jr Joseph Scribner Joshua Gilman Abner Thirston Peter Foulsom John Haines Samll Conner Daniel Thurston Benj'a Conner Nathaniel Gorden Hardy or Benja Rollins, Jr Stephen Gilman Nathl Thing John Foulsom, Jr Saml Stevens, Jr Jethro John Gorden, Jr James Leavit Ebenezer Light Moses Swett Samll Elkins, Jr Jona Wadleigh Dudley Leavit 354 NEW HAMPSHIRE Benja Smith Jeremiah Calfe Jerema Calfe Jr. Saml Edgerly Daniel Calfe James Calfe Benjamin Mead Thomas Wilson James Bean Joshua Wilson Nathl Ladd Jabez Sanborn Thomas Edgerly Daniel Folsom John Bowden John Hutchinson Ephraim Robinson John Dudley Edw. Colcord Richard Preson Daniel Elkins Jeremiah "Veasey Jona Gilman, Jr James Folsom William Doran Elias Ladd Coffin Thing Abraham Folsom Edward Thing Jonathan Thing William Lam son Samll Lamson Daniel Young Joseph Gorden Daniel Homan Jeremiah Conner John Looge John Gilman John Gilman Humphrey Wilson John Rice Thomas Lyford Cornelius Conner Samuel DoUof Saml Stevens Amos Dollof Theophilus Hardy, Jr his Edward O. Stevens mark Ephm Philbrok his Jona X Dollof mark Henry Marshall Biley H.ardy Kinsley James Francis James Charles Rundlet Peter Polaom Ben. Swain John Baird John George Thomas Webster, Jr Thomas Kimming James Whidden Nicholas Gorden Henry Steel his Danl o GUes Jr mark Thomas Robinson Nathll Folsom Jno Smith his Ebenezer X Martin- mark Davison Dudley Francis Bracket John Robarts his Alex X Roberts mark Jonathan Young Michael Bowden Nicho Gilman, Jr Nehemiah Gilman John Steel Joseph Graves his Edward X West mark Edward Scribner John Scribner William Graves Geo. Roberts Stephn Loal Timothy Gorden Job Kennison Joseph Louncau John Loverii Joseph Giles Ebenezer Colcord Elijah Vickery Nathan Taylor James Dudley, Jr Jonathan Smith, Jr Daniel Lary Jamee Young Benj. Scribner Daniel Giles Samuel Dudley, Jr Israel Smith John Giles TOWN PAPERS — HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 355 Saml Young James Dudley John Brown Josiah Moody Zechariah Judkins William Smith Israel Smith Daniel Gorden John Roberts Jr Nicholas Dollof his Joseph Z Atkinson mark James Robinson Nicholas Dudley Timothy Leavit Stephen Leavit Samll Smith Cooper Samuel Roberts Sealey Leavit Benja Gilman Daniel Warmall Nicholis Dudley, Jr Waley Stevens Josiah Thing Carter Gilman his Joseph X Taylor mark John Farrar Jonathan Dudley Samuel Dudley John Odlin, Jr Philip Wadleigh George Creaton Robert Young SamiielMagoon Benony (Jorden William Graves, Jr Edwaril l^adil John Lu'kin James Gorden, Jr Exetor, 2(!2. Nathl Prescut JoniL Prescut Joseph Wadleigh Saml Blake Israel James Jeremiah liatchelder Richard Samborn Stephen Ilobes Edward Smith Ebenezer Iluchens John Green Ebenezer Knoulton Jona Brown Samll Page Kensington, 27. Israel Yonng Samll Dudley, Jr Clement Moody Jeremiah Beean Samll Richardson Jonathan Gorden Joseph Leavit David Smith Ambros Hindes James Norris Daniel Lad JoBiah Lad Caleb Gilman, .Jr Richard Dollof, Jr John Leavit, .Jr Curtis Bean David Dollof Daniel Lary Elisha Odlin Peter Coffin John Gorden Nicholas Ferryman Theophilus Hardy Jonathan Conner John Canby Stephen Jjyford Benjamin Dollof Jona Gilman, ters Moacs Conner Nathl Gilman Trueworthy Dudley Jeremiah Bean John Foulsom ters Robert Patten Jacob Smith Jona Smith, Jr Samll Smith Samuel Lary John Xorris Dudley .James Francis .James In Kensington. Benja Brown Henry Lami^ie ¦Jeremiah Green George Conner John Cram William Evens Abnei- Evens Abraham Moulton David Benjamin Jarvie ¦John Prescut Benjamin Page Timothy Huchens 356 Samll Weeks Joshua Weeks Benja Maoris Samll Chapman Pennel Chapman Ebenr Johnson Matthias Hains Lewis Hains James Johnson Samll Davis Jno Weeks, Jr Ebenr Johnson, Jr Saml Weeks, Jr Joseph Hill John Johnson George Kennison hiB Joseph X Melon mark Joseph Weeks Samll King Joshua Macros Robert Bryon, Jr Jona Dockum, Jr Jno Dockum Robert Bryon Jno Watson Tucker Cate Jno Rawlinggs Total, 55. Hampton, Kingston, Hampton Falls, Chester, . Stratham, . Exeter, Kensington, Greenland, Total, NEW HAMPSHIRE In Gkeenland. Wm Sympson Samll Bryon Jno Lang Jedediah Weeks David Dearborn Jno Weeks Walter Weeks Mathias Weeks Benja Kennison Joha Weeks James Cate Enoch Clark Bracket Johnson SamUHiex (?) Henry Clark Elias Philbrook Benja Philbrook Joseph Grant Jona Weeks Henry Clark, Jr John Johnson EliBha Bryon Nathl Huggin Danll Allin Jr Nathan Johnson, Jr Joseph Meloon, Jr Leonard Weeks Wm Walles 146 72 27 55 Reasons offered against a tievu district. "Whare as thare is a Petition Exhibeted to his Excelency Jonathan Belcher Esq. Governor and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesties provinc of New Hampsher in New England and to y^ Hon'"'* Counsell and Gentelmen of y^ Hous of Representatives for 5^ province By Sundrjr of y' Inhabitants of y* Est part of y<^ Town of Kingstown and Sundry of y"^ Inhabitants oiy" West part of Hampton Falls parish to be set of a perticuliar Destrict or precenct with Preveliges and Lim ets as in &^ petition is exprest, and j'our excellency y« Hon''''^ Councell and Gentleman of y^ Hous of Representatives in your grate wisdum Justes and Clemency has ordred y' y parish of Hampton Falls and y" toun of Kingstown shold be sarv'd with a copy of s'l petition and to TOWN PAPERS HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 357 appear y= secund Day of y" next Fall session to shew Reasons if any they have why ye prayer of sil petition shold not be granted for which we of sii Hampton Falls are veary thankfull for your grate wisdom pru- denc and Justes in that affair, and we under writen deligates for s* Hampton Falls parish Leaveing our Neiburs at Kingston to spake for themselves shall with submission give y* following Reasons why ye prayer of s^ petition shold not be granted : firstly — Becaus y' thare is but about twelve of ye petitioners y' be longs to our parrish and sum of them youngmen and has no Fammi- lies and sum Dwelt in the other parish in Hampton when s"" petition was prefered and not above three or four families y' we know of y' has Long Dwelt in y» part of our parish and for yi Reason cold not be for a Long time under Defeculties & Deprived of ye Despensation of yo Gospell and be in such a famishing condition as they say they have ben in. 2*5' Becaus Considering ye Grateness of y« number of ye Inhabitants y' Dwels in y' part of our parish petitioned for y' has not petitioned which we suppose to be about thirty and sum of them has dwelt Longer in y' part of sil parish than any of s<5 petitioners has and has larger families who are uterly avearce to s* petitioners procedings and Conduct in y' afair and for such a considerable number of our Inhabi- tents as afore s"! to be carried away against their wills we humbly con- seave to be a Intolerable hard ship and will Rither have a tendency to caus Devisions and anamosities then to advance ye Glory of God, &c. 3')" Said petitioners Desirs y' their Request may be Granted for y Reasonablenes of it — But for such a miner part as a fore said to En deavour to Cary of such a Larg tract of Land from our parish as Exprest in s" petition, which is all most half our parish and ye Inhabi tants with it against their wills we humbly conseave to be veary un reasonable and absurd — And for these Reasons and many others y* might be given we Doubt not but your Excelency the Hon' Councell and Gentlemen of y House of Representatives in your grate wisdum Justes and Clemency will se Reason sufficient not to grant s'^ petition ers thair Request for which we of Hampton Falls shall Ever Remain veary thankfull. Nath' Healey Ichabod Robie. Remonstrance against a new district. We the subscribers His Majestys most duty full & Loyall subjects dweling within y' destrict or precinct petitioned for In ye East part of Kingstown & y* west part of Hampton — Do with Humble submis sion declear ourselves positively against the thing as wrong & very hurtfull to Church and common wealth supposing it to be hatched up by two or three disafected persons without our knowledge and consent & Humbly pray it may not be granted. Shadrach Ward Jonathan Tilton Benigman Bachelder Israel James Simon Batchelder Joseph Draper John Prescut James Fogg Robrd Row John Page Nathanel Prescut Thimothy Huchsien John Bachelder Edmund James Richard Sanborn Ebenezer Prescut Beniaman Cram Jonathan Rowe Wadley Cream William Cleves (.?) Danel Kely James Prescut 358 NEW HAMPSHIRE Philemon Blake Theofeolos Grifen Abraham Moulton Thomas Easman James Sanbun Dan" Rowell David Sambun Moses Rouell Shurbun Tilton Ralfe Blasell John Tilton Thom" George Stephn Hobbs Dan'i Blasdell Tristram Sanborn Jona. Blasdell Nathanel French Theo Griffen Jr. Joseph Eastman John Carter William Taylor Peter Sanborn Teremiah Quinbe Ben"'" Magon John Webster Nath' Smyeth Andrew Webster Ele Beede Tho. Griffin Philip Modey Moses Sleper Joseph Louern Eben Easman Sam" Been, Jr Samuel French John Sleepr Petition of persons formerly of Massachusetts to be annexed to Ha7npton Falls. To his Excelency Bening Wintworth Esq. Governor and Com mander in cheif In and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire and the Honorable the Counsel now setting in said Province. The Humble address and Petition of His Majesties Legal and deutifull Subjects whose names are hereunto Subscribed which did belong to the Esterly part of Salisbery but now by the Settlement of the Province Lines Fall into New Hamp shire most Humbly sheweth that your petitioners are Informed that those which did belong to the westerly Part of Salisbury and some of Almsbery which by said Line falls into New Hampshire Intends to Petition that all those Persons that did belong to Salisbery and Almsbery & are now taken Into New Hampshire might be made in to a twown ship or Parish by themselves & not annexed to any other, and have Presumed so far as to set up a frame for A Meeting House in the West erly Part which if it should be granted would be very Prege- ditial to your Petitioners who live most of us above six miles from said meeting house so y* those of us that frequent y' way of Worship Could not attend the worship of God with our wifes and families as we out to doo and for all other affairs belonging to a town or Parish of all things that are notified at said meeting house we shall have no knowledge of them which may be greatly to our Damage and a great Dificulty & Troble to select men and Constables and all such affocirs. We Therefore Humbly Pray that we may not be joyned to them but may be Annexed to Hampton Falls or some other TOWN PAPERS — HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 359 way as in your wisdom you may think meet and your Petition ers as in duty bound shall ever Pray. Saml' Eaton Samuell Fowler Joseph Page Samuel Walton Jabez Eaton Jeremiah Wheeler Jacob French Beniamin Hoyt Ephraim Eaton James Jackman John True Elihu Dow Beniamin Baker John Eaton John Paige Noah Dow Joseph Tucker Beniamin Collins Richard Smith Bildad Dow Joseph Todd Judah Dow Thomas Selly Benony Selley David Fowler Samuell Selly Trustrim Collins John Eaton, Jr Petition of inhabitants of N. E. part of Hampton to be exempted from ininister' s tax. To His Excellency Bennin Wentworth Esq. Governor and Commander in Chief In and over his Majesties Provence of New Hampshire in New England and to the Honnorable the Councel and house of Representatives of said Province In General Assembly Convened — November y** 16"" 1742 The Humble petition of us the Subscribers Most Humbly sheweth — that the houses and habitations of your petitioners are in the north eastly part of the town of Hampton at or near Littel Bores Head near Lettel River or near the Sea and thatwe live most as near upon a Line to the meeting house at the town as to that at North hill and that it is much easier for us to go to meeting at the town than to North Hill by reason of the Goodness of the way to the town and there not being any way for us to go to meeting at north hill nor ever like to be unless we travil much farther than to go to the meeting house at the town : Your petitioners Humbly pray that your Excellency and Honours would be pleased to take this petition into considera tion and in your grate Goodness exempt us from paying to the support of the ministry at North hill and that we may still remain — and be taxed to the support of the ministry and the other Publick charges of the town as we used to be and your pititioners as in duty bound shall ever pray John Batchelder Mosies Lampre Thomas Hains Obadiah Marston Jeremiah Page Stephen Brown. In the House of Representatives 9'", 25"' 1742 The within Petition Read and considered & voted to be Dismissed James Jeffry Clr. Assm 36c NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition of sundry persons to be annexed to Hampton Falls. or other towns. To his Excellency the Governer of New Hampshire &c May it plese your Excellency : we namly John Paige, Ben- jaimin Baker, John True & Jacob French are in that Petiton Prefer'd by those in the Easte Parte of that slip &c, and we Desire we may be anext to Hampton Falls We our hairs and estats ; and we Epharaim Brown, Jr Benjamin Brown, Jr. Samuel French Jonathan Brown Samuel Brown jr to Kingsinto" — we our Hairs and Es- Benjamin Brown Caleb Clough Amos Paige Nathaniel Maxfield Abraham Brown desire to be annexed tates. Feb. y= iS"" 1741. Jacob French John True Jonathan Hoit Benj» Baker Joseph Tucker John Page John Page Benj" Baker Sam True Jacob French East part for Hampton Falls in the petition for the East part at Hampton Falls-^ Jonathan Kimball Jonathan Watson Jonathan Farran Timothy Farran David Gooden Samuel Gooden Philip Chaloss Beniamin Kimball Caleb Hobs Roger Estman William Sargent Nathaniel Ash George Marten Robert Marten Abraham Morrill David Marten Every Tooker Orlondo Bagly David Bagly Benj Kimball Caleb Hobbs Roger Eestman Phil Chaliss Sam' Gooding Andrew Whittier Timothy Whitter Josiah Fowller Thomas Fowller David Elott Thomas Carter John Carter, ter" Will"' Fowller Thomas Carter William Fowller William Fowler jr John Carter Jr Joseph Fowler John Carter Jacob Carter Samuel Carter We desire to be anext to Kingstown. (within the petition) Jon" Farran Nath' Ash David Gooding Jon" Kimball — 9. TOWN PAPERS HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 361 Petition of persons in Haverhill district not to be joined with Kingstown. Province of ) To his Excelency Benning Wintworth Esq. New Hampshire j Governor and Commander in Cheif In and over his Majisties Province of New Hampshire In New England and To the honorable his Majesties Councils of said province The petition of Jeremiah Eaton, John Kezar and others — The Subsciibers who live In Haverhill Destrict and on the Norwest side of the Washpond brook. Humbly sheweth : That sometime agoe your petitioners together with others to agreat number of Haverhill destrict and some of Amsbery Humbly requested your Excellency and honors to Incorporate them into a town ship according to the meets and bounds de fined in the petition And your Exelency and honours so far Incouraged us as to send a committee to view our situation and circumstances who accordingly haveing attended that Service made their report, But it so hapned that when, our committee waited upon your Excelency and honours Expecting to receive a charter of In corporation acording to the return of said Committee the sudden news of a french fleet on the coasts so alarmed the Government that your Excelency and honers were obliged to imply all vour thoughts and powers for the defence of the province and Lay aside that afair with all other Business to a further day — That as we are informed the town of Kingstown who have been of late indeavering to Extirpate us from the Earth did on the 26-' of September last set us of together with some few others who call themselves Kingstown men into a parish. Thereby further indeavouring to vex grieve hurt and Iniure us who had many of us much rather be lead into Captivity By some Christian nation than be Joynd with them who are our Greatest adversaries under a pretence that wee are part of Kingston when in fact wee and our anchestors have possesd our lands as part of Haverhill for more than one hundred years past, and since the settlement of the line have allways- been accounted Haverhill destrict men and paid rates accord ingly. Wee therefore humbly and earnestly request your Exelency and Honers to compasenate our Surcumstances and not suffer us to be rent and torn to peices by our inveterate Kingston adversaries but will aford us releif by Joyning us with our Dear Christian friends relations and neibeurs of haverhill Des trict according to our petition with them & as soon as may be Incorporated Into a township — That so wee may have the -762 NEW HAMPSHIRE Gospel setled amongst us and for your Exelency and honours jour humble petitioners as In duty bound shall ever pray &c. Haverhill Destrict October 13"" 1746. David Heath Joseph Stevens William Heath Michael Johnson Joseph Stevens, Jr Tho. Stevens Jeremiah Eatton William Easman John Kezar Daniel Robands Samuel Stevens John Mills David Stevens Daniel Johnson Benjamin Stevens John Atwood John Stevens Zachariah Johnson Nehemiah Stevens Joseph Little Wait Stevens John Chute Stephens Johnson, Jun' Daniel Little John Muzzey Thomas Mills John Hunkins Phillip M'^Carrygon John Johnson Beniamin Philbrick William Hancock James Mills. Notification of a Parish tneeting to set off those who call them.sel.ves Presbyterians. Province of \ These are to notify the Freeholders and Inhabi- New Hamps J tants of the Parish of Hampton falls in said Province who are by Law Qualified for to "Vote to meet at this meeting house on the 2'' day of Sep' next at one of the clock in the afternoon for the following Purpose viz' — Whereas a Number of Per sons in said Parish have Lately Professed themselves of the Presbyte rian Perswasion, and have apply'd to some ministers at Londonderry whom they call the Boston Presbytery Desiring to be under their care Representing that they apprehend themselves able and are freely will ing to maintain a minister of the orthodox faith and that is united with said ministers in the Presbyterian Government and have made some objections to paying towards the support of the setHed minister in said Parish — And altho there is no Just Reason that the above men tioned Persons should in any Respect be excused except that it may Probably be most for the peace of said parish that the abovementioned Persons and their estates should be set off to act in all Respects as a Distinct Society or Parish by themselves, except paying their Propor tion of the Province tax untill a new Proportion thereof — Therefore to see if the Parish will vote to set off the abovementioned Persons and their estates to be Incorporated if they think Proper to apply for it to act in all respects by themselves as a Distinct Society or Parish Except Paying their Proportion of the Province tax untill a new Pro portion thereof, and to pay all other charges as usual untill they shall be set off as above mentioned — The Line of said New Parish to be fixed by a committee of the General Court with Liberty for such of the above mentioned Persons as shall not fall within said New Parish to Poll off with their estates and belong thereto. And for any who shall fall within said New Parish who are not of the Presbyterian Perswa sion to Poll off with their Estates and belong to the old Parish and for any who are not of the Presbyterian Perswasion who have or shall have Lands within said New Parish to Poll off said Lands to belong to the old Parish. TOWN PAPERS — HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 363 At a Leagel meeting of the Freeholders and inhabitants of the Par ish of Hampton falls held the Second day of Sep" 1765 — Col Meshech Weare choosen Moderator for said Meeting Voted That the people caled Presbyterians in this parish be set off as a Distinct Parish by them selves according to the foregoing Notifi cation for the above meeting. Hampton Falls December 31"' 1765 Copy attested by Caleb Sanborn, Parish Clerk. Petition for a Presbyterian Society. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Captain General Governor and Commander in Cheif in and over his majes ties Province of New Hampshire &c — To the Honorable his Majesties Council and House of Representatives for said Province Convened in General Assemblv — November 21"', 1765. The petition of the subscribers, Free holders & Inhabitants of the Town of Hampton Falls in said Province — Humbly Sheweth. That about Two years ago The Rev'' Mr Pain Wingate in the congregational way & manner was settled in the work of the ministry in said Town, That the Religious sentiments of and Doctrines preached by the said Rev-' Mr Wingate are very different from those of your Petitioners — and disagreable to them — That your Petitioners apprehended they could not be profited by the peaching and ministration of the s'' Rev'' Mr Wingate That the measures taken by the said Town in order to the settlement & support of the said Mr Wingate are as your Petitioners conceive unprecedented and Justly Grievous to them, and that therefore your Petitioners and many others Inhabitants of said Town (near one half thereof) constantly opposed his settlement there and dissented therefrom : That your Petitioners are conscientiously of the Presbyte rian Perswasion respecting Church Government, Doctrine Discipline and Worship That they with others of their Breth ren of that Perswasion have for sometime past been regularly formed into a church, built a meeting house in said Town for the publick Worship of God, Called and settled a minister in the Presbyterian way, namely The Rev Mr Samuel Perley : That your Petitioners conscientiously and constantly on the Lords days and at other times occasionally attend the publick worship of God there, according to their said Perswasion ; That the premises notwithstanding the select men of the said Town of Hampton Falls for the last year assesed and Rated jour Petitioners for the support of the said Mr Wingate and 364 NEW HAMPSHIRE obliged them to pay the same. That the selectmen of said Town for the present year have again assessed & Rated your Petitioners for the same purpose, which your Petitioners ap prehend to be a Grievous & unreasonable Burthen upon them — Wherefore your Petitioners Humbly pray your Excellency and Honours to take their case under your wise consideration And as they conceive themselves to be Intitled to his majesties Grace & Favour in allowing to all his subjects Liberty of Con science — and that it is unreasonable for them to be compelled to pay towards the support of a minister they do not nor can not hear and attend upon for the Reasons aforesaid When at the same time they are at the expence of maintaining publick worship among themselves in that way and mode they think most agreable and nearest to the directions given in the Scrip tures by the Great head of the Church, and where the True Doctrines of Grace & Salvation are preached according to their Opinion of those things : They pray your Excellency & Honours would grant them Relief in the premises by Exon erating them their Families and Estates and all others within said Town of Hampton Falls who are of the same Perswasion and attend the publick worship of God with them from all ministerial Rates and Taxes in said Town (Excepting to their own minister) and by setting them off as a distinct Parish for ministerial affairs only, and by enabling the said Presbyterian congregation to raise & Levy on themselves such Taxes and assessments as they shall from time to time find necessary for the support of the ministry and publick worship of God among themselves — or grant your Petitioners such other Re lief as your Excellency and Honours in your wisdom shall see fit, And your petitioners as in Duty bound "will ever pray &c. &c. Thomas Leavitt Samuel Selley Ebenezer Knowlton David Eaton Richard Smith Samuel Eaton Jacob Smith Nath' Sinkler Winthrop Gove David Knoulton John Chase Jr Eliphe Merrill John True Thomas Brown Abener True Nathan Gove Joshua Page Enoch Gove Joseph Page Sam' Philbrick Abel Page Jonathan Swett Thomas True William French Joshua Page, Jr Jacob French Benjamin Eaton Jonathan Weare John Eaten Isaac Brown Thomas Eaten John Kenney Wimon Eaten Elisha Brown Joseph Norten Jonathan Walton Joseph Eaton Job Haskell John Selley Enoch Bold TOWN PAPERS HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 365 Samuel Felch Daniel Chase Joseph Falch Thomas Selly Henry Roby John Eaton, Jr John Chas Jonathan Hoyt Abel Daves Elezer Gove Simon Clough Paul Grinelf John Robei Jonathan Chase, Jr John Hunt Beniamin Leavit " Province of New Hamp'" November 27"' 1765 The foregoing Petition read & ordered to be sent down to the Honi''» Assembly T. Atkinson, Jr Secry New Hamp'" ("'"" '^^ house of Representatives Nov' 27"' 1765. The annexed Petition being Read and considered, "Voted, That the Petitioners be heard thereon the second Day of the siting of the General Assembly after the first day of January next, and that the Petitioners at their own cost serve the selectmen of Hampton falls with a copy of the Petition and order of Court that they may ap pear and shew cause if any they have why the Prayer thereof should not be granted. M Weare, Clr. In Council Nov 28"' 1765 Read & concurrd. T. Atkinson Jr. Secry. New^Hamp'}^" ^^^ House of Representatives July 2'' 1766. The foregoing Petition being taken under Consideration and the Parties heard thereon : Voted, That the Petitioners have liberty to Bring in a Bill for them and their Estates to be set off from the Parish of Hampton falls to act in all Respects as a distinct Society or Parish by themselves Except paying their Proportion of the Province tax untill a new Proportion thereof. The line of said New Parish to be fixed by a committee of the General Court with liberty for such of tlie Petitioners as shall not fall within said new Parish to Poll of with their Estates and Belong thereto and for any who shall fall within said new Parish who are not of tire Presbiterian Perswasion to Poll off with their Estates and belong to the old Parish, and for any who are not of the Presbyterian Perswa sion w-ho have or shall have Lands within said New Parish to Poll off said lands to belong to the old Parish agreeable to the Purport of a Vote of the Parish of Hampton falls the Second day of Sep' 1765. M. Weare, Clr. Province of "(^ j j jj f Representatives Julv 9"'' 1766. New Hamps' j ' j . ^ 1 Upon a motion of the Petitioners for some alteration in the forego ing vote Voted, That it be understood that any non Residents who have or shall have Land.s in either Parish shall have liberty to Poll off their said Land to that Parish which tliev shall choohe. M. Weare, Clr. In Council Eod'" Die Read & Concurr'd. T Atkinson Jr. Secry. 366 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition in answer to the foregoing Petition. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Captain General Governour and Commander in Chief In and Over his Majes tys Province of New Hampshire, The Honour'' his Majes tys Councill and House of Representatives in General Court Assembled. Jany i^' 1766. We the Subscribers, Chosen by the Parish of Hampton falls a Committee on their behalf, to make answer to a Peti tion Exhibited to the General Assembly Nov'' 21^' 1765 By a Number of Freeholders and Inhabitants of s*^ Parish Praying to be Excused from Paying to the Support of the Rev'' M' Paine Wingate Setled in the work of the ministry in said Parish &c. Beg Leave Humbly to Represent to your Excellency and Honors That the Reasons assigned by said Petitioners are such as ought by no means to Prevail for their being Exempted in the manner They pray for. And this we trust will clearly ap pear from a true state of facts Relative to these affairs We would therefore Inform your Excellency & Honors That Mr Wingate Having Preached in the Parish for some months before Mr Baileys Death and Afterwards to the General Satis faction of the People The Parish with the Advise of the Neigh boring ministers Proceeded to give him a call to Settle in the work of the ministry there, which call was unanimous by the Church, and General by the Parish, not more than three or four Persons opposing his Settlement. But the terms of Settlement not being agreed on he gave a Negative answer After which the Parish heard some others on Probation and gave Mr Micah Lawrence a call to settle, which we mention because it has been Represented as if the Parish were unreasonably set for Mr Wingate's settlement and no other person. But the same persons who opposed Mr Wingate's settlement opposed the settlement of Mr Lawrence ; which made the Generality of People think their opposition was more from a disposition to make Difficult;/ in the Parish than from any Reasonable objec tion they had against Either of the Persons. But Mr. Law rence also gave a Negative answer on accompt of terms of set tlement. Whereupon the People in General Signified their Desire to Renew their Call to Mr Wingate, and agreed to get him to Preach for four Sabbaths, if he could be Procured. It is true this was opposed by those who had all along opposed his settlement, but this was then but three or four Persons Mr Wingate was accordingly Procured for four Sabbaths ; after which a meeting was called. Notice being up two Sabbaths as usual, to see if the Parish would Renew their Call to Mr Wingate to settle which we mention, because it has been Rep- TOWN PAPERS HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 367 resented as if there had been some unfair Proceedings as to this meeting, tho' in what Particulars we could never find. At this meeting there was again a general Vote of the Parish to Renew their call to Mr Wingate, not more than six or seven Voting against it, and he had also again a unanimous Vote of the Church at the Same meeting also were voted terms of settlement which being five Pounds Sterling more than had been Voted before there were more Persons against the terms of settlement than against the call , tho' we think not more than ten or twelve at that time. But after wards many of these Pe titioners spoke of it as an Extravagant sum (the sum is 55 £. Sterling in the whole besides the Personage) and made this the Ground of uneasiness, and of stirring up Persons against Mr Wingates Settlement Representing that it was too much for such a Poor Parish to Pay, and if that were taken ofi' they would be Easy ; this was their General talk and the whole Ground of complaint then made. With what Propriety they Desire to take off (as they say) near one half and to maintain another minister when but a year or two ago the whole Parish were not able to pay fifty five pounds Sterling yearly, we must leave to themselves to Explain. The truth is the whole Parish is not more than sufficient to support one minister Properly, Tho' we think there was no Reason to find fault with what was Voted Mr Wingate ; Thus matters Rested for some time and it was Generally tho't that the uneasiness which had arose on accompt of the Salary would subside, But sometime after some of those Persons who had all along opposed our Settle ment went about, and in a very Private manner Procured a Number of Persons to Sign a Paper to Signify to Mr. Win gate that there "was a great Number of Persons in the Parish against his settlement, in order to Discourage him from acept- ing, which being accidentally heard of by one or two Persons who were for Mr Wingates settlement, and of the time when they Designed to carry the same to Mr Wingate it "was tho't Proper that some Persons should go and meet them at Mr. Win gates to Know what Objections there were, and Endeavor to clear up any Difficulties that might be made, accordingly three or four Persons went and met the Persons who had been Pro curing Signers, and informing them of what they heard Desired to Know who were uneasy and what their Objections were, that the}' might clear up the Matters if they could. But they Reply'd that what they had to Say was to M'' Wingate they had nothing to say to any Body Else, and after the other Persons were with drawn they Delivered a Paper to !Mr Win gate Signed by a considerable Number of Persons Signifying that they were against his setling, without assigning the Least Reason, and when they were asked the Reasons Declined giv- 3 68 NEW HAMPSHIRE ing any which not appearing to Mr Wingate (after Enquiring into all circumstances) to have Equal "weight with the unani mous Vote of the Church and Clear Vote of the Parish at a Legal meeting he accepted of the call. After this another Paper was carried about to be signed to Request the selectmen to call a meeting " to see if the freeholders Inhabitants of Hampton falls will Vote that all the Votes has been Past Re lating to Mr Wingate call in the Work of the ministry Salary and support in this Parish of Hampton falls be Repealed and absolutely Revoked and made void &c." Which being De livered to the select men they Denied calling a meeting, look ing upon it altogether as Improper after matters had been fairly and clearly determined at fair and Legal meetings to call a meeting to Revoke the same as it would be after a minister had been setled Ever so Long to have a meeting to Revoke all that had ever been done. The absurdity and Impropriety of which they tho't must be quite Evident, with several other Reasons which they gave the Petitioners in writing in answer to their Request, in hopes to satisfy them that their Request was un reasonable, However it had not this Effect But they Proceeded to get a meeting called by two Justices at which meeting they voted all the Proceedings Relating to Mr. Wingates settlement to be Null and Void. But not trusting to this when the coun cell was convened a Committee of the above Persons appeared & Objected to Mr Wingates being Ordained ; But never made the Least Objection against his Doctrine, life or Conversation but on the Contrary, being asked by the Councill whether they had any Objections of this sort, said they had not neither did they make the Least Suggestion that they were of a Different Perswasion. We hope your Excellency and Honors will Excuse this so long a Rehearsal of the Transaction of said Parish Relative to these affairs as all the Objections hitherto made were against the Proceedings of the Parish as Illegal and unfair — for that of being Presbyterians had not yet come into their minds and these Objections as in the Present Petition couched in General terms without assigning a single Instance Wherein they were unprecedented or justly Grievous which made it necessary for to give a Particular accompt of the whole Proceedings that the Instance wherein we have failed, may be Pointed Out, for we never yet could tell wherein it was. "From this state of facts we apprehend it will appear clear to your Excellency and Honours that the transactions of said Parish Relative to Mr Wingate's settlement have been Regular and agreeable to the Law and Practise in such cases That his call'to settlement, was as clear and Indisputable as Generally can be Expected and that those who afterwards were Drawn in to oppose it had TOWN PAPERS HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 369 no just cause for so doing. That at the time when Mr. Win- :gate was ordained, none of these Petitioners had the least tho't of being of a different Perswasion, for if they had it must be supposed they would have made that one objection before the Councill. We are therefore fully Perswaded that they will appear wholly Inexcusable in Representing as they do in their Petition as if Mr Wingates Religious Sentiments, and the Doctrines Preached by him were the ground of their uneasi ness, the contrary to which they themselves declared before the Councill. Moreover from the best Information we can get one Quarter part at least of these Petitioners, never heard Mr Wingate Preach in their lives and many others of them not more than once or twice and not one in twenty of them ever had the least conversation with him to Know any thing of his Religious Sentiments, And they have put down the Name of one at Least in their Petition who his own father has Repre sented as an Idiot so wanting of understanding that he ought not to be taxed for his head and he has been accordingly omit ted and many of the Other Petitioners do not own one Inch of Real Estate in the Parish. How fair these things are we leave to be Judged, and of the like sort is their assertion that near one half of the Inhabitants of said Parish Constantly opposed Mr Wingates settlement and dissented therefrom, the Contrary to which is Evident from the foregoing state of facts. That these Petitioners as well as we are Intitled to his Majes tys Grace and favour "we have not the least doubt — and this we look upon to be so great a Priviledge and favour, that it ought never to be made use of to serve wrong Purposes, and here we beg leave only to Remark, that if any number of Persons without any the least pretence of being of a Different Per swasion or any the least Objection to the settled minister as to his Doctrine, Life, or Conversation (which was the fact here) may at any time Seperate and set up as a Distinct Society by themselves, without any Countenance from authority, and whether those they Seperate from Remain able to support the minister or not (whatever Denomination such may please to assume afterwards) there evidently Can be no Certain support for the Ministry at all, which is very far from being the Design of the Act of Toleration, And plainly tends to Destroy Relig ion of all Denominations. That these Petitioners have the true Doctrines of Grace and Salvation preached to them according to their sense of these things we have nothing to say to, and that they are so Preached by Mr Wingate Even these Petitioners themselves after all their Endeavors, could never find the least Objection to make to the Contrary, so that the Inuendo's and suggestions against Mr Wingate's Preaching are put in as we conceive for no other 24 370 NEW HAMPSHIRE Reason than that they tho't it necessary in Order to their hav ing any Colour for what they Ask, that there should have been in Reality what they without the least foundation Suggest. Such methods we think quite needless in a Good cause and they will we trust be quite unavailable in any Other. Wherefore we Humbly Pray, not only on behalf of the Parish of Hamp ton falls But of all Religious Societys in General that the Peti tion may be Dismissed. For we think that Encouraging Per sons in Methods such as these Petitioners have Practised will have a direct tendancy to Destroy Religious Societys of every Denomination. But if it shall Appear Otherwise to your Excellency and Honors, we Humbly Pray that they may be made a Distinct Parish to act in all Respects by themselves, we being fully con vinced from what we have already Experienced how great will be the Difficulties of being Connected in Civil matters while there is a Seperation as to Others. For which Reason the Parish were willing Notwithstanding the unreasonableness of all their Proceedings that they should go off as a Distinct Parish and their not accepting of this we think Shews their Disposition more to keep the Parish in Difficulties, than that Religious Principles are the foundation of their Proceedings. Meshech Weare "i Richard Nason Jonathan Tilton L^ Caleb Sanborn ^ Committee. Nathaniel Gove Abner Sanborn Jr Petition for a Presbyteria}i Society renexued — (with slight alteratio7is) . g^ To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq. Captain Gen- ' ^ eral Governor and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of Xew Hampshire, To His Honorable his Alajesties Council and House of Rep- sentatives for said Province Convened in General As sembly July 3'' 1767. The Petition of the Subscribers Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of Hampton falls in said Province, Humbly Sheweth. That about three years ago the Rev" Mr Pain Wingate in the Congregational way and manner was settled in the work of the ministry in said town ; That the Doctrines Preached by the said Rev' Mr Pain Win gate are very different from those of your petitioners and dis- TOWN PAPERS HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 37 I agreeable to them. That your Petitioners apprehended they could not be Profited by the Preaching and ministration of the said Rev'^ Mr Wingate. That the measures taken by the said Town in order to the Settlement and support of the said Mr Wingate are as your Petitioners Conceive unprecedented and Justly Grievous to them, and that Therefore your petitioners and many others (near one half thereof) constantly opposed his Settlement there and Dissented therefrom. That your Pe titioners are Conscientiously of the Presbyterian Perswation Respecting Church Government, Doctrin Discipline and Wor ship That thay with others of their Breathren of that said per swation have for some time Past Been Regularly formed into a church built a meeting House in said Town lor the Public Worship of God, Called and settled a minister in the Presby terian way Namely the Rev ' Mr Samuel Perley. That your Petitioners Conscientiously and Constantly on the Lords day and at other times occationally attend the Publick Worship of God there according to their said Perswasion — -That the Premises Notwithstanding the select men of the town of Hamp ton falls for two years Past have Rated your Petitioners for the support of the said Mr Wingate, which some of your Petition ers have been Imprisoned therefor, which your Petitioners apprehend to be a Greivious and unreasonable Burthan upon them. Therefore your Petitioners Humbly Pray your Excel lency and Honors to take their case under your wise consider ation, and as they Conceive themselves to be Intitled to his Majestys Grace and Faviour in allowing to all his subjects Lib erty of Conscience and that it is unreasonable for them to be Compelled to Pay towards the support of a minister whom they do not hear and attend upon for the Reasons aforesaid when at the same time they are at the Expence of maintaining Publick Worship amonge themselves : Thay pray your Ex cellency and Honors would Grant them Relief in the Prem ises by Exonerating them their families and Estates and all other within said town of Hampton falls who are of the same perswasion and attend the Publick Worship with them from all ministerial Rates and taxes ia said town Excepting to their own niinister and setting them off" as a distinck Parish for ministe rial affairs only and enabling the said Presbyterian Congregation to Raise and Levy upon themselves such taxes and assessments as they shall from time to time Find necessary for the support of the ministry and Publick Worship of God amonge tham selves : and as in duty bound shall ever pray &c &c. Ebenezer Knowlton Abel Davis Henry Robie Joseph Norten Richard Smith Winthrop Gove Jacob Smith John Eaton Jr Samuel Selley Job Haskell 372 NEW HAMPSHIRE John Chase Jr Jonathan Hoyt Benjamin Eaton John True Enoch Gove Jacob Freanch Samuel Pearkins Simon Clough Wimon Eaton Abner True Thomas Seley Jonathan Walton John Seley Ebenezer Gove Thomas Eaton Samuel Eaton Jonathan Weare Elisha Merrill Joseph Page Samuel Felch Thomas True Joseph Falch David Knowlton William French Elisha Brown Paul Greenleaf Jonathan Chase, Jr Sam" Philbrick Thomas Brown John Chase Joseph Chase Isaac Brown Joshua Page Benjamin Leavitt Abel Page Nathan Gove. John Eaton Province of New Hampshire. In Council Septem' 22'1 1767. Read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''" Assembly. T. Atkinson Jr Secry. r. ¦ r- XT Tj u • f In the House of Representatives Sept' Province of New Hampshire-^ 22"' 1767 Upon Reading the foregoing Petition Voted that the Petition'" be heard on the said Petition on the third Day of the sitting of the General Assembly after the first Day of November next & that they serve the select men of Hampton falls with a Copy of said Petition & the order of the assembly thereon within fourteen days from this time. M. Weare, Clr. In Council, Eodem Die Read & Concurred. T. Atkinson Jr. Secry. Province of New Hamps' In the House of Representatives Feb'^ 12"" 1768. The within Petition being Considered, Voted that it be dismiss'd Re serving to the Petitioners Liberty to Bring in a Bill as heretofore Granted to be set off as a Distinct Parish in all Respects. M. Weare, Clr. In Council Feby i8'» 1768. Read & concurrd Geo. King, Depy Secry. An Act for dividing Hampton Falls into two Parishes. Anno regni Regis Georgii tertii Magnee Brittanize, Franciae et Hiber- niae Octavo. An act for dividing the town of Hampton Falls into two distinct Parishes. Whereas a number of the Inhabitants of the Town of Hampton Falls have petitioned to be sett of into a distinct & New Parish for reasons in their said Petition set forth and approved of. Be it enacted by his Excellency the Governor Council & Representa tives in General Assembly Convened and by the authority of the same it is hereby enacted TOWN PAPERS — HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 373 That on or before the day of — — next the aforesaid Town of Hampton Falls shall be divided into two Parishes, each of which shall enjoy all and every Priviledges common to other Parishes, distinct and seperate from each other, under the following Exceptions and Restric tions vizt. A Divisional Line shall be drawn & setled by a committee of the General Court for that Purpose and all such of the Inhabitants who are of the Presbyterian Perswasion whose Estates shall not fall within the new Parish shall bepoll'd off and belong thereto, and any of the Congregational Inhabitants whose Estates shall fall within the New Parish shall be poU'd off with their Estates and belong to the old Par- ish> and the Estates of all nonresident Proprietors that shall fall within the New Parish shall be assessed for all Parish Taxes (excepting min isterial) by the said New Parish. Report of a Comm.ittee to fix the line between the said two Parishes. Province of ) We the Subscribers being appointed by a vote of New Hampshire j" the General assembly to fix a Line in the Town of" Hampton falls in order to The southern Part There of Being Erected into a Distinct Parish accordingly we have viewed the Premises Heard the Parties &" and agree to Report that a Line Be gining on Kensington Line near Joseph Browns Dwelling house at a Road called Horsehill Road and Following said road Down to a Bridge Below Weare mill then easterly on the North Line of 'Elisha Browns Land to the North East corner Thereof by the Quaker Parsonage (so called) Then following the Road that leads by Henry Thresher's hous«- to the country road. Then following the Line Between Land of Abra^ ham Dow and Ralph Butler and Isaac Brown and between Said Dow & Meshech Weare Esq. to the south East corner of said Weare's marsh at Browns River (so called) then following said River to the western End of the parsonage Island (so called) then Round on the southern and Eastern Sides of said Island to the afors'' River and to the mouth thereof, shall be the Dividing Line between the two Parishes. Hampton Falls April 27"' 1768. John Giddinge "j Josiah Bartlett [¦ Comittee Ebenezer Thompson J New^Ham°s' 1"^" the House of Representatives May 24"' 1768. The within Report being Read and no objection made Voted, That the Report be accepted and that the Petitioners may bring in a bill agreeable thereto * M. Weare, Clr. In Council May 24, 1768 Read & concurr'd. T. Atkinson Jr. Secry. 374 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition of the Parish of Hampton Falls in relation to delinquent tax-payers. Province of ) To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq. New Hampshire [¦ Capt. Gen' Governor & Commander in Rockingham ss ) cheif in & over said Province, The Hon''" his Majestys Council & Plouse of Representatives in general Assembly conven'd May, 1773. The Petition of us the subscribers a committee in behalf of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Parish of Hampton Falls in said County Humbly sheweth, that the selectmen for the year 1770 of the said Parish assessed the Inhabitants & Freeholders of the same in the sum of fifty five Pounds ster ling money for their ministers salary and afterwards at a Legal meeting of the Freeholders & Inhabitants of the same Parish it was, among other things Voted that the selectmen for the year 1770 should be Directed not to make any tax or assess ment on the Polls or estates in s ' Parish for the support of their minister (the Rev ' Mr Wingate) for that year and after wards at another meeting of the same Freeholders and inhab itants the said Vote was Ratified and confirmed in consequence of which the selectmen aforesaid did not proceed to issue their warrant to the Constable of said Parish Impowering him to collect the taxes as they had before assess'd them but neglected by which means none of the Taxes asses'd aforesaid were that year collected — And 3'our Petitioners in behalf of s' Par ish of Hampton falls further shew that the Inhabitants & Free holders of the same Parish at their Legal meeting the follow ing year (viz the 3'ear 177 1) Passed a vote Impowering and ordering the selectmen for that year to issue their Warant to the Constable authorizing him to collect the Taxes for the pre ceding year as they were assessed by the then selectmen for said Parish for the purpose of paying their s'' ministers salary. They also Voted & appointed us a Committee to give security to the said Rev'^ Mr VVingate for the Payment of the Salary before mentioned on or before the first Day of March then next together with one years interest for the same & if not Paid at that time to be upon interest untill Paid. Consequent upon which last Vote, your Petitioners gave the Rev'' Mr Wingate their Bond for Fifty five Pounds sterling for the Salary Due to him for the year 1770 and the selectmen for 1771 issued their Warrant Directly to the Constable impowering him to collect the Taxes for the preceding year of Parishioners as before as sessed agreeable to said Vote, but afterwards Doubting the Propriety & Regularity of the Vote impowering the selectmen for one year to Rectify the mistakes and negligences of the select men for a preceding year said selectmen forbid the Con stable Distraining upon any for said Tax (at lest for a time) TOWN PAPERS — HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 375 Isut still Requiring him to Collect the same as near as Pos- .sible without Destraint which accordingly he has done and has collected the major part thereof, viz : about three fourths — and we further shew that since the assessment of said tax which was in 177°' many of the Parishioners have withdrawn from said Parish & joyned themselves to the Presbyterian Society in Seabrook & Elsewhere whereby to Exempt themselves from ministerial Charges in said Parish which withdrawment was in 177' before making of the assessments for that year therefore looking upon themselves clear of being taxed to any ministe rial charges either for the present year or the arrearages for the year preceding and the selectmen authority to impower the Constable to collect said arrearages according to said Vote, being frequently Disputed, whereupon those thus withdrawn as aforesaid Refused to pay their proportion of said arrearages (altho not Denying it justly Due) unless upon certain condi tions by themselves proposed upon which they "would Readily Pay the same without Difficulty altho they could not be com pelled to do it which conditions were complyed with by the -selectmen to whom they were by themselves proposed where upon the major part of said arrearages was immediately Paid without Objection & continuing to be collecting untill after a while one & another of those who were in the agreement as aforesaid objects & Refuses to Pay & the number increasing Whereupon others who before had nothing to object against paying their proportion of the same have also Refused & still JRefuse untill all shall be compelled to do likewise. The names of those who have not paid their Proportion of said ministers Salary for 1770 are as follows, viz. Ralph Butler Richard Nason, Esq Philip Burns Jonathan Nason Christopher Blake Joseph Pervere Richard Brown Lieut Sam Prescutt Abraham Burnam Samuel Robie Joshua Chase Nathan Rowe John Davis Jonathan Stanyan Joel Haskiel Enoch Sanborn Zebulon Hilyard Malichi Shaw Simeon Hilyard Dudley Sanborn Benj" Hilyard Capt Caleb Sanborn William Lang Jonathan Tilton, Jr Stephen Lang Nathan Weare John Lucy Capt Walter Williams Amos Leavit Col Meshech Weare Francis Mershall Chase Williams Richard Mace Melcher Ward, Josiah Moulton (which were then Inhabitants in said Parish of Hampton falls those who "Tvere not inhabitants having some Interest in said Parish are as follows ¦viz.) Thomas Rand Col Jonathan Moulton 376 NEW HAMPSHIRE Christopher Toppan Esq Francis Batchelder Theo's Smith Esq Edward Sleeper Joseph Sweesey Samuel Colkett Ebenezer Barker Edward Tuck Jeremiah Prescut Jesse Tuck Wid° Elizabeth Blake Benjamin Brown Wherefore your Petitioners in behalf of said Parish Humblj pray that your Excellency & Honours would take the Premises into your serious Consideration and as it would be very hard as well as inequitable that the whole burthen of Taxes should fall only on a part of the Parish when all have been equally Benifited & your Petitioners Doubting the Propriety & Regu larity of the Vote as aforesaid & their own ability to compel the Delinquents to a compliance therewith, your Petitioners Humbly beg that your Excellency & Honors would order the said Delinquents to pay the several sums they are Respectfully assessed for the said year 1770, & your Petitioners as in Duty- bound will ever pray. Hampton falls May 29"' 1772. Jeremiah Blake William Davison Jeremiah Lane David Bachelder Jonathan Burnam Petition of Selecttne7i of Hampton Falls for leave to make- a rate, &c. Province of ) To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq New Hampshire j Governor in Chief in & over said Prov ince, The Honourable the Council & House of Representatives in General Assembly convened. The Humble Petition of Benjamin Tilton, William Davisoni and Nehemiah Cram Selectmen of Hampton falls in the County of Rockingham & Province aforesaid, Sheweth, that on the 22'' Day of May last in the thirteenth year of his Majes tys Reign, your Excellency & Honors past an act intitled, "An act for dissolving the annual meeting of the Inhabitants of the Parish of Hampton falls and authorizing the holding a new meeting," and in & by the same act (among other things) the said annual meeting is declared illegal & the Proceedings thereof wholly made null and void, and a new meeting of said Inhabitants for transacting the annual Business of said Parish ordered, and the Honorable John Phillips Esq. a member of said house appointed to call and govern said last mentioned meeting till the Business thereof be ended. TOWN PAPERS — HAMPTON AND HAMPTON FALLS. 377 By Virtue of which said act a new meeting was called and held at said Hampton falls on the 28"' of June last at which your Petitioners were duly chosen select men of said Hampton falls and legally sworn to Execute that office, but your Peti tioners were chosen into that office after the time by Law fixed for taking the invoice for the current year "was expired and no Power being given your Petitioners after their Election to take an Invoice they have hitherto been prevented from making any Rates in said Hampton falls and must still be so without the Interposition of the Legislative authority of your Excellency & Honors in that Behalf. And whereas the selectmen chosen at said annual meeting took part, and other persons appointed by order of said house took the rest of the invoice for said. Hampton falls for the year 1 773 the whole of which Invoice so takea was Exhibited to the General Assembly for said Province for the Purpose of assessing the Inhabitants of said Hampton falls their proportion of the Province Tax : Wherefore your Petitioners Humbly pray that they as select- raen afore' s'^ may be authorized to assess & Rate the Inhab itants of said Hampton falls according to the Invoice so taken & Exhibited to your Excellency & Honours, and that the same Invoice may be made good, as if the same had been seasonably & properly taken or that your Petitioners may be impowered. to take a new invoice and to make the Rates in s*^ Hamptoa falls agreeable thereto, and your petitioners as in Duty bound will ever pray &c December 24"' 1773. Benj* Tilton William Davison Nehemiah Cram. Province of \ In the House of Representatives Jan^ 19, 1774, this pe- New Hampsh j tition was read & Voted that the petitioners proceed by the old Inventory as soon as may be, and thatthey- have leave to bring in a Resolve accordingly Wm Parker, Cler. In Council Eodem Die, Read and Concurrd, Geo. King, D. Secry. 378 NEW HAMPSHIRE HANOVER. [Hanover was granted by charter July 4, 1761, to eleven persons of the name of Freeman, and 52 others, principally from Connecticut. The first settlement was made in May, 1765. Ed.] Petition of John House about Islands in Connecticut river. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq Captain General, Governor and Commander in Chief in and Over his Majes tys Province of New Hampshire in Council The Petition of John House of Hanover in the Province aforesaid. Gentleman, unto your Excellency & the Hon'''" Council Humbly shews That your Petitioner was one of the first settlers of said Township with great fatigue and Expence, and has continued to improve his Interest there to this Time, That he purchased of James Hovey two certain Islands in Connecticut River at an expence of twenty Pounds Lawfull money, which Islands lies opposite to said Township and contains together about twelve acres and have always been improved by said Hovey and your Petitioner on a Presumption that they belonged to said Township & said Hovey claimed them in his Right of Proprietorship & Prior occupancy, your Petitioner has been since informed that all Islands in said River not Expressly mentioned in Town grants still remain the Property of his Majesty and for the considerations aforementioned. He hum bly hopes to obtain y'' Excellencys and Honours Favours to him, in continuing him in his Possessions & Improvements of said Islands & to grant him the Property of the same, or oth erways to relieve him on the Prayer of this his Petition as y' Excellency and Honours may Judge best. And your Petition ers as in Duty bound shall ever pray. John House. Portsm" December 29"" 1770. HILLSBOROUGH. [A settlement was begun in this town in 1741, by James McCalley, Samuel Gibson, and others ; but was broken up in 1744. It was re sumed not far from 1759; and incorporated by charter, Nov. 14, 1772. Ed.] TOWN PAPERS — HILLSBOROUGH. 379 Petition in relation to roads in Society lands. Province of 1 To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq. New Hampshire ) Captain General, Governor & Command er in chief in and over said Province The Hon''' ° his Majestys Council and the Hon'''" the House of Representatives for said Province in General Assembly to be convened at Portsmouth in said Province on the 20 Day of march next. The petition of Divers of the Inhabitants of Hillsborough in said Province Humbly sheweth that the Inhabitants of said Hillsborough were obliged to cut and clear a road through a Tract of Land call'd the Societys Land near eight miles in Length which Road we have maintained on our own Cost near seven years being the only way we could come to our own Lands "which road has cost us a great sum of money and for two years past we have been obliged to pay province Taxes — Wherefore "we Humbly pray your Excellency and Honours would please to make an act to oblige the proprietors & owners of said Societys Land to maintain and keep said Road in repair for the benefit of themselves the Inhabitants of said Hillsborough & Inhabitants of the country around us, your petitioners in duty Bound will ever pray. Hillsborough Feby. 15"' 1770. Samuel Bradford Samuel Bradford, Jr Timothy Bradford William Williams Henry Codd Isaac Andrews Anthony Morin John Mead Samuel Bradford Abijah Lovejoy Peter Codd Benjamin Lovejoy John McCalley Benjamin Lovejoy, Jr. James Gibson Isaac Baldwin John Gibson Nathan Taylor Josiah Colledge James Taggart William Pope Archibald Taggart Moses Steel Joshua Estey Jonathan Durent William Taggart Jr Daniel M'Murphy Robert Taggart Timothy Wilkins John Taggart. Nehemyer Wilkins In Council March 28'^'' 1770 The within Petition was read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''* Assembly. Geo : King, D. Secry Province of lin the House of Representatives March 28"' 1770. New Hamps' J ^ Voted, That the Petitioners be heard on their Petition on the third •day of the siting of the General Assembly after the first day of May next and that they cause the Substance of their Petition and this Order of Court to be Published two weeks successively in the New Hamp shire Gazett that any person may shew cause why the Prayer thereof should not be granted. M. Weare, Clr. 380 NEW HAMPSHIRE In Council Mar. 29"" 1770. Read & concur'd Geo. King, D. Secry Province of "I In the House of Representatives Jany !»'' 1771. "The New Hampshr/ within Petition being Considered and appearing Reasonable Voted, That the Petitioners have liberty to Bring in a Bill for the purpose mentioned in the Petition M. Weare, Clr. The Deposition of John M'Calley of Lawful Eage testifyeth and sayes, that to his certain Knowledge that the Road through the Society Land so called leading to Hillsborough was cut out at the Cost of the Inhabitants of said Hillsborough. John McCalley. June the iS"" 1770. Province of 1 June the 18"' 1770. Then the above named John New Hampshire /M'Calley Personally appeared and after Due Caution and careful Examination made a solemn oath to the truth of the above Deposition by him signed to be used at the General Court of the Provence aforesaid in behalf of the Petition that the In habitants of Hillsborough has prefered to said General Cort, Praying that the Road through the Society land may be made Good at the cost of the owners of said land. Before, William Clark, Jus. Peace. The Deposition of John Gibson of La"wful Eage testifyeth and says that he helped to clear out the Road through the Society land so called that leads to Hillsborough and that it was done at the cost of the In habitants of said Hillsborough (i). John Gibson. June the 18"" 1770. Province of 1 June the 18"' 1770, then the above named John New Hampshire / Gibson Personalley appeared and after Due caution and carefull Examination made solemn oath to truth of the above Deposition by him signed to be used at the General Cort of the Provence aforesaid in behalf of a Petition that the inhabitants of Hillsborough has prefered to said General Cort Praying that the Road through the Society land leading to Hillsborough may be made good at the cost of the owners of said Land. Before William Clark, Jus. Peace. (1) The above depositions were to be used in behalf of the foreeoiuK petition for roads. Ed. o — o t- Petition for an Act of Incorporation. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq Captain General, Governor and commander in chief In and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire, And to the Honourable his Majestys Council of said Province. The Petition of the subscribers Inhabitants of a Township TOWN PAPERS HILLSBOROUGH. 381 called Hillsborough in the Province aforesaid. Humbly sheweth, That we have been subjected to the payment of Province & County Taxes as fully as the inhabitants of towns in this Province, but have not enjoyed equal priviledges. We are humbly of opinion that, Collecting of Taxes would be facilitated to us, good order maintained, the culture of our land Encouraged, and many inconveniences removed and good pur poses answered by an incorporation. Therefore we pray that said Township Butted and Bounded as follows viz. Begin ning at the Southeast corner of a Beach Tree marked *], from thence South Eighty four degrees & 30 minutes west about six miles by the Society Lands so called to a Beach tree marked 7 & 8, from thence north fifteen degrees West about six miles by comon Land so called to a Beach Tree marked 7 & 8 from thence North Eighty four degrees & 30 minutes East about six miles to a Beach tree marked *], from thence about six miles by the Town of Henniker to the Bounds first mentioned may be erected and incorporated a Body politic infranchised with the same powers & Priviledges that other Towns in this Prov ince have & enjoy. And your Petitioners as in Duty bound •will ever Pray. Jonathan Duren William Jones Timothy Wilkins Benjamin Lovejoy Jr Abijah Lovejoy John Gibson John Sargent William Pope John Steel William Williams Archibald Taggart Isaac Baldwin James Gibson Daniel M^Neall William Taggart Joseph Clark John Mi^Calley Isaac Andrews George Bemaine Alexander M'=Clintock William Clark Samuel Bradford Petition oj John Hill in behalf of Hillsborough and Peterborough, for protection from the Indians. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Capt General & Governor in Chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire, To the Hon'''* his Majesties Council & House of Representatives in General Court Assembled. Jn° Hill in behalf of himself & the other proprietors of a Township N" 7, in the line of Towns commonly called Hills borough & another Township called Peterborough both in the Province of New Hampshire, humbly shews That your Peti tioners & the other s"* proprietors have been at great Charge & Expence in settling & bringing forward y'= s"* Townships to their present circumstances, there being near 40 familys that would 382 NEW HAMPSHIRE now be in Each of s'' Towns but are discouraged by the dan ger of an Indian War, & are now ready to go on if they can be protected in their settlement. Wherefore your Petitioner in behalf of himself & the other proprietors pray in Consider ation of the great Expence they have been at in these settle ments and the manifest advantage that will accrue to this. Province from them, that being Frontier Towns they may be Defended & protected by this Government as Your Excellency & Houn" shall seem meet & vour Petitioners shall ever pray &c. John Hill. Indorsed, "John Hills, Petition 1744." HINSDALE. [This town was originally part of Northfield, Ms., from which itwas separated when the boundary line was established in 1741. Itwas in corporated by charter, Sept. 3, 1753. Ed. 3 Petitionof Col. Ebenezer Hinsdale in behalf of North-field. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Captain General, Governor & Commander in Chief in & over His Majestys Province of New Hampshire and the Honorable His Majes tys Council for said Province. The Humble Petition of Ebenezer Hinsdale of Northfield in said Province Esq"" In behalf of himself & others Proprietors of the Land in said Place a List of whose names is herewith presented. Shews, That they & those under whom they claim said Land have possessed & Improved the same upwards of Seventy years having first entered thereon under a Grant of the Government of the Massachusetts Bay & have in that time Encounter'd all the Difficulties of the Indian Wars & Struggled with other hardships Incident to Frontier settlements begun in the wilder ness remote from cultivated Lands : That they have Improv'd the same to a Considerable Degree by reason whereof the said place is not only of great advan tage to the settlers but useful to the Government wherein it is situate in many Respects too obvious to need enumerating, whereby they have som Just pretensions to such Favours as may be granted by the Government to any of his Majestys Good Subjects & with regard to such as have relation to this settlement to be prefer'd to any others : That if no Legal tide to the said Lands can be derived to the- TOWN PAPERS HINSDALE. 383 Grantees under the Governm' of the Massachusetts, yet by virtue of such a Long Seizin in a Country so exposed where the Difficulty of Improving of Lands has been vastly beyond what it is near other settlements where the settlers have with a resolution & Courage scarce Parallell'd Maintain'd their Pos sessions against all Discouragements & made an useful settle ment now in a condition to succour the neighbouring Infant Plantations they seem to have a Legal Right to hold the same Exonerated from all other Duty, than what Loyal Subjects owe to their Prince & the Government under which they live For they have Purchased the ^Estates they claim here at a Dear Rate upon a just Computation at Least they Humbly Conceive it must be allow'd that in Equity they ought so to Enjoy them : Wherefore they pray That your Excellency would be pleased to Incorporate the settlers upon & the Lands called Northfield within the Province of New Hampshire in consideration of the Premises with other particular Tracts laid out for farms to Particular persons (whose names are Distinguished in said List) adjacent there unto, Into a Township & Invest them with the Rights & Privileges which other Towns Enjoy in said Province if your Excellency & Honours can by any means grant the same But if not that you would be Pleased to grant the said Lands & Farms to the said Claimers in Proportion & according to their Respective claims with such other Lands not claimed to such Persons as you shall Judge proper and Incor porate the "whole as aforesd as that will greatly Facilitate the Further Cultivation & Improvement of said Lands and your Petitioners in Duty Bound shall ever pray &c. Ebenezer Hinsdale. [No date.] Petition of Proprietors and claimers of land in Northfield south of the Province line. Province of ] To His Excellency Benning Wentworth New Hampshire j Esq. Governour & Commander in Chief in & over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire & to the Hon'"'" his Majesties Council for s"* Province : The Petition of the Proprietors claimers of Land lying within his Majesties Province aforesaid heretofore Part of the Propriety & Town of Northfield as the same was granted by the Province of the Mass*'^^ Bay but by the dividing Line of the Province now falls to the North of the said Dividing Line^ Humbly shews that your Petitioners have long esteemed the s* Tract of Land their own Property but being informed byyour 384 NEW HAMPSHIRE Excellcy and , Honours that the same is his Majesties to be granted to such of his subjects as are desirous to take a grant upon his Majesties Terms Conditions & Reser"vations, We Humbly pray that we may have a grant of the same so as not to interfere or destroy our former survey & laying out, which we hope considering our long Possession & the great Charge & cost we have been at in defending the same will give us the Preference to any others of his Majesties subjects and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray Aug' 29'" 1753. Ebenezer Alexander Joseph Burt Jonathan Belding Samuel Hunt Isaac Mattoon Nathl Mattoon Azariah Wright Remembrance Wright Benoni Wright Phineas Wright William Wright Willm Holton Willm Holton, Jr. Ebenezer Severance Benjn Rose Benjn Brooks Daniel Brooks Saml Merriman Samuel Smith Jonathan Jones Seth Field David Field Ebenr Field Ebenr Field, Jr Moses Field Samuel Field Paul Field Rufus Field Joshua Lyman Sarah Petty Alexr Norton Benjn Miller Philip Mattoon Israel Warner Ebenr Warner Eleazer Patterson Samuel Holton Moses Evans Randel Evens Lydia DooUttle Lucius Doolittle Amzi Doolittle Zeb'dh Stebbins Thos Stebbins Hezekiah Stratton Ebenezer Stratton Samuel Stratton John Stratton Eleazer Stratton Hezekiah Stratton Jr Nathl Dickinson's Heirs Moses Dickinson Nathl Dickinson WiUm Orvis Stephen Belding Asahel Burts, Heirs Aaron Burt Abraham Elgar Joseph Alexander Philip Alexander Saml Root Simeon Alexander John HoUon Bildad Andrae Joshua Heltons, Heirs Joseph Pettys, Heirs Margaret Petty. Joseph Petty Josiah Foster Jonathan Morton Timothy Nash Gains Field Saml Ashley Hezh Elmer Jacob Elmer Daniel Elmer John Avery John Grundy Beriah Grundy Henry Kenney Pedaijah Field Joseph Stebbins Nehemiah Wright. TOWN PAPERS — HINSDALE. 385 Petition of Ebenezer Hinsdale for protection against the Indians. Hinsdale Decemb"^ 24"' 1755 To His Excelly Bening Wentworth Esq. Capt Gen" & Com mander in Chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampsh'' To the Honour'"' '^ his Majestys Councill & House of Representatives when In Gen" Court Assembled. The petition of Ebenezer Hinsdale of Hinsdale in the province of New Hampsh' In behalfe of himself & others of said Town, Humbly Sheweth that the said Place is the first Town above the Massachusetts line on Connecticut River a part of which has been under Improvement for sixty or seventy years past ; That they have now made Considerable Improvements Even above any Town Ship In the province of New Hampsh"' on «'' River ; That they have been formerly Protected by the Province of the Massachusetts Bay but have Lately been much Neglected as not being within their Line of Jurisdiction ; That of late we have been kindly cared for of your Excelly & Honours which Imboldens us to pray to you for yo' further care. We look upon ourselves one of the most Exposed places in "these parts In as much as the desent from Crown Point by the way of Otter Creek & down west River (out of the way of our Forts at Lake George &c) Is as Easey by West River to us as by Black River to Charles town the uppermost Settle ment on Connecticut River. It is Evident from the Numerous attacks made on this place at the close of the last Warr, and their Repeated strokes on us the last Summer that we are a people much Exposed & Stand in as special need of your Protection as any Place what so ever, and without it we cannot long continue here. I have Compleated the best fortification in these parts as will be allowed by any who have seen it. It appears hard to give it up to his Majestys Enemies, Never the less I must be obliged to Resign it with out your assistance In the Protection of it. We are in Constant fear of an Enemy desending upon us since the forces are drawn off" in a great measure from Lake George In as much as those Forts maintain'd there stand not in the Way of the Enemies usuall Desent upon these frontiers. We therefore Intreat you will afford us a speedy & Steady Protection & we as in Duty bound will ever pray. Ebenez' Hinsdale, In y" name of y'' rest. 25 386 new HAMPSHIRE In Council Jan^ 2^ 1756, Read & recommended & ordered to be sent Down to the Hon'"'" As sembly Theod' Atkinson, Secry. Petition of Daniel Jones of Hinsdale for remission of taxes. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Captain Gener all and Governor in chief in and over his Majestys Prov ince of New Hampshire and to the Honorable his Majestys Council and House of Representatives in Generall Court Assembled, June 25*^'" 1766. The petition of Daniel Jones of Hinsdale within said Prov ince of New Hampshire in Behalf of the Inhabitants of that part of Hinsdale which lieth within The province of New Hampshire aforesaid, Humbly shews That by his Majestys Order in Council of July 3o"' 1764 Connecticut River is the Dividing Line Between the Province of New Hampshire & New York By which settlements Near one half of y*^ Poles and Rateable Estate within the Town of Hinsdale are taken into the Province of New York. By which means the Inhab itants of that part of said Hinsdale which lieth within the Prov ince of New Hampshire have been obliged to pay for y" year past towards the province tax that whole sum of money or proportion of the province tax that used to be Laid on the Inhabitants & Rateable Estate of y'^ Town of Hinsdale on Both sides of Connecticut River. Your Petitioner therefore in Behalf of the Inhabitants of y' town of Hinsdale within said Province of N. Hampshire Humbly prays your Excellency and Honors woud remit to sa'd Inhabitants that part of the Province tax that would have been laid on y' Inhabitants of Hinsdale on the Western side of Connecticut River had they have remained to y' Province of New Hampshire for y"' year past & also to assess them for the Future in the same proportion with other Towns within said Province all which is humbly submitted by Dan' Jones. June 5"' 1766. Province of New Hampshire, In Council 4"" July 1766, Read & Ordered to be sent down to the Hon*'" house. T. Atkinson Jr. Secry. At a Legall meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Hinsdale held at Hinsdale on y" 30'" day bf October 1765, Voted, that Daniel Jones Esq. Messrs Thomas Taylor & Daniel Shattuck the Selectmen of said Town of Hinsdale or Either of them is hereby appointed and desired to- town papers — Hinsdale. ^^7 prefer a petition to the Generall Court for the province of New Hamp shire desireing an abatement of the province Tax for the present Year and for the Future as a Considerable part of said Town of Hinsdale that used to be Taxed for the support of the Province of New Hamp shire is Now within the province of New York The above is a True Coppy of Record Extracted from the Records of the Towh of Hinsdale within the province of New Hampshire. Pr. Dan' Jones Town Clerk, for said Hinsdale. Decern' g*^ 1767. 388 NEW HAMPSHIRE Province rate for the town of Hinsdale, 1764) including Polls, Real estate & Personal estate. [The sum total of each only is carried out. Ed.] Names. £. S. d. Thomas Holton William Orvis Eleazer Paterson Samuel Stratton Joseph Stebbins Jacob Elmer Jonathan Hunt Capt. Orlando Bridgman Orlando Bridgman, jr. John Bridgman Amos Tute Daniel Sargeant Rufus Sargeant Isaac Barret Capt. Nathan Willard Wd. Lois Butler Moses Rice Benjamin Barret Benj" Barret, jun. Oliver Barret John Barret Thomas Rockwood Daniel Jones, Esq' Mrs. Abigail Hinsdale alias Hall Daniel Shattuck Peter Evans Aaron Cooper Ebenezer Cooper Elijah Cooper Col. Wm. Symms En. Thos. Taylor Lt. John Evans Hezi" Elmer Aaron Wright Moses Belding Samuel Orvis Wm. Orvis, jun. Sam' Friswell Reuben Friswell Benj. Emmons Josiah Mirick Israel Rowley Joseph Prentice Zur. Evans .? D' Sam' Mattoon John Holton Lt. Jon» Belding 1014II 37 44 13 3 1214 IS 2 3395S4 3 2 IS19 9 12 663 2 9 12 7 12 3 3 I 44 6 333 I 3 I 10 687 10 97 696 I 9493S 7 I 9 3S II I II 43 10 2 97964 I I 77 II TOWN PAPERS — HINSDALE. 389 Province rate for Hinsdale (continued). Names. £. S. d. Or- Lt. Josh. Lyman I 9 Simeon Lyman I 9 Seth Lyman I 9 Gus. Thos. Alexander I 10 2 Aaron Burt 8 3 Sam' Smith, jun I 6 Elisha Smith I 3 Reuben Smith I Joseph Stebbins 3 Zebadiah Stebbins 3 Josiah Stebbins 3 Ebenezer Stratton 10 2 Hezekiah Stratton 1 3 D' Medad Pomroy I D' Bildad Andrews I 6 David Wright 9 Reuben Wright 9 £26 This Rate of the Province Tax is to be understood in Sterling or Lawful money of great Brittain, made by us John Evans "j Wm. Orvis [-assessors John Bridgman J No"7' 27, 1764. Province of New Hamp" May 29"" 1766. Then Mr. Amos Tute appeared before me & made Oath that the within is a true coppy of an assessment made for the Province tax for y" year 1764, which was committed to him as constable to collect, and it is y" assessment by which y' Rate was collected. Dan' Jones, Jus. Pacis. Report of Co-mmittee. We find by Examining into the state of Hinsdale by Reason of part of said Town being Taken into the Government of New York there ought to be Remitted to said Hinsdale the sum of Two pounds six Shil lings Lawfull money and the sum of thirteen pounds sixteen shillings New Tenor of their Province Tax for the year 1765, & the sum of Two pounds fourteen shillings & sixpence Lawfull money & the sum of Eleven pounds thirteen shillings & six pence New Tenor for the year 1766; also the sum of three pounds Fourteen shillings & three pence Lawfull money for the year 1767. And beg leave to Report the same accordingly ? u"'XT-°PP^''- 1 Committee John Giddinge J ^p TrnVT! HAmPSHlHE Names of Inhabitants of Mi^sdaJe^ classed: a^^cording to location, with amount of tax. Names. £• S. d. Qr. Thomas Holton, 10 3 % Wm. Orvis 14 I Eleaz' Paterson II 10 z. Samuel Stratton I 3 6 3 Joseph Ste'bbins I 7 8 a. Jacob Elmer 4 7 2. Jonathan Hunt I 4 10 3, Capt. Orlando Bridgman 13 I Orlando Bridgman, jr 3 9 £ John Bridgman 12 7 Amos Tute 14 6 3 Daniel Sargeant 8 9 2. Rufus Sargeant 8 6 3 Samuel Orvis 3 ¦ 7 Wm. Orvis, jun 3 9 J Samuel Friswell I 6 Reuben Friswell 4 4 3 Israel Rowley 3 ¦ 7 £9 IS I The above are those Persons that live on the west side of Connecti cut River within the Town of Hinsdale Names of those who own land, in HiTisdale on the West side-. of Connecticut River, wjm dwelt in other ToTf),ns.y for which they are roitedi. Names. £. S. d. Qr- D.oct. Samuel Mattoon. Jphn HoUon Lt. John Belding Aarcw Burt Eben' Stratton Hezekiah, Stratton, Dojct. MedAd Pororoj^ DocJt- Bjldad Andre.v** 1 1 I 73, I\ ft3 lo 3 6 % ¦ £0 f 16 ' f ! » TOWN PAJPER5 — HINSDALE. 39* Names cf those that live y^ East side of Connecticut River in Hinsdale. Names. £. S. d. Qr. Isaac Barret 15 I Capt. Nathan Willard I 2 9 Wd. Lois Butler 3 4 2. Moses Rice 3 9 Is Benja. Barret 9 3 Mrs. Abigail Hinsdale, alias Hall IS 3 Daniel Shattuck 19 s 3 Peter Evans I 9 II a, Aaron Cooper 12 I 2! Eben' Cooper 6 % Col. Wm. Symmes 3 ;i. \ En. Thos. Taylor I 2 4 Elijah Cooper 6 1, Benj" Barret, jun S S Oliver Barret s 7 3( John Barret 4 I Thomas Rockwood 3 9 I Daniel Jones, Esq. I 2 2 Lt. John Evans I 9 3 Hesekean Elmore 12 10 a, Aaron Wright 7 2 3 Moses Belding 12 9 Benj" Emmons 4 1 Josiah Merrick 6 I Joseph Prentice 3 7 Zur Evens 3 II 2 £14 10 2 Deduct one- third; of Lt. John Evans Rate & one-third, of Mrs. Abiw £ail'Hall Rate for Land: they own on y- West side of y' River, it being 14,, II, & add to y.» West side. 392 NEW HAMPSHIRE The following are those persons that live out of the Town of Hins dale who own land for which they are rated. Names of those who own Land on y" East side who live in other Towns. Names. £. S. d. Qr. Lt. Joshua Lyman Simeon Lyman Seth Lyman Thomas Alexander I III 999 10 Aaron Burt s Samuel Smith I 6 Elisha Smith I 3 Reuben Smith I Joseph Stebbins Zebediah Stebbins 33 David Wright Reuben Wright 99 £o 17 10 2- An Assessment of £26 Sterling the West side of Connecticut River, paid & the East side 8 : 81-2 Loss. £ii ,> 61, 9 >> 2- 14.. 13.. i>> 2 Vote to re7nit Tax, &c. Province of "1 „ , ,. .^ . New Hampshire J '3 1708 in the House of Representatives, The house having taken under Consideration the Petition of Danief Jones in behalf of the Town of Hinsdale in this Province Representing that part of said Town by his Majesty Late order had fallen into the Province of New York & thereby near half of the Polls & Rateable- Estate of said Town were now in that Province by which the whole of the Province Tax fell upon that part of said Town which remained in this Province and praying that so much of the said tax might be Re mitted as would have been paid by the Poles & Estates so taken off from said Town and appointed a Com"" to Examine the Affair find that lor the cause aforesaid there ought to be remitted to said Town the sum of two pounds six shillings Lawfull money & thirteen pounds sixteen shillings. New Tenor bills of Cred' of said province their Prov Tax for the year 1765 the sum of two pounds fourteen shillings & six pence Lawfull money the sum of eleven pounds thirteen shill' six pence New lenor for the year 1766, and the sum of three pounds fourteen shills& three pence Lawful money for the year 1767 which having been consid ered therefore. Voted, .- < i a That the said several sums be allowed remitted & discounted with the said Towrn of Hinsdale of which the Treasurer of this Province is to take Due Notice & settle with the said Town accordingly which shall be al lowed to him in his account with the Province. And further as it appears that the proportion of Rateable Estate & I'olls so taken off from said Town is two fifths therefore it is Consid- TOWN PAPERS — HINSDALE. 393 ered & ordered that the Treasurer in issuing his future warrants Ob; serve the same & conform the same accordingly till a new Proportion shall be made. M. Weare, Clr. In Council Eodem Die, Read & Concurr'd. T. Atkinson Jr. Secry. Assented, J. Wentworth. Petition for a new County. 15 Dec To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq. Captain. 1767. General & Commander in Chief in and over His Majestys Province of New Hampshire &c. and to the Honorable His Majestys Council and House of Representatives in General Court Assembled on the 15'-'' Day of Dec^ Anno Domini 1767 ; Humbly shews Josiah Willard, Benjamin Bellows, Daniel Jones, Samuel Chase Agents for the Towns of Hinsdale, Win chester, Richmond, Swanzey, Chesterfield, Westmoreland Keene, Gilsum, Monadnock N° 4, N" 5 & N° 6, Alestead, Walpole, Marlow, Charlestown, New Burnet, Claremont,, Newport, Cornish, Croydon, Plainfield, Lebanon, Hanover, Canaan, & Lime that there are are about Eight Hundred Fam ilies in the abovementioned. Towns between the height of Land and Connecticut River in said Province who continually are at very great Expence in sending their Deeds to the pub lick Records for said Province, Prosecuti'g of suits at Com mon Law, proving of wills & settling intestate estates and many other inconveniences your Petitioners labour under by reason of their being so for distant from the several Courts & Offices proper to settle the same. Your Petitioners therefore in behalf of themselves and Constituents humbly pray that the Western part of said Province of New Hampshire adjoining to Connecticut River may be erected into a distinct County with such Priviledges & Immunities as shall be necessary for the well Regulating of the same, & that from Connecticut River the bounds of said County may be extended East to the- Monadnock mountains & from y^ Line of the province North as far as the North Line of Lime or otherwise as your Excel lency & Honors shall think fit, all which is Humbly submitted by Josiah Willard B. Bellows Sam' Chase Dan' Jones. 394 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petitionof Doct, Josiah Pomroy for permission tfi inoc^lat^i for small pox. To His ^Excellency, John Wentworth Esq. Captain Generall & Governour in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of. New Hampshire and to the Honorable his Majestys Council. The petition of Josiah Pomroy of Hatfield in the County of Hampshire, Humbly shews and gives your Excellency and Honors to be informed that your Petitioner is about to remove to Hinsdale in said Province of New Hampshire with a view to perform the Office of a surgeon and Physician in its sev erall Branches and since Innoculation for the small pox has been practised with so much success & with such advantage to, mankind, your petitioner is desirous of pursuing that Branch of His Profession at Hinsdale aforesaid provided he can do it under the protection of your Excellency & Honors, as Hinsdale is a convenient place for the Purpose- above mentioned and the Inhabitants are willing to have it pursued Your petitioner therefore Humbly prays that he may have Liberty granted him by your Excellency and Honors to erect a Hospital for the purpose of Innoculation under such restrictions as your Excel lency & Honors in Great Wisdom shall think proper. All w:hich is humbly submitted byyour Excellency & Honors most Obe'' Humble Serv' JosiAH Pomroy, [N,o date. J HOLDERNESS. [^Iderness was first granted by charter, Oct. lo, 1751,10 JphiuSliep- ard and others, Ed.] Petition of Samuel Livermore for two rights of Land!. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esquire Captain Gen,r eral,, Governour and Commander in Chief in and over his. Majestys Province of New Hampshire &c. The petition of Samuel Livermore of Portsmouth in the* Province aforesaid Esq'' Humbly sheweth. That in and by I^is Majestys Gj-ant or Charter of New Holderness in said Prov ince, There was given and Granted unto William Cammell and William Garrow each of them a Right or share in said Town under Certain Conditions in said Charter Mentioned, -which Conditions the said Cammell and Garrow Have Totally TOWN PAPERS: — HOLDERNESS. 395 Neglected, to fulfill. Whereby They have Forfeited their said Rights or shares and his Majesty is become Resiezed thereof Your Petitioner Therefore prays your Excellency would grant your Petitioner the said. Two Rights or shares oC Land und.er such Conditions & Quit Rents to His Majesty as your Excellency shall think fit. And your Petitioner as he is in Duty bound shall Ever Pray &c. Samuel Livermore. Portsmouth June iS"* 1770. Deposition of Samuel Eaton. The Deposition of Samuel Eaton of New Holderness who Testifies & Says that he had Lived in New Holderness about Five years and has. been acquainted with said Town ever since the first settlement Thereof^ and that William Cammell and William Garrow both being Grantees i-n said Township have not nor either of them Cultivated any land in said. Town nor done any thing Towards the settlement of their Rights TFherein or any part thereof and further this Deponent saith not. Samuel Eaton. Province of \ May 30"' 1770. The said Samuel Eaton person- New Hampshire J ally appeared and made solemn Oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition, Taken In perpetuam Rei Memoriam Before us. John Newmarch "l Justices of the Reuben Kidder /peace, unis Quorum De-position of Thomas Vokes. The Deposition of Thomas Vokes of New Holderness who Testifies and says that he has Lived at said New Holderness about Three years, and has been acquainted with said Town ever since the first settlement tljereof and that William Cammell & William Garrow both being grantees in said township have not nor Either of them cultivated any land" in said Town nor done anything towards the settlement of Their Rights Therein or any part Thereof, and Further this depo' saith not his Thomas X Vokes mark Test. Richi* Cutts Shannon. Province of \ May 31"' 1770. The Said Thomas Vokes person- Ntw Hampshire / ally appeared and made Solemn Oath to the Truth of the foregoing Deposition, Taken In Perpetuam R:ie Btemori,am. Before ^js, John NewmajTch \ Just ?eace. H. Wentworth / unis Quoram 396 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition of Proprietors for extension of their grant. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq. Captain General Governor and Commander in Chief in and over His Majes tys Province of New Hampshire, In Council The Petition of Hercules Mooney and divers others, Pro prietors of New Holderness, whose names are hereunto sub scribed. Most humbly shews : That the said Proprietors have clear'd much land in the said Township, and made considerable Improvement there, but have not hitherto been able to comply strictly with the Terms of the charter. That as the said Proprietors have nothing more at Heart than to compleat the settlement of said Town, and have already got twenty Families there and hope soon to see it in a flourishing Situation, They most humbly pray your Excellency (with advice of His Majestys Council) That such further time may [be] given to your Petitioners and the rest of the proprietors to compleat the said settlement as to you in your great wisdom shall seem meet. And your Pef" as in duty bound shall ever pray &c. Hercules Mooney Jacob Shepard John Sheperd Charles Bamford Thomas Ellison Charles Bamford Jr Archelaus Miles Francis Drew Andrew Baker Daniel Evans William M'Crillis Portsmouth 22" Jan'y 1772. Petition to send a Representative. Province of \ To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq. New Hampshire j Capt General Governour & Commander in Chief of said Province of New Hamp shire &c, &c. The petition of the Subscribers being Freeholders & Inhab itants of New Holderness in the Cor.nty of Stratford in said province of New Hampshire, Humbly sheweth that no more than four of the towns in said Countv send representatives to the General Assembly & that none of those are situated in the upper part of said County, That the upper part of said County is increasing & has lat.ly increased, with Surprising rapidity & that the Priviledge of sending representatives to the general assembly always has been*& is Esteemed a great incourage ment to the inhabitants of this province, and as the said town of New Holderness is likel}' to become the most considerable town in that part of said county, your petitioners liumbly pray the said priviledge of sending a representative to the next TOWN PAPERS HOLLIS. 397 g;eneral assembly, may be extended to them, and your peti tioners as in Duty bound, shall ever pray &c. New Holderness, January 31^' i774- Bryan Sweeney Thomas Shepard William Ellit John Shaw Charles Cox, Jr Joseph Hicks Will-" Blair Samuel Gains John Blair Charles Cox William Blair Jr Charles Cox y' 3'! John Heron Joseph Cox And" Smyth William Cox Tho' Vokes Richard Shepard William Moor Jacob Shepard Sam' Wallis John Ennis Sam' Livermore Joseph Shapard Samuel Sheperd William Pipar Samuel Curry John Shepard. HOLLIS. [This town was originally a part of Dunstable, being, as early as 1743 the West Parish of that town. It was incorporated 3 April, 1746. Ed.] Petition for a Committee to locate the Meeting-house. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Gov"' A" The Hon'"''^ His Majestys Council & House of Representatives in Gen' Court assembled &c. The petition of Stephen Aims of Holies in Behalf of him self and Sundry other of the Inhabitants of the said Town Humbly sheweth : That the Inhabitants of that part of Old Dunstable were by the Massachusetts about seven years ago Incorporated into a parrish taking about three miles more east ward than their town line now Runs : That while under that Incorporation a meeting house place was agreed on justly situated as was tlien apprehended tho' a meeting house was not then Erected. The Settlement being new the additional Inhabitants settled as near that place for the sake of being in the middle of a town as they could : That by the late Incorporations here about three miles of the East end of the Parish is taken to Dunstable which Brings the East line of Holies within one mile & an half of where the meeting house place was agreed to as afores'' That the west line of the town is near upon Five miles to the West of s' Place and some Inhabitants already settled to 398 -SEW HAMPSHIRE the Out Side ; And agreat deal of Land there gOod for settle ments that cannot be accomodated else where -which as we apprehend Renders that place very unequall & unjust. Not withstanding there is at present the major part of y" Inhab itants accomodated to that place, there setling there occasioned by the apprehension of it being the middle df the town (tho Nothing in proportion to the selleable Land else where, who have voted that same place again for that use and have agreed to Raise a meeting house there next Wednesday that some of us your Peti'* with some Others since in the whole applyed to the select" for a meeting Further to know the minds of the town and to Consider of the unreasonableness of its being sett in that place, but'the Laws of this Province Requiring thirty Subscribers (our town Consisting of but about fifty might well be expected Impracticable) was refused and should the meeting House be now Raised and finished it would be very unequall much Discourage the settlement of the west part and as soon as any considerable number more is settled must b& pulled Down, Many Changes in Hyways and we be Loaded with great Charge as well as leave Room for much Contention and disturbance. Wherefore your Pete" most humbly pray that your Excel lency & Hon''" would consider of the premises, and appoint a Committee att the charge of this town or as your Excellency & Hon'''* shall order to view our situation and circumstances, and to order where the Said House shall be Erected and in y'= mean time to Direct that the Raising y- House now Framed may be deffered till that can be done & your Peti'* as in Duty Bound shall pray. Stephen Ames. In Council read Sic. recommended Aug. y' 11, 1746. R. Wibird, pro Sec" Province of "1 Wee the Subscribers Inhabitants of the town of Hoi- New Hamp' / les do hereby desire & Impower Stephen Aims in our names & behalf to peti" the gov & Council or whole Gen" Court of the province of New Hamp' & Represent our circum stances in erecting a meeting House in s' Town in a place we appre hend unreasonable & pray for Relief in the Premises. Dated at Holies y 5"' of August 1746. Joseph M'^Daniell Jasher Wyma n Stephen Ames Isaac Farran William Admes Jonathan Melven Sam' Parker John Melven Moses Proctor James M'Daniell James Whiting Randel M-Daniell Samuell Douglass TOWN PAPERS — HO'LLIS. 399 Petition of Sam.uel Cumings for protection against the Indians. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Capt General, Governour and Commander in cheif in & over His Majes- tvs Province of New Hampshire, The Hon''° His Majestys Council & House of Representatives for said Province in General Assembly Convened the z** Day of April 1747- The Humble Petition of Samuel Cummings of Hollis in said Province yeoman in behalf the said Town of Hollis, Shews, That the said Town is a Frontier Town & much Ex posed to Danger from the Indian enemy and the number of Eflfective men belonging to the same not exceeding fifty who have all or most of them families to take care of & being mostly new Setlers have much Labour on their hands to sub due & cultivate their Lands &c ; That their situation is such that they dare not venture to work without a guard & their work so great & disproportion'd to their strength Especially Including their necessary care of Defending themselves thait they are unable to perform it without assistance which if they cannot have they must unavoidably neglect their Husbandry & spend their time in watching & warding & in that case many of their families must sutler for want of necessaries of Life ; That they are apprehensive of the Great charge the Gov ernment is now at & that the case of the said Town is doubt less the case of other Places in this Regard & tlierefore would desire nothing more than appears to them to be absolutely necessary which is, and for which they Humbly Pray that they may be allow'd a scout of ten or a dozen men for the En suing season till the Danger of the summer & fall of the year is over & the harvest past who may be a guard to the People of the Town while & where they may have occasion of work ing in places of Danger or to be otherways Imploy'd for the safety of the People as the commanding officer or Officers of the Town should Direct an 1 your petitioner shall as in duty bound in behalf of his constituents ever pray Sam" Cummings Province of "1 In the House of Representatives 14"" New Hampshire / May 1747. Voted, That in answer to the annexed Petition the whole of the Lands in s"! Town of Holies be taxed annually for four years next en suing two Pence p' acre to be apply'd for the support of the ministry & finishing y" meeting House & that they be enabled to collect y" same and that they have Liberty to bring a Bill accordingly ^ D. Peirce, Clr. 400 NEW HAMPSHIRE In the House of Representatives 16"" May 1747 It is farther Voted, That y" Inhabitants of s'' Holies make it appear by an account to be render'd annually to y Gen' Assembly that the money has been apply'd for y' uses abovesaid on pain of refunding y' same D. Pierce, Clr. In council Eod"" Die, read & concurrd, Theodore Atkinson, Secry Eod"" Die Assented to B. Wentworth. Petition for a Tax on non-residents' lands. Province of \ To His Excellency Benning Wentworth New Hampshire J Esq. Gov^ &c. The Hon"'^ his Maj» Council & House of Represenf"^' in Gen" Assembly Convened March 31*' 1747- The petition of Sam' Cumings in, Behalf of the Town of Holies Humbly Sheweth : That the s* Town has Lately settled a minister and are now a building a meeting House for the publick "worship of God there ; That the Setlers of s"* Town has but Lately entered thereon and altho a considerable progress in agriculture has been made (the only way we have for our support) yet find these "Charges very burthensome ; That a Considerable part of the best Lands in s'* Town be long to nonresident prop' * who make no Improvement ; That by the arduous begining the settlement & heavy charges by us already paid has greatly advanced their Lands, & they are still rising in "Value, Equal as the Resident prop""' tho the charges hitherto and for the future must Lye on y" Setlers only unless we obtain the assistance of this Hon'''" Court ; Wherefore your Pef most humbly Prays that y"" Excellency and Hon''* would take the premises into your consideration and grant the Whole of the Lands in s" township may be taxed annually for five years next cuming two pence new ten- nor p acre to be apply'd for the support of the minister & fin ishing y" meeting house and by Law enabling us to collect the same, & y' Pef* as in Duty Bound shall pray &c. Samuell Cumings. In Council April i'' 1747. read & Sent Down to the Hon''''* Hoase Theodore Atkinson, Secry. TOWN PAPERS HOLLIS. 4OI Prov. of New) In tlie House of Representatives Hampshire j April i"' 1747, Voted, That y" Petitioner be heard on his Petition y third Day of y' setting of y" Gen' Assembly after y" first monday in May next and that y" Petitioner at his own proper cost advertise y ' publick two or three weeks Successively between this day & y aforesaid third Day of y" set ting of y" Gen' Assembly in one of y publick News papers of v" mat ter of y prayer of this Petition that every one may have opportunity to Shew cause if any they have why y" Prayer of' s' Petition should not be granted. D. Peirce, Clr. In Council April 2' 1747. Read & Concurr'd. Sam' Solly Pro Sec'y Eodem Die, Consented to B. Wentworth. Petition for dividing the Province into two Counties. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Gov' &c. The Hon''" His Majestys Councill & House of Representatives in Generall Assembly Convened at Ports'"' y" 9"' of April 1754- Wee the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the Province of New Hamp' on the Western side of Merrimack River, Would Humblj' Remonstrate : That the Extent of the settlement of this Province is upwards of One Hundred miles westward from Portsmouth the Place where all the Courts are held. That the Difficulties of travill and Expence to and from Ports mouth on all County Emergencies Lays the western Inhab itants under Insuperable Disadvantage, and Occasions Great Dela}' to the Parties & Jurors who necessarily attend the courts of Judicature and tends Greatly to the Impoverishment of the Province : Thatwe Humbly apprehend these Grievances might be in some good measure Redressed by Dividing the Province into two Countys, which also would be a means of a great In crease of Inhabitants & Improvements on the Western parts of this Government. Wherefore we humbly pray that your Excellency & Hon'* wou'd take the premises into Con sideration and Divide the Province into two Countys by such Dividing line and with such Powers and Authoritys as in your wisdom shall be Tho't best and as in Duty Bound shall pray John Cumings Ezekel Jewet Zedekiab Drury Niclas French William Sanbo Daniel Emerson Zechriah Lawrince Erancis Worcester John Boynton Josiah Conant Samuel Jewet Francis Worcester, Jr 36 402 NEW HAMPSHIRE Jolm Hale Saml Cummings Nathl Townsend Nathl Townsend, Jr Phinehas Hardy Step Jewet William Tenney Benja Abbot Christopher Lovejoy Jacob Blanchard John Brown Francis Phelps John Boynton, Jr Samll Farley Jonathan Melvin Peter Powers Saml Goodhue Elias Smith Saml Brown ThoB Nevins Abraham Leman Peter Wheeler Benja Blanchard, Jr Enoch Noyes Jonathan Lovejoy Edward Carter Whitcom Powers Stephen Aimes Stephen Powers William Adames Waldo Emerson Abraham Densmoor Saml Barret Benja Blanchard Nathaniel Blood Moses Smith Josiah Brown Benja Aston Thos Asten John Asten Moses Procter Samuell Leman Samuell Leman, Jr Stephen Hazelton Thos WouUey (?) Thomas Chamberlain Samuel Borge Peter Wheler, Jr Stephen Harris Robt Colburn James Wheeler Jonathan Taylor William Colburn William Colburn Jr David Nervins John Goodhue Pine Hill {a part of Hollis) Petition relating to being set off fro7n Hollis. May it please your Excellency ; The Honorable Council & House of Representatives ; I am desir'd in behalf of a number of people at one Pine Hill in Dunstable, to beg the prayer of their petition may be granted Relating their being set of to Holies, & that Your Excellency & Honors may have a Just Idea of the matter. Rep resent it as follows. Viz : about the year i747 a Com'''* consist ing of five persons were appointed by the Gov' &c (Two of which belong'd to Dunstable) to view the Lands about Merry mac River, to see in what manner itwas Best to Bound them in the Incorporation, & when they went on the Business, went no Further westward than the Old Town of Dunstable, A com"" from Holies came down, & Desird the com'^" would go & view the situation of Holies & Pine Hill, & urg'd it hard, but the com''^'' could not be prevailed on to go any further that way (the opposition we judge was made by Dunstable) whether to Hinder an Impartial survey or not, we dont pretend to say ; but in the conclusion we apprehend were greatly in- TOWN PAPERS HOLLIS. 4O3. jur'd by that Com''^"* Determination, soon after Dunstable was Incorporated they got into partys about settling M'' Bird Each Courted Pine Hills assistance, promising to vote them off to Holies as soon as the matter "was settled ; and so Pine Hill was fed with sugar Plums for a number of years till at length Dun stable cast off" the mask & now appears in their True Colours which was in the first place to get us Joyn'd & Incorporated with them Tho' much to our disadvantage & Expectation when "we settled there For under the Government of Ihe Massachu- sett we belonged to Holies, & in consequence of which we help'd Build a large meeting house, & it was set to accommo date us, & help't to settle a minister, not in the least Doubting but we should always belong their, & besides wtll knowing we could never be accommodated by being Join'd with Dunstable, but not withstanding all this ; we were put to Dunstable by this committees Determination, (and all by reason we humbly con ceive of their not viewing our situation,) we have ever since attended the worship of God at Holies & paid our Taxes to Ihe minister there, Tho in the mean time we have ben call'd upon to pay ministerial Rates with Dunstable in a full propor tion with the rest except some Trifling Abatements they made us in order to keep us quiet. We know of no other Real Objection that Dunstable has to our going off". But Reducing them to too small a number to maintain the Gospel, but if their Inclinations may be Judg'd by their practice, it cant be tho't they have any Inclinations to settle a minister, as for other Taxes we shall not be against doing what is reasonable, but allowing it would hurt Dun stable, that ought not to hurt us, who when we settled there never Expected to have any Concerns with them as a Town, That for Dunstable, because they gain'd us in the Incorpora tion (and as we apprehend verry unjustly) now to hold us so much to our prejudice, we think we have just cause of com plaint. Dunstable as it lys now Consists of about one hundred familys, and all we ask to be set off" is but about Twelve. That After we are taken they will be more in number, & better able to support a minister, than many Towns in the Government, that dos it, That their opposition must arise from some other Qiiarter, to keep us as whips for one party or the other to Drive out every minister that comes their, for they are always Divided with Respect to these things, & which ever side we take must carry the day. All we want is, that the case may be Impartially considered, & beg the favour that a committee may be appointed who shall go up & view the places in their circumstances that a Sincere representation may be made. Sam" Hobart, attorney. 4°4 NEW HAMPSHIRE HOPKINTON. [This town, originally called New Hopkinton, was granted by Mas sachusetts ; itwas incorporated January ii, 1765, under the adminis tration of Gov. Benning" Wentworth. Ed.] Petitio7i of New Hopki7zto7i for an act of Bicorporation. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Captain Gen eral & Governour in Chief, in and over his Majestys Prov ince of New Hampshire and To the Hon'"' '^ his Majestys Council in the Province aforesaid : The humble Petition of y*^ Inhabitants of the Place, or Plantation called New Hopkinton in the Province aforesaid. Whose names are here unto Subscribed, Sheweth, That whereas 3'our humble Petitioners are very desirous to have Gospel Order & a Gospel Minister regularly settled among us & maintained ; & to have proper Orders and in our secular aff"airs, so that we may live and act in all our affairs as becomes a Christian Societ}', and that every one among us may be Obliged to bear his equal part according to his Ability of y" charges of supporting such Regulations ; which we cannot at tain to under our present Circumstances : We therefore hum bly pray that vour Excellency & your Honors would grant us Relief by in corporating into a Township that Tract of Land commonly known by y" name of N" 5 of y'' Line of Towns granted, & laid out hy order of the General Court of y" Prov ince of y*^^ Massachusetts Bay, or New Hopkinton, included within the following bounds viz. Beginning at the southeast erly Corner at a Norway Pine tree, witli stones about it spot ted on four sides and marked on the Easterly' side with the Letter R and on y'' westerly side with y*^ letter H. Then run ning" West, five degrees south six miles, to a Hemlock tree with stones about it, spotted on four sides and marked on y"^" Easterly side with y'- letter H, & y'' Figure 5 & on y" Westerly side with y" figure 6. Then running North, fourteen Deg. West six miles, to a white Oak tree with stones about it spot ted on four sides & marked with y" figure 6 on y' Westerly side & with y' numeral Letter V on y Easterly side ; Then running East five Deg. North, three miles, to a stake in a Boggy meadow spotted on four sides and stones about it ; Then running North, fourteen deg. West about 130 rods to a River on which Almsbury men built a saw mill, to a heap of stones in the middle of the River a little way below the said Saw mill, where it also joins to the southwesterly Corner of Con toocook. l"hen running east fourteen deg. north by a part of Contoocook, three miles to a stake & stones, y"' stake spotted on four sides, where it also joins to v"-' Northwesterly Corner TOWN PAPERS HOPKINTON. 405 of Rumford so called. Then running south fourteen Deg. East by Rumford about Six miles & three quarters, to y'' first mentioned Bound containing about 36 square miles and by put ting us into a Regular method to call Town meetings legally ; so that we may injoy y'' Powers & Priviledges which other Towns in this Province injoy. For which goodness your humble Petitioners for your Excellency, & Honours as in Duty Bound shall ever pray. Dated at New Hopkinton, October 27"' 1757. Samuel Pudney Joseph Ordway Joseph Easman Matthew Standle Aron Kimball Abraham Colbe Joseph Pudney David Woodwell Enoch Easman Thomas Easman John Putney Joseph Easman, Jr Daniel Anis (?) John Chadwick Caleb Burbank John Ordway Peter How John Burbank Jonathan How Petition of Neiv Hopkinton for power to lay a tax on 4-5"" of the Land &c 1757. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq Captain General & Governour in Chief, in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire ; To the Hon"' "= his Majestys Council; & To the Hon''''' Representatives of the several Towns in this Province, in General Court assembled. The humble petition of the Inhabitants of the Place, or Plantation called New Hopkinton in the Province aforesaid, whose Names are here unto subscribed, sheweth : That whereas your humble Petitioners have ventured our Lives, & been at a great Expence to settle cultivate and defend a new plantation far in y'' Wilderness & much Exposed to y" Indian Salvages, & have been destitute of Town & Gospel Priviledges hitherto ; and when at any Time we have had y" Gospel preached to us for a little while at a time, it has been chiefly at our own Expense, with but very little help from y'" Non-resident Proprietors ; and yet y'' value of their Land is greatly increased by our living here, & defending it ; and aty"^ same time, y° Burden, Hazzard and charge of settling a New Plantation lies upon us chiefly while they have a greater share in y*^ Benefit than in the charge of said settlement ; which Things we think to be something hard, but are not able to re dress, under our present circumstances ; Therefore being En couraged byyour goodness & Paternal care Extended of Late to other new settlements or Plantations we humbly apply ourselves 4o6 NEW HAMPSHIRE to your Excellency, & your Honours praying that you will take our case into your wise Consideration & remedy our difficulties by impowering us to lay a Tax upon four fifths of y"" Land in our begun Plantation (so much of it as ought to be taxed to publick charges) of three pence upon an Acre ; or so much as you in your great wisdom shall think to be necessary & Suffi cient to defray y Charges of settling & maintaining a gospel minister, building a House for y" publick Worship of God, & other necessary incident charges (The one fifth part of said Plantation being reserved by y"' gentlemen Purchasers of John Tufton Mason Esq. free from charge till improved) Also your humble Petitioners pray that your Excellency & your Honours would provide some Eff"ectual Method to inable us to collect y"' said Tax as well from nonresident Proprietors who live in other Provinces, as from resident Proprietors, & who live in this Province : For which Goodness, your humble Peti tioners for your Excellency & your Honours, as in Duty bound shall ever pray. Dated at New Hopkinton, October 37"' 1757. Samuel Pudney Joseph Ordway Joseph Eastman Matthew Standle Aron Kimball Abraham Colbe Daniel Anis David Woodwell Joseph Pudney' Thomas Easman John Putney Joseph Easman Jr Enoch Easman John Chadwick Caleb Burbank John Ordway Peter How John Burbank. Jonathan How Petition relative to Province Tax. To the great General Court of the Province of New Hamp shire. We whose names are hereunto Subscribed Inhabitants of New Hopkinton in this Province humbh' inform & repre sent to the Hon"'" General Court that whereas W"e understand that an order was sent here sometime last summer or Fall, for a Province Tax, directed to the selectmen of New Hopkinton, and was carried back again because there were no sucli per sons to leave it with. And not because we are disobedient to Authority or unwilling to do our Part to defray the Publick charges of the Province. But we are under two difficulties especiallv : One is with Respect to those persons who are settled in that part of New Hopkinton which is claimed by Bow ; For an account was taken of their estates with the rest within New Hopkinton TOWN PAPERS HOPKINTON. 407 claim, pursuant to an Order of the General Court, And last year the Province Tax was'proportioned to them with the rest of New Hopkinton, & paid by all together and that in season — and they are willing to pay so still, if that may be allowed, & accepted for them ; & if the General court will be pleased to join them with the rest of New Hopkinton, at least to pay taxes with the rest, And if they should not be joined with the rest to pay the Province tax, we humbly conceive that the sum required of us would be a heavier burden upon the rest than was designed by the court, when the Tax for New Hopkinton was assigned. The other difficulty is our want of power to chuse selectmen to assess, & a collector to collect the Tax, & to oblige every one to pay their respective Parts of said tax. If the Hon'''" General Court will be pleased to take these things into their Consideration and to apply a Remedy, In re gard of those that live within that part of New Hopkinton claimed by Bow, either by joining them with the rest, so that they shall be obliged to pay their part of Taxes as well as the rest, or by Separating them from the rest, so as to have no concern with the rest about paying taxes And then abating from the rest so much of the tax as those would have paid, if they had all paid together, as they did last year. Also if the court will be pleased to enable us to assess & collect the Tax either by appointing & impowering selectmen, & a collector or giving us Power to chuse them, we are ready to pay all due obedience. And if the Treasurer sends his order again for the whole Tax which he sent for last summer or for so much as is our due to pay Exclusive of those that live in Bow claim, if they should be separated from the rest in regard of paying Taxes we will pay it to the Treasurer with all possible speed. And we had rather pay our part of Taxes Every year yearly than to have the Taxes of several 3'ears to pay at once. The names of those Persons the account of whose Estates was taken with the rest tho' they lived or owned land in that part of New Hopkinton claimed by Bow, are as follows. The widow Susanna Kimball William Peters Abel Kimball Hezekiah Foster Timothy Kimball Jeremiah Kimball, Jr Timothy Clement Thomas Jewell Eliphalet Colby Reuben Kimball Green French Daniel Watson John Chadwick Obadiah Perry Abraham Kimball Joshua Bailey Jeremiah Kimball John Kimball James Kimball John Jewell Moses Straw Parker Flanders Jonathan Straw Isaac Colby & John Eastman Thomas Hoit. 4o8 NEW HAMPSHIRE The Reasons why an account was taken of the Estates of those that lived or owned land in that part of New Hopkin ton claimed by Bow are as Follows : I'-' Because the order sent by the General Court for taking account of Estates was left by the Sherriff" that brought it, with one of the men that lived in Bow claimed. 2^ Because one of the men that were impowered by the select men of Bosca"wen to take account of the Estates in Ne"w Hopkinton was one of those men. 3'' Because it was their own desire. 4"' Because Canterbury selectmen who took account of Es tates in Rumford extended their accounts no further than Rum ford Claim. We are your Excellencys & your Honours' Obedient & hum ble Servants. Joseph Pudney John Burbank John Putney Jacob Straw Abraham Colbe John Blasdell Matthew Standle Isaac Chandler Enoch Eastman Jeremiah Kimball Peter How Wid. Susanna Kimball Jotham How Joshua Bayley John Gage 'Abel Kimball Isaae George Timothy Kimball Thomas Eastman Moses Hill Joseph Eastman John Chadwick Caleb Burbank fames Kimball David Woodwell Moses Straw Zebediah Watson John Easman. Ezekiel Straw New Hopkinton April 30, 1763 In Council June 3" 1763. Read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon*"'" Assembly. T. Atkinson Jr. Secry. Province of ) In the house of Representatives June 8''' 1763. This New Hampsh' / petition being read. Voted, That the prayer thereof be granted so far as that the petition" be al lowed to Bring In a Bill Impowering them to collect the province Tax & obliging those persons mentioned as claimed by Bow to pay with them till there shall be a new proportion made for collecting thereof. A. Clarkson, Clerk. In Council June S* 1763, Read & concurred, T. Atkinson Jr. Secry TOWN PAPERS — HOPKINTON. 409 Petition for power to sell co7n/iion land. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governor & Commander in Chief in & of His Majestys Province of New Hampshire, The Hon. His Majestys Council & Gen eral Assembly for & of said province : The petition of us the Subscribers, Proprietors & Inhabit ants of New Hopkinton so called in said Province Humbly Sheweth : That a part of our said Township is covered by the claims of the proprietors of Bow, That several of our said Proprie tors living within said claim, have already purchased of said proprietors of Bow their claims within said Cover, that we suppose it communicative Justice that the whole charge of Purchasing said Land as also the Charge of law suits respect ing and relating to said Lands be defreyed by our said pro priety in equal shares That by selling so much of our common & undivided Land in said Town would be easiest to us for that purpose. That we suppose ourselves unable Validly so to do, and therefore pray your Excellency & Honours to favour & enable us with an act whereby "we may be so capacitated, or such other act or acts conducible to said end as your Excel lency & Honours in your great Wisdom shall see meet — And your Petitioners shall as in Duty bound ever pray. Hopkinton Feb'y 8, 1762. Matthew Stanley Joseph Chandler Enoch Easman Peter How David Woodwell Jeremiah Kimball Joseph Easman Obadiah Parry Joseph Putney Timothy Clement Ezekiel Straw John Chadwick Jotham How Jonathan Straw John Burbank John Easman Isaac Chandler, Jr. Tim" Kimball. New Hopkinton, February 8"' 1763. In Council January 19'" 1763, Read & Ordered to be sent down to the Hon''''' Assembly. T. Atkinson Jr. Secry. Province of "1 In the House of Representatives New Hampshire, j Jan> 19"' 1763. This petition being read. Voted, That the petitioners be heard thereon the iirst Wednesday In March next if the General Assembly be then sitting if not then on the Sec ond day of their sitting next after, & that they cause the Substance of this petition & order of Court thereon to be inserted three weeks suc cessively In one of the Boston news papers, & In the New Hampsh' Gazette, that any persons concerned may appear and shew cause if any thev have why the prayer thereof should not be granted. A. Clarkson, Clerk. In Council Eod"' Die. Read & Concurr'd, T. Atkinson Jr. Secry. 4IO NEW HAMPSHIRE Province of "I In the house of Representatives New Hampsr/ June 3'' 1763. This petition being read. Voted, That the prayer thereof be granted & that the petitioners have lib erty to bring In a bill accordingly. A. Clarkson Clerk. In Council Eodem Die, Read & concurred. T. Atkinson Jr. Secy Petition of sundry persons for an Act of Incorporation. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Captain General and Governour in chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire And to the Honourable his Majestys Council for this Province : The petition of the Inhabitants of New Hopkinton (so called) including the Inhabitants of that part of Bow which covers a part of said New Hopkinton in the province afore said humbly sheweth : That whereas your humble Petitioners are and have been ever since we first began to settle this place, under great In conveniences and Difficulties for want of Town Powers & Privileges whereby the settlement of this Place has been much retarded & We therefore humbly pray your Excellency and your Honours to take our case into your "wise consideration, and to Incorporate into a Town, with the Powers and Privi ledges of other Towns in this province. That tract of Land which "was granted by the gentlemen owners of the Right of John Tufton Mason Esqr to Messrs. Henry Millen, Thomas Walker & Thomas Millen, and their associates, commonly called New Hopkinton ; & contained within the same Bounds & Limits ; including that part of Bow "which covers a part of said Tract of Land, yet not aff'ecting any man's Prop erty. For which Goodness your humble Petitioners for your Ex cellency and your Honours, as in Duty bound shall ever pray. Dated at New Hopkinton aforesaid this fourth day of June, Anno Domini 1764. Moses Emerson Pelatiah Watson Ezra Hoyt Moses Jewett Jonathan Straw William Eastman Joseph Judkins Joseph Pudney Roland Judkins Joseph Eastman Hezekiah Foster Nathaniel Clement Peter Sargent Caleb Burbank Isaac Colby James Kimball Benj' Jewett John Chadwick John Jewett John Gage TOWN PAPERS HOPKINTON. 411 Jacob Straw John Putney Joshua Bayley Enoch Eastman Joseph Chandler Abel Kimball Benjamin Merrill Peter How Samuel Kimball Jotham How Moses Gould Timothy Farnum Samuel Putney Isaac Chandler David Woodwell Ezekiel Straw Mark Jewett Timothy Kimball Abraham Colbee Abraham Kimball Moses Hills Richard Merrill William Peters John Eastman Matthew Standle Thomas Easman Petition for Incorporation. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq'' Captain Gen eral, and Governour in chief in and over his Majesties Prov ince of New Hampshire ; To the Honourable his Majesty's Council, and To the Honourable Assembly of this Province, in General Court convened : The Petition of the Inhabitants of New Hopkinton (so called) including the Inhabitants of that part of Bow which covers a part of said New Hopkinton, in the Province afore said, humbly sheiveth : That whereas your humble Petitioners are about to present a Petition to his Excellency the Governour & to the Honour able his Majestys Council to incorporate into a Town, "with the Powers & Privileges of other Touns in the Province that Tract of Land commonly called New Hopkinton contained within the same Bounds & Limits which itwas contained in when granted by the gentlemen owners of the rights of John Tufton Mason Esqr., to Messrs Henry Millen, Thomas Walker & Thomas Millen & their associates, including that part of Bow which covers a part of said New Hopkinton, "without afl^ecting any man's property : We, therefore, your humble Petitioners pray your Excellency & your Honours to annex that part of Bow which covers a part of New Hopkin ton unto the said New Hopkinton. or that Tract of Land which commonly is known by that name in such a manner as is above expressed (if there be need of the Act & Authority of the General Court in the case) so that it may be corporated with the rest into a Toun (if his Excellency with the Council should see cause to grant our Petition for a Corporation) that so we may be in a Capacity to raise, assess & collect Taxes ; both our part of the Province Tax, & also, to Defray neces sary charges among ourselves in a regular & eff'ectual manner ; 412 NEW HAMPSHIRE For which Goodness, your humble petitioners, for your Excel lency & your Honours as in Duty bound shall ever pray. Dated at New Hopkinton aforesaid, this fourth Day of June, Anno Domini 1764- Joseph Chandler John Eastman Beniamin Merrill Samuel Kimbal! Thomas Easman Moses Gould Moses Emerson Ezra Hoyt Jonathan Straw Joseph Judkins Richard Judkins Hezekiah Foster Moses Jewett William Eastman Joseph Pudney Joseph Eastman Nathaniel Clement Caleb Burbank James Kimball John Chadwick John Gage Jacob Straw Joshua Bayley Prov. of New Hamp' In Council, JanJ 8"' 1765, Read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon"' Assembly. TheoB Atkinson Jr. Secy. N^ vv Ham°'' I ^" ^^^ House of Representatives, Jany 9"' 1765, This Petition being read. Voted, That the Prayer thereof be granted & that the Petitioners have leave to bring in a Bill accordingly. A. Clarkson, Clerk. In Council eodem die Read & concurred Th" Atkinson, jun. Secy Samuel Putney David Woodwell Peter Sargent Benj' Jewett Mark Jewett Abraham Colbee Moses Hills William Peters Matthew Standle John Putney Enoch Eastman Abel Kimball Peter How Jotham How- Timothy Farnum Isaac Chandler Ezekiel Straw Timothy Kimball Abraham Kimball Richard Merrill Isaac Colby John Jewett Pelatiah Watson Reasons for said Petition. Reasons humbly to urge and intreat a speedy Proceedure upon the pe titions preferred to the Honourable General Court by the Inhabitants of New Hopkinton without the formality of a public Notification. I"' That all differences between Bow Claimers & New Hopkinton Proprietors, or Inhabitants about Property are adjusted so far that the claimers of that Part of Bow which interferes with New Hopkinton sell or settle said Land without opposition or Molestation, The Gentle men who purchased M'" Masons Patent having given to New Hopkin ton Proprietors out of their fifth Part of said New Hopkinton, acre for acre for the land claimed by Bow Proprietors in said New Hopkinton. 2- The settlers on Bow Claim in said New Hopkinton are included in TOWN PAPERS HOPKINTON. 413 the Petitions, and most if not all of them have signed them, which shows that it is their Desire that the prayer thereof may be granted. 31* The settlers upon Bow claim in s^ New Hopkinton are incorpo rated with it b}' the District Act. 4"' Some urgent circumstances seem to necessitate a speedy Rem edy, as (i^') The out-standing Province Tax for the years 176."!, 1763 Si 1764, for which the Treasurer says he must soon issue Extents unless a Rem edy be provided and some Favour and Indulgence be granted to the people of New Hopkinton And also arrears toward the support of the Gospel in said New Hopkinton both together amounting" to more than £3000 Old Tenor, which if required all of it to be paid in a short time in this time of Scarcity of Money would be a Burden very heavy upon & discouraging to that People : Therefore a speedyRemedy seems neces sary. But if it be delayed for a formal Notification is not likely to be done before next May or June. (2) Tho' an Act was made, more than a year ago to impower the In habitants of New Hopkinton &:c to assess "& collect the Province Tax, yet they never heard of the saidAct; and consequently could notactin Conformity to it. (3) The said Act did not furnish said people with Power to raise, as sess and collect any arrear Tax either for the Province or to support of the Gospel or any way to promote the settlement of the place ; But if the Hon'l' Court think, upon the whole, that the Prayerof the Petitions cannot be granted without a formal, publick. Notification, They are humbly intreated, by their most humble and Obedient servant, in Behalf of the Petitioners to Compassionate the case of the Petition ers (who don tat present know of their impending Difficulties) and to pro vide a speedy Remedy for them, either by an Act in addition to the dis trict Act already- made, or any other way that they shall think best, so that the Inhabitants may be invested with all the Powers & Priviledges of a Town ; and that the officers who shall be chosen in said district to assess & to collect necessary Taxes there, may be impowered to Exert & Execute their respective offices about any arrears of former Taxes, as well as about future Taxes. And where as said Inhabitants are in arrears of the Province Tax for the year 1762. 1763. & 1764 it is humbly submitted to the wise consid eration of the hon''"= Court whether it would not be too Iieavy a Burden upon the People to require them to pay it all inoneyearor in twoyears, besides the proper Taxes of those years. Or wliether they may not be indulged now, (seeing thej- had not Power to assess and Collect those Taxes in the times when they ought to have been assessed & collected) so far as to assess & collect the arrear Tax for 1762 with the Tax for 1765, and the arrear Tax for 1763 with the tax for 1766, and the arrear tax for 1764 with the tax for 1767 so that they may have no more than two years Province Tax, to pay in a 3'ear till those arrears shall be fully paid & that orders may be given to the Province Treasurer accordingly ; It is also humbly requested that if the District act should be enforced by an additional act, The Regulation made thereby may continue in Force till the General Assembly shall order otherw-ise. Also, it is humbly requested (Because sundry of the Men mentioned in the District Act," as Settlers in the Township of Bow, either never lived there at all, but onlj- had Land there which they proposed to settle on, Si did not orelse removed to someotlier Place since) That instead of mentioning those Persons by Name, there may be a clause which shall include all that part of Bow which covers a part of New Hopkinton, with all the persons who do now or shall inhabit the same during the continuance of this act. 414 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition for a tax on non-residents. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq. Captain General, and Governour in Chief in, and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire, To the honourable, his Majestys Coun cil And to the honourable General Assembly of the Province of New Hampshire, in General Court assembled. The Petition of the Inhabitants of Hopkinton in this Prov ince of New Hampshire humbly sheweth. That whereas we your humble Petitioners have been at great cost & charge in Settling a New Township, and settling the Gospel and main taining it among us. Paying the Arrears of the Province Tax for three years which was not paid in proper season because we had no Power during that time to assess & Collect it (pay ing said arrears in three years after said tax ought to have been paid besides the proper tax of those years, in a Time of great scarcity of money. And in building an house for the public worship of God, with but a very little Help from the nonresi dent Proprietors & owners of Land in the Town) beside the additional Difficulties & Dangers which many of us suffered by living in a New Township at the outside of all the Towns in the province, in the Time of the late War and settling a Gospel Minister in that Time ; And by what we have done & suffered in these Times the Land of Nonresident Proprietors and owners, which lies in the Town has been greatly increased in Value with very little if any Cost to them ; and we your humble Petititioners cannot but think that they ought in Rea son & Equity to bear part of the charges of what has increased the Value of their land as well as to enjoy the Benefit. We therefore your humble Petitioners humbly and earnestly pray. That your Excellency & your Honours would take our case into your wise & coiDpassionate Consideration and in Order to making us some Relief under our heavy Burdens if you think proper would pass an act to lay a tax of one Copper (or one half penny sterling) per acre or so much as you shall think proper upon all the uncultivated Land in this town belonging to non resident proprietors & Owners for the space of five years or so long as you shall think proper. Except what land in the Town is Owned by the Masonian Proprietors and so long as it is owned by them : the appropriated Rights for the Min istry and school and what is owned by the minister of the Town. And if your Excellency and your Honours shall be pleased to Grant our Petition in laying a Tax upon the Land aforesaid. We Humbly pray also that you would make EflTectual Pro vision for us to assess said tax upon & to collect it from said non resident Proprietors & Owners of Land in the said town of Hopkinton. For which Goodness your humble Petitioners TOWN PAPERS HOPKINTON. 415 for your Excellency & your Honours as in Duty bound shall Ever pray. Dated at Hopkinton Aforesaid October i"' 1767. Voted, That Ens. Jonathan Straw prefer this Petition to the General Court. Names of the Subscribers. Tim" Clement Gideon Gould Hezekiah Foster Abraham Brown Ruben Kimball W'" Clements Timothy Farnham John Gage Joseph Standly Stephen Hoyt Thomas Clark Moses Hills Ezekiel Stanley ? Peter How John Hill Moses Smith Ezekiel Straw Jotham How Isaac Colby Moses Straw Isaac Chandler Joseph Chandler Eliphalet Colby John Jewet Jr Moses Sawyer Tho» Jewell Joseph Judkins Nathanael Merrell Elias Gould. Richard Merrill William Peters Benj. Wiggin Timothy Kimball Green French Joshua Bayley Zebulon Adams Nathaniel Clement James Scales Samuel Putney John Putney Mark Jewett Moses Gould David Eaton Abnar Gorden Moses Eastman Benj " Rogers Aaron Greeley Jotham How Samuel Hoyt Sam Brackenbury James Smith David How- Enoch Eastman Jerei-ny French William Stevens Benjamin Merrill James Kimball Joseph Putney John Burbank Moses Jewett Abel Kimball Polard Judkins John Blasdell William Davis Jeremiah Fowler Joseph Eastman Caleb Burbank David Woodwell John Eastman The Eastman Samuel Stanley Ezra Hoyt. Voted, That the petitioners have leave to Bring in a Bill for Laying a tax of one lialf peny sterling" pr acre yearly for five years on all the Lands of Resident and non resident Proprietors except that part which was taken ofl' from the town of Bow M. Weare, Clr. In Council March 16"' 1768 The above Vote of the House read Si Concurred. Geo. King, DepJ Secry. Province of "(^ Feby ii''' 1768. In the house of Representatives New Hampshire j upon Reading this Petition voted that the Petition ers cause the substance of this Petition to be printed in the New Hampshire Gazette as soon as may be & to continue it there for three weeks successively with notice that any person who has 4l6 NEW HAMPSHIRE any objection against the prayer thereof may be heard thereon on the third day of the setting of the General Assembly next after the Tenth of March next M. Weare, Clr. In Council 13"' February 1768. Read & Concurr'd. Geoe. King Dep. Secy. Province of "1 In the House of Representatives March 15''' 1768. The New Hamps' / within Petition being Considered and the petitioners and such as appeared to make objections heard there on, ,Voted, HUDSON — formerly Nottingham West. [Incorporated 5 July, 1746, having previous to 1741 belonged to Massachusetts. Ed.] Petitioners for a 7iew Parish. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq Capt General and comander in chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England, May it please your Excellency, According to your Excel lencies direction, I hereby signifie to your Excellency that the whole Number of Proprietors and Inhabitants in the Towns of Nottingham and Litchfield within the Limits we petitioned for are forty five ; and those who are willing and desirous to be erected into a Township or Parish (according to your Ex cellencies pleasure) have hereunto Set their names. Nottingham. Litchfield. John Taylor Nathaniel Hills Eleazer Cumings Ebenezer Spaulding Nathan Cross Daniel Hills John Mash Joseph Hills William Cumings Smith Hills Roger Chase John Hopkinson John Robinson Henry Hills Edward Spaulding James Hills James Barret Joseph Pollard Moses Barret Joseph Kedder John Marshall Joseph Kedder Jr John Parker Robert Melven Josiah Cumings Nath' Hills, Jr Benjamin Greeley John Huston Thomas Mash v Ezekiel Hills David Lawrance Henry Hills, Jr Stephen Spaulding TO"WN PAPERS — HUDSON. 417 If your Excellency will be pleased to erect us into a Town 'Or Parish agreable to our Petition you will exceedingly oblige your most Dutifull and most obedient Petitioners Litchfield. Nath' Hills ] ^" ^}^ ^^-^^ °*" .^"'"^ ) ot the Proprietors & Inhabi tants of the Towns of Notting ham & Litchfield. Petition for Town privileges. Prov N H \"^^ ^'^ Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. j Governour, The Hon"" His Majestys Coun cil & House of Representatives in Gen" Court Assembled at Portsmouth the 20"' days of May 1743. The Peti'' of us the Subscribers Inhabitants & freeholders of the District called Nottingham Humbly sheweth : That in the year 1732, Wee were on application made to the Gen'' Court of the Massachusetts Province sett off" from the town of Dunstable a Distinct and seperate township with the Powers & Priveledges of a Town & thereby enjoyned & Required to Procure and settle a Learned orthodox minister amongst us & make provision for his Comfortable & Hon'''° support, which in the year 1737 the town fullfilled but so it Happened contrary to our Knowledge or Expectation, The Running of the Line Between the Governments according to his Majestys Late Determination has taken considerable part of our Town into this Province, by means whereof, we are without the Power to manage our necessary aff"airs as a Body corporate & more especially to Raise and collect money for the support of the Rev' Nathaniel Merrill our Minister, ac cording to our Contract with him ; That before the Running of .the line assessments was made for the Ministers Rates Many Delinquents (on the Running the line) declared against paying, and continue to neglect it, tho no complaint of being over Rated. That thereby the minister has suff"ered, & long been kept -out of his Just Due. That we Have not since the running of that Line been able in any Equal way to Raise his yearly Sallery. That so much of our Improvements being left in the Massa chusetts and our circumstances so Low Renders it of necessity for all the Inhabitants in our District to assist in payment, or it will be Impracticable for us to Subsist as a Society and 41 8 NEW HAMPSHIRE many difficult circumstances attending these things presses us- Humbly to Supplicate, and In as much as this Hon''''^ Court has been pleased to look upon us as Subjects of the Govern ment by Taxing us to the Support of it, which we Readily & dutifully comply with, we doubt not but Wee shall be owned as the children of the Same & obtain the Priviledges & protection other Inhabitants Enjoy : Wherefore we most Humbly pray your Excellency & Hoii'^ to take the premises into your consideration & Invest the s"* District of Nottingham (that is to say that part of Notting ham that Lyes in the province of New Hampshire) with the Powers & priveledges of a Town & enable us to Levy & collect the former Delinquent Rates or make some speciall Law that shall Relieve us in the Premises as in your great Wisdom shall be tho best, & as In duty bound sliall pray. John Butler Hezekiali Hamblet Henry Baldwin Samuel Grele Thomas Colburn William Hamblet Joseph Winn Samuel Grele Henry Baldwin Jr Zacheus Woodwell Joseph Hamblit Sam- Huston The- Pollard Joseph Blodget John Pollard Jonathan Hardy Joseph Blodget John Marsh George Burns Ezekiel Chase Joseph Snow Petition for a Parish. To his Excellency Bening Wintworth Esq. Captine General & commander in chief in & over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England. Your Excellency with the rest of tlie Honourable Court may well remember that we your humble Petitioners a considerable time since put in a petition to y" General Court for a distinct town or parish "which the Honourable Court shall fudge most convenient k. v/e still remain earnest in our desires that s' pe tition may have a hearing, and that it may be actedupon when your Excellency with the rest of the Court shall think con venient, the reasons why wee desire to be a distinct town or parish are contained in our former Petition : We live at such a distance from our respective meetings, that we look'd upon it that we were obliged to maintain y' Gospel amongst us, which we have done for almost three years, and from the encouragement that we had from time to time we have lived in hopes that we should be freed from pay ing taxes elsewhere, but since the late act made by y Hon- TO"WN PAPERS — HUDSON. 4IO Durable Court to impower certain districts to raise money for y* support of y° ministry & other charges & our respective dis trict have had meetings, & have raised large sums of money, not only for y' present year but for several years past as ap pears by their votes. And we look upon it as a Great hardship that we should be obliged to pay s* rate for three reasons (Viz) ist "yy"g jj.yg ^(. such a distance from y- Places of Publick wor ship in our respective districts, that we cannot attend y° worship of God with our Families there. 2'' We have had a minister with us and are obliged to him for so much money from day to day, therefore we look upon it a hardship to pay taxes elsewhere. 3'' And there are some of us that have moved into these dis tricts long since y^ money was due that they now rate us for, this appears to be a hardship to such of us. Therefore "we your humble petitioners pray thatyour Excel lency with y' others of y Honourable Court would take these reasons into your consideration, & free us from these heavy burthens laid upon us, we have many of us borne a heavy burthen for a long time & we fear its growing heavier for we find none amongst us in our respective districts that will move it so much as with one of their fingers. Therefore as you are our Fathers we humbly apply ourselves to you for relief, & if in your great Wisdom think it not convenient as yet to erect us into a town, we beg that we may be aquited from paying the taxes that are served upon us, & that we may have the Privi ledges of other Parishes or districts, till such times as we may be further answered in our request that so we may able further to maintain y- Gospel amongst us ; these things we humbly ask & rest your humble Petitioners. Dated at the District called Nottingham September y' 19"' i743- P. S. We that live in the district called Litchfield would ac quaint your Excellency that at y'= time of their settling a min ister in this district that we entered our dissents but they pro- seded & settled a minister Contrary to our opinion, & we think it a hardship, that we should be Obliged to pay taxes to a Min ister that is settled upon such a foundation that he is — which is Presbyterianism. This is Contrary to what we was ever ac quainted with contrary to our opinion in matters of religion and Contrary to our minds to set under him as such. Joseph Kidder William Cumings Josiah Cumings William Campbell Joseph Kidder Jr Leonard Cummings Robert Dorah Edward Spalding Charles Dorah Ebenezer Spalding George Burroughs Jr Nathan Cross 420 NEW HAMPSHIRE Nathaniel Hills Robert Melven John Marshall Stephen Spalding James Hills Josiah Burroughs Eleazer Cummings James Barret Roger Chase Moses Barret John Robinson David Lawrence William Taylor Nathaniel Hills Jr Henry Hill's John Bradbury Ezekiel Hills Bradbury Morgan Joseph Pollard Josiah Dutton Henry Hills, Jr John Huston Petition of selectmen for a hearing. Prov. of I To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Gov' N. Hamp j &c. The Hon'""' his Majestys Councill & House of Reprei'"' in Gen'' Assembly to be Convened The S'" of March 1747. The subscribers selectmen of the Town of Nottingham West, would most humbly represent in Answer to the Petition of Josiah Cumings & Others Inhabitants of Nottingham West afores'^ On the 2^ day of December 1747, Prefered to this Hon'''' Court praying, That they might be Discharged both poles and estates from paying any thing towards the Support of the Ministry at s' Nottingham so long as they attended Else where &c. For the Reasons therein msationed. That notwithstanding the Order of the Hon'''^ Court for a hearing on s'' Petition had fully pass'd on y'" Eleventh day of December last past, and the Hearing on s' Peti' was granted to be the second day of the sitting of the assembly after the tenth day of January then next ensuing, and that the s' Gen' Assembly "was adjourned unto the 23'-' day of this Instant Feb ruary to be the first day of their sitting after the tenth of Jan uary afores'', accordingly the 24'' of this same February had they set as we Expected was the day appointed for the Hear ing afores^ Yett the Peti'^ (for ends to us unknown) did not serve the selectmen or either of them with a Copy of the s' Peti" or or der of Court thereon nor any other ways Notifie them thereof untill the 17"' day of this Instant February which left no more than six days for the Selectmen to Assemble Notifie and hold a town meeting & if the Town should think fitt to make answer & Shew Cause &c. and within the same six days to gett to Forts- mouth (Fifty miles & upwards) and by this the Neglect of the Peti'" Rendered it Imposible for the Town whose proper Right we conceive it was to make answer at the s'' Expected time, But"we the select' have proceeded & Notified a meeting of the s'^ town to be held at Nottingham on the 7"' day of March TOWN PAPERS — HUDSON. 421 next ; To see if the town will Impower an agent to answer to the s'' peti''' if there should then be occasion. Since which we are Informed that the s'* Court is adjourned from the s'' 23'' day of February unto the Eighth day of March next the day by the aforesaid order of Court appointed for the hearing afores"'. And should the town proceed to appoint an Agent to make Answer in their Behalf yet it will be Impossible for them at this diffi cult season in one night, (the only time we have) to gett to Portsm and attend at the Hearing afores'' Wherefore we pray that in case the Peti" should pursue their Peti' for a hearing that it may be continued such Reasonable time that the town of Nottingham may appear, if they shall at their meeting De sire it to shew cause why the prayer of the Pet' should not be granted &c. Nottingham, West, February 29''', 1747. John Marsh ) John Marshall I Selectmen Samuel Grele | James Weson J Nottingham Dis. Jan>" so"" 1745-6 We the Subcribers Inhabitents of the s'' Distrect do hear by Sicknife our desier to be incorporated into a Distinct Town according to the Delineation which we now Lay in and shall for that prosicute any thing which may be expediant in the aifair. Josepli Butler Joshua Hamblet Joseph Caldwell, sn Joseph Hamblet Jr James Gibson John Butler John Mitchell Thomas Gage John Huey Hezekiah Hamblet Joseph Ca'ldwell, Jr John Butler Jr John Caldwell Joseph Wright John Baldwin Samuell Jewet Robert Evens Phinehas Spanels Amos Richardson Benj-' Frost Ebenezer Dakins James Warner his Onesephorus Marsh Thomas X Richardson James Marsh mark John Hamblet Daniel Dugless Samuell Butler Daniel Merrill Eph" Cumings Sam' Merrill Daniel Simonds Josiah Hamblet Ithbre Merrill his Thomas Burns Hugh O Richardson Samuel Gould mark Richardson Cumings Jacob Butler May y 12"' 1746. On" the above s'' Day a number of the propriators and other inhabi tants of the District of Litchfield being mett to gather Did then nomi nate and appovnt Jacob Hildreth and James Carr to measure the line of Litchfield o"n the east side of meremack river from the uper end to the lower end thereof. 422 NEW HAMPSHIRE Ne^ Hamp } Londonderry May y 13'h 1746. Jacob Hildreth and James Karr personaly appearing made oath that they would take a true measure of the district of Litchfield upon the east side of Meremack river, sworn before John Goffe, Just Peace. This may signifie the Earnest desire of us subscribers inhabitents of Notingham within the Province of the Massachusetts Bay whose inter ests in Lands lay considerably within the Destrict of Noting"' in New Hampshire That the destrict may be continued to gether as a Town without the addition of any part of Litchfield, t'lat we may attend the publick wor ship of God where we have formerly Injoyed it Being intirely cut of from all Privilege of injoying it other ways. Capt Rob' Fletcher Daniel Fletcher, Zacheus Spaulding Lt. Samuel Gould John Woodward Robert Fletcher, jun. Noting"" April 4"! 1746, May y« le"" 1746. We the subscribers the within mentioned being chosen to measure the Distance of way from the upper end of the District of Litchfield. to the Lower end, whereas according to our measure not allowing any for sway of chain, we make it eight miles and one half. Jacob Hildreth James Karr. Vote on the question of hicorporation. Province of "1 The District of Nottingham being assembled to- New Hampshire / gether at the meeting house this tenth Day of March 1745-6. By virtue of a Warrant Issued out by two of his Majesties Justices of the Peace unus Quorum; they past sundry votes, first made choice of Mr Thomas Gage Moderator, Secondly it was put to Vote to see if the District will signifie by a vote that they will be Incorporated into a Distinct town and"it past "in the firmitive. John Hamblet yea Benjamin Tyng yea John Hue yea Abel Merrill yea Joseph Calwell yea Robert Nevens yea Ephraim Cumings yea Joseph Hamblet jr yea Joseph Wright yea Samuel Butler yea James Gibson yea Thomas Ga-^e yea John Mitchell yea Josiah Hamblet yea Samuel Jewate yea Daniel Dugless yea Benjamin Frost yea John Baldwin vea Thomas Burns yea Onesephorus Marsh yea Thomas Richardson yea Jacob Butler yea Hezekiah Hamblet yea Ebenezer Daken yea Capt Henry Baldwin yea Joseph Gould yea Phinehas Spaulding yea John Butler yea Hugh Richardson yea James Wason yea Daniel Merrill yea Joseph Caldwell ir yea In the firmitive. town PAPERS — HUDSON. 423 Thomas Pollard nay Lie"' Joseph Snow nay James Barret nay John Marsh nay Robert Glaser nay George Burns nay Joseph Blodget nay Ens" William Cumings nay Eleazer Cumings nay Samuel Burbank nay John Marshall nay Samuel Grele nay Jonathan Hardy nay Capt Thomas Colburn nay Lie"' Joseph Winn nay Joseph Winn, Jr nay Jeremiah Blodget nay John Marshall Jr nay Dct Ezekiel Chase nay Samuel Hustone nay Samuel Grele Jr. nay In the Negative. Thirdly it was put to vote to see if the District will split the Town partly North and south And the Vote Past in the negative that article in the warrant to set of Hills farm was Dismissed by a Vote — fifthly the District chose Mr Thomas Gage Mr Ephraim Cumings and Mr John Butler as a committee to treat with the Courts Committee and Represent the circumstances of the District to them. A true Copy from the District Book, as attest, Samuel Grele District Clerk. Petition of John Marsh for a land tax to build a meeting house. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governor & Commander in Chief in & over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire, To the Hon''" his Majesties Council & House of Representatives in General Assembly Convened 14'" July 1747. The petition of John Marsh of Nottingham West, of said Province, yeoman, in behalf of y Inhabitants of said Not tingham West as well as on his own Humbly Shews : That by y' late settlement of y' Boundary Line between this & y- Province of y" Massachusetts Bay, a number of y Ablest of y" Inhabitants of s' Nottingham West are taken of from us & so consequently we must loose their as sistance under y' present heavy Burthen that is upon us, and that by s' settlement of s' Line }¦ present Situation of our Meeting house is such that it is altogether useless unto us as a Place for y ' publick Worship of God & therefore must be obliged to build a New one and that your Petitioners live ex posed to y Indians whereby we are much taken off" from our Daily Labour : Your Petitioner therefore most Humbly prays your Excellency & Honours that you wou'd in your great Clemency be pleased to Subject by an act all y" lands in s'' Nottingham to tax of two pence an acre P annum for five years next ensuing to help us in our present distress'd circumstances 424 NEW HAMPSHIRE to build a New Meeting House, purchase a Parsonage & more comfortably to support our present Rev ' Pastor & to lay a Foundation for y future Supportof y" Gospel Ministry among us and y' Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray John Marsh. In Council, July the 15''' 1747. Read & Ordered to be sent Down to the Hon'''^ House. Theod' Atkinson Secry. ^Ham°^sWrr I ^" "^^ House of Representatives 15'" July 1747 Voted, Thaty Petitioners be heard on their Petitions y° SecondDay of y« setting of y" Gen' Assembly After y^ first of Sep' Next Si that y" Petitioners at their Own Cost Advertise y publick two or three Weeks Successively in y= post Boy or Evening Post News papers so called of y* Prayer of s^ Petition that so any one may shew Cause if any thene be why y" Prayer of s*" Petition should not be granted. D. Pierce, Clk. In Council July 15"' 1747. The above Vote read & Concurrd. Theod'" Atkinson Secry. Eod'" Die Assented to B. Wentworth. Hamoshire I ^" *^ House of Representatives lo"" March 1747, Voted, That y' Prayer of y= within Petition be granted for one penny Pjr Acre & that y= peti'"" have Liberty to bring a Bill Accordingly. D. Pierce Clr. Eod"' Die. In Council read & Concurr. Theod' Atkinson' Secry March 11'" Consented to, B. Wentworth. NewHamp'}j""-r8-i747. The town of Nottingham west made choice of Mr John Marsh to ap ply to Courts to get the Lands Belonging to this Town laidundera tax. A true Copy as attest Samuel Grele, Town Clerk Petition for Nottingham W. to be included in the West division of Counties. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq &' the Hon'" his Majesties Councill & house of Representatives in Gen" As sembly Convened at Portsm ' the 9'- of April 1754. We the Subscribers Inhabitants of Nottingham West in the province of New Hamp'" would humbly represent that inas much as a large number of the Inhabitants of this province have Remonstrated the necessity of dividing this Province into two Countys by such dividing line as shall be thought best & in as much as this town of Nottingham West lys at such a TOWN PAPERS HUDSON. 425 great distance not less than fifty miles from Portsmouth & ad joining to merrimack river, & shall always be accommodated with the western County & shall be under the utter most in convenience, if we have always to travel to the Eastermost part of the Province for County Business, therefore we most Humbly pray that when your Excellency & Hon'" shall see meet to Erect this Province into two Countys that the Dividing Line may Include this Town in the west Division & Incorpo rated to do duties & Receive Priviledges there & your Petition ers as in duty Bound shall ever pray. Ezekiel Chase Thomas Colburn Joseph Winn Stephen Chase Samuel Grele Sam' Grele, Jr Ebenezer Blodget Benjamin Taylor William Taylor William Cumings Ebenezer Cumings John Marshall Josiah Dutton Daniel Marshall Henry Hills Ezekiel Grele Joseph Pollard Samuel Marsh James Hills Jeremiah Hill Jon" Blodget Jon" Hardy Sam' Page John Pollard Ebenezer Pollard Tho' Pollard, Jr Moses Grele Isaac Waldron David Dow Joseph Blodget Jr Samuel Hills Josiah Cumings John Marsh Edward Spalding Thomas Lenard Josep Lovel Nathan Cross Peter Cross Eleazer Cumings Eleazer Cumings Jr Thomas Keney Abraham Page Timothy Emerson Joseph Winn Jr Benj-' Winn Benjamin Whittemore Jeremiah Blodget James Blodget Joseph Blodget David Lawrence Stephen Chase, Jr Henery Chase George Burns Ebenezer Dakin Samuel Merrill Nathaniel Merrill Daniel Merrill Samuel Merrill, Jr Thomas Brown Samuel Burbank Jonathan Hardy Jonathan Blodget James Wason Petition of Nottingham relating to fish in the Merrimack river. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governor &c of the Province of New Hamp'' The Honourable his Majestys Council and house of Representatives of said Province. We the Subscribers being Inhabitants of Nottingham West & Dunstable do Humbly request of your Excellency & Hon" 426 NEW HAMPSHIRE to make some addition to the act relating Restraining the Fishing in Merrymac river as the Preservasion of the Fish is of Considerable Consequence to us, we would be glad there fore That the utmost care might be Taken of them. We beg Leave to Suggest to your Excellency & Hon''' that the Constant Fishing at the Falls with Pots weares Scoop or dip nets should be restrained as well as Constant Fishing with Seaves and that all obstructions may be Removed out of the River the days Fishing is Prohibited and that proper water courses may be left in the Dams that are made Cross the Streams thaf Run into Merrymac river where Fish com only pass and also that the 'Towns be directed to choose Proper Persons to see the act is duly Observed and all offend ers Punished and your Petitioners as in duty Bound shall ever pray &c. Dated at Nottingham West, June y 4' ' 1764. Nath' Merrill Henry Hills Josiah Duston David Larance Amos Kinney Ebenezer Cumings Nathaniel Davis Josiah Cumings Jose Pollard Benj' Kidder Edward Spaulding Thomas Lancey Daniel Marshall Tho- Clark Ezekiel Hills Benj" Marchall Joseph Kelly Samuel Pollard Thomas Pollard John Bly Jeremiah Blodget Amos Pollard Reuben Spaulding Benj" Winn Noah Lovewell John Huey Samuel Marsh Henry Huey Oliver Hills Jn^ Caldwell Jr Thomas Marsh Eph" Cumings Ezekiel Grele Peter Cumings Benjamin Dutton Samuel Page Ebenezer Pollard Ephraim Cumings, Jr Thomas Campbell David Cumings Ebenezer Blodet Peter Cross Robert Stuard Province of\In the House of Representatives June 14"' 1764, This New Hamp' ; being petition Read, Ordered, That the petitioners be heard thereon the Second day of the sitting of the general Assembly after the first day of August next And that the petitioners at their own Cost cause the Substance of this petition & this order of Court thereon to be advertised three weeks successively In the New Hampshire Gazette, that any persons concerned therein may appear & shew cause if any they have why the prayer thereof should not be Granted. A. Clarkson, Clerk. In council June 16"" 1764. Read & concurr'd, T. Atkinson Jr. Secry. TOWN PAPERS — HUDSON. 427 Another Petition relating to the same. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Gov'' &" of the Province of New Hamp''* the Hon"'" his Majesties Council & house of Representatives of s ' Province We the Subscribers Petitioners being Inhabitants of this Province Humbly Sheweth that we greatly rejoyce that your Excellency and Honours have taken the Preservation of the Fish in Merrimack River into Consideration and have pass'd an act to Restrain y" Practice of Fishing in s'' River Con stantly, But as we apprehend the act as it now stands is not Quite Sufficient to answer the Salutary Ends propos'd to be done by s ' Act. We would therefore desire your Excellency and honours to take the premises under consideration & by some additional act to restrain the fishing with Dip or scoop nets at the falls in s*" River where fish are usually taken with those nets, and also that all obstructions may be removed from y" passes in Falls where fish usually pass, so as those places may be clear on the Days fish are allowed to pass, and that fish may not be hindered by any ways or means whatsoever from having a free course up y'^ River, on the day prohibited to fish, and that the Obstructions may be removed that are now in Sundrey streams that run into Merrimac River Where fish commonly pass or Sufficient courses left for the fish to pass during the Term of their Runningboth up and Down such Streams, and we Further beg I.,eave to Suggest to your Excellency and Hon''' that the Towns adjacent to the River may be Directed to choose proper Persons to see that the act is Observed and all off"enders duly Punished. June 4'-' 1764. Stephen Chase Joseph Winn Thomas Hamblet Abiathan Winn John Bloget Jeremiah Bloget Jonathan Bloget Ebenezer Pollard Ebenezer Bloget Ezekiel Chase James Caldwell Sam' Greele John Glover Benjamin Messer David Mei-ril Ezekiel Chase, Jr Stephen Morss Henry Deves .-¦ Rowland Rideout Joseph Lovel Benj. Rideout Tho- Blanchard, Jr Benj-' Smith Tho' French Abraham Bailey Nathan Winn Thomas Colburn Nathanael Merrill George Burns, Jr Nath Merrill Jr Andrew Seavey Jonathan Lund Justis Daken William Lund William Cox Phinehas Lund Edward Cox James Taylor Benj" French Nehemiah Lovewell ¦Seth Johnson Nathaniel Greele 4^8 NEW HAMPSHIRE r^wHam "s^^ }^" ^^^ House of Representatives June 14"' 1764. This Petition being read. Ordered, That the petitioners be heard there on the second Day of the sitting of the General Assembly after the first Day of Aug" next & that the petitioners at there own Cost, cause y= substance of this petition Si this order of Court thereon to be adver tised three weeks successively In the New Hampshire Gazettee that any persons concerned therein may appear & shew cause if any they have why the prayer thereof should not be granted. A. Clarkson, Clerk. Depositions. (i) Of Thomas Pollard. Thomas Pollard of Lawfull age Testifyeth and saith that he was at the house of Mr John Marshes in Notingham West upon the second day of OcP Last past & he saw Capt Joseph Killeyand John Chase and Joshua Beadel and Amos Pollard and sundry other persons there and he heard Amos Pollard say their is nothing to be done here at this time Let us go home upon his s<; Pollard. mark (2) Of Benjamin Marshall. Benjamin Marshall of Lawfull Age Testifieth and, that he was at the hous of Mr John Marsh of Nottingham West at or near the 2' day of Oct' Last past and that he came with Capt Joseph Killey to Said House aforesaid and that as soon as Capt Killey came to the house of the said Marshes there was a grate number of parsons their and as soon as he came in he said to the Company present tliat if any man Gave him the lye to Day he would Hors wip them and tlieir arose a dispute between one Davise and Killey Upon which Capt. Davis aserted something said Killey said was a lye & said Killey threatened him by holding and shaking his whip over his head. Then Amos Pollard who was present said com Daviss let us go along for their will be nothing don here to Day, upon which Capt Killey ordered John Chase to take s'' Pollard out of dores, upon which said Chase fasned upon him and drew him out of dores, upon which I told said Chase let Pollard go, dont burn your own fingers, upon which Chase let him go, then said Killey ordered said Chase to take poliard and duck him in the brook & he Nvould bear him out in so doing upor, which said Chase & Joshua Beadel fasned him TOWN PAPERS — ^JAFFREY. 429 again and Capt Killey followed out and struck said Pollard several times with the butt of his horse whip which broke and then he went to deacon ¦Greeley and took his walking staff out of his hand and struck s'' Pol lard over his head and broke the staff all to peaces while the said Chase Si Beadel held said Pollard, and further saith not. And the Dep' farther •Saifh, these facts was not on a muster day. Benj" Marchall. New nlmpshire } Litchfield March the 2^ 1765. Parsonally appeared the within and above named Thomas Pollard Benjamin Marchall and after due caution & cairfull examination maid solemn oath to the Truth of the foregoing Deposition by them Re spectively signed, and that it is the Truth concerning the things they Relate too which affidavits were taken at the Request of a Number of the Inhabitants af Nottingham west to be in perpeatuam Res memo- rium. Before us, John GoiTe "( Quorum James Underwood f unis JAFFREY — formerly Monadnock, No. 3. [This town, formerly known as Monadnock, No. 3, was incorporated in 1773, by the name of Jaffrey, for Hon. George Jaffrey, of Ports mouth. Ed.] To Mr Josiah Willard, Sir. This may certefy that it is the Desire of Each of us Hereafter named that you would Draw or cause to be Drawn a Suitable Petition for the Incorporation of our town and Lay the same Before the Govenor and Counsel with our names annext thereto. Monadnock N" 3, March 14, 1771. Eli Morse Benj" Mason Jos. Greenwood Moses Adams Sam" Twitchel John Wright ¦Vyui Greenwood Moses Mason Jos. Adams Ebenezer Twitchel Asa Norcross Thomas Morse Josiah Greenwood John Muzzy Elias Stone William Beal David Morse Benj" Lerned John Knowlton Robert Muzzey Elias Knowlton Jos. Twitchel Reuben Morse Ezra Twitchel Daniel Morse Levi Partridge John Barnstead Thades Mason We are generally of the mind to have our town named Troy. 43© NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN PAPRS — -JEFFERSON. JEFFERSON— formerly Dartmouth. [This town was first granted under the name of Dartmouth, Oct. 3-^ 1765 ; re-granted June 26, 1772, and first settled about the year 1775. Ed.] Petition to extend the time for -making settlement. Province of New Hampshire : To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq. Governor & Com mander in Chief and The Honorable His Majestys Council. The Petition of Josiah Willard & others humbly sheweth. That your Petitioner having been favor'd with the Grant & Charter of the Township of Dartmouth sometime since which said Charter specifys the first Period of settlement of twenty" Families to be in the month of December 1773 ; but w"* they apprehend was a clerical Error in filling up the Charter and ought to have been as originally intended December 1775, a compliance with the first Term being utterly impracticable in that distant part of the province. They would therefore humbly beg the s"* Mistake may be rectifyed & the Time for bringing on the first twenty Settlers be Extended to the month of De cember 1775- And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall. over pray. Josiah Willard Portsmouth 11"' Febry, 1774. VOLUME IV. KINGSTON TO NEW BOSTON. KINGSTON. [This town was incorporated, August 6, 1694, under the administra- of Lieutenant-Governor John Usher; and comprehended what now forms the towns of East Kingston, Fremont, and Sandown. Ed. J Original grant or Charter. William and Mary By the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland King and Queen Defend'" of the Faith &c. To all people To whom these presents shall come greeting Know ye that we of our Special Grace Certain Knowledge and mere motion for the due Encouragement of settling a new plantation bv and with the advice and Consent of our Council have given & Granted and by thes& presents as far as in us Lies Do give and Grant unto our Beloved Sub jects, James Prescott Senior Isaac Godfrey Thomas Philbrook Jr. Gershom Elkins Samuel Colcord Thomas Webster Sam' Dearborn William Godfrey Jacob Garland John Mason Ebenezer Webster Nathaniel Sandburn Benjamin Sandburn John Moulton Daniel Moulton and Francis Toule and Several others of their Majestys Loving Subjects that Inhabit or shall inhabit within the said Grant within our province of New Hamp shire all that Tract of Land to begin seven miles Westward of the meeting house now Standing in Hampton from thence to run a Due course West and By Nortir Ten miles into the Country for its Breadth four miles. Northerly from the Head point of the West Line from the said meeting house and Southerly within Three miles of the Norther- most side of merrimack river and that the same be a town Corporated by the name of Kings Town to the persons above named or other of their Majestys Subjects that do and shall for ever, and we do by these presents give and grant unto the said men and Inhabitants of our said Town of Kingstown and to such others that shall hereafter inhabit all and every the streets and Lanes & Highways within the said Town for the publick use and service of the men and Inhabitants thereof & Trav ellers there Together with full power License and authority to the said men and Inhabitants and such as shall inhabit within the said Town forever to establish, appoint Order & direct the establishing making Laying out ordering amending and Repairing of all streets Lanes Highways Ferries places and Bridges in and throughout the said rfown necessary needful and convenient for the men & Inhabitants of the said Town& for all Travellers and Passengers there provided always thatour said License to as above granted for the establishing making & Laying out of such Lanes Highways, Fences places and Bridges be not extended nor Construed to Extend to the taking away of any person or persons 432 NEW HAMPSHIRE Rights or property without his or their consent or By Some Law of our said province To have & to hold and Enjoy all and Singular the premises as aforesaid to the said men & Inhabitants or those that shall inhabit the said Town of Kingstown and their Successors forever Ren dering and paying therefor to us our Heirs and Successors or to such other officer or officers as shall be appointed to Receive the same yearly the. annual Quitt Rent or acknowledgement of one pepper Corn in the said Town on the 25"' of October yearly forever and for the Better or der Rule & Government of our Said Town We do by these presents Grant for us our heirs and successors unto the said men & Inhabitants or those that shall inhabit the said town that yearly and every year upon the first Tuesday in march for ever They the said men and Inhab itants and such as shall inhabit the said Town shall elect and chuse by the Major part of them Two sufficient and able men Householders of the said Town to be Constables for the year Ensuing which said men so chosen and elected shall be presented" to the next Quarter sessions of the peace to be held for said province there to take the accustomed oaths appointed By Law for the Execution of their offices under such penalties as the Law in our said province shall direct upon Refusal or neglect therein and We Do by these presents Grant for us our heirs and Successors unto the said persons and Inhabitants and such as shall inhabit in said town. That yearly and Every year upon the first Tues day in March for ever. They the said men and Inhabitants or the Major part of them shall elect and chuse Three Inhabitants and Household ers within our said Town To be Overseers of the poor & Highways or select-men of our said Town for the year Ensuing with such powers, Privilidges and Authoritys as any Overseers or select men within our said Province have and enjoy or ought to have and Enjoy. In Testimony whereof we have caused the seal of our Said province to be hereunto affixed. Witness John Usher Esq. our Lieutenant Gov ernour and commander in Chief of our said Province at our Town of New Castle the 6'" Day of August in the sixth year of our Reign an noque Domini 1694. John Usher L' Gov' William Bedford Depy Secry. Copy Exam'' Theodore Atkinson, Secry Province of New Hampshire March i" 1743 Entred and Recorded According to the Original. Pr Theodore Atkinson, Secry. Copy Exam'' Pr George Jaffrey, Clerk. Petitio7i for the re-settling of Kingston. To His Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq. Governour and Com mander in Chefe of Her Majesties Provinces of the Massa chusetts and New Hampshire, and to the Honourable the counsell Now sitting att Portsmouth this 2'' of May 1705. The Humble petition of Thomas Philbrick and Jonathan Sanborn in the Name and behalf of severall others who have a desire to settell Kingstowne. Humbly Sheweth. TOWN PAPERS KINGSTON. 433 That whereas the inhabitants that was settelled att say"* Kings town ff"ormerly did for some pretences or other withdraw and Remove in a disorderly way from said Kingstown as we Now find greatly to the Damage of the then Inhabitants, We hav ing taken a list of the names of those that have entered ther names to goe and settell there in the Fall of the year We humbly pray that we may Have orders for the Resettling of s" Kingstown accordingly, and your poor petitioners as wee are bound for a Blessing of God upon your proceeding shall for Ever pray. Thomas Philbrick Jona Sanborn Upon reading the petition of the Inhabitants of Kingstown praying, to whom ordered that the petitioners have liberty to return thither at Michaelmas provided they be not less than thirty familys that they lay out in the centre of this place a forty acre lott for y" parsonage and that they settle an able orthodox minister within three years next Cum ing & they have leave to renew their Grant with these conditions. Read in Councill the 2'' May and approved off Cha. Story Secretary. Prov. N. Hampsh 'Voted, That the town of Kingston be Excused from sending a Repre sentative and paying any part of y" Province Charge for the present jear. Provided they assist the scouts with pilots at their own Charge whenever Required. May g"" pr Order of y' House Samu' Keais, Clerk. Consented to by the Councill Chas. Story, Secretary. Petition to be clear of public charges. To His Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq Capt Generall & Gov ernor in Cheife in & Over Her Maj"" Provinces off" the Massachusetts & New Hampsh' &'' And to the Honourable the Council Now sitting at Portsm" together with the Repre sentatives in General Assembly. The Humble Petition of the Poore Inhabitants of the Town ship of Kings Town within said Province of New Hampshire Sheweth. Whereas the Inhabitants of said Towne have hitherto on ace" of the Warr been clear'd from all Publick charge and the Enemy now insults us as much as Ever : And theire now being a representative required of us, Our circumstances being in a very low Condition and the Enemy like to be as trouble some as Ever they have been — Yo' Petitioners therefore Humbly prays yo' Excell. & the Hon'able the Councill that wee may as yett stand on the Es- 28 434 NEW HAMPSHIRE tablishm' wee did before till such time as yo' Petitioners are better able wee humbly Submitt our selves to w' yo' Excell. & the Hon'able the Councill shall Judge meet. Soe prays yo' Humble Petitioners JoN"' Sanburn, In behalfe of y' town. Upon reading this petition the Council Declares, that they are very sensible of the good services of the inhabitants of Kings town and the Hardshipps they labour under in and shall use all methods for their Encouragem' And therefore Recommend to the Representatives the prayerof being Eased of the present tax and of the attendance of a Representative Dureing the present distress untill further Order In Council 8"' May 1712. Cha ; Story Secretary. Petition to be discharged from, cost of Road, &c. To the Honourable John Wentworth Esq L' Gov' & to the Honourable The Councill & House of Representatives now sitting in Gen' Assem. at Portsm" for his Maj"'" province of N. Hamp' The petition of Sam' Easman representative for y" Town of Kings town in behalf of said Town sheweth. That the Hon"'" The Court of Gen' Q sessions of the peace held at Ports'"" The first day of march last were pleased to make an ord' that the town of Kingstown afores" should pay half the Charge of Laying out a high road Through y" town of Hampton w'^'' your petitioner does humbly conceive is not to be supported or favoured by any laws or customs whatso ever but that the said Ord' of sessions is opposite to an act of This prov. & past in May 1719, Entitled an act about high ways &c Whereupon yo' petitioners do humbly pray that the said Order be made null & void as to the part of Kingston afores'' & that the said Town be discharged of that ord' & yo' peti tioners shall Ever pray as in Duty bound. Sam' Easman Jon" Sanburn. Voted, That y" Case between Hamton & King.'S town be brought on again to y" next q' sessions for a second hearing between town & town and that Each town be notified accordingly Hen. Sherburne, Clk Asst In Coun Eod'" die Concurrd. R. Waldron. TOWN PAPERS KINGSTON. 435 Petition for abate77ient of Province tax. To the Honabell John Wintworth Esq our Lev' Governor and Comander In Chefe In and Over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire In New England and to your honours of His Majestyes Councill, and to those gentlemen of y" house of Representatives now Convened together att our Generall Cortt held att Portsmouth in said province this i8"' day of May 1725. The Humbell address of y° subscribers to these presents being the selectt men for Kingstown In said provence for this yeare, Humbly Sheweth. That Whereas wee make bold to make this our humbell de- seire and Request unto your hon'^ yett we hope you will par don our Boldness In so doing and that your hon'" would Con sider our sad Surcomstances that wee live under by living In a fronteer town and so small a town and so Exposed to y" Indian Enemy and our Rates are so hevey upon us that we cannot tell how to pay it, therefor we humbly pray your honnours to Con sider us and to medigatt sumthing of our provence Rates & may it please your hon'" wee have Latly lost Sundrey men of Considerable Estates In our town some by the Enemy and some by Sixness whare by we are the more unabell to pay so much as we have done and we are so much y'' more weker as to men In our going out to our worke dayly and we are so Exposed to danger of y" enemy dayly, that wee hope In your wisdom you will Consider us as to the thing wee pray to your hon'"' for and likewise that wee might not have any of our men Impressed from us be cause we Lay so Exposed to y'^ Enemys and Every day whare ever wee goe to work we are as it ware upon duty. All this things Considered by your honnours If your hon'" see cause to help us as to those things above mentioned wee shall Return your hon'" Humbell thanks as in duty we are bound &" Kingstown Ma}' y'= 17"' 1725. Joseph Fifield i Ebenezer Stevens | Selectmen Tristram Sanborn \ for Joseph Grele Joseph Sleeper Kingstown Petition for a tow7iship. Wee the subscribers of Kingstown haveing gone through many difficulties & Great & Long & Tedious Wars & very Ex- 436 NEW HAMPSHIRE pensive & trouble some, so great that the greatest part of the inhabitants of our Town were forced to sell their lands to sup port their families — But through the goodness of God we are yet preserv'd & much Increased & have many sons to settle in the w"orld we have not land for them because our inheritances are in y"" hands of strangers, & inasmuch as y" neighbouring towns about us have had a considerable priviledge by their new township to them granted wee also desire an Inheritance among our Brethren & Therefore present our Humble Request to his Excellency the Governor & Councill & for a Town ship as follow^eth, beginning att Ammoskeag Falls & to extend five miles up the River & five miles down y'' River & Ten miles wide five on each side & in so doing y' Honn'' will very much oblige us his Majestys subjects. Mr Ward Clark Ebenezer Stevens Capt Jonathan Sanborn John Fifield Joseph Fifield Moses Elkins Joseph Clough Ebenezer Webster Joseph Grele Samuel Tucker Benjamin French Jeremy Webster John Darlin Phinehas Batchelder Samuel Welch Ichabod Clough Ebenez' Eastman Joseph Eastman Thom'' Eastman Elisha Sweat Ebenez'" Collins Theophilus Clough Ebenezer Sleeper Richard Cliftbrd Benjamin Wadleigh Samuel Robie Nathan Batchelder Elisha Windslow John Ladd John Webster Ter' Ralph Blasdel John Young Samuel Lock Jacob Merril Theophilus Griffin Joseph Young Toseph Bean Jeremiah Quimbee 7 ber y' ii"" 1730. Eliiah Blasdel Samuel Bean, Jr Moses Rowel Thomas Webster, Jr William Bussel John Webster Jr Cornelius Clough Thomas Dente Elias Renas Benjamin Webster Samuel Judkins Toseph Sleeper Jonathan Chote Samuel Webster Samuel Colcord Aaron Sleeper, Jr Isaac Griffin Benjamin Sweat Benjamin Eastman Samuel Sanborn John Gillman Enos Johnson Jonathan Sanborn, Jr John Huntoon Samuel Fifield Thomas George Andrew Webster Joseph Young, Jr Daniel Ladd Samuel Emmins Philip Hoyt Daniel Blasdell John Carter Samuel Eastman John Osillaway Nathanael French Isaac Griffin TOWN PAPERS KINGSTON". 437 Another I^ctitio7i for a Township. To His ExcellcN" Jonathan Belcher Esq. Capt Generall and Commander in Cheif in and over his Maj"'"" Province of New Hampshire in New England and to the Hon''" His Maj'"'~ Councill for s'' Province. The Humble petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Kingstown in said Province whose names are annexed here unto in a Schedule bv their Order most humbly sheweth. That j'our petitioners haveing thro' Great Expence and many Difficulties Subsisted & held their Towns Possession in a Long and Tedious warr with the Indian enemy yet a great many of them to subsist themselves and families hath been Obliged to sell y" greatest part of their Lands and some their Stocks of Cattle, and i"iaveing manj' Children now Grown up and fitt to go out and setle for themselves and many more grow ing up ; That will want the like setlem" and your Petitioners the antient Inhabitants what with the sale they were obliged & necessitated to make as afl'oresaid, and the Incroachments of the Province of Mass' on them, they have not any Lands to setle their Children on or scarcely to SubsLst their families They therefor most humbly pray that as most of y" Towns in this province have had grants of Townships to them and none as yet granted to v' Petitioners that may have a Grant of a Tract of Land at Amasceaug of about Eight Miles Square (or as y'' Excellcie & hon'~ shall see most meet) and y' Petitioners shall as in duty bound Ever pray. Ebe.n'p:zer Sikvens, by order. Read and Suspended till next session R. W. Secrv. Pctitio7t of East Parish about divisio7i of lities. To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq. Capt. Gen" & Governor in cheife in & over his majesties Province of New Hamp" in New England and to the Hon''" his Majesties Council & Representatives in Gen Court assembled Jan. y' 31- 1739-40. The Petition of the Subscribers (a Committee Represent- ng the East -parish in Kingstown) Miimbly sheweth. Whereas it hath graciously pleas'd this great & Gen ' Court to set oil" sundry of the Inhabitants of the Easterly part of Kingstown ii"i s' Province themselves. Their tamilie.s & estates to be a distinct Parish from the Town for which great Good ness we return our Humble & hearty thanks, But yet rinding manv difficulties A; Inconveniences in our prc-icnt State viz : 438 NEW HAMPSHIRE There haveing been sundry more Inhabitants Liveing among our Inhabitants who have Petitioned the town that they might be sett off" to our Parish ; who accordingly granted their Re quest & in their capacity set them off to us yet we apprehend that we have not sufficient Power to Execute the Law upon them in case there should be occasion for it particularly in re gard of our Taxes ; also there are others settled & a settling among us who are far more Convenient to us than to the town : & again there are considerable of Lands intermixed with ours which is not inhabited & belongs chiefly to out Town men, which we have no power to Rate ; further when any persons come to settle as Tenants upon the Lands so inter mixed as above s'' which may be Likely to be a publick charge, & so may in time be a great Burthen to your s" Par ish, we have no power to warn them off" or Restrain them un der these & other difficulties, which your Excellency & Hon" in your wisdom may discover : Wee now again Humbly apply ourselves to your Excellency & Hon"" praying that you will be pleased to perfect that which yet concerneth our full settle ment & sure establishment by fixing some line of division be tween our s' parish & the Town of Kingstown according to your great Wisdom & Goodness & Justice, Respecting laoth us & our Brethren & friends in the town. And so shall wee as in duty Bound ever pray. Joseph Grele Ralph Blasdel 1 A com""' chosen to William Boynton Jeremy Webster I Represent the Nathan Bachelder Benjamin Morrill ( East Parish in John Webster J Kingstown In the House of Representatives Feb. 2'' 1739-40 The within petition Read and Voted That the Petitioners serve the selectmen of the West part of Kingstown with a copy of the petition, at the petitioners charge & that they appeare to be heard the twelfth of y"" Curr' to Shew Cause why the Prayer of the Petition may not be granted James Jeffry Clr. Assm. In Coun. Feb 6"' 1739-40 Read and concurrd. Rich'' Waldron, Secry Feb. 6"" 1739-40. I assent to the above "Votes J. Belcher. In the House of Representatives Feb^" 13"' A D. 1739-40 The within Petition read, and the parties heard by their Council and the House Having considered thereof, Voted, That Mr Thomas Packer & Capt Edward Hall be a committee of this House to Joyn with Such as the Hon'"'' the Council shall appoint to go & view Boath parts of the Town of Kingstown, In the recess of the assembly and according to the best of their Judgm' to be where it will be most convenient for a Line between the Easterly pish & the old pish (or westerly part of the sfl Town) may be made the said Committee to make their return to TOWN PAPERS — KINGSTON. 439 the Gen'' Ass"" the third day of the next sitting of the Gen" Assembly & y' the petition'^' pay the whole charge. James Jeffry, Clr. Ass"" In Coun. Feb. is"" 1739-40. Read and concurrd & R. Waldron aud Eph" Dennet Esq. appointed to Joyn in the service above. Rich's Waldron, Secry Same day Assented to f. Belcher. Remonstrance against a new Parish. To his Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq. Captain General & Governor in Chief in & over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire the Honourable his Majesties Council & Representatives in General Court assembled. The Humble Petition of the Subscribers a Committee for the first Parish in Kingston, Humbly sheweth Whereas at the Last session of the Hon"'" Court a number of the Inhabitants of the East part of Kingston did prefer a Petition to the hon*''^ House signifying their willingness and ability to support the ministry and a school & here upon were set off" their families Persons & estates as a distinct Parish Notwithstanding they were gratified in this thir Request they have been Incessiant in their Demand upon the First Parish Particular to run a line Between the Two meeting houses which we understand by their explanation of themselves could be no other way adjusted than by taking The Half Distances Between the two said Meeting Houses on the Salisbury Rhode thence running due north to Exeter Line and South to Almsbury Bounds And to add thirteen men to their number But conscious of our poverty and Exposed situation we- let them know that we apprehended their Demands -were very unreasonable inasmuch as we had many more Poor Persons amongst us then were with them who had bin Impoverished by the warrs, Haveing bin obliged to sell the best of their Lands to their fathers in their Extremity for very small con sideration To suppcd-t their familys and we have had great Rumours of a war and are very much Exposed and must be obliged to keep Garrisons which besides the Exposing of our Lives and fortunes would be to us the loss of Each mens Labours one Day in a "week Nearly which would Something Exeed Their Parish rates Besides the charges of supporting the ministry in our o"wn Parish. Nevertheless we off"red them Sutch a line as would circum- .scribe their Estates with the Estates of the tliirteen above mentioned and all the "Vacant lands intermixed with theirs 440 NKW HAMPSHIRE which upon their request we have set ofl" to the said East Par ish. This grant we have made them in hopes they would have been Easy tho we are fuUv sencible that their might be named some one farm in their Parish of Greater Income than some twenty livings amongst us. If we speak of the petition now lying before your Excelly And Hon'" we apprehend y- we ought to Expose their Designs Tho not Exprest tor a line to Incompass their estates we do not oppose but Should be free to settle Imediately & would have done it "v^'ithout trouble to the Hon'"' Legislature But to have Persons and familys torn of from us or mens Estates torn to Peices a.id divided meerly to gratify their unreasonable restless & insatiable desires is all that we would humbly Remonstrate against and Earnestly Re quest your Excell & Hon' in your Great wisdom and com passion prevent & fix such a line Between us as shall incom pass their estates and leave ours intire to this first parish and your humble Pettioners shall ever Pray, &c. Simeon Bro"v\'n ) John Swatt ! Moses Sleeper ^^ Joseph Fifield r ^"'""^'"ee Nath' Smith Tho- Webster ) A leagel meeting held by ajornment y' 26"' day of October voted that those men her under writen both thay"& theire Estates shall be set of "to the east Parish in this tow-n to pay both ther town rate minister & school Rate tiiere which being according to there own petition & de sire. Joseph Bean Ralph Blasdel, Jr Obadiah Elkins Henry Bagels- Ralph Blasdel -.cner Jerem'iah Curier John Grifien William Stevens John Fifield Ebenezer Blasdel Tho Grifien Jr. Edward Prescot Joseph Sawyer This is a true copy taken out of King,-,town book as ates by me Tristram Sanborn town cierk for Kingstown. A Leagel anual -Lown meeting held in Kingstown march y'- 6"' 1739 I'y Leftenant John Sweet was chosen moderator for that meeting. 4'y It was put to voate to see wheather they wod set of the Est parish of s" town by a line and it -vvent in the negat'ive This is a true copy Taken out of Kingstown Book of reacords as atest by me, Tribtram .Sanborn. Town clerk for Kingstown To Samuel Winslow Jedidiah Philbrick i: John Huntoon Selectmen: Kingstown Septemb" the i" 1740. Whereas the Gen ' Assembly of this province have stated ^: Settled he Boundary between the Parishes in this town establishing & fixing TOWN PAPERS KINGSTON. 441 the persons & their estates or parts of their Estates, whose Estates or part of them fall to the East of s'' Boundary to the first Parish Provid ing they shall within one month Give under their hands to the select men their desire to remain with the s'' first parish. These are to Certifie you the Select men that its our desire & design to be accounted of & do duty and Enjoy priviledge in s'' first Parish a.-s witness our hands. John Swett Tristram Sanborn his William X Buswell mark Cornelius Clough William Long Simon French Samuel Eastman Ebenezer Eastman Isaac Clifford Elisha Sw-ett Peter Sanborn Jidediah Philbrick Abraham Sanborn Ebenezer Stevens, Jr William Buswell. Jr his Philip X Moodey mark Jonathan Blake Richard Long Beniamin Clough his Ely X Bedy mark This is a True Copy as w-itness our hands September y 26'' 1740 Benj" Judkins Moses Sleeper Benjamin Sleeper Joseph Cliftbrd Jonathan Sleeper Samuel French his John X Moode> mark Thomas Sleeper Nathaniel Smith Joseph Young- Nathanael French, Jr Samuel Fifield Jonathan Sanborn Benjamin Magoon Benjamin Stevens David French John Sleeper Samuel Judkins John Judkins Tristram Sanborn Fert. A true Copie of the pre mentioned Copie. .\tte,st Jedediah Philbrick IS^'^'^'™^" tohn Huntoon ( ,,. ° ^ J Kingston Jeremy Webster Just of Peace. Petition of Jedidiah Philbrick for partitio7i 0/ real estate. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governor & Command'' in Chief in & over His Majestys Province of New Hampshire The Hon"''' His Majestys Council & House of Representatives in Gen' Asseinbly Convened Dec. i^' '743- The Humble petition of Jedidiah Philbrick of Kingstown in s"* Province as Agent or Attorney for Mary Sewall widow, Jonathan Bradley & Susanna his wife & Samuel Bradley & Mary his wife & Josiah Foulsam, Shews. That John Foulsam Late of Exeter in said Province Yeoman Deceased Died In- 442 NEW HAMPSHIRE testate Siezed of a Considerable Estate (the administrat" of w"'' was Granted to the s'' Mary Sewall being then the widow Relict of the s'' deceased) & left issue the said Susanna, Mary, Josiah, & another Child since Deceased. That three of the said Children were young when their said father died & the s"" Josiah was born after wards the bringing up of which children & the Debts Due from the s' Dec" with sickness funeral Charges & other necessarj' Expenses Call'd for most if not all the personal Estate But so it happens that the said Adm' is not able to Render any Certain acco' of her Administra" Especially as it is near twenty years since it was Granted. That by her Industry & Labour she has preserved the Real Estate which now Remains to be divided it which all parties are desirous to have done but as y" said Josiah is not of full age it cant be done Efl"ectually by their agreement and the Court of Probate is of opinion that it cant be Legally done by the Authority of that Court because by Law an ace' must be Rendered before Distribution can be made for tis the Surplus only that is to be Di vided. Besides tis also a Doubt whether that court can Inter meddle after administra" has been so Long granted wherefore to Remedy all which your Petitioner in behalf of his Constit uents Humbly prays that a Special Act may be passed Author izing Some indifl'erent persons to make a compleat & final Par tition of the said Real estate Among the said Interested par ties and to order that the same so made be Recorded in some of the Public Records and your Petitioner as in Duty Bound shall Ever Pray &c. Jedediah Philbrick. In the House of Representatives X'"" the first 1743. Tlie within Pe tition Read and Voted that the prayer of the Petition be granted and that Messrs Benj'' Thing Capt Daniell Gilman & Levt John Gillman be a Comittee to make Division of said Estate according to Law and that the Petitioners have liberty to Bring in a Bill accordingly James Jeffrey Clr. Ass'" December 2" 1743. In Council, Read Si Concurrd. Theod. Atkinson Secry. Eodem Die Assented to B. Wentworth. Petition for a further hearing on Haverhill petition for a 7iew Parish. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governor and Commander in chief of his Majestys Province of New Hamp shire in Council. The Petition of Eben Stevens & Jedediah Philbrick Agents TOWN PAPERS KINGSTON. 443 for the Town of Kingstown in the Province aforesaid. Humbly shews. That in Consideration of a Petition now laying before your Excellency and the Hon"" His Majestys Council for a Parish in the Western part of Kingston, and an Appeal now Depend ing for want of a Competent Quorum of his Majestys Coun cil to hear the same together with some other Essential papers which we are not provided with, your Petitioners humbly pray that a further Day may be appointed for the Town of Kings ton to Shew Cause why the Petition of Richard Hazzen, and others for a Grant of Incorporation in the District of Haver hill so called may not be Granted, and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall Ever Pray. Eben' Stevens Jed'' Philbrick Portsmouth February 12 ' 1746. February 7"' 1746 then .Sirvaid the Parrish granted by Kingstown at the West End adjoining- upon Chester and Londonderry Agreement Line and find it upon s'' Line three miles and a half and one hundred and ten Rods : and tl-iree miles upon the East and by South poynt at the End agreeable to Said grant. Sirvid by me, Sam" Emerson, Sirvaior. [See plan of West Parisl"! set off from Kingston 7'" February, 1746, in MS. Vol. IV.. pp. 34. 35. Ed.] Petition relati/tg to the Basford land grant. p . r . To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. i^rovmce 01 ' r~^ ._ r~^ w r~- p/-~, ,* ¦^ TT : Capt Gen ' Joseph Elkins John Gilman. John Young In Councell Portsm" Sep' y' 4"> 1746. Read & Sent down to the House. R. Wibird, pro. Secry. In Council December 5"" 1746. Read again & revived & ordered to be sent down to the House. Theod'" Atkinson Secry. Province of "1 At a Legall meeting of the Inhabitants & free hold- New Hampshire / ers of Kingstown held the Twenty fourth of Sep tember 1746, firstly Leiut John Sweat was Chosen Moderator for that meeting 2'1'y Voted thatwe do hereby as far as in us lyeth set off Moses Tucker Israel Huse John Straw James Huse Jonathan Colbee James Graves Daniel Hibard John Bond Daniel Kid Jacob Wells Jacob Gurdey Meshech Gurdey David Straw John Straw Jr Reuben Clough William Straw- Israel Huse Jr. Phillips Welis John Pressey Jacob Tucker Benjamin Tucker Joseph Dow John Hogg & Orlando Colby Of Kingstown abovesaid with a Certain Tract of Land in said Town for a distinct Parish or precinct, bounded as foiloweth Viz' Beginning at the Beech Tree which is the Dividing boundary between London derry & Chester said Tree standing on the West Line of said Kingston and running Southerly on said Kingston said line as heretofore setled between said Londonderry & said Kingston to the Island Pond (so called) Then running Easterly South Three miles then Northerly till a North & by West Course will Strike said Kingston Line (where it 446 NEW HAMPSHIRE crosses the mill brook so called) as heretofore setled between si* Kings ton & said Chester and from thence Viz. where said line crosses s'* mill brook to run Southerly on said line to the Beech tree first mentioned. This is a true Copy taken out of Kingston Book of records Attest Jed'' Philbrick, town Clerk. Petition of persons in the westerly part of Kingston for town privileges. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Capt. Generall, Governour and Commander in Chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire and to the hon'"''' his Majestys Council of s'' Province. The Petition of the Subscribers Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Westerly parts of the Town of Kingston in s'' Province, Humbly Shews, That your Petitioners living so remote from the meeting house in s"" town are not able to attend the publick Worship there on the Sabbath and also by reason of the distance we live from the Town our other duties & Services have been for a long time past attended with great charge trouble and diflficulty and we having represented the same to the s"" town they have at their late legal meeting sett us off" as farr as in them lay as a distinct Parish with land suitable for the same as by the "Votes of s'' Town herewith presented will fully & plainly appear. Wherefore your Petitioners most humbly pray your Excellency & hon'^ will be pleased to Confirm the votes of s'' Town by Incorporating us & all others that do or shall inhabit or dwell within the Limits of the land so sett off by the Town into a Parish and that we may have all such priv iledges as other parishes have both for the setting up and main taining the publick Worship of God and all other duties & ser vices appertaining to a Parish. And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray. Dated Sep' 26'" 1746. Moses Tucker Daniell Kid James Huse Orlando Colby Israel Huse Paul Chase James Graves Benjamin Tucker Thomas Wells Jacob Tucker Israel Huse, Jr John Pressey John Hoog Rolen Clough John Bond John Straw Joseph Dow Jacob Wells Philip Wells Jacob Gordy Daniel Hebberd Mesheck Gordy Jonathan Colby Daved Straw William Straw John Straw Jr. TOWN PAPERS KINGSTON. 447 Petition for a Justice of the Peace. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governour and Commander in Chief of His Majestys Province of New Hampshire,The Petition of His Majestys subjects in Kingston, Humbly sheweth. That having long Experienc'd the good Eflfects of the administration of the Civil Authority by a Jus tice of the Peace, as that oflSce was used among us by the Hon'"'"' Ebenezer Stevens Esq. deceas'd ; since the death of that very worthy & good Gentleman, we are more Sensible of our obligations to your Excellency for Establishing such authority among us ; & affected with our Present disadvan tageous & uncomfortable State, for want of such Authority here ; to prevent disorders, acknowledge Instruments of Con veyance, receive the Oaths of Town Officers &'' We there fore humbly Entreat your Excellency to reestablish such authority in this Place, and having been advised that your Ex cellency has condescended sometimes to Enquire of leading men in a Town who is most likely to support such Commis sion with Honour, in respect of the People, If the Governour were to honour us with such demand we might with humble submission propose Cap' Jedidiah Philbrick. And if your Excellency would further Indulge us we would, but just say : that having been long disus'd to the Inconven- iency of going out of Town for such officer. If your Excel lency tho't fit to grant such a Favour before our Annual Town meeting ; we should esteem it an Instance of your great Con- descention & Goodness to us, & it would afl"ord this People a Singular Satisfaction. "We humbly beg your Excellency's Pardon for the Freedom, which your Paternal Concern for the Peace & good order of all under your Government, Condescending Goodness this People entirely your own and the Exigency of our Present state, has Encouraged & urged us to take. And humbly ask leave to add that. If your Excellency shall grant such Commissionto such Person or Persons among us. & in such Time as in your great Wisdom you shall think fit. Your humble Petitioners shall ever pray. Kingston Feb. 23'' 1749-50. John Fifield, Jr Samuel Fifield Joseph Bean Elisha Winslow Sam" Colcord William Calfe Benjamin Stevens Nathan Swett Paul Sanborn Tristram Sanborn, Jr Elisha Sweet Joel Judkins. John Huntoon Little Harbour 28"" Feb. 1749. Sir: You are hereby desired to Place Capt Philbricks name in the Com- 448 NEW HAMPSHIRE mission of peace & to administer the Oath to him in order to Qualify him for his Office. Your hum. Serr' B. Wentworth. Coll. Atkinson. Petition for soldiers to keep the Fort. Province of | To his Excellency Benning Wentworth New Hampshire j Esq. Capt Gen' & Govern' & Commander in Chief in and over his Majesties' of New Hamp' and to the Hon''" his Majes ties Council & House of Representatives in Gen' Court Assembled. The Petition of the Subscribers Humbly shews that, whereas your Excellency & Hon'' Petitioners with our associates Pro prietors of that Tract of land Called Maj' Stevens' town in s,* Prov. out of a view, & Sincere aim of Settling & Encreasing this his Majesties Governm' & thereby to make frontier yet a greater distance from us, Plave Exerted ourselves both in our persons and Estates in Laying out our land & in Building many Good Houses to Inhabit, & moveing up many families to dwell in them and also have Built a goodly Fort for their Safety : But the Indian Enemy having in the summer past made a Breach upon us & Captivated several of our Inhabitants & thereby lessen" our Number of Inhabitants & discouraged those that are left and also discourages others from settling so that we under these circumstances must be forced to move oft' our s'^ Inhabitants & so break up our settlements, & Demolish our Fort, which we humbly conceive may be a damage to this Governm" Wherefore we humbly pray that your Excellency & Hon"- would Consider our Case & Grant us some help of sol diers to keep our s*^ fort & keep our inhabitants there which we humbly Conceive may be of advantage to this Governm' and we shall still Exert our selves in promoting & Encouraging additional settlements by Encreasing our Inhabitants on s'' Tract ; and so we shall as in duty Bound Ever pray & Kingstown January the 30"' day 17515. Jeremy Webster Elisha Sweet Sam" Fifield Jacob Gale John Webster In Council, Jan. 30"' 1755 read & recommended Theodore Atkinson, Secry. TOWN' PAPERS KINGSTON. 449 Petition of sutidry persons to rcjnain in the old Parish. Province of I Kingston February the 4"' 1760. New Hampshire j To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Captain General and Commander in Chief of the Province afore' s'', and to the Hon'''" His Majesties Council and House of Representatives in General Assembly Convened. The Petition of us, the Subscribers inhabitants of Kingston, Humbly sheweth. That Whereas a Petition Subscribed by a Number of the Inhabitants of'the Westerly Part of the old Parish in said Town has been pre- resented to the General Court of said province Praying for a Par ish which according to the Limmitts Petitioned for will include us the Subscribers and your Petitioners knowing that in Country towns every Person cannot be accommodated with a meeting House at his Door and that the Breaking into so many small Parishes is (in our Humble opinion) so far from being for the Intrest of Religion (which is the Pretence) that it is very much injured by it By the great & needless charges that arise there by, and it is very unreasonable (as wee think) for us & our estates to be laid under those unnecessary Burdens by being Joyned with them contrary to our inclinations and Intrest. Wee therefore Humbly pray That if your Excelly & Honor' see Fitt to Grant the former Petitioners a Parish you would in your great Wisdom & clemency take our Circumstances under your Consideration and not compel us to Joyn with the former Petitioners Butt allow uss and our estates to Do duty and en joy Priviledges with the old Parish as Before, and your Hum ble Petitioners as in Dutj- Bound shall ever Pray &c. Thomas Elkins Moses Welch William Sleeper Joseph Heath, Jr Abner Whittier Benjamin Severance Philip Davis Samuel Stewart .' Eli Silver .' Samuel Daves Joseph Webster Ezekiel Davis Amos Easman John Davis Isaac Webster Joseph Fellows Richard Sargent John Coser Jonathan Sargent Sam" Davis, Jr Francis Pollard Jacob Davis Jeremiah Hubbard Edward Eastman 3'' Richard Hubard William Eastman Thomas Dent John Thorn John Webster James Thorn Hanah Dodge Benjamin Collins Joseph Heath Jonathan Collins Daniel Hurst Ezra Tucker Daniel Sargent Timothy Eastman his John Fifield, Jr William X Sargent Jonathan Harve mark Eben' Severance 29 450 NEW HAMPSHIRE Sam" Fellows Isaac Flanders David Flanders William Chales John Bartlet Petition for a new Parish. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Captain Gen eral, Governor & Commander in Chief in & over His Maj estys Province of New Hampshire, The Honourable His Majestys Council And House of Representatives in General Assembly Convened, the Second Day of January 1760. The Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of that Part of Kingston in Said Province adjoining on the Parish of San down, Humbly shews. That whereas Providence hath placed us at a great Distance from any place of stated public "Worship in Town & so ren dered our Attendance thereon very difficult & our Families often impracticable : We have built a meeting House among us to accomodate ourselves & Families, That we & they might more conveniently attend the public Worship of God & with more ease & comfort enjoy the Word & ordinances necessary for Salvation, And being disirious at our own cost & charge to maintain the Worship of God among us. We petitioned The Town to Set us off" to be a Parish Separate from them, But they (as we apprehend) not legarding our difficult Cir cumstances have unreasonably denied our Request : Where fore We humbly pray that we may be sett off" & incorporated into a Parish distinct from them in the following manner viz' bounding Westerly on Sandown East Line, thence to extend Easterly carrying the whole Breadth of the Town till it comes half way between our new meeting house & the old meeting house in Town, And that we may be discharged from paying to the ministry & the School in the other part of the Town & enjoy the Powers & Priviledges of other Parishes. And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray &^ Samuell Webster Benjamin Selly John March Joseph Brown Obediah Elkens William Brusel .' Jonathan French Dyer Hook Israel Dimond Humphry Hook William Clifford Joseph Worth Daniel Brown Elisha Bachelder Henry Morrill Jacob Hook Anans Camell Edward Eastman, Jr Jonathan Sanborn Reuben Bachelder Beniaman Webster Samuel Sargent Thomas Welch David Tilton Joshua Webster Aron Quimby TOWN PAPERS KINGSTON. 45 1 Samuel March Jeremiah Flanders Jeremiah Quimby Ephraim Paige Joseph Sweat Moses Quimby John March, Jr Henray Hunt Ezra Tucker John Collins John Paige David Quimby Samuel Quimbe Benjamin Darling Elias Rano Joseph Clifford Nathan Jones Joshua Webster, Jr Ezra Jones Benjamin Webster Jr Jonathan Blake Paul Pressey Malachi Daves William Selley Stephen Barnard John Sanborn, Jr John Quimby Thomas Wadley Thomas Eliot Colby William Morey Elisha Clough Thomas Eastman In Council Jan. 16"' 1760 The within Petition read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''* Assembly. Theodore Atkinson, Secy Province ofl In the house of Representatives, Jan. 16''' 1760. This New Hamp' j petition bein read, ordered. That the petitioners be heard thereon the third day of the sitting of the Gen' Assembly next after the fifteenth of Febry next, & that they at their own Cost & Charge cause the select men of Kingston to be served with a Copy of this petition & order of Court thereon, that they may appear & Shew Cause if any they have why the prayer there of should not be granted. A. Clarkson, Clerk. In Council Jan>' 17"' 1760. Read & Concurr'' Theod- Atkinson, Secry. Province of 1 In the house of Representatives Feby ig"" 1760. New Hampshire / This petition having been read. The parties on Each side appear'd by themselves & attorneys & after being fully heard thereon, "Voted, that the prayer thereof be grant ed So far as to be agreeable to the minutes, on the Back of the plan, & that the petitioners have liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly. A. Clarkson, Clerkc In Council Feby. 20'" 1760. Read & Concurred. Theodore Atkinson, Secry. Petitio7i relati/tg to boundaries. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq Governor & Commander in Chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire, The Hon'" His Majestys Council & As sembly of said Province The Humble Petition of Benjamin Stevens and Elis ha Swett both of Kingston in said Province as Agents for the Proprie tors of the common Land there shews That the Township of Chester lying next to Kingston & 4^.2 NEW HAMPSHIRE Principally on the Westerly Side thereof the Proprietors of said Chester have lately Raised a dispute with the Proprietors & inhabitants of Kingston about the Bounds there and would Remove the said Westerly Boundary of Kingston, (which your Petion" apprehended was fixed & marked before the grant of Chester) further Eastward & claim the Land between the line which they give us, & that which we say is the true Line, and in Consequence of this have bro't an action against one Bean who holds a parcel of Land between these two lines, in the Right of Kingston which action is no"w Pending at the Infer Court. That the land between these lines has been almost if not quite all laid out by Kingston into lots of about forty rods in Breadth & half a mile in length so that there is a prospect of many suits at Law before this dispute wiir be ended in that way, which "will be Expensive & Burdensome many ways, which the Proprietors of Kingston would gladly have settled in a more. Summary method, But that cant be done by the di rection of the Law to Rene"w and Perambulate Boundaries for they, will not agree to the place which we fix for that Renewal of Perambulation, nor is there any Prospect of Compounding for each party Claims & seems to be determined to have- the whole. That the foundation of- their claim as yo' Petitioners suppose is a Supposition that Kingston has more Land than the Exact admeasurement of their lines wou'd give them which is no more than may be said of every Tract of Land laid out in the woods & Especially so long ago as the grant & Survey of Kingston. Wherefore your Petition'"" in behalf of their Principals Pray that this matter may be Exam'* and by a Resolve of the Leg--; islature Determined which of these two Disputed Lines, or where the true boundary line of Kingston on the side afore said & elsewhere where Chester Disputes with them is, which your Petition'" humbly Conceive will Prevent many suits at Law & they will as in duty bound ever pray &' BENJAMIN STEVENS }f-^hj-lf^,^ In Council Apr 2'' 1761. The within Petition read & ordered to be sent to the hon'''e Assem bly. Theodore Atkinson, Secry. Province ofl In the House of Representatives New Hamp'" j" April 2 Sterlg. In Council April 25"' 1761. Read & concurrd. Theod' Atkinson Secry. Consented to B. Wentworth. KENSINGTON. [Incorporated as a Parish of Hampton 19'''' August, 1737. Ed.] Petition to send a representative. To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq Governor and Com mander in Chief in and over this his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England and to the honourable the Council and the Gentlemen of the house of Representatives Now Siting for said province. The petition of the parish of Kensington, Humbly sheweth. That Whereas your Excellency with the honourable Court have Indulg'd the Westerly part of Hampton falls with the Favour of having a distinct parish with such priviledges as other parishes within this province have Excepting that of making Choice of a man to Represent them in General Assembly, and we hav ing been without this priviledge for these two years past in not having an opportunity to have our voice in Choosing of a Rep resentative, Notwithstanding we pay our proportion of the Pjovince Taxes we desire you would grant us the liberty hence forth to choose a man from among our selves to Represent this Parish in General Assembly, Depending upon the Wisdom and Clemencyof this Court nothing doubtingbut that so Reason able a Request will be granted Robert Row \ Select Ezekiel Dow ) men And in behalf of the parish. In the House of Representatives, the within Petition Read and Voted y' y" prayer of the Pett'" be granted. James Jeffrey, Clr. Assm. Aug. 6"' 1740. AK6 new HAMPSHIRE At a Legal meeting of the freeholders of the Parish of Kensington holden in said Parish on the 22'' day of September 1742 then Voted, that Robert Row and Ebenezer Brown (i) should put in a petition to his Excellency and the Honorable Court of this province the next General sessions for the priviledge of having a Representative. As Attest Ezekiel Dow, Parish Clerk. (1) The same petillou as above, was renewed May, 1743, by Robert Row and Eben ezer Brown. KINGSWOOD. THE CHARTER OF KINGSWOOD, AND THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PROPRIETORS. [Kingswood was granted, as will be seen from the following charter, 20 October 1737, during the administration of Gov. Belcher. It appears to have comprehended the towns of Middleton, New Durham, New Durham Gore, and part of the towns of Gilmanton, Wakefield and Wolfeborougli. J. Farmer.] Charter. ¦K o'^ Y I Province of New Hampshire George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain France & Ireland King Defender of the faith &" To all People to whom these Presents shall Come, Greeting, Know ye that we of our Especial Grace certain Knowledge and meer motion for the due Encouragement of Setling a new Plantation for the En- crease of Naval Stores and for the better defence of our said Province of New Hampshire by and with the Advice of our Council for the said Province of New Hampshire have given & Granted and by these Pres ents as far as in us lies do give and grant unto Sundry of our beloved Subjects Whose names are Entered in a Schedule hereunto annexed and to their Associates in all to make up the number of sixty and to their Heirs for Ever in the manner hereafter Expressed a certain tract of land lying and being within our said Province of New Hampshire bounded as foiloweth viz' Beginning at the South Easterly Corner of Barnstead and from thence to run upon the Same Course as Barnstead Easterly side line runs to Winnipisioky Pond from thence upon a Right Angle till it comes to the Boundary line between our said Province of New Hampshire and that which was formerly called the province of Main from thence on the said Boundary line runneth to the North Easterly Corner of The Town of Rochester from thence by Rochester and Bar rington head lines to the bounds first mentioned and that the same be a Town Corporate by the name of Kingswood to the Persons in said Schedule mentioned and their associates as aforesaid and their Heirs for ever. To Have and To Hold the said Tract of land unto the Persons in said Schedule mentioned and their associates as aforesaid and their Heirs forever, on the following Conditions viz'. 1"' That Each Proprietor build a dwellinghouse within the said Town and settle a family therein within the space of Five years from the date TOWN PAPERS — KINGSWOOD. 457 hereof unless 'there should be a War and then the space of five years from the End of such Warr to be allow'd for the same. 2^'y That a meeting house be built at the charge of the Proprietors within the said Town within the space of Five years and an orthodcnc minister setled in said Town within seven years from the date hereof unless: there should be a 'Warr and then the Term of five years fromthe End of said Warr to be allow'd for the same. 3<">' If any particular proprietor or proprietors should not comply with the Terms of this Charter within the time limited as aforesaia such delinquent Proprietor or Proprietors shall forfeit his or their respective Interest Right or share in the said Town unto the rest of the Proprietors, provided the rest of the proprietors do and perform within Two years after the time limited as aforesaid shall be Expired, what should have been done and performed by such delinquent Proprietor or Proprietors Any thing in this Charter contained to the Contrary thereof notwithstanding Provided nevertheless that there be three hundred acres of land reserved in said Town for the first Ordained minister in fee that shall be settled in said Town by vote of the said proprietors and three hundred acres be reserved for the Second Ordained minister in fee that shall be setled as aforesaid and six hundred acres for a Parson age or Parsonages for ever and three hundred acres for the use of a school or schools in said Town for ever all to be laid out for the uses Aforesaid, and the nine hundred acres last mentioned to be applyed for .the uses aforesaid by the Proprietors or Major Part thereof. The Pro prietors of said Tract of land Rendering and paying there for to us our Heirs and successors or such officer as shall be appointed to Receive the same the anuual Quit-Rent or acknowledgments of Ten Pounds of Hemp upon the last day of October yearly and every year if lawfully demanded in said Town Reserving also unto us our Heirs and succes sors all Mast Trees growing on said Tract of land. And for the better order and Government of the said Town We do by these Presents for us our Heirs and Successors Grant unto the said Town yearly & every year to hold Town meetings and to transact all their Town Affairs as fully and amply to all Intents and purposes, as any Town in this our Province of New Hampshire doth or ought to do according to Law; and to the said Proprietors to hold Proprietors meetings distinct & Sep erate from Town meetings in Any town in our Province of New Hamp shire and to choose such ofiicers as they shall think necessary. The first of which Proprietors meetings shall be called by the Three Persons first mentioned in the schedule hereunto annexed by a Notification in writing by them signed and afiixed to some publick place in the Town of Portsmouth in said Province seven days at least before the holding of such meeting and Afterwards the said proprietors meetings shall be called by such persons of said Proprietors and in such a manner as shall be agreed upon by Said Proprietors or the Major part of them at any Proprietors meeting And it is hereby further provided that when soever any sum orsums of money shall be voted to be raised by themajorpart of the Proprietors at any of their meetings for the use of the said Pro prietors and any proprietor or Proprietors shall neglect to pay the proper proportionable part of the same to the Person or Persons who shall be appointed to Collect And Receive the same for the space of two months after it ought to be paid according to the Vote for raising it, The said Person or Persons shall be and hereby are impowered to make Sale of so much land of any such delinquent Proprietor or Proprietors that shall be in Severalty at Such times as shall Amount to five times the Value of the sum or sums assessed on such delinquent Proprietor or proprietors, The same to be sold at a publick Vendueby such Person or Persons as shall be appointed to Collect and receive the Same after 458 NEW HAMPSHIRE fifteen days publick notice thereof given in the Town where the Major ity of the Proprietors shall then live and then deducting the charges that shall then have accrued upon such sale the Remainder shall be de posited in the Common proprietors Stock, and we do further by these Presents for us our Heirs and successors Give and Grant unto the said Town to Have Hold and enjoy Two fairs in said Town yearly and every year for ever not Exceeding three days Each the one to begin on the third Wednesday in May and the other on the third Wednes day in September and So de anno in annum for Ever. In Testimony whereof we have Caused the Publick Seal of our said Province to be hereunto affixed. Witness Jonathan Belcher Esq' Governor and Com mander in Chief in and over our said Province of New Hampshire the twentieth day of October in the Eleventh year of our Reign Annoque Domini one Thousand seven hundred and thirty Seven. J. Belcher. By His Excellencys Comand with the advice of the Council Rich"* Waldron, Sec')" A true Copy from the Original Charter compared and transcribed by Matthew Livermore Proprietors Clerk. A Schedule of the Persons names to whom the w-ithin Charter is granted viz. Eleazer Russell W-' Frost Nath' Rogers Benj-' Miller Matthew Livermore Dan' Moulton Tho^ Peirce Benj. Gambling "W- Parker Jn" Pray Benj" Walton Solomon Pike Sam' Hart Nich" Whidden Jos : Molton Jn° Fellows Jn" Cut Tho'^ Westbrook Tho« Wright Dan' Rogers Jn • Ayers Sam. Sherburn, InhoW Solomon Cotton Elliot Vaughan Dan" Jackson Jr Peter Greley Sam' Sherburn, Merch' Ichabod Plaisted Henry Sherburn Jr. Ditto Tho^ Newmarch W'" King Jn" Kennard Jn" Sherburn of little Harbour Henry Sherburne Jr of the Jos. Sherburn, Son to Jos. Sher- plains burne Esq John Dennet son of Eph"" Den- Nath' Mendura net Esq. Geo. Rogers Moses Dennet Jos. Whipple Jos Langdon Jn" Ross Sam' White Charles Frost N. Castle Geo. Peirce Jn" Shacktord, Jr Joseph Jackson Jn" Wood Moses Noble A true Copy from the original Schedule transcribed & Compared by Matthew Livermore Proprietors Clerk. Pursuant to a Charter Granted to Sundry persons of a tract of land lying in the province of New Hampshire called by the Nameof Kings- wood : These are to Notify the Proprietors thereof that they meet at TOWN PAPERS — KINGSWOOD. 459 the house of Mrs Ann Harvey Taverner in Portsmouth in New Hamp shire Aforesaid on monday the last day of October Instant at two of the Clock in the Afternoon Then and there, first to choose a moderator 211'? to choose a Proprietors Clerk 3'"^' To admit and Vote in the asso ciates according to the Charter, 4'y To agree upon & prescribe a method for calling proprietors meeting for the future till altered by the Propri etors, 5'y To choose such Committees as the proprietor? may think neces sary 6""y To choose a proprietors Tax Collector ; as also any other ofllcer or officers for the Service of the said Proprietors and to do and transact any other business relating to the said Proprietors. Dated October the 21S' 1737. Nath' Rogers "j Appointed by the Charter Eleazer Russell >¦ to call the first Proprie- Matthew Livermore j tors meeting. A true Copy of the Original Notification transcribed and Compared by Matthew Livermore Proprietors Clerk. Province of 1 At a Meeting of the Proprietors of the town of Kings- New Hamp"" J wood lying in the Province of New Hamp"" at the House of Mrs Ann Harvey in Portsm" in s"' Province on the last day of October 1737 pursuant to Notification therefor First, Voted that Nathaniel Rogers Esq"" be Mod'" of the meeting, 2'.^" Voted that Matthew Livermore be Proprietors Clerk who was Sworn to the faithfuU discharge thereof by George Jaffrey Esq. 3'Uy Voted that Shadrach "Walton Esq be admitted an associate in said town of Kingswood, That George Jaffrey Esq. be admitted an as sociate in sii town. That Jotham Odiorne Esq be admitted an associate in s"* town. That Henry "Sherburne Esq be admitted an associate in si^ town. That Richard Waldron Esq. be admitted an associate in si" Town, That Ephraim Dennet Esq. be admitted an associate in sii town. That Joshua Peirce Esq. be admitted an associate in s'* Town, That Joseph Sherburn Esq. be admitted an associate in s^ town. That Ellis Huske Esq. be admitted an associate in sii Town, That Theodore Atkinson Esq. be admitted an associate in s"* Town That Mr Andrew Belcher be admitted an associate in s"* Town. 4'y Voted that Eleazer Russell Esq. Nath' Rogers Esq. and Matthew Livermore or the Major Part thereof be a committee to call Proprietors meetings for the future as they shall see occasion till further Order. 5'y That upon application of Ten whole share Proprietors or so many as are Equivalent thereto made unto the afores'' Committee for a Proprietors meeting the said Committee or Major part of them shall call a Proprietors meeting within the space of Twelve days after such application made and give seven days notice thereof in writing under their hands or the Major Part of them to be set up at some publick place in Portsmouth in the Province of New Hampshire and that when a Proprietors meeting is called upon such application made the said committee shall insert in the notification for calling such meeting, who they were that applied for, and the particular Business they would have done and transacted at Such meeting. 6"' Voted that three persons of the Proprietors be a committee to Consider of a proper method and agree for a number of Persons to set tle the Town of Kingswood according to the Charter and make their Report thereof unto the Proprietors at a Proprietors meeting for con firmation and that the said Committee agree with a person or Persons to run such lines as said Committee shall think necessary and make Report thereof as soon as may be. 460 NEW HAMPSHIRE yihiy Voted, That Nathaniel Rogers Esq. Eleazer Russel Esq. and Matthew Livermore be a committee for the business mentioned in th"e Sixth Vote. gii.'y Voted that Henry Sherburne Esq. be Treasurer for the Proprie tors of Kingswood till further order. gthiy "Voted that Mr John Fellows be Tax Collector for the Proprie tors of Kingswood till further order lo'iiiy Voted that Each Proprietor pay the sum of twenty shillings to the Tax Collector which he is impowered to collect of each Proprietor by shewing a copy of this Vote and to be pay'd by Each proprietor to s" Collector within the space of fourteen days from the date hereof, which moneys when collected, the said Collector is to pay "unto the Proprietors Treasurer for the use of the Proprietors. ii'y Voted, that the Committee mentioned in the seventh Vote be impowered to draw out of the hands of the Treasurer of the Proprie tors such sum or sums of money as said Committee shall have occasion for, for the use of the Proprietors and to render an account of their disposition thereof to the Proprietors as soon as may be and s'' Treas urer is hereby impowered to pay such sum or sums. 12'-' Voted That the Proprietors clerk be Impowered to purchase a Book for the use of the Proprietors to enter the charter and Schedule and all the Proceedings of the Proprietors in, and that s'' clerk draw -money out of the Proprietors Treasurers hands to pay for s ' Book who is hereby Impowered to pay the same. 13'^ Voted that this meeting be adjourned to Wednesday the Six teenth day of November next at the House of Mrs Ann Harvey in Portsmouth in New Hampshire at two of the clock in the afternoon. Nath' Rogers, Moderator. A true copy transcribed from the original minutes and compared by Matthew Livermore Proprietors Clerk. Nov"" 16"' 1737. Proprietors met according to adjournment and the comittee not hav ing finished their Report, it is voted that this meeting be further ad journed to Fryday the Twenty fifth day of November Instant at two of the clock in the afternoon at the house of Mrs Ann Harvey Taverner in Portsmouth in New Hampshire. Nathl Rogers, Moderator. A true copy from the original minutes transcribed and compared by Matthew Livermore Proprietors Clerk. iNov"" 25'* 1737. The Proprietors met according to adjournment, and the -Committee not yet having finished their Report it is Voted that this meeting be adjourned to the first Monday in December next at two of the clock in the afternoon at the House" of Mrs Ann Harvey Taverner in Ports mouth in New Hampshire. Nath' Rogers, Moderator A true copy from the original minutes transcribed and compared by Matthew Livermore, Proprietors Clerk. December the 5"' 1737. The Proprietors met according to adjournment, and Voted that the following Report of the Committee be accepted namely, That they had conferred with Doct'" John Ross in order to agree with him upon Terms for settling the Town of Kingswood and that they had employed a surveyor to run the Westerly side line of Kingswood and to coast the TOWN PlAiPBKS KINGSWOOD. 461 Pond from the upper Part thereof down to lower arm of it, and that the said Surveyor had done according to their order and made a Return thereof by which itappear'd to the said Committee that they could not agree with any Person in order to a Settlement till some other line or Lines wereRun. Voted that this meeting be adjourned to Thursday the.fifteenth day of December Ins' at the House of Mrs Ann Harvey, Taverner in Portsmouth in New Hampshire at Three of the clock in the after noon. Nath' Rogers, Mod"" A true copy from the original minutes transcribed and compared by Matthew Livermore, Proprietors Clerk. December 15"' 1737. The Proprietors met according to adjournment And i" Voted that the Committee, namely Nathanael Rogers & Eleazer Russell Esqi^ & Matthew Livermore Already appointed to agree with a Person or Per sons to run such line or lines of Kingswood as they should think neces sary be a committee to agree with a Surveyor or Surveyors to run such other line or lines of the s"* Town of Kingswood as are not Already run as said Committee shall think necessary and that they do the same business at the Expence of the Proprietors of said Kingswood and that they make their Report of their doing relating thereto to the said Pro prietors as soon as said Committee Conveniently Can. 2'1'y Voted that Each Proprietor of said Kingswood pay the sum of twenty shillings to Mr John Fellows Tax-Collector for s"" Proprietors that the same be collected by s") Collector in the method already pre scribed and Voted, and that the said Collector pay the same to Henry Sherburne, Esq. Treasurer for s" Proprietors to be drawn out of the hands of s Treasurer by the s"! Committee for the use of said Proprie tors. 3'"y Whereas it is found by Experience that every meeting of the Pro prietors Afores'* is attended with an unavoidable Expence to those pres-, ent, it is therefore Voted that the Expence of Each respective meeting of, said Proprietors begining at this present meeting not Exceeding the sum of forty shillings shall be born by the said Proprietors and that the Moderator of said Meeting be and hereby is impowered to draw on the Treasurer of s'* Proprietors to pay said Expence not exceeding said sum at each respective meeting and how much of said sum shall be spent at each respective meeting shall be Voted at such meeting. 4'h'y Voted that the sum of forty shillings be Expended at this meet ing 5'Uy Voted that this meeting be adjourned to the thirteenth day of January next at two of the clock in the Afternoon at the House of Mrs Ann Harvey Taverner in Portsmouth in the Province of New Hamp shire. Nath' Rogers, Mod' A true Copy from the Original Minutes transcribed and compared by Matthew Livermore, Proprietors Clerk. Jan. i3'i' 1737-8 The proprietors met according to adjournment. And i", Voted that the sum of nine shillings be Expended at this meeting. 2iy The surveyor not being returned. Voted that this meeting be ad journed to Thursday the nineteenth day of January In" at the House of Mrs Ann Harvey Taverner in Portsmouth in the Province of New Hamp' at two of the Clock in the afternoon. Nath' Rogers, Mod'" 462 NEW HAMPSHIRE A true Copy from the original Minutes transcribed and Compared by Matthew Livermore, Proprietors Clerk. Jan. nineteenth 1737-8 The Proprietors met according to adjournment and i^' Voted that the first settlement in the town of Kingswood shall be in the Southerly Corner of said Town 2iy Voted that Col"* Henry Sherburne, Richard Waldron Si Matthew Livermore Esqs shall be and hereby are appointed a Committee to agree with such Person or Persons as they can to procure sixty families to set tle in the Town ship of Kingswood as soon as may be for the Interest of the Proprietors and that the said Committee be & hereby are author ized and Impowered to offer in the name of the Proprietors of said Township, for the Encouragement of the settlers, a number of acres of the land in the said Township not Exceeding three hundred at the Dis cretion of the s¦ I Charter ' J , TOWN PAPERS LONDONDERRY. 483 Charter of Londonderry. , George by the Grace of God of Great Britain France Seal of 1 & Ireland King Defender of the Faith &c. To -M-L People to whom these presents Shall come, Greeting : Know ye. That we of our Especial ¦ Knowledge and meer motion for the due Encourage ment of settling a new plantation by and with the advice and Consent of our Council have Given and Granted and by these presents as far as in us lyes, do give and grant in Equal shares unto Sundry of our Be loved Subjects whose Names are Entered unto a Schedule hereunto an nexed That Inhabit or shall inhabit within the said Grant within our Province of New Hampshire all that Tract of Land within the follow ing Bounds Being ten miles square or so much as amounts to Ten miles square and no more — Beginning on the North East Angle at a Beach Tree marked which is the south East angle of Chester and Run ning from thence due South on Kingstown Line four miles and an half and from thence on a West Line one mile and three Quarters and from thence South six miles and an half and from thence West north West nine miles and an half, and from thence North Eleven miles and an half from thence north north East Three miles from thence East South East one mile and from thence South South West to the South West Angle of Chester and from thence on an East Line Bounding on Chester Ten miles unto the Beach Tree first mentioned. And that the same be a Town Corporate by the name of Londonderry to the persons aforesaid forever, provided Nevertheless and the True Intent and meaning of these presents is any thing to the contrary Notwith standing, that Nothing in this our said Grant shall extend to or be un derstood to extend to Defeat prejudice or make null and void any claim Title or pretence which our Province of the Massachusetts Bay may have to all or any part of the Premises Granted as afforesaid or the Right Claim Property or Demand of any Private Person or Persons by Reason and means of all or any part of the said Granted Premises fall ing within the Line as Boundaries of our said Province of the Massa chusetts Bay. To Have and to Hold the said land to the Grantees and their Heirs and assigns forever upon the following Conditions, Viz' I"' That the Proprietors of every share Build a Dwelling House within three years and settle a Family therein and Break up three acres of Ground and plant or sow the same within four years and pay his or their proportion of the Town charges when and so often as occasion shall require the same. 2'' That a meeting House be built within four years. 3'"J That upon Default of any particular proprietors in Complying with the Conditions of this Charter on his part such delinquent propri etor shall forfeit his share to the other proprietors to be Disposed of by Vote of the Major part of the proprietors. And in case of an Indian Warr within four years more after the said Warr is ended for perform ance of these conditions the said men and Inhabitants also Rendering and paying for the same to us our Heirs and successors or to such offi cer or officers as shall be appointed to Receive the same the annual Quit Rent or acknowledgment of one Peck of Potatoes on the first day of October yearly for ever Reserving also to us our Heirs and Sucessors all mast Trees Growing on said Tract of Land according to the acts of Parliament in that behalf made and provided and for the better order Rule and Government of the said Town We do by these presents grant for us our Heirs and successors unto the said grantees that yearly and every year upon the fifth day of march for ever e.xcept upon the Lords day and then upon the monday next following they shall meet elect and 484 NEW HAMPSHIRE ¦choose by the Major part of the electors present all Town oiKcers ac cording to the Laws and usage of the other Towns within our said province for the ye-ar ensuing with such power privilidges and author itys as other Town officers in our province aforesaid do Enjoy as also that upon every Wednesd.iy in the Week for ever they may Hold Keep and enjoy a market for the buying and selling of goods Wares and Merchandize and all Kind of Creatures, endowed with the usual privi ledges, profits and Immunities as other market Towns usually hold pos sess and enjoy and Two Fares annually for ever the first to be held or kept within the said Town on the Eighth day of October next and so De anno in annum for ever and the other on the eighth day of M.ay fol lowing in like manner provided if it should so Happen that either of the days fall on the Lords then the said Fares shall be held and kept -the day following, and that the said Fare shall have hold and possess the libertys, Priviledges and Immunities that other Fares in other Towns usually possess Hold Si Injoy. In Witness whereof we have Caused the seal of our said Province to be hereunto affixed. Witness, Samuel Shute, Esq Our Governour and Commander in Chief of our said Province, the 21"-' day of June Anno Domini 1722, and in the Eighth year of our Reign. .S.\-MUEL Shute. By advice of the Council. Richard Waldron, Cler. •Copy Examined, Theodore Atkinson Secry. The Schedule of the 7ia77ies of the Proprietors of' London derry. John Moore i. Share Abel Morril i. lames Morrison i. Robert Willson i. Randel Alexander r. John Mitchel i. Samuel Moore i. Robert Doa'^e i. Arcliibel Clandinins i. John Archibels i. Alexander Walker i. John Barnet i. James & John Doak 1. John Clark i James M Keen. & Son 2. Henry Green i. James Anderson \. Jonathan Taylor i. James Nickels 1. James Alexander i. Alexander Nickels i. William Nickols i. Coll' John Wheelwright i. David Morrison 1. William Humphry i. Edward Procteri. Samuel Morrison 1. John Barr & Sons 2. Benjamin Kidder i. Abraham Holmes i. David Crag & \ ^ William Gilmore / John Gr,iy i. John Given 1. John Stuart i. Joseph Kidder i. William Ayers i. Thomas Steal 1. John Gofte i. Thomas Bogel r. Samuel Graves "1 John Crummy J Elizabeth Wi'Uson & " Daughter Mary Samuel Allison i. Martha Clark i. Samuel Graves, Jr. 1. John Goffe Jr. i. John Morrison i. James Linsey 1. Stephen Pearce 1. Robert Wier i. James Lesly i. Andrew Spaldin 1. rOVv-N PAPKRS LONDONDERRY 485 Allen Anderson i. John Anderson i. AlexanderMac Murphy 1^ & James Lege! j '""' Mr M Gregore & Sons, 3. James Blair i. Tames M Greqore for ) - — \ 1-2 servant j James Nesmith i. John Blare i. James More 1. James Clarke i. William Grage i. John Grage i. fames Grage & Sons 2. William Willson "1 and John Rickey) '" David Cargil Jr. 1. William Tompson i. Hugh Montgomery i. Robert Morrison i. Alexander M Neal i. William Camill i. Capt David Cargil i. Robt Boyes i . John M Murphy i. John M Neal i. John Archibald Jr. i James M Neal i. Daniel M Doughty 1-2 Samuel Huston 1. John Shields 1-2 James Rodgert, 1-2 Joseph Simmons 1. Elias Keyes i. John Senter i. Robert MacKeen i. Tenet. Samuel and John "l MKeen f^ William Cochran i. David Bogel 1-2 John, Peter and ) Andrew Cochran / ^ James Grage ] Samuel Graves it S i. Robert Boise ) James Ackin i William Ackin i Edward Ackin i. John Wallace i. Benjamin Willson i. Andrew Todd 1. John Bell i. Capt Cargill for "(^ ;; Servants j George Clark 1-2 Thomas Clark 1-2 Nehemiah Giften 1-2 James M'^Glason 1-2 The parsonage Lot i. John Barnet Jr. i. John M'Coney i John Woodbourn i John Maclarge 1-2 .-' Benning Wentworth i. Richard Waldron Jr. i. Lieutenant Governor Went worth I. Robert Armstrong i. Robert Auchmuty i. New Hampshire John Roby i. Memorandum over & above what is already given in this schedule i.s added to_Mr M Gregore 250 acres, to Mr M'Keen 250, toMrDavid Car gil 100 acres to Mr James Grage 150, to John Goffe 100, for good ser vice and to the Two last mentioned, viz' Grage and Goffe a mill Stream within the said Town for their good Service^ in promoting the settlement of the said Town. Richard Waldron, Clr. of the Council Province of ") June 2i>' 1722. Admitted Proprietors and Common- ! f ers in the town of Londonderry w-itli the Persons mentioned in the Schedule His Excellency Gov ernor Shute, a Home Lot and 500 acres. His Honour Lie'utenant Gov ernour Wentw-orth a Home Lot & 500 acres Samuel Penhallow- Esq. i share. Mark Hunking i share, George Jaftrey 1, Shadrack Walton i Richard Wibird i, Tliomas Westbroke, i, Thomas Packer i, Archibald M'pheadris 1. Richard Waldron Clr of the Council. Province of ~( Enter'd and Recorded according to the original the New Hampshire 1 15"' Day of June 1743. Pr. Theodore Atkinson, Secry. Copy Examined, P Theodore Atkinson, Secry Copy Examin'd, p. Geo : Jaft'rey, C. 486 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition about running the lines. To the Honourable the Lieu' Governour and Council of New Hampshire. The humble petition of James MacKeen and James Greg in the name of the people of Nutfield, Humbly Sheweth. That your Petitioners are deeply sensible of the divine good ness in disposing the Honourable Lieu' Governour and Coun cil of this Province from time to time to father and support our settlement. That our Plantation is very numerous for the time, that our first divisions are filled with Inhabitants, and that we are ready to lay out and fill up Second divisions. That we find ourselves too much confined in respect of room by the lines of Dunstable and Haverill and having no other way to enlarge ourselves but to the Northward, we did on the eighteenth day of April last run a line from the most northerly Angle or corner of Haverill a mile and half Westward, and then turned Northward ; That the people of Cheshire have lately run a divisional line too close upon us and have cut off diverse of our homestedd divisions ; which was the more sur prising to us in regard it was done without our Knowledge. Tho' the people of Cheshire were ordered by the honourable Lieut Governour Wentworth, before they did run the addi tional line, which themselves had consented to run west North west from the Peke of Haverill, to give us advertisement. May it therefore please your honours to give orders for the running of a West. north west Line from the said Corner of Haverill as a mean between our Line and that of Cheshire, and that our second divisions which we are now ready to lay out and fitt up along the said line may not be disturbed in their settlement. And y' Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever Pray &'. Petitio7t relating to common latids. Province of ] To the Hon*"' John Wentworth Esq. Lieut New Hampshire j Gov' & Comander in Chief in & over his Maj'"^* Province of New Hampshire & to the Hon"' y' councill & house of Representatives in Gen" Court assembled. The petition of usy*- subscribers, Inhab" & prop"' of London derry within his Maj^= Province Most Humbly Sheweth. That in y' year 1722, By the special Grace & bounty of this Gover""', yo' Pete" & Sundry others of his Majestys Most Duty full Protestant subjects were embodied into a Township & favoured with a Charter for y'= Town by y'' name of London- TOWN PAPERS — LONDONDERRY. 487 derry and were thereby entitled to all y° Priviledges, Right &c Imunitys y' other Towns in y" s* Province usually hold & en joy, y' in May 1723 the s'^ town voted y' three men should Lay out y° wants of homesteads and amendments & to y' David Cargill, Wm Aiken & Jn MacMurphy were appointed y" three men, on y' 20 of Jany 1723-4 it was also voted y'^ committee before appointed to lay out wants of homestead & amendm*" shall lay out y* same quantity, quality Distence & Conveniency considered, y' on y° 6"^ of March 1726-7, Andrew Todd, W" Aiken & Jn M° Murphy were Chosen a comittee for laying out y° wants of Homesteads, Highway Land & Amendm'' tho y'' Petit'' humbly observe there "were some y' put in their disent ag"' y° same, y' y' s'' committee with' taking any previous •oath to y' true & faithfuU Discharge of y° trust reposed in them as affores* proceeded in their work, but with what equality & jus tice will appear to y°' hon'" from very many Instances to long to be enumerated in y"^ body of this petition ; but by a paper here to annexed with reference thereunto being had more fully will appear y' after y" s* Comittee had thus with' any regard to proportion & Justice ; but in so doing served not onlj' y" in terest of y'"selves but of such others who were so happy as to gain their fav' at y° Expence of Many of y" old prop'" Interest & Just Right & Title in such comon & undevided lands as they thus unequally laid out y' y" s'' Lott layers with' even ac quainting y= s* town with these their s"^ proceedings for appro- Ijation, or according to Law equity & Good Conscience they -ought to Do, gave to such persons as they laid out to Coppy^ of thair respective Lotts, who Imedately recorded y° same in y" Province & Toun Records, y' most of y" substantial & well thinking prop'' of y' s* Town being Justly alarmed at these extraordinary & unprecentall proceedings at a town meeting Sometime in August last. Voted y° Actings & Doings of y" s* Comittee to be null & void as by s* Vote more fully will ap pear to y'° hon" whereupon It was to be hoped y' y' same would put an end to y° unhappy distractions & Divisions of s* Town. But so it is : and so a prop' y' this Day had a part Interest thro out y' whole town, tomorrow has not half y"^ In terest & y' next Day regains his s* Right & Interest & y' day following is stript of y" same & all this done with' any act of his own but by a maj' Vote Pretended and thus Right & prop erty is evidently rendered uncertain & fluctuating & misera est Servilus ubi Jus est vacuum & by y* same doctrine& Rule y" Maj' vote may give or lay out all y' right and property of y" minority from them That y"' petit' endeavoured to Conciliate these differences by having y' same determined by Indifferent who should ex amine y" Justice & equality of y" s* comittee in their several 488 NEW IL-VMrSIIlRE layings out as affore'"' but y'' same were rejected & all other overtures tho ever so reasonable that thus y" Harmony peace & prosperity of s' Toun Inevitably will be lost with' the inter position of y' Hon'''"' & this great & Gen" Court, for V difter- ences are of y' Gen" & publick nature y' y'"' ordinary proceed ings in y'' Common Law courts will be so farr from cureing y' they will only put y'^ town into a greater flame by "y' multi plicity of suits y' therein naturally must arise & w"'' will also Tend to y'" great Impoverishm' of y" s'' prop'" wherefore it has been y ' great wisdom grace & fervour of this great & Gen"" Court & y'^ g' & Gen" Court of y'' neighbouring province al- wa3-s to interpose in cases of so publick & complicated a nature where y*^ prosperity of a comunity is so nearly engaged & either upon Publick hearings Imediately to enact & order therein as to their Known Wisdom, & experienced Justice .seems most meet or either to appoint a committee to examine & Inspect s'' Grievances & make a Report thereof for v" Legis lature to pass thereupon, wherefore y' distressed & Grieved Petit" are encouraged to approach y'"' hon'" to whose goodness they owe their present Right & pos.session & from whence the}' expect y" same will be preserved unto them, & as it is their bounden dut\- will ever pray &c. (N. B. If lam mistaken as to facts, correct the same.) John Barnet John Barr John Goffe Samuell Barr Samuel Graves Archibald Clendenin John Blarr William Umfra ? James Blair Nathaniel Aiken James MCartney John Morison John Anderson John Mitchell Gabrall Barr Daved Bogall John Harvey Thomas Bogall Thomas Siell Hugh Ramsey Rob' Wear Thomas Cocliren John Barnet, Jr John Craig Hugh Wilson "Samuel Morison John Stuart Abraham Holmes Samuel Allison David Morison. James Morison Jan'" 26"'' 1727. In the house of Representatives. The above Petition being Read, ordered that the Petitioners serve the opposite parties concerned, with a copy of the petition and that they appeare each partie the second day of the sitting of the Gen" Ass'" In y" Spring session & to be heard in the premises. James JeftVev Clr Ass"' In Cons Eod Die. Read and Concurred. R. Waldron, Clr. Con. TOW,\' PAPERS LONDONDERRY. 489 Oaths to be taken. I Do sincerely promise and .swear that I will be faithfuU and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King George the .second. I Do sw-ear that T do from my heart abhor detest and abjure as impious and heretical that damnable doctrine & position that princes Excomunicated or deprived by the Pope or any Authority of the see of Rome may be deposed or muther'd by their Subjects or any other what soever. And I do declare that no foreign Prince Person prelate State or Potentate hath or ought to have any Jurisdiction po-wer authority preeminence or authority ecclesiastical or spiritual within the realm of Great Brittain. So help me God. I do truly and sincerely acknowledge profess Testify & de clare in my conscience before God and the world. That our Sovereign Lord King George the second is lawfull & rightfuU King of the realm of Great Britain and all other His Maj'"''- Dominions and Countrys thereunto belonging. And I do solemnly and sincerely declare that I do believe in my conscience, that the Person pretended to be Prince of Wales during the life of the late King James, and since his decease pre tending to be and taking upon himself the Stile & titleof King of Eng land by y' names of James the third or of Scotland by y" names of James y' eighth or the stile & title of King of Great Britain hath not any right or title whatsoever to the crown of the realm of Great Britain or any other the Dominions thereto belonging. And I do renounce refuse and Abjure any Allegiance or obedience to him. /\ndIdoswear that I will bear faith and true allegiance to His Majesty King George the second and him will defend to the utmost of my power against all traitorous conspiracies and attempts whatsoever which shall be made against his Person Crown or Dignity : And I will do my utmost en deavour to disclose and make known to his majesty and his successors all treasons & traitorous conspiracies which I shall know to be ag''him or any of them. And I do faithfully promise to the utmost of my power to support maintain and defend the succession of the crown ag' him the sil James and all other Persons whatsoever, which succession by an act Entitled an act for y" further limitation of the crow-n and better se curing the rights and liberties of y subjects is and stands limited to y' Princess Sophia Electress & Dutchess Dowager of Hanover, and the heirs of her body being Protestants, and all these things I do plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear according to these express words by me spoken and according to y ' plain & common sense and under standing of the same words without any Equivocations mental evasion or secret reservation whatsoever. And I do make this recognition ac- knowledgm", abjuration renunciation and promise heartily willing and truly upon y true faith of a Christian. So help me God. Na77ies of per.'^ons who took the above Oaths. David Cargill .lames Leslie James McKeen Joljn Gcffe, .Tr J- Selectmen Sam" Alison ) Petition relating to a 77tilitary cotnpany. Province of \ To his Excellency Benin Wentworth Esq. New Hampshier j Captain Genarall and Governor In Chief In and over his Majestys Provence of New Hampshire The humble Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of West part Londonderry In said Province. Your Petitioners Mos humbly Sheweth that we have for severall years past Intende to Rais a new Compeny In this Remot Pairt of this town if your Excellency will Gratify us so fare for the Rasons following to wit : that the nearest of us lives more than four and some five, six, & Seven mills from the comon Place of Peraid which is a great fetague to your Pe- tishioners and besides severall of your Petitioners did formerly Belong to Capt Gregg Compeny of which William Blair is Insign whos name is famos all over the contrey for his man- agment with Jotham Odihorn Esq Leet of Portsmouth De- seased, and notwithstanding of the aforesaid villeny the said Blair was Permited to cary the collors last training day In the TOWN PAPERS — LONDONDERRY. 515 aforesaid Greggs Company soon after your Petishioners meet together and drew this Petishon and chous for our ofesers the following persons to wit, Mr Thomas Wallace for our Cap tain, Mr Joseph Senter for our Leftenant, and Mr James Airs for Insign. Therefore your Petishonars Most humbly prays that your Excelency would be Pleased to Grant us Comishons to the aforsaid Mishors Wallace Senter and Hers in the aforesaid station and Set us of as a new company and we as Loyall sub jects shall Indeavour to serve our King and Contrey to the outmost o: our power and your Petishoners as in Duty bound shall ever pray. Subscribed at Londondery August the 20"* 1754 William White Joseph Willson William Willson William Houston Joseph Willison Moses Senter Benj" Willson Thomas Joans Rubuan Senter Stephen Spalden Patrick Clark Jon. Stewart James M Cormack William Gallt William Stalender William Dickey John Thompson Elise Dickey David Houston John Clark Jo" Senter Samuel Thomson Andrew Thomson Charles Melen David M Calester James M Calester William M' Calester Jon Craige James M Keen Samuel M'Keen Samuel Senter Charles M Cay James Anderson Edward Aiken Samuel Dickey Jonathan Aiken James Tagert George Adeson William Anderson James Anderson William Mack William Ayers John Mack Ase Stephens William Alexander Tha7iks to the Legislature for an Act relating to taverns. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Captain General Governour & Commander in Chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire, The Honourable his Majes tys Council & House of Representatives. We the Subscribers Free Holders & Inhabitants in London derry & Province afore said Humbly beg leave to Return our sincere & Hearty Thanks for the Late Gracious Act in which it is Stipulated that Londonderry aforesaid shall have no more Than three Taverns & Two Retailers for the present and four ensuing years & we had rather the number was diminished than Increased. Londonderry Sepf 26"* Annoque Domini 1758. 5i6 NEW HAMPSHIRE Matthew Thornton William Wallace William Cox Charles Cox John M"Artney William Cochran John Cochran Petter Cochran Robert Cochran Vincan Cochran Jon Wallace Nathaniel Aiken Hug. Young Randel Alexander James Anderson David Anderson Samuel Moore Alex' M'Nutt Thomas Grierr John Durham Robert Moore John Hopkin Thomas Wilson James Willson James Willson Mo" Barnett James Aiken Samuell Miller John Barnett Robart Barnett Samuel Allison Sam" Allison Jr David Steel Thomas Creage David Craige Samuel Morrison Mathew Taylor John Hogg John Mitchel Samuel Rankin James Paul Will'" Rankin John Steel Samuel Steel Jn" Wiear John M'Keen Ephraim Marsh James Thomson Hugh Thomson William Humphre William Orr John Moor Hugh Mungomery David Mountgomery Robert Morrison Robert Macmurphy Sam" Houston James Houston Daniel Leslie Robert Patterson Will"' Eayrs John Moor Robert Moor James Caldwell Patrick Douglass Alex' Renken Daniel M'Duffie Robert Adams Ja" M"Gregore John Taylor William Taylor Petition of I/t.habitants of Lo/tdo/iderry, 1759, for discon tinuance of a highway. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq Captain General Governour & Commander in Chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire, The Honourable his Majes tys Council & House of Representatives in Generall As sembly Conven'd. The Humble Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of Lon donderry & Province afores'' Humbly Shews, That in or about the year 1746 the Selectmen of London derry afore s'' Laid out a Highway Lengthways thro the land belonging to one Joseph Boyes of the Town & Province afore said which Lands is the farm on which the said Boyes then did & now dwells which Highway is within eight or nine rods of TOWN PAPERS, — LONDONDERRY. 5^7 the Line of said Farm the whole or near the whole kngth, & In Oct' 13'" 1748, The selectmen of Londonderry afor's* at the request of s'' Boyes Laid out a Highway on the same Tract of Land the whole Length of the afores* line & the High-yvay Laid out on the linp in all respects accommodates the Publick as well, & said Boyes much better then the first as may appear by the Plan of both herewith Exhibited & there is little or no work Dun on the first road. Therefore your Petitioners humbly pray that the first Laid out Highway may be Disannulled ; & the latter established or otherwise as in your great Wisdom you think best & your Peti tioners as in duty bound will ever pray. Londonderry Oct' 21^' A D. 1759. Samuel Barr. Jobn Cochran William Duacam Joseph Hogg James Aiken Thomas Hylands John Reid John Duncan John Duncan James Cochran Keall Taggart John Taggart Joseph Cochran Samuel Moore John Aiken Jon Wallace Andr Todd Ji-imes Todd Robert Logan John Crombie, Jr John Crombie Bobt Clark Will. Clark Tho. Willson James Ramsey Hugh Ramsey John Ramsey Samuel Fisher James Anderson Edward Akin William Anderson John Clarke Nathaniel Aiken James Aiken James Steel John Wallace William Eayra James Eayers John Wallace WiUm Ranken Joseph Scober Willm Duncan Samuel Renkin Samll Willson James Wallace John Pinkertown David Steel Patrick Dugles Thos. Barnett John Holmes Saml Miller Ninian Cochran Willm Rogers Arthur Boyd Robt McNeill John Humphry Samll Houston Daniel McNeill James Blair Arthur Archibald James Gillmor Benjamin Wilson James Adams Robert Adams James MacGregore James Adams, Jr Jonathan Adams Mathew Reid David Montgomery John Moor Willm Rogers John Hylanda Moses Watt James Nesmith John Moor William Moores James Boyes Samuel Boyes Ebenezer Coston Adam Dickey John Dickey Abram Morrisou 5l8 NEW HAMPSHIRE John Morrison John Mitchel, Jr William Make Hugh Jemeson George Duncan Gabriel Ban- John Dnncan Jno Wiear John Barnett Thomas Wallace Robert Barnett James Wallace John Barnett Jr. James Doacke James Rogers John Doacke John Bell Capt John Mitchel James Campbell John Mack James Taggart Robert Mack Thomas Taggart Samuel Dickey Willm Wallace Adam Dickey Thomas Gregg Edward Aiken Samuell Gregg James Ewins John Patten Robert Parksdn. David Anderson Samll Alison James Miltemoer Saml Alison, Jr John MacCloig James Wilson Willm Miltemoer Robert Craig Mehen Clark Hugh Young ThoB. Morison John Gregg Robt Clendinin James Gregg Samuel Steel In Council Jan lo"" 1760 Read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon"' House. Theodore Atkinson, Secry. Province of I In the House of Representatives Jan? 11"' 1760. This New Hamps / petition being read. Ordered That the petitioners be heard thereon the third day of the sitting of the Gen' Assembly next after the first day of March next & that the petitioners at there own cost and charge cause James Murrow mentioned In said petition to be Served with a copy thereof, and this order of Court Likewise that they cause the substance of this petition & this order of court thereon to be advertised In the New Hamps' Gazette, three weeks successively, that the said Murrow or any other persons whome it may concern may appear & Shew cause if any they have why the prayer thereof should not be granted A. Clarkson, Clerk In Council Jan. ii"" 1760. Read & Concured. Theod. Atkinson, Secry New Hamo' 1^" ^^^ House of Representatives March 27"" 1760. The partys to the within Petition being fully heard thereon & it ap pearing a reasonable Request, therefore Voted That the prayer thereof be granted & that the said Boyes have leave to bring in a bill accord ingly. Peter Gilman speaker. Pro Tem In Council Eod" Die, Read & Concurred. Theodore Atkinson, Secry. TOWN PAPERS LONDONDERRY. 5'9 Petition for a Law regulating fishing. To His Excellency Bening Wentworth Esq. Captain General Governour & Commander in Chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire : The Honourable his Majes tys Council & House of Representatives in General As sembly Conven'd. The petition of the Subscribers a committee chosen at a Legal Town meeting Holden in Londonderry & Province afore's''|& others Inhabitants of Neighbouring Towns Humbly Shews, That the Petitioners apprehend the Publick Interest makes it necessary To make a Law to regulate the following Articles viz : First where as in Merrymac river in the Town of Derry field & Province afore s'' there is certain rocks Known by the name of Amuskeeg Falls at which place every Spring there is great number of Salmon & Shad fish which we believe every Inhabitant in the Province afore s"" has an equal right to. But particular men Takes what they call possession of all the Con venient places to catch said fish & either by themselves or agents prevents all others from catching & those possession men sells at what prices & when & to whom they please which makes Disturbances & Disorders Too many to be here enumer ated. Secondly The rivers & Brooks That emtys into Merry mac river are so filled with Mills & Dams that the passage of the fish is Intirely obstructed & the Inhabitants especially the poorer sort greatly Injured. Thirdly, Fishing every day with scenes in Merry-Mac river prevents the Increase & in time may Turn the corse of the fish from the river ; wherefore your Petitioners Humbly pray. First That every Inhabitant in the Province afore s'* if they please to go to the above s'' falls may fish their Turn & enjoy their right peaceably. Secondly, That every Impediment on any river or Brook as above %^ may be removed at the expence of the Builders of s* Impediment so that the fish may have free corse to the heads of s'' rivers & Brooks. Thirdly, That no persons be allowed to fish more than three days in the week with Sienes in Merrymac river within the Province afore s"" In case Massachusetts Bay makes the same Law or Otherwise In any or all the Above's'' Articles as in your Great Wisdom you Judge most for the Publick Good & jour Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever pray. And' Todd ') Samuel Barr [ Comittee Matthew Thornton j Londonderry December 22'' A D. 1759. 520 new HAMPSHIRE Chester. Eben' Flagg Sam' Emerson John Webster Samuel Hills. Bedford. Francis Barnet John Quig John Little James Lyons John Wallace John M'^Allester James Little James Patterson WiUiam Holms James Kennedy William Barnett Robert Walker Hugh Riddle John Bell Jr Matthew Little Samuel Patten. Windham. William Smiley^ John Davidson >• Selectmen Joseph Park ) In Council Jan. lo"" 1760. Read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''" Assembly. Theodore Atkinson Secry. Province of 1 In the house of Representatives, Jan 11"' 1760. Or- New Hampshir J dered That the petitioners be heard thereon the secr ond day of the sitting of the Gen' Assembly next after the first Day of March next & that they cause the Substance of" this petition & this order of court to be advertised In the New Hamps' Gazette three weeks successively that those persons whom it -may Con cern may appear & shew cause if any they have why the prayer thereof should not be Grant'd A. Clarkson, Clerk. In Council Jan. 11, 1760. read & Concurrd. Theod. Atkinson, Secry. Province of "| In the house of Representatives May 16"' 1760 This New Hampshire /petition being read the parties appeared by them selves & their attorneys & after being fully heard thereon, Resolved, That the prayer thereof be so far granted as that no person shall be on the rocks at Ammuskeege fall from Sunsett Sat urday evening untill Monday next at noon — one evidence to convict them before a justice of peace & his determination to be final that all obstructions on the rivers & brooks therein mentioned be so far Re moved that the fish may have free course to the heads thereof that no sceins be used In said River only on Monday, Wednesday & Fryday, &. further Resolved that no manner of Acts or Instruments shall be used to distroy take or stop any of the young Salmon or Shad In said Rivers or Brooks on the penaltys in a bill for that purpose to be prepared by the petitioners accordingly A. Clarkson, clerk In, Council, 'Eod'" Die, read & Concurrd Theod. Atkinson, Secry. TOWN PAPERS — LONDONDERRY. 5»l Petition relating to fish in Merri/nack river. Province of ) To his Excellency Benning Wentviforth Esqr New Hamp. J Governor &c And to the Honourable his Maj estys Council and House of Representatives for said Province. The petition of us the Subscribers being Inhabitants of Londonderry, Chester, Derryfield, Bedford, Goffestown, Starkstown, Pembrook, Pennykook &= who are commonly supplyed with Fish catched at the Falls in Merrimack River Most Humbly sheweth That whereas there hath been a Petition prefer'd to this Honourable Court to Restrain the fishing at the Falls in said River three days in each week as the fishing with Seanes is Restrained by an act latelypassed In Answer to said petition we pray that the fishing at the Falls in said River may not be restrained in any measure but that the same may remain free as it hathbeenhitherto, we being of opinion that the fishing with scoop or dip nets does not in any measure hurt or hinder the Increase of fish so but that they may be always plenty as they have ever been untill the fishing with Seanes as long Experience Suffi ciently Evidences for the fish in said River were always ob served to Decrease as the number of seanes Increased and provided nothing might be suffered to hinder or destroy the Fry or young-fish coming down the River Provided also that the catching Salmon from and after the first of July to the end of the year were wholy stoped and that two or more persons be chosen and Sworn in each town joyning on the River an nually to see that the Laws Relating to fishing be duly ob served not only within the towns where they are chose Re spectively but any where on said River and the lesser Rivers that Run into the same — Wherefore your petitioners pray that their said fishing at the Falls may not be Restrained and your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray. July 13'" 1764. Ebenezer Coston Robert Walker Thomas Wallace Francis Barnet his Ebenezer Johnson Matthew X McDuffee Jas Caldwell mark Math Little William Whites Jr John Moor John Clagston John Moor Jr. Robt McNight .Tames Aiken John Kidder David ? William Holms Mathw Patten Joseph Houston James Vose Thomas Murrough Joseph McCartney James Patterson William Barnet John Dinsmoor Richard McAUster John Bell Samll Richards 522 NEW HAMPSHIRE Benj. Smith James Moore William Nutt Robert Gillmore Ebenezer Hacket Enoch Page Daniel Moor David Moor Thos McLaughlin Silas Walker Benjamin Davis Thomas Coffrin Andrew Bunten John Coffin William Cochran Samuel Gait James Gay James Cofrin Jr Stephen Swett John McDaniel David McAUaster Robert McDaniel Willeam Merten James Merten James Mor JamcB Cochran Jr James Cochran Joseph Cochran William Snow Hubard Steaud James Lukes Daniel Lukes James Russ Gain Hemphil James Moor Samuel Connor Jacob Fowler Timothy Knox Thomas Welch Starlen Sargenl John Clark Benja Noyes William Brown Patrick Gait Benjamin Ginkea Samuel Smith Isaac Whit Nemiah Dene! Thomas Sanckler Jacob Gay Daniel Frezer Daniel Knox Joseph Brown Samuel Mcfee Samuel Brown Pr Order, William McDongall Joseph Thomas Robert Mack Jno Little his Alexr X Orr mark James Smith Nathanel Petterson David McCleary Joshua Martin JAMES CALDWKM.. Ash Foster Timo Clement Isaac George Archd McDuffle Henry Stevens Willm Robertson Daniel Merten James McCaley John Stark Samuel Slark Alexander McCaley Edward Bery John Ray Georg When John Lenand John Sinsclir John Fife James Fife John Fife, Jr Willm Fife Ephraim Blunt David Conner James Man Samuel Man S. Jonathan John McConnel Thomas McConnal William Moor James Moor Andrew McAlaster James Hoobard James Garven John White Abraham Merrel Samuel Alexander John Keneday Robt Keneday Thomas Merrel John Merrel Jr Thos. Robertson Joseph Baker Willm Robertson Andw Robertson Ebenezer Frie TOWN PAPERS — LONDONDERRY. 523 Levi Carter Joseph Baker Jr John Moor Joshua Tyler Lovewel Baker Thomas Baker Steven McConell Samuel McConell Patrick Garven John Moor .Jr Robert Moor James Cunningham Frances Dogao Moses Conell Willm Kuox Willm Man WiUm Moor Daniel Moor Francis McCay Moses Garven Samul Garven John Garven Bartholemy Stephana Jolm Man John Man Jr Thomas Kenady Robert Kenady Joseph Kenady Joseph Kenady Jr George Adeson Samuel Kenuacly Paul Burheen Samll Noyes John McNeal John Taggarc John McCurdy Aron Wells Mathw Flood Jacob Caley Jeremiah Brown Daniel Merten Asa Pudney Joseph Pudney David Pope John Pudney Benja Hedly David Rowel Daniel Macurdy Moses Welis Joseph Ordway Elezer Wells John Ardway Job Rowel Andrew Stone John Millir Samuel Rodgers Mark Flood Salvenis Emery John Meai-ill Caleb Emery Hendre Pudne Ebenezer Merten Elezer Emerson Francis Fni-r Ephraim Foster Joseph Rodgers Anionic Emanuel Randal Alexander Robt Miler Jamee Macurdy Willm Stark Thomas Jemeson Alexr Jemeson John Copey ? Alexr Walker .Job. Kider Benj. Norris Richd Bartlet Asa Foster Moses McConnal Willn Folinton Sia Alen Moses Conner Samuel Welch Jonathan Merten Elesr Alen Punphret Wliithous Solomon Whithaua Daniel Eacens Andrew Smith Thomas Sinklir Jeremiali Morgan Charles McCoy Francis McCuchran Daved Conner David Conner, Jr John Coft'l-an, Jr 'i'homaa Smith Alexander McClintok Hugh Crombie Jolin Heren Jeames Horner Daniel McNeal WilliMm Pirham William Pii-liam jun Eleazer Roubins John Plrham Micheal AlcClinto Nathanel Blasdell John ^argent Thomas Flags Moses Underbill Hugh McAffee David Wnite 524 NEW HAMPSHIRE Samuel Aiken William Aiken James Aiken David Watherspoonsa Robert Craig Robert McKinley Thomas Dinsmoor Andrew Crage James Croaet Benjn Croset Peter Aiken William McClinto Ephraim Robbins Samuel Boyd Ephraim Robbins Adam Willson Robert Calf John Paton William White Moses Sergant John Miles Robt Paton Jesse McFarland John Brown Joseph Calfe Thomas Coburn Nathaniel Boyd John McClinto Jonathan Chamberling.^Jr Jonathan Chamberling Georg Person Willm Hall Alexander Watherspoon Thomas Karr Jr George Duncan John Duncan James Todd Isack Bruster James Donaldson Josiah Duncan Alexander Todd Jamee Rodgers John Cate Joseph Oughterson Thomas Newman Nathanel Heriman James Campbell Eleazer Coston John Cochran James Campbell Jr Parich Richeson John Bell Caleb Dolton John Rodgers Samuel Bell Robert M'Cluer Robert Davison Joseph Bell Thomas Milar James Peirs James McGregore; Henry Blaisdell Robert Moreaon James Aiken Robert Moor William BeUey ?. Samuel Cochran Robert Willson William Moor Robert Macmurphy William Eayrs John Oughterson James Gregg William Gregg Benja Nesmith Nathl Aiken Bobert Hunter Joseph Gregg William Boyd Robert Rogers John Willaon James Oughterson Jonathan Merel Abram Merel Jamea Miltmbr D.wld Mountgnmery, laack Cochran John Craig Robert Craig John Senter Mosea Senter James Gregg John Thompson Samuel Moor Samuel Senter David Anderson David Campbell Samuel Renkin John Gregg John Night Jamea Cochran John Mack William Anderson Steven Coburn Steven Jonaton TOWN PAPERS LONDONDERRY. 525 Petition about irregular proceedings in tow/i meeting. To the honourable the Representatives of the province of New Hampshire in New England in General Assembly to be Conven'd May y' twenty' Second A D. 1771 The humble petition of the Subscribers Freeholders of Londonderry and Windham of the province aforesaid Shew eth, That your Petitioners are a Great part if not the Majority of the Qiialified Voters of said Londonderry and Windham That your petitioners think they can make it evidently ap pear that in the choice of a Representative Last Tuesday they were Treated by the Moderator of said meeting and his abet tors with manifest and Glaring partiality, that persons were admitted by the Governing Party in said Meeting to Vote who cou"' or wou' ' Not Give suficient Evidence of their Being Qualified as the Law Directs, That altho' an express Law of the province Provides in case any dispute shou'd arise upon a written Vote a Poll if demanded shou'd be the final Decision and altho the Moderator did Promise that said poll should Take place in case it was Demanded and in consequence of said Promise a Number did forbear Voteing by a written vote as Thinking it wou'd Be soon enough when it came to the poll yet when a dispute did arise upon the determination by the written Vote though the Moderator was call'd upon imediately and Repeatedly by a great number of the members of the meeting agreeable to his promise and to the Law to Bring the matter to a final decision By poll yet he did in an arbitrary and dispotic manner Refuse the same. May it therefore Please your honours to consider and enquire in to the case from w'^' we think it will evidently appear that the matter was not fairly carried and to Give order that London derry and Windham ma}^ have another meeting in order to have a fair choice and your Petitioners shall ever pray &'= &' Sign" at Londonderry May y" 16"" 1771. Jno Wiear .Touathan Adams Robert Hopkins Samll Houston James Adnms Willm Duncan James Taggart John Taylor James McGregore James JIacMurphy John Hunter George Duncan, Jr Daneal Hunter Adam Taylor John Aiken James Paul John Bell John Hopkins Thomas Taggart Jolm Nesmith Robert Adams Robt Hopkins John Barnett Saml Morison James McKeen William Thom John Dinsmoor Willm Cunningham Robt McNeill Jobn Waddell Thos Craige William Dinsmoor 526 NEW HAMPSHIRE Robert Dinsmoor John Cochran Jamea Cochran John Tnft James Jameson Thomas Jameson Isaac Cochran Robert Park Alexr Park Jno Morison James Hopkins Jno Stewart Charles Anis Gain Armour Andrew ^Vnuour Joseph Smith Robert Smith James Giilt John Cochran Jr John Wilson, Jr Alexr Wilson John Kile Wilham Gregg, Jr. Willm tiregg Hugh Graham Hugh Graham jun. James Anderson, Jr John Clark John Armstrong John Armstrong, Jr David Armstrong Saml Wilson Robert Hemphill Nathl Hemphill Nathl Hemphill jun. George Grogg Samuel Campbell Samuel McAdams Andrew Todd Isaac Brewster Thomas Smith Hugh Smith John Smith John Campbell Jame=^ Adams Nathl Aiken Davitl (ilampbell John Montgomery John Creeag Robert Mack Jame.-* Gregg John Woodhum James Anderson John Pinkerton Archibd McMurphy Robert Bird James Campbell Saml Graham Saml Fipber David Oughterson Joseph Oughterson James Anderson 3d Wm Antfer^on John Duncan 3d Saml Ander.^on Robt Anderson Jno Anderson JIosGS Grahiim James Anderson Saml Anderson Jr John Clark John Scobey David Pinkerton Robt Wallace Daniel McAffee Jona Gilmore Robt Morrison Robt Hunter Robt Archibald Robt McMurphy Richd Duston Jno Chase Saml Eley Saml Taylor Wm Orr Jno Carr Robt McFerland Benole Plumor Danl Cheney Abra Page Stephen Johnson Charles Sargent Wm TaUor Simeon Morrell Davd Taylor Alexandr Houston Jno Wallace Jno Boyd Isaac Tucker Robt Smith Saml Rankin Wm Kankin Arthur Archibald Davd Clandinin James Wilson Jno Hopkins, Jr Saml Wilson, Jr Geo Clark Geo Wilson Saml Clarke Jno Caldwell James Wilson, Jr Wm Miltmer James Nesmith tertius TOWN PAPERS LONDONDERRY. 527 Jno Annis Robt Annis Saml Marah Thos Clark Matthew Clarke David Anderson Jamea Miltemore Benja Gregg Jno Gregg James Gregg, Jr leaac Cochran Thoa Anderaon Wm Boyd Jamea McCormick David Paul Jno McKene, Jr Geo. Read Jno McKene Robt McKene Jno Dunkin Jno Dunkin, Jr Robt Wilson Joseph Bell Jno Dickey Matthew Dickey Adam Dickay Jamea Donaldson Robert Barnett James Neamith Jno Barnett Geo. Dnnkiu James Nesmith, Jr Jacob Chase Hugh Moor Joseph Ayerfl Robt McClure Tho. McClure Timo Ayer Wm Smith Abra Dunkin Jno Wiar Robt Hopkins Jamea Adams, Jr Jamea Taggart James McGregore Jno Hnnter Jno Aiken Jno Dinsmore Jno Bell Thos Taggart Robt Adams Jno Barnett James McKene Robt MoNealJ Thos Craig Jona Adama Saml Houston Wm Dunkin Jno Taylor James McMurphy Geo Dunken Jr Adam Taylor Jamea Paul Jno Hopkina Jno Neamith Robt Hopkins, Jr Saml Morriaon Wm Thorn Wm Cunningham Jno Waddell Wm Dinamore Robt Dinsmore Jno Cochran Jno Tuft Jamea Jameaon Thos Jameaon laaac Cochran, Jr Robt Park Alexr Park Jno Morrison David Hopkins Jno Stuart Charles Annis Andrew Armour Gain Armor Joeeph Smith Robt Smith, Jr James Gait John Cochran John Wilson, Jr Alexr Wilaon Jno Keille Wm Gregg Wm Gregg, Jr Hugh Graham, Jr Hugh Graham Jamea Anderson 3d Jqo Armstrong Jno Armstrong, Jr. Saml Wilaon Robert Hemphill Nathl Hemphill Nath Hemphill, Jr George Gregg Samuel Campbell Saml McAdams [Some of the above names appear to be repeated. Ed.] 528 NEW HAMPSHIRE Province of ") December is"" 1771 In the house of Reprekenta- Nevir Hampshire Uives upon reading the petition vfithin written. Voted, Rockingham J that the petitioners at their own cost Serve the select men of Londonderry & Matthew Thornton Esq who was the moderator of the meeting therein mentioned *ith a copy cif said petition and order of the house thereon by Reading the same to them Respectively or leaving a copy at their Respective dwelling houses or place of abode that they may be heard thereon to shew cause if any they have why the prayer thereof should not be granted, on thursday the 26"' Day of December Instant at Portsm" aforesaid if the General as sembly be then sitting & if not then on the third day of the Assembly next sitting after the said 2&-^ of December. William Parker, Clerk Ass" Jany I, on the hearing dismist. Petition of Londonderry West Parish. To his Excelly John Wentworth Esq. Cap' Gen' and Gov' in Chief in & over his Majestys province of New Hampshire, And to the honourable his Majestys Council and house of Representatives ; In General Court assembled. The humble memorial and Petition of the western Parish in Londonderry and Province afforesaid Sheweth That in the year 1739 your petitioners obtained an Act of the Legislature of this province setting off by certain bounds therein specified a parish in the Western side of Londonderry. That a number of people in each Parish, unwilling to join with or be of the Parish in which they were situated and pleading Conscience & Liberty it -was provided in said Act that fourty Familys within the eastern side of the Town should have Liberty to Incorporate with and be of the western par ish, and that an equal numberwithin the Bounds of the western Parish should have the same liberty. That by the means of these vicissitudes to which in a long space of Time humane Affairs are liable some of the exempted fourty Familys or their posterity have by the transferring of property come to be liable (as is alledged by some) to pay those ministers to whom they never stood in any special Relation whose ininistry they .can not in conscience attend ; and -who have the very same Plea ¦with the mentioned fourty Familys exempted in the parish act as above said. That altho your petitioners have never taken any advantage of the circumstances of such Persons as judging that to do so would be contrary to the Principle of Liberty on which the above mentioned exemption in the parish Act is found ed ; yet the Eastern Parish cannot say so ; they have (especially of late) shewed a great avidity to avail themselves of such ad vantages. They have rated a considerable number and made distress upon some who always belonged to the Parish of your TOWN PAPERS — LONDONDERRY. 529 Petitioners, some of those rated are of the exempted fourty Familys and have been born under the present Ministry inso much that the Letter of the Parish Act is made use of by our Neighbours in such a sense as to destroy the true spirit and In tention of the said act, and also to rob people of the liberty granted in religios matters by a gratious King and by the laws of this province. That there is often a wider difference between Presbyterians and Presbyterians than there is between Presbyterians and Congregationals or between Presbyterians and Episcopals as such — Two persons may both of them be nomenally Presby terians and yet may differ in some of the most important Doc trines of Religion whereas Presbyterians and Congregationals or Presbyterians and Episcopals as such differ only in things of a comparatively lesser Nature. That if the Law provides for people in the latter of these Cases where the ground of dissent is Lesser, much more ought it to provide in the former case where the ground of dissent is greater. That as the two congregations in Londonderry are nearly Equal : As the people of the two Societys are living promis cuous all over the Town : as the meeting houses are about equaly well situated for the accommodation of the Town in general And Finaly as the difference in religious matters be tween the two societys is of long standing and in the Judg*- of your petitioners wide and of great Importance, your petition ers are humbly of opinion that the Thing and the only Thing that will Establish Peace and good Neighbourhood between the two societys and prevent expensive Prosecutions in the Executive courts will be an act of Assembly appointing that every person in Londonderry should support the Gospel in that Congreg'^ only where he constantly & conscienciously at tends — such an act (your peti''^ are fully persuaded) as it is most equitable in it self so it will be the most likely means to calm the spirits of people many of whom are at present much exasperated by apprehended Imposition This will be the most likely to keep the two societys nearly upon a levell ; And to conclude this will make every Individual in the Town a volunteer in the support of the Gospel May it therefore please your Excelly & Hon" to take this "weighty affair which so nearly concerns the peace and happi ness of this large town under your wise and impartial Con sideration : And under proper limitations to enact that every person shall be obliged to support the Gospel in that Congr" only to which he conscientiously adheres : and where he ordi narily attends, and your peti" shall ever pray. 34 530 NEW HAMPSHIRE Signed at Lon'^' this 15"' day of May 1773. John Hunter John M'Keen Sam" Fisher Tames Paul [ Committee "George Duncan Jr James M'Gregore Will"" Duncan Province of") In the House of Representatives May 18"' 1773, upon New Hamp /reading this petition. Voted that the petitioners Serve the selectmen or assessors of the first parish or as it is called in this petition the Eastern parish with a copy of this Petition in this manner : by reading the same to the majority Si leavir^ the copy with one of them and that the parties may be heard thereon on the third day of the sitting of the general assembly after the 15"' day of June either by prorogation or adjournment if either should happen in the mean time : sent up William Parker, Cler. In Council Eodem die Read and concurr'd Geo. King, D. Secry Petitio7i of Inhabitants of Lo/idonderry , 1773. To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq Capt General Gov ernor & Commander in chief in & over his Majestys Prov ince of New Hampshire & vice admiral of the same &' The Honourable His Majestys Council & House of Repre sentatives in general Assembly Convened. The subscribers inhabitants in the East & West Parishes in Londonderry in s ' Province humbly shews. That in the year A. D. 1739, said Londonderry, by an act of the Legislature of s'' Province was divided into two grants called the East & west Parishes, with liberty for a number not exceeding forty Families in Each Parrish to Poll to the other the forty families in the east that Poll'd to the west by the assistance of those in the west that lived near the East line of said Parrish ob tained a vote to Build & did build a meeting house for said Parrish near the east line thereof when s" Parish then had a meeting house near the center newly Built & is now Rotten for want of use as the number of Inhabitants in the west Par rish increase the forty families in the East that Polled to the West multiply & now are near (if not above) seventy families & by the abovesaid assistance have from the time of passing s"* act to this day obliged all the rest of s'' West Parish to travil to the meeting house near the east line except a few days in great condescention they lately have had preaching in a third New meeting House Built by said West Parrish near the cen ter which must suffer the fate of their first in case their minis- TOWN PAPERS LONDONDERRY. 531 ter continues to live near the center of the east Parrish & all that Proceed from the forty families in the east that PoU'd to the west be the number ever so great belong to & vote with the west Parrish as they yet have done which two causes in our opinion begun the flam of contention in Londonderry & as they have they will keep it alive while they continue when we are Distinct Parrishes without Pollers & not till then Lon donderry may reasonably expect peace take Ihe cause & the effect will cease : relative to a petition lately Exhibited to your Excellency & Honours by a committee from the West Parish & now under your consideration Shewing first the great dif ference between Presbyterians & Presbyterians : 2'"^ the pro miscuous situation of the Parishioners of each Parrish. 3'^' the great difference in opinion between the people of the two Parrishes in the Important Doctrines of the Go-ipel. 4'^ that The meeting Houses are Equally well situated to accommo date the people of each Parrish ; Finally praying for what they call by the name of liberty for each Individual to joine where he or they Please & pay where they joine. We answer first as to the great differance between Presby terians & Presbyterians, we take it to be a Theological Dis tinction when there is no difference ; that there is a wide dif ference between Real & nominal Presbyterianf we are very sensible & leave it to the Impartial which the/ will call the first. Secondly that the Parishioners are Promiscuously situated is true which is owing to the forty pollers & their ofspring : 3* if there is that great difference in opinion set forth in said pe tition between the People of the two parrishes respecting the Important doctrines of the Gospel it must be in the minds only or some private disputes between enthusiasticks unless they call disputes about the Irregular conduct of some members of Presbyterys Important Doctrines of the gospel. ^thiy jf -^y ^]^g Meeting Houses in each Parrish being equally well situated to accommodate the inhabitants they mean the new meeting House in the East Parrish and the last built meeting House in the west it is true But if they mean the meeting house in the west Parrish near the east line where the Publick Worship now is & has been ever since they were a Parrish (Except as above excepted) we leave it to your Ex cellency & Honours how well the inhabitants of the west Par ish are accommodated & what Justice is done them in Gen eral ; Finally the Liberty prayed for in said petition if granted we humbly apprehend will be productive of greater evils than the Polling act Because in that case in all future time that Parrish which has the most Popular Preacher who is not the wisest man the best scholar nor the best christian will leave 532 NEW HAMPSHIRE the Other Parish unable to support the Gospel & we dont de sire to give or take such unjust advantage it is evident that every Individual of mankind in our present state & circum stances are not to be free in every respect. Because that would destroy the publick good. In all Bodys Politick Individuals give up part of their Liberty & Properties to the Publick to secure the remainder. In all societies Religious civil or Polit ical Individuals are to enjoy private liberty & property as far as is consistant with the good of the community of which they are a part & no further, from which it is evident that whatsoever liberty one of any number desire or pray for incon- sistant with the good of the community of which they are a part, should be refused And as the prayer of their Petition is evidently calculated to destroy the future peace and good order of both the above s'' Parrishes in Londonderry, Therefore your Petitioners Hum bly pray first that the prayers of said Petition may not be granted. 2'^''' that the present dividing line between the two Parrishes in said Londonderry may be examined by a com mittee appointed by your Excellency & honours and if Just, established & if not that s* committee may fix it so as to doe Equal Justice to both Parrishes. And that an act may be made that will oblige Every Indi vidual Presbj'terian in all future time to pay his proportion according to law of the Ministers Salary in the Parrish where he dwells & Joine & Worship where he or they please which we believe would produce peace & good agreement between the Inhabitants of both Parrishes in general or reduce the forty pollers to their primitive number & fix it so that they never shall exceed that number & impower the west Parish to meet for Publick worship where it will be most Just & Con venient for the Inhabitants of s" Parish for the future the latter will better our circumstances, the first will cause our distrac tions. But we humbly submit all to your Excellency & Honours & as in duty bound will ever pray &= Matthew Thornton James Ramsey Samuel Anderson James Ramsey Samuel Anderson Jr William Ramsey James Eayrs Londonderry May 27, A D. 1773. In Council Jan. 13, 1774. Read and ordered to be sent down to the HonW= Assembly. Geo. King, D. Secry. TOWN PAPERS LYME. 533 Agree/nent of Co77i7/iittees. Whereas there is a Petition Exhibited to His Excellency John Wentworth Esq Captain General, Governour & Com mander in chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire &- The Honourable His Majestys Council & House of Representatives in General Assembly Conven'd signed by a committee appointed by the New parish in Londonderry in said Province praying for the Redress of Certain greevances mentioned in said petition, It is mutualy agreed Between s"* Committee & a committee from the old or first Parish in said Londonderry as follows, viz : First that all the Rev'd M'' David M' Gregors Hearers that are rated by s*" old Parish shall be erased out of their list for the last tax & all former taxes not already paid. 2'^" That the ministers Salary (viz Eighty pounds Each pr annum) shall be raised on the whole Inhabitants of Both Par ishes that are obliged by law to pay to either of s"* ministers by Pole & estate & each Parish shall Levie the money of their respective hearers by their own collectors. ^¦iiy 'phat this agreement shall continue between s" par ishes untill the death or incapacity of the Rev'' Mr David jSI'Gregore or the Rev'' Mr William Davidson or for the space of three years from this date. Dated at Portsmouth, Jan. 15"' A. D. 1774. Signed pr Matthew Thornton "j Committee Samuel Barr >- for the Rob' Clark J old parish James MacGregore' George Duncan Jr Will'" Duncan Samuel Fisher James Paul Committee for the new parish LYME. [Lyme was granted by charter, July S, 1761. Settlements began in May, 1764, by emigrants from Connecticut. Ed.] Petit io/t for a ferry. Province of ) To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq. New Hampshire j Captain General and Commander in chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire In Council. The petition of Ebenezer Green of Thetford in the County 534 NEW HAMPSHIRE of Gloucester in the Province of New York, humbly sheweth. That there never has been any ferry by law established across Connecticut River in Lime in the County of Grafton & that of necessity for the Benefit of Travellers and others, your pe titioner has been at Considerable Cost and Trouble in provid ing Boats &'-¦ for the Benefit of Travel and that it will much serve the Publick to have a ferry established in said Lime at or near the place where your Petitioner has erected a House for the purpose of Calcining Potash, whereupon your petitioner humbly prays your Excellency to grant him the Privilege of a ferry at s" Place under usual Restrictions and Regulations and as in duty Bound shall ever pray. Ebex' Green. Portsmouth May 27, 1772. Petitio/i for a half shire Tow/i. To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq'' Captain General Governor and Commander in chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire. The Honorable his majestys Council and House of Representatives in General Assembly conven'd, Jan'-' 1773. The petition of the Inhabitants of the Towns of Lime & Orford in y"^ county of Grafton by their agents, Alexander Phelps & Israel Morey, humbly sheweth that the number of Families, living south of y*^ Town of Haverhill in v'^ County of Grafton are in proportion to the number living Northward of said Haverhill as fifteen to one all which except about twenty Families living in Pierrnont must pass through a cor ner of Orford in travelling to Haverhill, that no Inhabitant living Southerly of a direct line drawn from the northern most extent of Campton which is proposed to be annexed to said County to the Northemost extent of Orford can travel to Ha verhill but by traveling eight miles further than to go to Orford or Lime ; that much the greater part of them must travel thirty miles further to go to Haverhill than to Lyme and near twenty further than to go to Orford. That there are now in Lebanon the Southwestmost Town in said County at least fifteen Families more than inhabit in said County Northward of Haverhill, that the Increase of setlers southward of Haver hill has hitherto been and is still likely to be proportionably greater than the Increase of setlers Xorth of said Haverhill as the present Inhabitants below are in Number greater than above. That from the southermost part of the County it is full fifty miles to Haverhill so that there can ; ever be Room for a new County between Haverhill and the southwa rd extent TOWN PAPERS — LYNDEBOROUGH 535 of said County, that the northerly & Southerly extent of said county is not less than one Hundred & 40 miles which in regard of extent, is full long for two countys and thereupon your pe titioners cannot but suppose s'' County will in future Time be divided into two Countys as soon as the northern part shall be sufficiently inhabited. That your petitioners humbly conceive it cant be reasonable to alter the place of holding the Courts after it shall be once fixed y' the expence of building Court house. Prison, county. Books &" must principally be defray'd by the present inhabit ants That the good of Dartmouth College which we doubt not is an object of your excellencys & honors concern will much depend on the publick Courts not being held at too great a distance Whereupon your Petitioners humbly pray that your Excel lency and Honors would be pleased in establishing the half- shire Town next Connecticutt River to take into consideration the Reasons and Facts abovementioned which they are ready to evince and enact that either the Town of Lime or the Town of Orford be the place where half the Courts of Records in s"* County of Grafton shall be held and as in Duty bound shall ever Pray. Alex Phelps ) Agents for Israel Morey j Lime & Orford. Portsmouth Jan. 15'' 1773- NewXmpI} In Counciljan. .0,1773- Read and ordered to be sent down to the Hon'"'! Assembly. Geo. King D. Secry. LYNDEBOROUGH. [Formerly Salem-Canada, was granted by Massachusetts and settled while under that Province. It was chartered by New Hampshire 23<» April 1764. Ed.] Petition for protection against Indians. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governour and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Province of New Hamp' The petition of the Inhabitants of Salem-Canada in said Province, Humbly Shews That your petitioners live in a place Greatly exposed to the Indians and have not men Sufficient for to Defend us. That tho' 536 NEW HAMPSHIRE there be but few of us yet we have laid out our estates to begin in this place So that we shall be extremely hurt if we must now move off for we have there by the Blessing of God on our labours a fine crop of com on the ground and tho' we have a Garrison in the Toun Built by Order of Maj'' Lovell yet we have no body impowered so much as to set a watch among us nor men to keep it; we would therefore pray your Excellency that we may have some assistance from the Government in sending us some souldier.s to Guard and Defend us as in your wisdom you shall think proper. Tho' we are but newly added to this Government yet we pray your Excellency not to disre gard us but so to assist us that we may keep our estates and do service for the government hereafter & your Petitioners as in dut}' Bound shall ever pray. Salem-Canada, June 26'" 1744. John Cram, Jr John Dale Joseph Cram Jonathan Cram Samuell Leman Ephraim Putnam John Cram Benjamin Cram David Stevenson Abraham Leman John Stevenson Grant of Salem-Canada, dec. Province of\ Pursuant to the Power and Authority granted and New Hamp /vested in me the Subscriber by the prop'-' of Land pur chased of John Tufton Mason Esq in the province of New Hampshire at their meeting Regularly called for that purpose, I do by these presents on the terms and conditions with the reserva tions herein after Expressed give and grant all the Right title property and possessions of the Prop ' afore's* according to the following pro portions of Interest (viz') to Benjamin Lynds Esq. four shares Benja min Pickman Esq three shares Rob' Hooper Esq. one share to the Heirs and Assigns of Joseph Svreat Esq. Six shares To Joseph Blaney Esq. two shares, Samuel Wells Esq. ten Shares, Daniel Epps, jun. Esq. two shares. Major Joshua Hicks two Shares, Benjamin Goodhue three shares, Thomas Fletcher two shares, Joseph Richardson two shares, George Goold two shares, Ephraim Ingalls two shares, and to the following persons viz' Joseph Bowdage Esq Josiah Bowers Stephen Pullman the heirs of James Lendall Esq Jonathan Bowers late deceased Major John Towle John Bickford William Holt Moses Graves Oliver Fletcher Esq Timothy Cummings to Mrs Hannah Cobbit Joseph Clough David Stinson Daniel NichoUs Robert Swan and Jonathan Peal to which Seventeen one Share each of in and to a tract of land in the Province of New Hampshire afore's'' containing by Estimation twenty eight Thousand Acres, part thereof Heretofore called Salem Canada TOWN PAPERS LYNDEBOROtJGH. 537 the whole tract Bounded as follows Begining at the Northeast Corner of a tract of land called Duxbury School Farm and in the line of that Tract or Township called Souhegun West, from thence runing West by the needle one mile two hundred and Eighty rods to the east line of a tract of land called Number two, from thence north by the needle four hundred and ninety eight Rods to the northeast corner of s'' No. two, from thence west by the needle by s'' N" 2 five miles to a white ash marked the corner of Petersborough Slip and of N" 2 and from thence west by the needle two hundred and Forty Rods by s' Peterborough Slip to a Beach tree marked from thence north by the needle six miles & three quarters to a tree marked for the corner of s* tract from thence East by the needle three miles and one quarter to a tree marked in the western line of New Boston from thence south by that line one mile and an half to the most South westerly corner of New Boston afore s'', from thence east by s'' New Boston line three miles one Hundred and twenty rods to a Black Oak marked still by said New Boston line Si run south two miles and an half To a Stump and stones, from thence East One mile and Eighty rods to the North west Corner of that tract called Souhegun west aforesd, from thence South by the line of said Souhegan west four miles one hundred and twenty three rods to the Bounds first mentioned, & to all the Bounds aforesd, lett either of the lines afores'' be more or less, which tract of Land or Township shall from this time be called Lynde Borough the Premises afores'' under the terms Si conditions with the Reservation hereafter Express (that is to say) that the grantees afores'' according their respective shares except ing as hereafter excepted have twenty one thousand & thirty Acres part of the afore's'' twenty eight thousand acres as the whole of the grantees part of the premises in the following manner, viz that each of the grantees named in the Schedule hereunto annexed Own and Enjoj' the severall and Respective lotts to their names Respectively aifixed as part of their shares. That the following severall Lotts (and to be part of the grantees proportion afores'') be granted as afores'' free from duty settlement or taxes in bringing forward or Compleating the duty as the conditions of this grant to the severall Persons here after named as follows. To David Badger the Lott N" 117, To Francis Densmore the Lott N" 106 To Bartholomew Jackson Lott N'^ 100, To John Shead the Lott N' 50, To Paul Raymond the Lott N» 99, Which Lotts contain by Estimation one Hundred and thirty acres each and is part of the second Division formerly laid out in s"' tract. To James Twadle, in the Right formerly Edward Fladre the home lot called 24 East, with an addition Round about it of sixty four acres to compleat the quantity of one hundred and thirty acres. To Deacon Nathaniel Pullman, Peter Martin & George Dealands Heirs to each one Lott to be lay'd out in the undivided lands which three lotts are to contain. One Hundred and thirty acres each and to Benjamin Lynde as assignee to John Dale sen' the home lott N° 21, and One hundred and Twenty acres to be layd out in the undivided lands which s^ persons in their capacity as above shall belntitled to no further partofy" premises. That out of the grantees proportion there be three shares more granted One for the first settled minister and one for ministry, and one for the schole there forever which said shares shall be and contain the severall and respective lotts entered in the schedule hereunto annexed as their whole & respective Shares & shall be free of duty of settlement and all taxes in performing the Conditions of this grant. To have and to hold to them their Heirs & assigns forever under the following conditions with y' Reservations here after mentioned, viz That there be reserved out of said Tract, one Farm of Five Hundred acres at the South westerly Corner of said Tract and also One Hundred 538 NEW HAMPSHIRE and Fifty acres adjoining on that corner of y' Township that Bounds on New Boston West Line & One hundred and fifty acres as discribed on ye plan of said Tract And that there be further reserv'd to and for y' use of y' grantees their Heirs and assigns Free of all charges & Incumbrance of settle ment or taxes until improved by the owners or by them sold. Six thousand & six acres and laid out into nineteen Equal Shares at the charge of y" grantees in y° following manner, viz. That there be in y" next best accommodations of y" undivided Lands three Thousand six Hundred & sixty acres laid out for the grantees aforesaid for Quantity and Quality with y® Land already laid out in nineteen equal shares as aforesaid and that there shall be next laid out in y« said undivided lands, so much to each grantee who has not his full proportion, in y« Lands already laid out, and set in y' Schedule as shall make their respective shares equal with the rest. And that the remaining part of the Land reserved for the grantors aforesaid, being two Thousand Four Hundred acres be Divided for Quantity and Quality with the rest of y' comon Lands into Nineteen Equal shares. And the remainder of y® comons or undivided Lands to be to and for the use of y grantees as they shall order the Divisions thereof. And that where any lands was by the Proprietors claiming under the Massachusetts grant formerly left within any lott for High ways the Owners of such lott shall have said Land thus reserv'd allow ing so much as shall be of equal Value out of his part in y" next divi sion of y® comons. That the respective Grantees, Owners of y^^ Fifty Shares afores'' and who are not excused from Duty and charge, bring forward and make settle ment in the following manner viz. That they lay out y s'' Tract or Town ship and compleat the Division thereof as "afore directed at or before ye 20"' Day of November next ensuing and return a plan thereof certi fied under the Hand of their clerk on oath within two months after such work shall be compleated to y<' clerk of said grantors. That y" respective Owners for each respective share make one settle ment in the following manner viz. To clear inclose & fit for mowing or plowing Two acres on some one Lott and have a comfortable dwell ing House built and fitted for comfortable dwelling in and a Family or some Person resident there at or before the first day of december, one thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty six and to continue Inhabitant or Resident there for Four years then next coming and also for the same four years annually on each of y said Lotts, to have Two Acres clear'd Inclosed and fitted as aforesaid. That there be a Meeting House for Publick Worship in said Township within Five years from this Date at such place as shall be agreed on by the proprietors both grantors and grantees to be determined according to Interest and Ten acres re served there for publick use notwithstanding such Lott should be laid out to any Particular person or persons. That the land in said Town ship belonging to grantors and grantees, be subjected to have all nec essary Highways laid through them as there shall be occasion for the fu ture without any pay or allowance for Damages that the aforesaid grantees their Heirs or assigns not heretofore excused from charge by a Major Vote in publick Meeting called for that purpose. Grant and assess in equal proportion such Sum or sums of money as they shall think nec essary for carrying forward and compleating "the settlement aforesaid or for the support of the ministry as the Proprietors shall agree to and every of the Grantees exclusive of three Publick Lotts or his assignee ¦w-ho shall neglect for the space of sixty days after such assessments shall be granted to pay the same, so much of such delinquents Rights shall and may be sold as will pay their respective Fines and all charges TOWN PAPERS — LYNDEBOROUGH. 539 arising thereon by a committee to be appointed by the grantees or their assignees for that purpose. And in case any of the grantees or their assignees shall neglect or refuse to perform any of the Articles, Matters or things aforesaid by him respectively to be done He shall forfeit his Right in said Township and every part thereof, to those of the Grantees or their Imediate As signees who shall have comply'd with the conditions on their Part herein Expressed and it shall and may be Lawfull for them or any per son by their Authority to enter into & upon the Right or part of such De linquent Owner, and any and every part in the Name and behalf of the whole of the Grantees or their Imediate Assignees, who shall comply as aforesaid to move oust and expell for the use of them their Heirs and assigns, provided they settle or cause to be settled each such delin quent Right within the Term of one year at the Farthest from the Periods that is by this Instrument Stipulated to be done as the condi tion of this grant, and fully comply with the whole Duty such delin quents ought to have done within One year from Time to Time after the respective Periods thereof, and in case the grantees or their As signees fulfiling their parts as aforesaid shall neglect fullfiling as afore said the Duty of any delinquent Owner as aforesaid then such right or part shall be Forfeit revert and belong to the Grantees their Heirs and assigns to be wholly at their disposal, allways provided there be no Indian Warr with in any of y" terms aforesaid for doing the Duty con ditioned in this grant, and in case that should happen the same Time to be allowed for the respective matters afores'd after such Impediment shall be removed. That all white pine Trees fit for Masting His Maj esties Royal Navey growing on said Tract of Land be and hereby are granted to his Majesty, His heirs and successors forever. Lastly the said grantors do promise and engage to y" said grantees their Heirs and assigns to defend through the Law, to King & Council if need be one action that shall and may be brought against them or any Number of them by any person or persons whatever claiming the said Land or any part thereof by any other Title than that of the s'' grantors, or that by which they hold and derive theirs from provided the said grant ors are avouched in to defend the same and that in case on Final Tryall the same shall be recovered, against the grantors that such person or persons shall recover nothing over against the grantors for the said Lands, Improvements or Expence, in bringing forward the settlement. To all which Premises I Joseph Blanchard Agent for and in behalf of the Proprietors the grantors have hereunto set my Hand and seal this fifth day of December A D. 1753. Joseph Blanchard. Signed, Sealed & DD in presence of Geo : Delond Jn"> Bowles The aforegoing pages contain a true coppy of the charter signed & Executed by Joseph Blanchard Esq as agent for & in behalf of the Propriet'* of lands purchased of Jn» Tufton Mason Esq in the province of New Hampshire delivered unto us the subscribers in behalf of the grantees mentioned in this charter. And Whereas we were by the afores'' grantees Authorized & Impowerd to Setle agree & compound concerning the premises in the afore written charter with the s'' Joseph Blanchard Esq in his capacitv above mentioned on such terms & con ditions & with such reservations as by both parties should be agreed & concluded— Now therefore we the s" Comittee in the name & behalf 540 NEW HAMPSHIRE of the grantees mentioned in the afore written charter, hereby accept s'' Title & for s"" Grantees do acknowledge that we hold s'l Lands under the s'' grantor's Title & on the conditions & Limitations with the res ervations express'd in said charter Wittness our hands this s"* De cemb' 1753. Wittnesses Benj'' Lynde 1 Benj" Picknam }• Comtee Lowe Pickman John Nutting Jr. Joshua Hicks _) Schedule to be annexed to Charter made to Benjamin Lynde Esq and others of Salem-Canada now called Lyndeborough. rerson^s Jeames. Benjamin Lynde Esq Beni. Pickman Esq Robert Hooper Esq & Mr Swett's heirs Joseph Blaney Esq Majr Joahiiia Hicke Benjamin Goodhue Thomas Fletcher Samuel Wells Esq George Gould Ephraim Ingalls Daniel Epes, Jr. Esq Capt Joseph Richardson .. Josiah Bowers Joseph Bowditch Esq The Heirs of James Liudall Esq Stephen Putnam Jonathan Bow-ers John Bickford Moses Graves Majr John Towle OUver Fletcher Esq Hannah Cabot Joseph Clough David Stimson Daniel Nichols Robert Swan Jonathan Peele Timothv Cumings WilliamHolt School Lott Ministry Lott First Ministers Lott No. of- home division Lotts. 37, 50, 23. 9,-22,44... 2, 8, 37, 41, 43, 49. 3,6 2S,47 20,58,61 18, 35 54,57 •24,46 40,59 51,53 19,31 1 No. of Second division Lotts. 44, 5.1, 83, 84, 98, 101, 65 53, 66, 80, 83, 111 [87, 94, 29, 103 34, 36, 37, 92, 93, 48, 49 108, 30, 41, .54 52, 07, 102, 114 48, 60, 64, 115, 124, 125 56, 57, 82 71, 75, 81 69, 70, 74 51, 112, 119, 123 40, 73, 104, 107 68, 89, 116, 118 8186,95 77,78113, 123 47,79 38,42 109, 110 45, 105 72 1-20, 121 62,9658,5968 35, 61 31,3246,7667, 126 90, 91 126, 127 The foregoing List is the Schedule referred to in the annexed Char ter Benj" Lynde ¦) Benj. Pickman |-com'"> Joshua Hicks j [Note.— In the original MS. volume, p. 283, is a survey and plan of the abovesaid township. Ed.] TOWN PAPERS — MADBURY. 54I Petition for an Act of Incorporation. To His Excellency Bening Wentworth Esq Governor and commander in chief in and over his majestys Province of New Hamp' & the Hon' his Majestys Council The petition of a number of Inhabitants of said Province Humbly Sheweth that they live on a Tract of land in said province Bounded Easterly by Amherst southerly b}' Wilton Northerly by New Boston and Westerly Near what was called Peterborough and that said tract of land is not yet Incorpo rated into a Town & by reason of which they labour under many difficultys. Therefore your petitioners Humbly pray that thejr may be Incorporated into a Body Pollitick and by a charter be Invested with the Authority & Priviledges as other Towns have & enjoy in this province and y' petitioners as in duty Bound shall ever pray. June y" 28'" 1763. John Stephenson George Goold Joseph Wilkins Robert Badger William Holt Moses Stiles, Jr John Carkin John Kidder Jacob Cram Joshua Hodle Jonathan Cram John Ordway David Cram John Johnston Moses Ordway Jacob Wellman Ephraim Powers Adam Johnson Moses Steels William Carson Ephraim Putnam John Hutchason Melchisedek Corfee Edward Reming Jr David Badger Having considered the within Petition I do hereby consent to theln- •corporation of the sti Town of Lyndeborough & you are hereby directed to prepare a charter of Incorporation accordingly B. Wentworth To M' Secretary Atkinson. MADBURY. [Formerly a part of Dover; was incorporated 31 May, 1755- Ed.] Petition for a Parish. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governor & commander in chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire The Honourable his Majestys Council & House of Representatives for said Province in General Assembly convened the 10''' day of May i743- The petition of Sundry Persons Inhabitants of the Westerly 542 NEW HAMPSHIRE part of the Town of Dover & the Northerly part of Durham in said Province Humbly Shews, That your Petitioners live at such a distance from the meeting houses in their Respective Towns as makes it difficult for them & their Families to attend the Publick Worship there especially in the Winter & spring seasons of the year, which Induc'd a number of your Petition ers some years since at their own cost to Build a meeting House situated more conveniently for them where they have some times had preachiirg in those seasons of the year at their own expence tho they were not Exempted from paying their proportion at the same time to the standing Minister of the Town. That the Towns aforesaid are well able as your Petitioners apprehend to bear their annual charges without the assistance of y" Petitioners and that they might be Incorporated into a new Parish whereby they might be accommodated their chil dren & servants (as well as themselves) have more Frequent opportunities of attending Public Worship and all of them Reep the advantages of such an Incorporation which consider ing their present circumstances they think would not be a few, and the Towns not Injured. That your Petitioners conceive a parish might be erected with out prejudice to the other part of the Town of Dover by the Following boundaries viz. Beginning at the Bridge over Johnsons Creek so called, where the dividing Line between Dover & Durham Cross the Country Road & from tlience run ning as the said Road runs until it comes even with Joseph Jenkins his house & from thence to run on a North West & by North courise until it comes to the head of said Township which boundaries would comprehend the estates & habitations of y Petitioners living in Dover & the making a parish there will greatly contribute to the settling the lands within said Boundaries & those that Lay contiguous as well as be very con venient for y' Petitioners. Wherefore they most humbly pray that a parish may be erected & Incorporated by the Bounderies aforesaid with the usual powers & Priviledges & that such of y- Petition''' as live within the Town of Durham may have lib erty to Poll off into the same, or that such a part of the said Township may be annexed thereunto which would be the bet ter way as will accommodate the Remote settlers in said Town ship near the said Boundaries as well as your petitioners or that they may be Relieved In such other way & method as this Hon""= Court shall see fit, & yo'' petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray &' Thomas Wille John Huckins John Roberts James Jackson Samue Dav-s Zachriah Pitman Samuel Chesley Elv Demerit TOWN PAPERS — MADBURY. 543 Thomas Bickford Daniel M'Hame James Huckins Ralph Hall William Bussell Azariah Boody Timothy Moses John Demeret Zachariah Edgerly Joseph Daniel Francis Drew Daniel Young William Twombly Isaac Twombly Joseph Evans junr. John Evens Henry Bickford Henary Bussell Joseph Hicks John Tasker Derry Pitman Paul Gerrish, Jr John Busskell Job Demeret David Daniel James Chesle Reuben Chesle Henery Tibbetes In the House of Representatives May 13'^ i743- The within Petition Read and 'Voted That the petitioners at their own cost serve the select men of the Town of Dover and also the select men of the Town of Durham with a coppy of this petition and the Vote thereon. That the selecti-nen of the Respective Towns aforesaid may Notifie the said Touns to appoint psons to appear the third day of the sitting of the Generall Assembly at their next sessions of Gen" As sembly to shew cause if any why the prayer of the petition may not be Granted. James Jeftry Cler. Ass"' Province of] -^ n, _ X- Tj VMav 27'' 17.13. rvew Hamp J - ' ' '^ The above "Vote read & concurr'd Theod' Atkinson, Secrv John Foay, Jr Solomon Emerson Jacob Daniel Joseph Rines Benjamin Hall William Demeret William Alien his Nathiel O Davis mark Samuel Davis Jr Jonathan Hanson Robert Evens Jonathan Daniel William HiU Stephen Pinkham Beniamen Wille John Rowe Hercules Moony Joseph Twombly Abraham Clark Joseph Jackson James Clemens William Dam Jr Morres Fowler Robart Wille Abel Leathers Eodem Die. Assented to. B. Wentworth. Call for a tow/t //leeti/tg in Dover. To the Inhabitants of the Town of Dover such as are Legally qualified to Vote in Publick Town meeting This is to give notice of a publick Town meeting to be holden at the meeting House at Cocheco in Dover on Monday the nineteenth day of this Instant at three of the clock in the after noon to chuse a Constable &" And also to hear the Request of the Westerly part of the Town called Madburry for Raising Money for the support of the Ministry in that part of the Town for six months. Tho' Willet ] Jn-^ Winget [ Select Dover July 10"= 1742. Jos. Roberts j men. Elv Demeret J 544 NEW HAMPSHIRE Pursuent to the foregoing Notification a publicke Toun meeting was holden at the Meeting House at Cochecho in Dover July 19, 1742. And Capt Tho' Willet Esq. was chosen Moderator of the e^ meeting &"= And the Request of the Westerly part of the Town for Raising money for the support of y" Ministry in that part of the Town for six months as mentioned in the above notification was then heard considered & put to Vote & it Passed in the Negative. A true copy attested, Pr. Paul Gerrish, Dover May 5"' 1743. Town Clerk. Bounds of the West end of Dover. These may certify That the Bounds the Inhabitants of the West End of Dover petitioned might be the bounds of a parish and Petitioned for is as follows viz. Beginning at the Bridge over Johnsons Creek so called where the di viding Line between Dover & Durham crosses the Country road & from thence running as the s'' road runs until it comes even with Joseph Jenkins his house & from thence to run on a north West & by North course until it comes to the head of the s"* Township which Boundarys would comprehend the estates & Inhabitants of your Petitioners Living in Dover & the making a parish there will &¦= &= A copy of the Bounds mentioned in the above Petition Attested Pr. Theodore Atkinson. The Petitioners for a Parish in Madbury & what they paid in the year 1743- Thomas Willey John Roberts Samuel Davis Paul Gerrish Samuel Chesley James Chesley James Jackson John Huckins Job Demerett John Tasker David Daniel Zachariah Pitman Solomon Emerson Joseph Hicks James Huckins Azariah Boody Daniel Meserve Francis Drew Thomas Bickford Ralph Hall John Foy Jr Henry Tebbets Dery Pitman John Bussell William Bussell William Demerett Eli Demerett, Jr £ S 0 il 3 2 16 2 10 II 18 16 52 13 6 I 5 2 I 2 4 I :i 2 II I 0 0 8 I 17 6 10 II 10 2 I 7 9 15 9 H 16 3 II 9 17 I I 13 9 14 3 10 II 13 II TOWN PAPERS MADBURY. 545 Joseph Rines Jacob Daniel Timothy Moses Benjamin Hall John Demerett Zachariah Edgerly William Allen Joseph Daniel Nath' Davis Daniel Young Samuel Davis Jr Jonathan Hanson Robert Evans William Twombly 3"' Isaac Twombly Joseph Evens, Jr Jonn Evens Henery Bickford Jonathan Daniel William Hill Stephen Pinkham Henry Bussell Benjamin Willey John Row Herkules Mooney Joseph Twombly Abraham Clark Joseph Jackson James Clements Reuben Cheslev 8 3 13 II II 3 13 2 I.S 0 19 II 9 9 12 9 12 5 IS 0 13 2 0 0 0 II 3 II 8 13 II 9 9 18 0 II 8 12 9 18 9 10 II 12 0 7 6 7 6 8 3 11 3 0 0 0 12 9 7 6 12 5 (I) 40 10 (1) Accompanying the foregoing is a list of inhabitants of Dover and tax assessed to a new Parish. Ed. In the House of Representatives Aug. 24'" 1744. The within petition read and the Parties on both sides heard. And the Return of the Com mittee appointed by the Gen' Ass'" for the viewing of the Town of Dover, Read, and the House having considered thereon, Voted pro vided the petitioners procure an Orthodox minister or ministers to preach to them at that part of the Town of Dover called Madbury, Six months or more in a yeare during y" space of three years to comence from the first of y next. That then there be Raised by the town of Dover & paid by the select men or Town Treasurer of the said Town of Dover annually to the said Minister or Ministers the sum of one hundred & tiventy pounds (Old Tenor) after the Rateof twenty pounds p month as the preaching is Performed annually for the said three years and that the petitioners have liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly. James Jeffry Clr. Ass'* In Council Decemb. 21, 1744. The parties heard on the within Petition & the Vote of the Houses above Considered & non concur'd. Nemine contradicente. Theod. Atkinson Secy Prov New Hamp (i) "Wherefore to remedy the above Grievances your Humble petition ers Humbly pray That your Excellency & Hon'* would be pleased by an Act of General Assembly to Invest us with the Privilidges and pow- 35 546 NEW HAMPSHIRE ers of a Town, and a small matter to enlarge our Boundarys according or near our first petition viz. to begin at a place in Quochecho river called the gulf and from thence on a Straight Line to the Southern side of Varneys Great Hill & from thence to run on a North West point of the compass to the end of the Township and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall &"" The above is Paragraph of a Petition signed Paul Wentworth & many others free holders & Inhabitants of the Parish of Sumersworth, Dated May the 19"" 1743 & then preferred to the General Assembly of the Prov. afores Agent for Ezra Selden Abner Lee John M-'Curdy Benjamin Hide Samuel Comstock Solomon Mack Thomas Sabin Benjamin Lee 8'' proprietors. MERRIMACK. [Incorporated 2 April, 1745. Ed.] Petition for a tax on non-resident lands. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Gov' & the Hon"' his Majestys Council & House of Representatives in Generall Assembly Convened at Portsmouth the 9'' of April 1754- The petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Merrimack Humbly Shews. That their settlement is in its Infancy the greatest part of the Inhabitants settled since the late war and have been at Large Expence in clearing and making of roads that they have Built & Have to maintain three great Bridges over Souheeg River besides many over severall other large Streams in that Town at the Expence of near a Thousand pounds besides other necessary Town charges which has all been Loaded on the few Inhabitants there settled and are now a going to erect a meeting house in s'' town the Burden whereof will be ex ceeding Heavy & a discouragement to persons settling there if the tax must wholly be Raised on Poles and estates. That theres a considerable quantity of unimproved Lands in s'' Town owned by non-resident Gentlemen who has never been at any expence in Bringing forward the settlement or Otherways whereby the Inhabitants has been eased ; That the TOWN PAPERS MERRIMACK. 549 settlers by their Labour & Industry has Increased the Vallue of such Lands more than four double to what they would have been & they must still greatly increase on the Florishing of the s"* Town. Wherefore we Plumbly pray that your excellency & Hon''' would please to grant that all the lands Belonging to nonresi dent prop, in that town whereon settlement is not made may be taxed at Sixpence per acre for one year to be Improved for and Towards building a meeting house and two pence per acre for the next four years for and tow ards the support of a minister and your petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray. Phinehas Underwood ^ William Alld ! o , .,,, r^ T r oeiect" Chearity Lund Joseph Blanchard jun Prov. N. Hamps. In council April i6"- 1754 Read & ordered to be sent down, to y Hon'"'' House of Represents. Theod Atkinson, Secy. T^T u s r ¦"¦" '^^ house of Representatives April 16"' 1754. Upon reading the within petition. Voted that the Petitioners be heard on the within petition on the third day of the sitting of the Gen" Assembly after the last day of June ne.xt, and that the petitioners, at their own cost Insert the substance of the s'* petition and orders thereon in two of the public papers viz' In the News Boy print and the Tues days paper three weeks successively, that any person or persons may shew cause if any they have, why the prayer of the petition should not be granted. Matthew Livermore, Clerk. In Council, Eod" Die Read & Concurr'd. Theodore Atkinson Secry. New Hara°^'}^" the House of Representatives Dec 14"' 1754. Upon the motion of Mr Jonathan Lovewell that the foregoing within petition might be revived. Voted that the petitioners be heard on the within Petition on the third day of the sitting of the General Assembly next after the twentyeth day of January next and that the petitioners at their Own cost Insert the substance of the said petition and orders thereon in one of the public news papers two weeks successively that any person or persons may shew cause if any they have why the prayer of the petition should not be granted. Matthew Livermore Clerk. December 14, 1754. The above vote Read and Concurred. Theod. Atkinson Secry. New Hara°r}^" '^^ House of Representatives Jan. y" 23, 1755. The within petition being read & the subject matter of the prayer thereof being duly weighed & considered, Voted, That the prayerof s" petition so far as relates to the six pence Pr acre to be Improved for & toward building a Meeting House be granted, that the Meeting House be built as soon as Conveniently may 550 NEW HAMPSHIRE be & the ace'" thereof laid before the Gen' Assem'', & that the petition ers have Liberty to bring in an act accordingly. Hen. Sherburne Jr. Clr. P. T. In Council Eod" Die. Read & Concurr'd in appearing to the Board that advertizment agree able to vote had been issued. Theodore Atkinson, Secry. Petition for dividing the State i7ito Counties. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Gov'' &'^ the Hon'"' his Majestys Council ' 26"' 1757 This Pe- New Hamp f tition having been read Resolved That the Petitioners be heard thereon the second day of the setting of the General Assembly next after the first Day of April next & that the Petitioners at their own Cost & charge Cause the Substance of said Petition with this order of Court to be advertized In 'the New Hampshire Gazette four weeks successively that any person or persons may appear if they please & Shew Cause if any they have why the prayer thereof should not be Granted. Andrew Clarkson Clerk In Council Eodem Die read & Concurrd Theo" Atkinson Secy. TOWN PAPERS NEW DURH..\M. 569 NEW DURHAM. [Incorporated 17 Dec. 1762. See Kingswood. Ed.] At a public meeting of the Proprietors of New Durham in the Prov ince of New Hampshire legally notified, holden at the meeting house at Durham falls in s"* province on monday the 30''' day of Decemb' 1765 at 2 o'clock P. M. then & there the s"! proprietors made choice of Maj' Thomas Tash and Capt. Thomas Chesle as a Committee to apply to the general Court of s'' Province to see if s'' Court will pass an act to Impower the s'' Proprietors to sell so much of the land of the delin quent proprietors as shall pay their proportion of the charges to be de frayed by s" propriety Tho^ Tash prop" Clark A true Coppy To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Governor and Com mander in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire, the Honourable Councel and Representatives of Said Province. The Humble Petition of Thomas Tash and Thomas Ches- lee. In Behalf of the Proprietors of New Durham Sheweth That Whereas a Great Number of the Proprietors of said New Durham have been Delinquent in paying their proportion of the Necessary Charges that have already arisin on account of the Settlement of Said Town, and it is highly probable s* Delinquents will be as unwilling to pay any Necessary Charge that may hereafter arise ; Therefore the Burden must Conse quently Lay on such of said propriety as are most willing to promote said Town and the Settlement thereof. We therefore most Humbly Shewe, That at a Legal Meet ing of Said proprietors held on the 30"' Day of December A. D. 1765 it was Voted that we the said Thomas Tash & Thomas Chesley should be a Committee to apply to your Excellency and your honours, in order to obtain an act to Impower the said proprietors or their Collectors to Sell the Rights of Said Delinquent proprietors or Such a Part thereof as shall be Sufficient to pay their Respective proportions of Such Neces sary Charges. Your Petitioners Earnestly hope your Excellency and Hon ours will Take our prayer into your wise Consideration and procure Such a Remedy as your Excellency & Honours in your Great wisdom Shall think proper, and your petitioners as in Duty bound Shall ever pray. Thom* Tash Thom* Chesle New Durham September lo"" 1767 570 NEW HAMPSHIRE 1767 3f I ] New Hamp" j" The within Petition being Considered and it appear ing Reasonable to grant Relief in such Cases Voted That the Petitioners have Liberty to Bring in a Bill for the Purpose within mentioned M. Weare, CI' In Council Eodem Die Read Si Concurr'd T. Atkinson Jun SecJ' NEWMARKET. Papers relati/ig to New7/tarket & Ne-tV7/iarket Bridge. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq Governour and Commander in Chief in and over His Majesties province of New Hampshire in New england in America and the Hon ourable His Majesties Council and the Honourable the House of Representatives in General Court Convend. We the Subscribers Conceiving it will be for the great ad vantage of this province in general as well as for our Perticler Interest & for the Benefit of the inhabitants of the Several towns to which we respectively belong that there Should be a Bridge over the River which devides Sa-etham & New Mar ket where the Ferry is Now Kept or a little higher up the River at the place cald the New field do humbly petition this honourable Cort for license to Build a Strong & Substantial Bri'ge thereon sufficient for teams to Pass & Repass laden, and if your Excellency and Honours will vouchsafe to take the matter under your wise Conbideration and permit us to offer to your wise Consideration the Resons Inducing us to offer this our petition we doubt not you will Readil}' grant us the license for which we hereby make Humble Request, By which grant you will greatly oblidge your most humble Sup plicants the inhabitants of this province of New hampshire as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray, we the Subscribers Sign with that reserve that s" bridge be no hendrance to vesels & Rafts of any kind Passing & Repassing up & down S ' River November 21' 1746 Richard Calley John Clark Eforom Levett Solmon Cotton Stephen Thusen John Thusten Samuel Levett Benjamin Cotton Jonathan Fifield Efrom Greean John Levett Thomas Vesey Samuel Levett William Bruce of Durham TOWN PAPERS NEWMARKET. Moses Thriston Henry Wiggin Sam' Clark Josiah Piper William Davis Jonathan Piper Walter Wiggins William Borley Jun'' Eliphalet Wiggins Richard Crockett John Wille Jun' Thomas Wiggin Joshua Hill John Wiggin Samuel Piper William French Tarfien ? Wiggin Andrew French David Haneford Bradstreet French James Daves William French Jun' Thomas Brier Thomas French Daniel Mason Jr Samuel Wiggin John Barker Eliphalet Wiggin John Daves William Moores Thomas Wiggin Jr. 571 To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governour and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampsliire in New England and the Honourable His Majesties Council and the House of Representatives for Said Province. The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of Nottingham &c Humbly Sheweth That this and Several other Towns in this Province are ex posed to Great Difficulties being Seperated from the Metrop olis and the Main Body of the Settled Part of this Province by a narrow River Running between Stratham and New Mar ket which Lais us under a Necessity to travel many miles Round the Head or Else Cross said River at a Ferry which is often times Not Less Difficult and at Certain Seasons of the year is altogether Impracticable and is always so for Carte and Teams. We therefore Conceiving that it will be for the Great Ad vantage of this Province in General as well as for our Particu lar Interest and for the Benefit of the Several Towns Scituated near said River that there Should be a Bridge over said River where the Ferry is kept or a Little Higher up at the Place Commonle Called the New Field Do Humbly Petition your Excellency and Honours that there may be a Licence for a Good Substantial Bridge there Sufficient for Teams to Pass over Loaded. The many Great advantages which would accrue to the Publick by such a Bridge will we Doubt not Enduce this Hon"'' Court to Grant us the Priviledge for which we hereby humbly make Request which will Greatly oblige your most Humble Supplicants who Shall as in Duty Bound Ever Pray &c : Nottingham Nov. 21, 1746. 572 NEW HAMPSHIRE Abraham Rowell Daniel Elkins Ebenezer Dow John Pormort Thomas Ford his William X Kennison mark John Mill John Bartlett Joseph Cally Jon' Longfellow James Bean Edward Bean Jun'^ Jonathan Norris David Lawrens James Whidden Jonathan Crosbie Nathan Pilsbery James Morrison his David X Morrison mark Joseph Beverlin his Andrew X Simpson mark Nathaniel Goodhue John M'Cries John M'Cries Jun'' Frances Harvey John McCleary Israel Bartlett his William X Morrison mark James Maxweel Rob' Harvey Matthew Neley John Harvey Thomas Harvey Edward Bean Simon Baird John Redman To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor and Captain general in Chief in and over his majestys Province of New hampshire and to his majestys Council and the hon ourable house of Representatives in general Court Convened. We the subscribers Conceiving it will be for the great ad vantage of this Province in general as well as for our own par ticular Interest and for the benefit of the Inhabitants of the Several Towns to which we respectively belong that there should be a bridge over the river which Divides Sti'atham and New Market where the ferry is now kept or a little higher up the river at the Place Called the New field Do humbly Peti tion this honourable Court for License to build a Strong and Substantial bridge there Sufficient for Teams to pass and repass Laden and if you will Vouchsafe to take the matter underyour Consideration and permit us to offer to your Consideration the reasons Inducing us to offer this our petition w^e doubt not you will readily grant us the Licence for which we hereby make humble request by which grant you will greatly Oblige your most humble Supplicants, the Inhabitants as in Duty bound shall ever pray. Dated Nov' 21*' 1746 Rob' Smart Joseph Chapman Walter Neel Sam' Miles Jon» Colkit Jon» Colkit Jun' Jon" Colkit Sam' Neel Rich" Clark Caleb Clark TOWN PAPERS NEWMARKET. 573 David Hanes Jo" Jedkins Josiah Persons Tho» Young Sr. Charles Smart Joseph Smart John Burley Jam' Burley Jam" Burley Jun' Josiah Burley Joseph Burley Isaac Maston Andrew Burley W'° Burley Edward Hilton Josiah Hilton Wentworth Hilton Fitz W'" Sergant John Bennet Joseph Burley Jun. Jo'' Elice Nath'' Piper Peter Folsom Robt Pike Charles Hilton Thom' Gilman Rob' Barber Sam' Sinkler John Sanborn Nath' Pees Sam' Stevens Jon" Bachler Ezekiel Sanborn Joseph Sinklar W'° Crocket Jon" Robinson Joseph Robinson Joseph Gilman Jr. Thom' Sinkler Const" Gilman Joshua Sanborn Tim" Gilman Joseph Gliden Abner Cofin Nathan Folsom John Meder Ichabod Whidden Thom' Bennet James Goodwin Jam" Goodwin Jun. Sam' Rolins Jam' Rolins Sam' Brecket Hope Cheswill Sam' Doe Israel Folsom John Kenneston Francis Durgan W'" Durgan James Kenneston Sam' Dooly Thom^ Packer Nicholas Doe Daniel Hilton Jacob Burley Samson Doe Benj" York Benj" York Jun. Thom' Young Joseph Jedkins Thom' York John Neel Abnez' Neel Nathan Presby Ephraim Sanborn Jacob Tilton John Wedgewood John Pender John Fose Edward Fose David Litefoot Daniel Ames Simon Ames David Ames Jacob Ames Joseph Hall Edward Hall Arthur Slade James Maston Nath' Ames Rob' Perkins Jo" Miles Benj" Smart Giles Burley W'" Perkans Jon" Hilton Philip Herris Jo" Hilton Tim" Emerson Bartes Metoon Joseph Hilton Joseph Young Joseph Midcalf John Birgan Rich'' Matoon Benj" Thomson John Hersey James Hersey John Perkans John Perkans Jun' John Folsom Andrew Folsom W" Folsom Jo" Barber John Barber Juni^ Andrew Wiggan 574 NEW HAMPSHIRE Joseph Wiggan Jo" Palmer Edward Fose Groth. Palmer Benj" Fose Ephraim Folsom Sam' Chapman Ephraim Folsom Jr. John Talor To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Governor and Commander in Chief in over His Majestys province of new hampshier in new England in America and the Honorable His majestys Council & the Honorable House of Represent atives in Court Convened. We the Subscribers Conceiving it will be for the Great ad- vantag of this province in general as well as for our one Per- ticlar Intreest & for the Benefit of the Inhabitants of the Sev eral Towns to which we respectively belong that there should be a Bridg over the river which divides Stratham and new market where the Ferry is now Kept or a little higher up the river at the place called the new field wee do humbly Petition this honorable Court for Leicence to Build a Strong & Sub- stantile Bridg sufficient for tams to pass & Repase, to take the matter under your Consideration & permit us to offer to your Consideration the resons Inducing us to offer this our petition, we Doubt not you will readiely Grant us the Licence for which we hearby make humble Request by which Grant you will Greatly oblige your most humble supplicats, the Inhabitants as in Duty Bound Shall Ever pray. Joshua Brackett James Johnson John Brackett Anthony Pickrein Nathaniel Brackett Nath' Doe James Urin NatW Grow Joseph Jones Abithar Sanborn Joseph Melune John Hoag Jun"^ Joseph Melune Jun. Nathaniel rite 'White Henery Melune Samuel Haines Enoch Clark Thomas Ains Ebenezer Cates Charley ? Johnson James Cates Jonathan Thomas Jonathan Dockem Stephen Gilman Jonathan Dockem Jun. Anthony Pickerin John Dockem Abner Haines Bengman Dockem Sam' Nutter Robert Rolens Pitman Colbath James Bracket James Berry Daniel Lunt William Samson Joseph Berry Robart Bryen William Stevens John Allen Joseph Haines Daniel Doues John Haines John Johnson William Haines TOWN PAPERS NEWMARKET. 575 In Council December the 1746 read & ordered to be sent Down to the Hon'''" House togeather with the three other Petitions for the same affair here unto annexed Theo's Atkinson Sec^ New'^Hamp'^ } ^" the House of Representatives Dec 6"" 1746 Voted That the within Petitioners be heard on their Petition y" second Day of y setting of y" Gen' Assembly after y seventeenth Day of Jan. next & that y Petitioners at their own expence advertise y publick three Weeks successively between this Day & y= aforesaid 17"' of Janu? (in y" Postboy & Evening Post News Papers so called) of y Tenor of y" Prayer of said Petitions (Viz) that there may Liberty be granted for Building a good sufficient Draw Bridge over E-xeter River at Wiggin's Fen-y so called or at y New Field at y proper Cost & charge of y Pe titioners that any or every one may have opportunity to shew Cause if any they have why y« Prayer of s" Petitions should not be granted. D. Peirce CI' In Council December 7'-'' 1746 read & Concurr'd Theodore Atkinson Sec^ December ii"! 1746 Assented to B. Wentworth Where as Sum of the Inhabitence of Several townes within this Prov ence have Petitioned the Gen' Court to Grant Liberty for the bulding of a bridge over Exeter River Between Stratham and New market and the Gen' Court having apointed a Day for the hearing of s^ Petitioners, Leberty being Given for all persons to apear that are against said Bredge being bult to Shew ther Resons against the s^me. At a Leagal parish meeting held at Brintwood on Monday the 16"" Day of March 1747 at the hous of Nicolas Gorden in si^ parish Voted that^there be no bredge bult between Stratham and Ne-wmarkit by Reson we apprehend it will be a Great Dammeag both to the trade and fishere Copy Exam'd Biley Hardie parish Clarck May y" 18"' 1747. Province of '( In Pursuance of a vote of General Assembly of y* New Hamp''* / 4 Instant We the Committee Have been and Viewed the places as mentioned in a petition for building a Sufi cient Draw bridge over the River between new market and Stratham and we have unanemusley agreed that the bridge be built over said River to begin to be built about twenty foote below a white Pine tree Standing about the ferry place on Wigginses land and so to Run as straight over or across said River to Robert Smarts land as it can be built for Conveniency of Setting Said bridge. The Distance between the Peers under the Draw bridge to be twenty six foote and the Dis tance between the Pears for Rafts and other Necessary to be forty or fifty foot and the tops of the Caps between these vacancies to be Seven foot above high water mark in a middling tide the width of the aforesaid bridge to be Eighteen foote wide between The rails of s* bridge from end to end. This is our Report In this affair of said Bridge Sam' Smith John Downing Richard Jenness Jonathan Chase Joseph Wadleigh - Committee 576 NEW HAMPSHIRE In Council May 27, 1747 The above report read & ordered to be sent to the Hon*'" House Theo's" Atkinson sec. Province of "I In the House of Representatives 29''' May 1747 New Hampshire / Voted That y" within Report be received & ap proved with y" following amendments, that y" Draw Part of s" Bridge be twenty eight feet wide & y" Passage for Rafts forty five feet wide that the Petitioners build y« Bridge Keep it in Repair & procure convenient Ways to & from y" Bridge & all at their own expence. D. Peirce Clr. Anno Regni Regis Georgii Secundi magnae Britannis Franciae & Hi- bernise Vicessimo. An Act for Erecting and maintaining a Bridge over the River at New Market.Whereas Many of the Inhabitants of New Market Stratham and other Places within this Province have Petitioned the General Assembly Representing that the Passing over the ferry at New Market is attended with Great Difficulty for a Considerable part of the year by Reason of the frost. That a Bridge over the River there would be of Great use to those Places and all the Neighboring Towns And Praying that they might have Liberty to Erect a Bridge there accordingly which they would do at their own Cost. Which Petition having Been Considered and it appearing that a Good Bridge at the Said Place will be of Gen eral Service and Conveniency : Be it therefore Enacted By His Excellency the Governor Council and Representatives in General Assembly Convened and by the Authority of the Same, That the Petitioners aforesaid and Such others as shall join with them therein shall have Liberty to Erect and Build a Good Strong and Convenient Bridge over the River at New Market and Stratham to run from about Twenty foot below a white pine Tree Standing a Little way above the Ferry place on the Land of Andrew Wiggin strait a Cross the River to the Land of Robert Smart on New Market Side on the following Terms and Directions that is to say that it Run as Strait a Cross the River from and to the Place aforesaid as it may be for the Conveniency of Setting and Laying the foundation thereof in the River, that the Said Bridge be Built on Peers set at Con venient Distance form'd in the Best manner for passage Between them that a Passage for Vessels Gundelos Rafts and other water Carriage be Left where the Deepest water is of forty five feet wide Between the Peers, that a part of the said Bridge be made to Draw in the most Con venient manner twenty eight feet wide for the Passage of Vessels That the said bridge be built with Rails on the Top on Each Side and to be eigh teen feet wide between the Rails that the Tops of the Caps between the Vacancies be seven feet above high Water in a Middleing Tide and that all the said Bridge be Built in a strong workmanlike manner at the Cost of the Petitioners and others as aforesaid and so maintained and Kept in Repair and that they Procure and get Laid out all such Con venient Ways and Passages to and from Said Bridge as shall be want ing and Necessary and that the Draw Part of sad Bridge be made so that it may Conveniently be Drawn by two men. TOWN PAPERS — NEWMARKET. 577 Province of "I In the House of Representatives 3" June 1747 New Hamp-' j The foregoing Bill having been Read three Times Voted That it pass to be enacted. John Sanborn Speaker pro Tempore In Council June the 4"' 1747 The foregoing Bill Read three Times and past to be enacted. Theodore Atkinson Sec' Eodem Die I assent to the enacting this Bill B. Wentworth Copy Examined Theodore Atkinson Sec^ Exeter's Answers to Stratham and New Market's Petitio/i for a Bridge. Province of | To his Excellency Benning Wentworth New Hampshire j Esq' Captain-Generall, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, To the Hon''''^ his Majesty's Councill And house of Representatives Convened in Generall Assembly. Humbly Shews The Freeholders & Inhabitants of Exeter by their Agents the Subscribers hereof That whereas Notice hath lately been given in the Publick Prints That the Towns of Newmarket Stratham & Towns Adjacent have Petitioned your Excellency and this Hon'''" Court Praj'ing Liberty to Build a Strong Sub- stantiall Draw Bridge over the river that Divides said Stratham and New Market at the Ferry place in Said Stratham or a Lit tle above, And your Excellency & hon'* having ordered said Petitioners a hearing of their Petitions on the Second day of the Sitting of this Court after the Seventeenth day of January then next and that said Petitioners give Public notice Thereof. Whereupon we the Subscribers agents as aforesaid on behalf of our Constituants as well as for our Selves Most Humbly Crave Leave to offer the Following reasons why the Prayer of said Petitions Should not be Granted, (Viz :) i" For that the building such a Bridge would in a Great measure Stop the Course of the Fish Especially the Bass which Providence has hitherto yearly supplyd us with great Quantitys of to the Great Support of our selves and Towns above us, and many Poor Familys, if the Course of the Fish be Stopped will be Likely thereby to be Great sufferers. 2'">- For that whereas the said river having been free Ever since The settling the Town of Exeter (upwards of one hun dred years) for the passing and repassing of Vessels from 37 578 NEW HAMPSHIRE hence to Portsmouth & Boston and other Ports, and there be ing Generally water sufficient for the passing and repassing of any Vessell of one hundred Tons Loaden whereby this Town as well as the Towns above it have reaped great advantages By means of Transporting their Lumber and by having return'd to them by the same Vessels, The Provisions and Necessaries for the Support of Life & for Commerce and Trade with Each other; Which the building of the aforesaid bridge would greatly hurt, if not Totally Stop, & also Prevent Carrying on the building of Vessells in the "Town of Exeter which they have as Just a right to do as any other Towns in the Province. 2'"y For that the Free use and Priviledge of That river to the head thereof was the Principal reason and Cause of Peoples settling so far into the Country and Defending their Settlements in such Dangerous & Difficult times as have been since the Settlement of the Same and was also an Incouragement to the Inhabitants of Kingston and other Towns to Settle Farther into the Country they hopeing to Enjoy the Benefit of Trans porting their Lumber in this river without such an Incum brance as the Proposed bridge would be. And now if the Prayer of the Petition should be granted Those invaluable Priviledges which the respondents have so Long Enjoyed and so highly Prised (more than any other part of their Estates) would in a great measure if not Totally be cutt off" and would be more Damage to the Town of Exeter and ''other Towns above it Than to Maintain men and Boats forever to carry over the Petitioners and Every thing they have as often as they please to remove, and Cannot be of such Service to the Peti tioners as to Equal the Damage that would be consequent upon it. Neither would the Petitioners themselves be willing that any such Incumbrance should be made upon the river below their Landing places to prevent the Free passage of Vessels to them. Neither is it likely if Possible for the Petitioners to make and maintain & Duly attend Such a Bridge in such manner as to Lett all Vessells pass and repass in said river For Vessels going up & Down swiftly with a strong tide cannot come to anchor and wait for any Persons to come and open the Passage for them without great Difficulty & Danger and Damage more than can be at Present Discerned. ^thiy jtqj. (.Jjjjj j-jjg building the aforesaid Bridge would be a great Impediment to the Conveying Down to Portsmouth the Mast Trees which are Yearly Procured in & brought to the Town of Exeter for his Majestys use, and would also make it very Dangerous to pass with Vessells rafts & Gundelows in the Narrow Passage of Thirty foot. For the Straitening of the river must of Consequence Cause the Current to run very TOWN PAPERS — NEWMARKET. 579 swift and Rapid and thereby Greatly Endanger the Lives of the People as well as the Loss of their Vessels Lumber and Gundelows. 5'>' We humbly Conceive that the Granting the Prayer of the Petition by this hon'"= Court will not only be a Depriving of our Constituants as well as the Towns above us, and oth ers, of their Lawfull right & Priviledge but also be a Leading Example for other Injuries of the like nature and be a much Greater Injury to the Province in Generall Than Benefitt to tlie Petitioners or others, in That it would cause the People of this Town and the Towns above us Instead of Transporting their Lumber to Portsmouth to Convey the Same to Haverhill and Newbury and thereby very greatly obstruct the Trade of this Province. We do therefore Humbly Intreat That your Excellency & this Hon''''' Court will duely Consider the foregoing reasons and what we may Further Crave Leave to offer why the Prayer of the said Petitions should not be Granted Considering the many bad Consequences it might be a,ttended with, and humbly hope and Desire That Your Excellency and hon'" will in your great wisdom Prevent the Same by not Granting the Prayer of said Petition. Ezekiel Gilman Daniel Oilman Nich' Ferryman Jedediah Philbrick Agent for and in behalf of the Town of Kingston in said Province humbly craves Leave to present the foregoing answers or reasons made in behalf of y' Town of Exeter as answers for and in behalf of said Town of Kingston it being their Grievances & Dangers truely Expressed & for y same reasons pray that the Prayer of the Pe tition for building a Bridge over y" river betwixt Stratham & New Mar ket may not be Granted Jed Philbrick At a Meeting of the free holders & Inhabitants of the Town of Exe ter holden at the Town house in s' Town JanJ' 19"= 1746-7 Whereas no tice hath been Given in the publick prints that New Market Stratham & several of the adjacent Towns have petition'd the Gen' Court of this Province for Liberty to build a bridge Crost the River that parts New market & Stratham at the ferry or a Little above & that the s'' Peti tioners are to be heard on s'' petition on the Second Day of si* Courts next Setting & those that are ag'- the Prayer of s' Petitions being Grant ed are in s"* Prints notifyed to appear to Show Cause ag' the Granting the Prayer of si^ Petitions, Voted M' Nich" Ferryman Maj' Ezekel Gilman & Cap' Daniel Gil man be agents that they or Either of them appear in behalf of the Town to Shew Cause why the Prayer of the Petitions should not be Granted. A true Copy Zebulon Giddings Townclerk 580 NEW HAMPSHIRE Reply to Exeter's Objectio/is. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Capt. Gen Gov' & Command' in Chief the Hon'''" His Majestys Council & House of Represen'^* for the Prov= of New Hamp'-. The Reply of the Petitioners for a Bridge over the River at New Market to the Objections made by the agents of the Town of Exeter. I*' It is objected a bridge would stop the course of the fish &c. This is w' the objectors cannot prove, it is Gratis dictum, nor does it carry probability with it that an open Bridge as this is proposed to be. should stop the passage of Fish only by hav ing a few Piers standing in the River, it may with almost Equal truth be said, that ships & Vessels in the River Stop the Course of the fish, & so there should none of them be Suffer'd to pass besides the advantage made by fishing at the head of the River is too Inconsiderable to be put in the Scale against the advantage of such a bridge. 2 their second Objection supposes that the building this bridge would prevent all trade, &c. it is not fair to suppose the case other ways than it Really is, or will be. An open Bridge will not prevent trade, passing & Repassing with Vessels &c. a bridge may be so Contrived as to be very little Impediment to that. Some Inconveniencys allways attend the building of Bridges, and if none was to be built but only where there should be no Inconveniency attending there will never be another built & if that had been the Rule of judging concern ing those that have been done, there never would have been one made over a River But in Such a Case the Greater Public Benefit is to have the Preference if the building the bridge will serve 100 People in the Cour&e of a year to the Same Degree it disserves or prejudices 99 the Bridge ought to be built, that a bridge can be so made as to be very little Damage to the pas sage on the River, we need only to look about us, & see what has been done in other places. Vessels of near 100 Ton pass & Repass London bridge (as well as many other places) tho' they are forced to strike their Masts, yet the trouble was not tho't Equal to the advantage of the Bridge. As to the Lumber Trade tis well Known it Decreases every year at Exeter. Lumber bro't out of the Country is carry'd to other places more than to Exeter, & if this Bridge is built more will come over it or to it, in one year than come down the River from Exeter in three. 3 their third objection is but little different from the 2'' it supposes that there could be no passing the Bridge, without Insuperable difficulties, which is only beging the Question, the Petitioners think a Bridge may be so contrived as to be no other Impediment in passing biit only a few Minutes time & a TOWN PAPERS NEWMARKET. 581 little care and they have the Examples of other places & Peo ple to support them in their Opinion, as to what they say about the Inducem' to Settle at Exeter it is a great mistake for they settled there as soon as at Portsm ' for the sake of the falls for Grist Mills & not for the Sake of transporting Lumber to Portsm" when every man there might cut it at his own door or within a few Rods of the River. 4 " their 4th objection is still the Same only to make it a lit tle more formidable, the Mast Trees are bro't in & His Majes tys name made use of, and is it more difficult for a Mast tree to Swim under a Bridge than for a Gundeloo of wood or a Raft of Boards, what may easily pass as the bridge may be contrived. But how many mast trees are bro't to the head of Exeter River in a year, & those that are might with as Little Difficulty be hal'd below this Bridge & would be so was the bridge erected, but this objection was made only to fright People with those Potent words his Majesty's use, and to carry a more frightful idea they Suggest the Lives of the People would be in danger which is nothing but suggestions. 5 The fifth Objection Relates to the depriving People of their Privilege, this objection operates Equally in all other cases of this nature & if attended to, no bridge had ever been built nor tyde mills, nor any works upon Rivers which makes the passage more difficult for they are always some disadvan tage to those whose Estates lay above such works, and 'tis al most impossible but that every Public work is a prejudice to Particular Persons, the Repair of a Bridge that the Public maintains, is a prejudice to the Owners of the Lands adjoining & yet it shall be done & the Law will give them no Remedy Because Private Right must give way to the Public advantage, and if it is considered what a great advantage this Bridge must be to two thirds of the People in the four old Towns, & all the new settlem" above New Market Durham Dover &c. both in peace & war what is the little difficulty of the trading part of Exeter & those concerned with them in comparison of the ad vantages of such a bridge which are so plain they need not be mentioned the wisdom of all well ordered Governments have Esteemed such Buildings a Great advantage & if it be fact that more of the vessels which fetch Lumber from Exeter Stop at the place proposed for this bridge & Raft it down which may be easily prov'd, this Lessens the Difficulty to those that ob ject, as to many of the People brot in as objectors it is plain they proceed only on this principle that it will be some charge to them as they fear, upon the whole it is Humbly Submitted whether the advantages will not abundantly over Balance the supposed disadvantages, b)' ., ' ^ ) In behalf of Israel Oilman ^ i^j,„sgif & Petitioners 582 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition of Inhabitants of Stratham against the bridge. Province of ) To his Excellency Benning Wentworth New Hampshire j Esq' Captain General Governor and Com mander in Chief In and over his Majes ties Province of New Hampshire, To the Hon"'" his Majesties Councill & house of Representatives Convened in Generall Assembly. Humbly Sheweth the Subscnbers Freeholders and Inhabit ants of the Town of Stratham in Said Province That Whereas we have Lately heard That a Number of Persons have Petitioned This Hon""' Court for Liberty to build a Bridge over the river at or near the Ferry place in Stratham and New Market, We Humbly Conceive that the building of such a Bridge would Greatly obstruct the Trade and Fishery of this Province in Generall as well as Damnify many Poor People in their Private Interests. Wherefore we humbly Pray that Your Excellency «Se Hon'* will not Grant the Prayer of the said Petition. Richard Sinkler Benjamin Palmer Joseph Smitu Joseph Palmer Richard Palmer Owen Rcnnles John Cole Thomas Rennles Benja NoiTis Jonathan Clark senior Jonathan Sibley James Robinson Thomas Chase David Stevens John Robinson Matthew Tomson Stephen Leavitt Matthew Tomson Senior William Tomson William Mead James Leavitt John Clark Joshua Rowlings Joseph Clark Joseph Rawlings Joseph Hoit Bradstreet Wiggin Joseph Hoit Jr. John Mead John Wadleigh John Honneford William Chase Edward Maeon Joseph Smith Jonathan Cldrk Jun. John Speed Petition of Inhabitants of Kensington against the bridge. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Capt" Gen" Gov ernour and Commander in Chief in and over his Maj'"" Provinceof New Hampshire, To the hon''''' his maj""'* Coun cil and Representatives in gen" Assembly Convened. Humbly Shew the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Par ish of Kensington in s** Province That we having heard of Petitions being preferred to your Excellency and hon" for building a bridge Cross the river at or near Stratham & Ne'W TOWN PAPERS NEWMARKET. 583 Market ferry, the building whereof we humbly apprehend will greatly obstruct the trade and fishery of this Province as also deprive many of his Majesties Loyal Subjects of their Just rights and Priviledges. Wherefore we most humbly pray your Excellency and Hon'* that the prayer of s'' Petition may not be Granted. Jeremiah Fogg Abraham Baclder Hezekiah Swain Simon Batchelder Benjamin Prescutt Nathnnael Prescutt Abraham Haskell Abraham Moidton Jethro Bachelder David James John Shearburne Benjamin Row Caleb Shaw Jonathan Huchinson Johnson Hoshison Timothy Hoshison John Chapm.-in ? Moses Blake Junr Jonathan Pulsifer Isaac Healmes? Thomas Knolteon Samuel Bean Isaiah Green Philemon Blake Jeremiah Green Benjamin Cram Joseph Pike Jeremiah Easman Ezekiel Worthen Jonathan Cram Nehemiah Brown George Conner Moses Bleak Joseph Tilton Robert Row- Abraham Samborn Joseph Wadleigh John Been Joseph Wadleigh jun. Jonathan Prescutt Jonathan Fellows Samuel Clifford Is.iac Fellows Jun. Abner Fellows James Prescutt Henery Sanborn Benjamin Page Jeremiah Fellows Samuel Blake Jut» Joseph Chase Hilyard Shurborn Tilton James Fogg Moses Sambom Benjamin James Israel James John Page Jonathan Garland Joshua Gihnan Stephen Hobs Noah Hobs Nathl Healey Jeremiah Samboi-n Edward Black Petition of Inhabitants of Hampton falls against the bridge. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Capt. General Governour and Commander in Chief in and over his Maj"°° Province of New hampshire and to the hon''"' his Maj""' Council and Representatives in Gen' Court assembled. Humbly Sheweth the Subscribers Freeholders and Inhabitants of Hampton falls in s"* Province that having heard or seen in the Newspaper that Petitions have been preferred to your Excellency and Hon'" for building a bridge Cross the River at or near Stratham 584 NEW HAMPSHIRE & Newmarket ferry and we Considering the many 111 conse quences of building Such a bridge by obstructing the trade and fishery of the Province in general and also the depriving of many of their Just rights & priviledges — We Humbly pray that 3'our Excellency and Hon'* will dismiss the s'' Peti tions and not grant them. Amos Leavitt Abner Sanborn -lohn Green Bradbury Green Jonathan Chase Saml Shaw Thomas Browu John George Benjamin Sanborn Ralph Butler Benjamin Moulton Benjamin Cram Daniel Brown John Brown Saml Lane Matthew Morton Benjamin S-v\''ett Joseph Bachelder John Batchelder .Jotham Batchelder Joseph Sanborn Edward Sargent Ruben Samborn Reuben Sanborn Jr Stephen Swain Jethro Tilton .lohn Tilton Benjn Tilton James Prescott John Brown Jeremiah Benet Caleb Shaw Charles Stuarrl Enoch Barker Jonathan Brown Benjamin ShiiW John French Wm Stickney Saml Melcher Samuell Melcher Junr Jeames Moulton Richard Moulton Benja Moulton Jona Tilton Nathan Tilton his Samll X Fifield mark David Tilton Nath Healey Samuel Tilton Stephen Healey Jacob Green Jonathan Green Joseph Prescott Benjamin Present Philemon Prescot Jeremiah Prescot Joseph Sanborn 3d Benja Swett Daniel Sanborn Josiah Batchelder Ebnezer Prescott Nathan Sanborn Petition of Inhabitants of Epping against the Bridge. Province ) To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq'" of New Hamp. ] ' Captain General, Governor & Commander in Chief In and over his Majesty's Prov ince of New Hampshire, To the Hon''''- his Majestys Coun cil and house of Representatives Convened in Generall Assembly Humbly Shew The Subscribers Freeholders & Inhabitants of the Parish of Eppin in said Province That Whereas we have heard that a Number of Persons have TOWN PAPERS NEWMARKET. 585 Lately Petitioned this Hon'"'" Court for Liberty to build a Bridge over the river at or near the Ferry place in Stratham & Newmarket, We Humbly Conceive That the building of said Bridge would be not only a great Damage to many poor people in their Private Interests, But would also be a Grievous obstruc tion to the Trade and Fishery of this Province in Generall. Wherefore we humbly Pray that your Excellency & Hon'" will not Grant the Prayer of said Petition. John Marden Edward Elkins John Robinson Jeremiah Elkins Joel Judkins Timothy Morgan .Jeremiah Prescot Samuel Elkins James Norris Junr John Noris Jonathan Gliden William Eten Joseph Norris Moses Smart J ediah Black John Fulton Obadiah Worlli ElexandQT Robrison Wilyam Prescut Joseph Gordon John Dudley Coffin Thing Edward Thing Beningmen Rolins Daniel Grant Benja Phillbrick •Jonathan Gilman .Jnnr Joseph Thing Edward Stevens John Drobson ? Simon Garland Moses Norris JnoLham Norris Daniel Homen James Noris Isrel Gilman Nathan Hoit Theophilus Wadleigh Jonathan Rundlet Israel Blake Samuel Smith Ithiel Clifford Saml Connor John Merridge Josiah Noris Abraham Folsom Elias Smith Ezekiel Brown David Joy John York Abraham Broivn John Rowell John Page David Page Jonathan Noii-is Junr Jonathan Folsom Thomas Burley James Alexander Abner Been Jonathan Smith Coyy of a vote against the building of a Bridge over Exeter River. Province of \ At a Legal Town meeting held by the freeholders of New Hamp"^ / Kingston in s'' Province March the third 1746-7 I'y Major Eben' Stevens was chosen modderator for that meeting Voted unanimously that we are not willing that there should be any Bridge Built over Exeter River any where below the falls at Exeter Jedidiah Philbrick was chosen to Represent Said Town at the Gen eral Court to object against the Building the above said Bridge. this is a true Copy taken out of Kingston Book of Records ^¦^ Attest Jed. Philbrick Town Clerk 586 NEW HAMPSHIRE Vote of the Inhabitants of East Kingston against the bridge, and reasons for said vote. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq Capt. Gen' & Governour & Commander in Chief in & over his majesties province of New Hamp'% & to the Hon"'" his majesties Council & House of Representatives in Gen^' Court assem bled. The vote of East Kingston Concerning the Building a Bridge over Exeter River with some reasons therefor are most Humbled presented, as foiloweth viz : At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants & freeholders of the East Parish in Kingston held y" lo"' day of march Anno dom 1746-7 voted that vve are not willing there should be a Bridge Built over Exeter River, and that William Boynton Phineas Bachelder & Jeremy Webster are Chosen a Committee to draw up some reasons for the above s'* vote. A true Coppie, Jeremy Webster Clerk Which are as foiloweth viz : Wee humbly apprehend that If there should be a Bridge Built over s" River it would wholly stop the course of the fish up the same, & so deprive these towns of that benefit, and also, That it would greatly obstruct the navigation of the River & so Consequently the trade of Exeter which is by far the nearest & most Convenient Market Town for us & the towns above us (that is in our own Government) which Town of Exeter is a very growing town, & gives Encouragement to these up-Country towns, to hope in great priviledges by it, which If this Bridge should be Built, it would so obstruct the trade of the River & so of Exeter that all our hopes of these things will be entirely quasht & so we must be obliged to Carry all our Provisions & all our lumber into the neighbor ing Government, which we Humbly apprehend will not only greatly hurt us in our Interests but also Exeter, & very nearly affect the whole Government & even Portsmouth itself in par ticular, and further we are humbly of the opinion, that how ever earnest many may now be to promote the Building of this Bridge, yet it may not be Long before they may see that the profit will not countervail the Cost, & then this may prove (should it be Granted) a strong foundation laid to bring it into a perpetual Provincial charge and so we pray that their Peti tion may not be Granted. William Boynton \ In behalf Phineas Bachelder >- of Jeremy Webster j East Kingston Kingston East Parish March y- 31"' day 1747 town papers NEWMARKET. 587 Prov of New) In the House of Representatives 14 May 1747 Hampshire J Voted That the Petitioners have Liberty at their own Cost to build a Draw Bridge over s' River for y" Pub lick use, the Bridge to be built in y" most convenient manner y'- may be for passing of Vessels Rafts or other things & at that Place that shall be tho't most convenient by a Committee to be sent for that Purpose & Maintain'd at y' Petitioners Cost said Com'"" to go & view the Circum stances & make Report to y^ Gen' Assembly as soon as may be, That Rich"" Jenness Esqr Capt. Jonathan Chesley & Mr. Joseph Wadleigh of Kensington be the Committee to join such as may (be) appointed by y^ Hon'° Council to go at y^ Petitioners Cost for this Purpose & that the Petitioners have Liberty to bring in Bill accordingly. D. Pierce Clr In Council May 15"' 1747 read Si Concurred & Sam' Smith & John Downing Esq. added to the Committee above. Theodore Atkinson Secy. Eodem Die Assented to B. Wentworth Province of \ Whereas some years past there was Lyberty granted New Hampr J By the General Court of Said Province for the Building a Bridge over the Salt river from Stratham to Newmarkit in said Province, and when ever the Same shall be Effected, We the Subscribers Expecting to receive a Benefit by the Same and owning the Lands from the said river where s'' Bridge is ordered to be Built to the Country road in New Market Do hereby promis & Ingage for our Selves & our heirs to Give unto Stephen Bordman upon his request a good Deed of a Way two rods Wide through Each of our Lands for the Benefit of the publick, to pass & repass in with Lyberty of hanging Gate or gates, the Said Way is to Begin at the Lower end or South west end of M' Philip Fowlers garden at the country road in New Mar- kit and so running near upon a streight lineto the foot of said Bridge and for the true performance of What is above Written We the Sub scribers do hereby bind ourselves and our heirs in the penal Some of five hundred pounds to Stand and abide by the Same as witness our hands this 7''' Day of January 1760 Philip Fowler Robert Smart Province of > Stratham January y 7'h 1760 New Hampshire / Then the within named Philip Fowler & Robert Smart Personally appeared and owned the within written Instrument to be there free act & Deed Coram And' Wiggin Justis peace To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Governor and Commander in Chief in & over His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire The Hon'" His Majesty's Council & House of Representatives for said Province in General Assembly Convened Jan y= 4"' 1 760 The Humble Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of Stratham & other Places in Said Province Shews 588 NEW HAMPSHIRE That in the twentieth year of His Majesty's Reign an Act was pass'd Granting liberty for Building a Bridge over New Market River a Little above the Place where the Ferry is kept from the Land of Andrew Wiggin to the Land of Robert Smart according to the Directions in said Act which Bridge it was Proposed shou'd be Built by Subscription and about two thousand Pounds O. T. accordingly subscribed but as the Subscription was not to be paid before the Bridge was Built there is no fund Provided for Defraying the first necessary Ex- pence which must be Considerable and such a Building can not be compleated merely on Credit. That the sum aforesaid is far short of a sufficiency to Effect the Design and very few Persons now appear willing to join the Subscribers so that there is no Prospect of Success in this affair by Subscription Especially Considering all future Subscribers will expect the Same Terms of Suspending the Payment. That as there are Several Examples of Raising money for such Purposes by Public Lotterys many have tho't it a very feasible method & giving a fair Prospect of Success in this Case and many Persons wou'd contribut in this Way who wou'd Refuse to do it in any other and as Building said Bridge appears to be a Projection of very Considerable advan tage to the Public and is therefore on that account worthy of Encouragement and much to be wished to be well Executed — Your Petition'" therefore Humbly Pray that they may have Liberty to Set up a Public Lottery for the End aforesaid and for maintaining said Bridge all to be under Such Regulations & managed by Such Persons as in your Great Wisdom you shall judge Proper and that the Petitioners may have Leave to bring in a Bill accordingly and they will as in Duty bound Ever Pray &c. Samuel Lane Saml Doe Junr Nathan Taylor Eph. Barker Richd Rust Joseph Merrill Jnnr Richd Young George Veasey John Avery William Pottle Moses Boynton Natlil Wiggin Nathl Bracket Henry Wiggin John Davis Danl Jackson John Neal Joseph Jewet Thos Odel Jona Thompson Wm Burley William Pottle Junr Joseph Young Saml Pevey Nathl Leavit Abra Kenniston Thos Harvey Robt Rawlins Jon"- Hi" Benja Smith .John Avery Benja Mathes Joaiah Allen Ebenr .Smith Henry Wiggin Joseph Sias John Barker Joseph Smith TOWN PAPERS NEWMARKET. 589 Volentine Mathes Walter Biiant Moses Davis Saml Adams John Shejiherd Jerem Foulsom Charles Runlet John Ponlsom Winthrop Hilton Chase Wiggin Saml Neal Robt Pike Caleb Clarke Saml Tilton .Joseph TUtou Jona Robinson Joseph Burley Junr Saml Burley James Cram Wm Barley .Junr David Haines Nathl Piper .John Smart John Tash Arthur Bennet Nathl Kenniston Elisha Briant Joseph Sandborn Nathl Burley Joseph Burley Richd Perkins Theodore Tilton Winthrop Hilton Junr Ichd Marston Danl Hilton Joseph Norraon John Barbor Jerem Larey Winthrop Pickerin .Jona Piper Charles Smart John Bergin Zebulon Doe Jno Wedg^Tood An tho Pickerin Robt Smart Junr Wm Perkins Geo. Spratt Byron Sweeny Abra Yourin Jno Kenniston Jno Mead Geo Dutch Francis FoUit Elipha Wiggin Thos Taeh Elias Critcbet Benja Bennick Jno Crocket Saml Burley Andrew Folsom Saml Harvey Jno Bartlet Wm Welch Ja Bracket .Ja Burley Robt Rawlins Hub. Matoon Jacob Tilton Ebenr Neal Joseph Haley Caleb Smart John Perkins Saml Chapman Reuben Hill Saml Wiggin Andrew Wiggin Junr Andrew French ,Junr John Wiggin Tho Wiggin Saml Piper Eleazr Allen Saml Neal Josiah Piper Josiah Hilton Nathl Pierce Saml Wiggin James Piper John Piper Josiah Parsons John Burleigh John Elliot Benja Smart D. Peirce John Penhallow Wm Johnson Matthias Weeks Zeb Duda Stephen Bordman Mark H Wentworth John Moffatt Rob Archibald Winthrop Smith Thos George John Wedgwood Danl Gilman Hunkg Wentworth Joseph Wiggin John Hains, Juur Wm Pin ell Isaac Foss Edwd Hilton Lawrence Dowling Gilman 59° NEW HAMPSHIRE Joseph Pickerin James Goodwin Abraham Dearborn Jacob Burleigh Abiather Sandborn Cutt Shannon Joseph Thomas David I.,yford Joseph Joy James Neal Nicho Doe 'J^bos Johnson Saml Pickerin Saml Hains Timo Jones Thomas Huckins In Council March the 13'" 1759. read & ordered that the foregoing Petition be sent Do-wn to the Hon"" Assembly Theodore Atkinson SecJ" In Council Novem.ber 1759 The Within Petition read again & ordered to be sent down to the Hon*"'" Assembly The" Atkinson Sec*' Province of \ In the House of Representatives Jan 4, 1760. This Peti- New Hamp'^ / tion being read Voted That the petitioners have Liberty to bring In a Bill accordingly, Provided they give security that the Bridge prayed for shall be built & Maintained as by an act of this Governm' passed in the Twentieth Year of our Sovereign's Reign & also that it shall be free from any Expence to Passers. A. Clarkson Clerk In Council Jany. 5"" 1760 read Si concurred Theo. Atkinson Petition of sundry Inhabitants of the Province relating to New Market Bridge. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor & Com mander in Chief In and over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, To the Hon*"" his Majestys Councill & House of Representatives for said Province Convened in Gen' As sembly.The Petition of the Subscribers Freeholders & Inhabitants within this Province, Humbly Sheweth That whereas there was some years sence a Grant made by the General Assembly of this Province to a Number of Petitioners, for Leave to Build a Bridge over Ex eter River from New Market to Stratham near the Lower Ferry place and whereas a Number of Petitioners for Leave to set up a Lottery for the building of said Bridge have obtained Leave to bring in a Bill Accordingly, and it appearing to us that the building said Bridge at that Place will be a Much Greater Expence to the builders and much Less Benefit to the Publick than if the said Bridge should be built across said River at a place called the New Fields We Pray your Excel lency & Honours to Reconsider the Votes Already Passed con- TOWN PAPERS— NEWMARKET. 591 cerning said Bridge and Grant that the said Bridge may be built at the s'^ New Fields, For the Following Reasons "viz • For that since the first Grant for building said Bridge at the lower Ferry place. The Country is Largely Settled back so as to make the Trading & Travelling by the said New Fields much more Convenient and Proffitable to the People in Gen eral than at the other place. 3'>- For that the Damage (if any) to the People that Trade in Lumber at Exeter & other places above the New Fields will be much Less if the bridge be built at New Fields than if it be built below as the Rafts & Lighters which Come down from thence. Commonly stop at the New Field to make up their Load & Rafts bigger. 3' 5' For that the River at the New Fields is at bottom Evener and Firmer for making a bridge to stand fast than it is below and Not so wide by Eight rods, so that the Charge of building Said Bridge at New Fields would be 'Vastly Less than to build it below. 4'5' For that there is already a high way laid open from the Country road in New Market to the upper End of the Landing at New Fields, and (if the bridge be built atNew Fields) there will be a highway given by the owners of the Land in Stratham on the South side of said River From the said river to the Country road in Stratham which will be much more Service able & Convenient for People that Travel into the Country than the other way would be as also there will be a highway given from the Lower End of the Landing at New Fields to the Country Road in New Market near the Dwelling house of Hubartus Mattoon to Accommodate the People that live in the lower part of New Market and in Durham, which will make that way as Commodious for that people as if the bridge was to be built below. 5'-' For that there is a Great Trade and business Carry'd on at the Said New Fields (Particularly Shipbuilding) which (as People are Frequently Settling there) is likely to Increase very Largely in Case the Said Bridge be built there. For all which Reasons and many more that may be offered Your Petitioners Most Humbly Hope that your Excellency & Hon" will Take under your wise Consideration the Premises aforesaid and Take Such order Concerning the Same as your Excellency & your Hon'* In your Great Wisdom Shall think Most Convenient and proper And Your Petitioners as in Duty Bound Shall Ever Pray &c. New Market Jan. 30*''' 1760 Jonata.m Chase John Palmer Zebulon King Moses Chase Daniel Palmer John Levitt Jnnr. Benjamin Morrill Samuel Levitt 592 NEW HAMPSHIRE John Coker Moses Clark Benjamin Levitt Simon Wiggin Benjamin Barker Richard Gliden Abner Thirston William Badger Joseph Norman Greenleaf Clarke Enoch Clarke John Bean Robert Barber Edward Colcord James Marston James Marston Junr. Caleb Marson Jonathan Colcord Gideon Colcord Jonathan Colcord junr. Joseph Chapman Saml Baker Winthrop HUton Jun. Ichabod Hilton Jonathan Hill Abnar Thurston Jonathan Piper Isile Marston Robert Cross Georg Hart Jacob Tilton Samuel Tilton Edward Presson Nathan Preson William Shute Wm Odiorne Junr. Theodre Hilton Prov. New Hamp. In Council Feb? the 6*'' 1760 read & ordered to be sent down to the assembly Theodore Atkinson Sec^ Roger Racklyeft John Davis Junr. Samuel Robinson Benjamin Holt Benja Jewett John Thirston Edward HaU Joseph HaU Israel Gilman Winthrop Hilton Michael Shute Joshua Milchell Elias Tarlton Thomas Cotton William Moore Stephen Emerson John Neal Nathan Sanborn Banjman Avery Abner Clough Thomas Rowe Israel Blake Saml Gilman Jolm Manning John Leavitt Stephen Thirstom John Stookbridge John Stockbridge Jr John Rundlet Richard Calley William Calley YoUntine Clark Jonathan Robinson Chas Robinson Saml Lane John Clark To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Governor and Commander in Chief of His Majestj'^s Province of New Hampshire, To the Honorable His Majestys Council and House of Representatives for Said Province Conven'd in General Assembly. The Petition of the Subscribers, Freeholders and others Inhabitants within this Province Humbly sheweth, That there was formerly a Grant made by the General Assembly of this Province to Build a Bridge over Exeter Riverfrom New Mark-Jt to Stratham near the Lower Ferry place ; But the same has TOWN PAPERS NEWMARKET. 593 never been improved ; nor is it likely that it ever will be im proved. That its well known that Great advantage to the Publick would arrise from having a Bridge over said River between said Towns a little higher up the River at the New Fields landing Place so called ; a situation far superior to that of the Place where Liberty was formerly Granted ; in respect to the Convenience of Travelers throughout the Province, a narrower Passage, Shoaler waters, and an evener and firmer Bottom, so that the cost of Building would be a great deal Less than at the other place ; That these reasons are so flagrant, that most if not all those who were formerly for haveing the Bridge Below, have relinquished their opinion being Con vinced that a Bridge at the place now requested would be much more for the Publick utility : besides a Bridge in this place would be the least Impediment to the water Carriage, of any other place in the River and might easilly be contrived so as to give little or no hindrance to the Transportation of Rafts & Vessels. Your Petitioners likewise Humbly presume that a Bridge in this place may be built on any Plan your Excellency and Honours may see most proper to order, by private subscrip tions allowing as short a time as you may think sufficient to Effect the Same. Therefore for all these Reasons and many more which may be offered, evincing the great public and private usefulness of such a work. Your Petitioners Humbly pray that Liberty may be Granted for Building a Bridge over said River at the Place now requested. Your Petitioners earnestly Hope that your Excellency and Honours will take our prayer into your wise Consideration and give such orders Concerning the same as your Excellency and Honours shall think most proper and Convenient. And your Petitioners as in duty bound Shall ever pray. New Market Jan 1 766 James Johnston Robert Pike Josiah Hilton Wm Johnston John Dow John Johnston Daniel Dow Thos Johnston Benja Dow Jr. Joshua Pickerin Noah Dow John Huggens Stephen Clark Nathan Johnston Daniel Sanborn Ebenezer Neal Job Parsons Francis Berry James Cram David Knowles Ed. Hall Bergin John Brown Robt Thom pson JamesNudd Joshua Woodman James Berry Chas Wiggin Willm Hains Caleb Marston Abner Hains Junr Moses Dalton Noah Haines EeqjaHiU Joshua Wingate 3d 38 594 NEW HAMPSHIRE David Wiggen Jos .Johnston Junr Ebenr Haines Paul Ui-an Timothy Haines John Jiihnston Junr John Haines Jun. Nathan Burley Joseph Burleigh Timothy Jones Benia Jnhnsion John Johnston Josiah Page William P.>ttle Jonatlian Leavitt Joseph Mason Junr Richard Rust John Avery Jr. Andv Wiggin ye 3d Stilnian TarlSon Simon Wiggen John Hill Nathan Hoag Samuel Pottle John Clarke Saml Weeks Tliomas Nudd Ichabod Weeks Andrew Carter John .\vei-y Ebenr Clarke Chace Taylor John Hill J.acob .Jewett John Piper Jona Wedgnood John Randlet Josiiih Clarke Enoch Clarke Saml Nutter Benja Nudd Simon Philbrick Saml Marston Jona Huggens Joseph Pickerin Andrew French Jr. Samuel Norton .Joseph Chandler David Haines Jona EUioit David Burley J,a,me3 Marston Thomas Harvey John Kimball George Been Thos Wiggen 3d Joseph Young Ebenezer Barker Noah Barker Josppii Wiggen Benja Wiggen Cotton Dockum Chase Wiggen Thos French Jo-:eph Wiggen Junr. Joshua Weeks Thomas Tash Caleb Clarke Samuel Baker James Hill Elisha T;i-yanl John Smith Tliomas Young Walter Cryent .Jeremy Bryent Nicholas Duda Benjamin Shepard. Samuel Shepard yamuel Parsons Colb'n Buzzell Joteph II.ill Edward Hall Nicho Shute ,John Neal Cotton Haines Nathan Barker .Jona Ta\lor Matthias French Mosej Clark Josiah Allen Jona Weekes David Berry Simun Loveran Josiah Haines R. Tufton Philbrick Jolm Haines Nathl Clark .Josiah Hanaford Benja Barker John Thurston Saml Lane Thos Vei!-ey John Tuck Geo Veasey Job. Young Jno Leavet Zebulon King Saml Leavit .Jona Cliace Steph Thurstoit Jona Wiggen Eiclid Calley Wm Pottle Junr Saml Marble TOWN PAPERS NEWMARKET. 595 Chace Robinson Benja Leavet Jona Philli-iok Saml Mighels Jun. Wm Crockett Joseph Sanborn Willm Whipple Danl Rogers Diml Rindge John Rindge Abra Tilton Wm Badger Ebenr St inwood Henry Wiggen Eph. Barker Ed. Chase Gid. Colcord Jona CokorJ Wm Shute Elias Tarlton liichd Haley John Shute Thos Bartlett N. Hopkinson Geo. Hart Is. Marston Nathl Doe Nicho Blasdlo Ed Eastham Is: Blasdle James Coffin Joseph Merrill Prov of New \ In Council Jan^ g'h 1766 Hampshire j Read & Ordered to be sent down to the HonWc House T. Atkinson Jun. Sec Province of "1 In the House of Representatives Jan*' g"" 1766 The- New Hamps J within Petition being Read and Considered Voted That the Petitioners be heard thereon the third day of the Sit ing of the General Assembly next after the tenth Day of February next, and that the Petitioners at their own Cost Cause the Substance of the Petition and Order of Court to be Printed three weeks Successively in the New Hamps™ Gazett, That any Person may shew Cause why the Prayer thereof Should not be Granted M. Wear CI' In Council Jan>' lo'h 1766 read & Concurred T. Atkinson Jun. Sec^ Province of \ June 26'" 1766. Upon a motion made in behalf of the Nev/ Hamp™ J Petitioners that this Petition maybe Revised, Voted That the Petition be Revised and that the Petitioners be heard thereon the third Day of the Siting of the General Assembly after the Last Day of August next and that the Petitioners at their own Cost Cause the Substance of the Petition and this order of Court to be Printed three weeks successively in the New Hampshire Gazette that any person may Shew Cause why the Prayer thereof Should not be Granted. M. Weare Cler. •Joshua Wiggin Walter Neal Israel Gilman .Junr. Benjamin Folsoin Stephen Gilman Israel Gilman Sour Robert Baiber Senr Robert Barber Junr. David Gilman Bradstreet Gilman John Gilman Moses Coffin Entich Coffin William Coffin Joseph Smith Elisha Smith Ezekiel Gilman John Mighell Saml Mighell senr John Marstes Hubnrtus Mattojn George Dutch Winthrop Hilton Senr Winthrop Hiltor Junr Daniel Hilton Jonathan Folsoia John Lyl'ord Richard Clarke Richard Clark jun. Jolm Clarke Thomas Haunirord 596 NEW HAMPSHIRE To the Hon'''s Henry Sherburne att Portsmouth Esqr. New Market Jan^ 7, 1766 Mr. Speaker. Having seen a Petition which is to be prefer' to the General Assem bly for a Removeal of the Bridge that was to be maid a Cross Exeter River Near the Lower ferry (so called) between New Market and Stratham and am doubtfull whether Ever a bridge will be built at the place whare the act has Proposed tharefore hope the Generall Court will adhear to the Petitionors and a nother Reson for the bridge to be above is that Merss Shut and Mattoon has Given from under thire hands to open a Road from the upper ferry to the main Road which is a Great advantage to the North End of New Market furthermore as the back Settlements Increas the bridge is much more -wanting. With Submiston I am your Hum'''" Serv' Joseph Smith P. S. What cased me to write you is to Let you know the Reson as above why I Incline the upper place. J. S. Sutidry Inhabitants of New Market Sc. Petition for a Lottery. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq. Governor and Com mander in chief in and over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, The Hon "¦' his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives for said Province in general Assembly con vened Feb. 23'' 1768. The Humble Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of New market Stratham & other Places in said Province Shews That in the twentieth year of His late Majesty's Reign George the Second, an Act of this Province was pass'd, grant ing Liberty for Building a Bridge over New Market River a litile above the Place where the Ferry is kept, from the Land of Andrew Wiggin to land of Robert Smart, according to the Direction in said act, which Bridge it was Propos'd should be built by Subscription, and about two thousand Pounds old Ten'' accordingly was subscribed, but the Subscription money was not to be paid before the Bridge was built, there is no fund provided for defreying the first necessary Expence, which must be considerable and such a Building cannot be compleated merely on Credit. That the Sum aforesaid is insufficient to effect the Design and very few Persons now ap pear willing to join the Subscribers so that there is no Pros pect of Success in this Affair by Subscription especially con sidering all future Subscribers w'ill expect the same Terms of Suspending the Payment. That as there are several Examples of raising money for such Purposes by Public Lotteries many have tho't it a very feasible method and giving a fair Prospect of Success in this TOWN PAPERS NEWMARKET. 597 Case, and many Persons wou'd contribute in this way, who wou'd refuse to do it in any other : as building said Bridge will be a public Benefit, and is therefore on that account worthy of Encouragement and much to be wished to be well executed. Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray that they may have Liberty to Set up a Public Lottery to raise money to erect and compleat said Bridge and for the future maintaining of the same, under such Regulations and managed by such Persons as in your great Wisdom you shall Judge proper, And they will as in Duty bound ever pray &c Thos Wiggen Thos Wiggin Junr. Willm Weeks Walter Wiggin Saml Wiggin Isaac Foss Jona Wiggin Ephrsim Crocket Jno Crocket Richd Rust Thos Fobs Ezra Barker Ebenr Barker Nathl Piper Stephn Piper Jacob Wiggin Moses Clark Walter Wiggin Tu.fton Wiggin James Bracket Josh Bracket Nathl Bracket Ebenr Bracket Jona Dockum George Bracket Nathn Goss Josha Weeks John Kenniston Thos French Jerh Avery Jacob Jewett Willm French Will French Junr Danl French John Avery Josa Avery Saml Wiggin Junr. Nathl Wiggin Andr French, Jan. Andrew Wiggin jun. Josa Hdl Josh Hill Jona Piper Elisa Piper David Jewell Danl Jewell Thos Wiggin 3d Jona Purkins Nathn Hoag Nathn Hoag Nathan Barker Jona Hill John Hill Josiah Allen Nathl Goss Saml Weeks Stephen Bordman Reuben G. Dearborn Danl Clark Enoch Clark Will Jenkins Ebenr Clark Andr Carter Walter Weeks Ichabd Weeka David Simpson John Folsom Mark Wiggin Willm Burleigh Robt Smart Jonh Smart Jno Bartlett Simonds Fowler Jacob Fowler Jno. Perkins Thos Perkins Davd Smart Hubertus Neal John Uryent Walter Bryant PMwd Smith Thos Robinson Jams Burleigh Moses Burleigh Jno Piirkins Walter Bryant junr. 598 NEW HAMPSHIRE Josh Y'oung Saml Doo Josh. Smart Zebnln Doe Jnr. Ichabd Johnson John Laya Thos Stevenson Ephr Folsom Beuja Chapman Jona Edgerly Micah Emerson John Folsom Ji;n. Josa Frost Nicholas Hartford Winthp Smith John Hertford Benjn Mead Ebenr Durgin John Mead Jacob Foss John Smart Winthrop Wiggin Timy Murray Philip Pain John B. M. Hanson Josh Glanvill Josh Thomas Benjn Taylor Ebenr Tasker James Cram John Edgerly Junr Danl Sawyer Danl Rogers Josh Ham Bradstreet Doe Enoch Kemmick Josa Grummet John Burleigh Juni . John Smith Ichd Bracket Jams Smith Juur Philip Fowler Stephn Jenkins Jeremy Bryent Stephn Wille .Jur. John Pickering Province of "| In the House of Representatives Feb" 23 1768 The fore- New Hamp" f going Petition being Considered Voted That the Petitioners have Liberty to bring in a Bill for a Lot tery to Raise money for building the Bridge mentioned in the Petition, to be subject to the Restrictions and Regulations Mentioned in the Act for Granting Liberty for building said Bridge by Subscription Pass'd in the year 1747 M. Weare CI' In Council Feb? 24 1768 Read & Concurr'd Geo King Dep Sec' Act to raise /noney by Lottery for a Bridge over Exeter River. Anno Regni Regis Georgii Tertii magnce BrittanniEe Francise et Hibernise octavo. An Act for granting Liberty To Set up & Carry on a Public Lottery to raise Money for the Building & Maintaining a Bridge over Exeter River so called from Stratham to New Market in This Province. Whereas in & by an Act passed in The twentieth year of his late Majesty's Reign Liberty was granted for the building a Bridge over said River at a Place & in The Manner therein expressed which not having been Carried into Execution many of the Inhabitants of this province have lately petitioned the General Assembly setting forth the great Benefit it would be to the province in general if that Design was executed, which has hitherto been delayed for want of Money & pray ing Leave to raise Money by a public Lottery for that purpose, which having been duly Considered & the Proposal appearing to be for pub lick Advantage Be it therefore enacted by the Governour, Council & Assembly that TOWN PAPERS NEWMARKET. 599 the persons hereinafter named be & hereby are authorized & permitted to set up & Carry on a publick Lottery to raise Money for the End aforesaid in so many Classes & Drafts as they shall judge proper not exceeding in the whole the Sum of one Thousand Pounds Lawful m' of said province provided the said Lottery be drawn Si finished within the Term of Two Years from the passing of this Act. And Andrew Wiggin & Walter Bryent Esq" Deac" Stephen Boardman, Cornet Thomas Wiggin, Lieut Joseph Young & Lieut. John Burley, or the major part of them are hereby appointed to be managers of said Lot tery who shall be under oath to be administered by any Justice of the peace to the faithful Discharge of that Trust & shall duly pay all ben efit Tikets according to the Tenor & True Meaning of their Scheme & shall refund all sum and sums of Mone3' that shall be paid for Tickets in Case the said Lottery shall not be drawn and Compleated within the Term aforesaid. And the said Managers or the Major part of them .are hereby appointed & authorized to apply the Money which they shall so raise by Causing the said bridge to be built agreable to the Act aforesaid with this Difference that Tlie Passage of twenty eight feet shall be where the deepest Water is instead of the Passage of forty five feet as mentioned in said Act & the forty five feet to be in the next birth on the side of New Market, and the Passage for Vessels may be made in any manner that shall be more Convenient than that propos'd in said Act Si they shall Cause the said Bridge to be finished within one year after the said Lottery shall be finished & they shall be allowed their reasonable Demand for their Time & Trouble as the General As sembly shall Judge proper to whoin they shall render their Account of their proceedings & all Charges & Demands Concerning the Premises & if any money shall remain after the Bridge shall be finished it shall be applied for the Support & Repairs thereof as the General Assembly shall Order. And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid that there be a Convenient high Way each side of said Rivers from the Country Road to said Bridge when built in the Town of Stratham, to begin where the South East end of said Bridge shall be Si from thence to run South easterly Thro' the Land of Andrew Wiggin Esqr. to the Coun try Road as the Road now goes, & in New Market To begin where the North West End of said Bridge shall be & from thence to run North westerly a straight Line to the Country Road near the Southerly side of Philip Fowlers Garden, the said Road in both Towns to be three Rods wide & to be under the same regulations as tho' it was laid by the quarter Sessions. The owners of the Land giving the Land for that purpose which they have engaged To do provided they may have Liberty to hang & Maintain Two Gates on each side which Liberty is hereby granted. Provinceof \In the House of Representatives February 26"' 176S. New Hamp" / This bill having been read three times it passed to be Enacted P. Gilman Speaker In Council March 3'' 1768 This Bill was read three times & pass'd to be enacted Geo King Depy. SecX Assented to J'Wentworth 6oO NEW HAMPSHIRE To. His Excellency John Wentworth Esq Governor & Com^ mander in chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire the Hon*"'" His Majestys Council & House of Representatives for said Province in General Assembly Con vened the 31 day of March 1773. The Humble Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of New Market Stratham & other places in said Province Shews^ That they find by experience that the Plan for building a bridge of New Market Lower Ferry place is not so well suited for that Design as the upper ferry place called the New fields, that the Tydes by reason of the Several points of Land runs so much across the River that the Rafts will almost unavoidably be thrown on to the Piers which will necessarily occasion damage either to the Piers or the rafts add to this the Length of the distance to be built will occasion near double the cost that wou'd be necessary to compleat the work above. That your Petitioners humbly conceive that every advantage for Ef fecting Such a design, is so evidently on that side of the Ques tion which of the two places is the best in Preference of the upper place, that your Petitioners are at a Loss what reasons determined the case as it is. That as the place where it is be gun is fixed by an act, your Petitioners Suppose it cannot be changed without another act for that purpose otherwise the People concerned would have altered the design have erected it at the New Fields & it is probable have finished it there by this time. That it is supposed with the advantage of the ma terials already provided three hundred and fifty pounds will be sufficient to finish it that they have Set on foot a Subscription to Raise that sum which on the View of a Change of the Place will be soon full that if Liberty shall be granted to Erect the bridge at the Newfields there will appear a number of Per sons to give sufficient Security that the whole work shall be compleated within One Year after such Liberty shall b^ granted. Wherefore your Petitioners most Humbly Pray that they may have Liberty to Erect the bridge Proposed at the place ca,lled the New Fields may have the Property of the materialst already provided as they are we suppose paid for or given gratis to the Public for the use of the undertakers or those who were to carry on the work and that they may have leave to bring in a bill accordingly and they will as in duty bound ever pray &c James Hill John Neal Aaron Moses Michael Shute Henry Wiggen Robert Pike Junr Nai hn Rogers Josiah Adams Ebcnezar Stanwood Samuel Gilman Junr Jonathan Colcord Eilmund Chase TOWN PAPKRS— NEWMARKET. 601 ISMe Mars tew Joseph Wiggen Joseph Doe Nathl Gilman Edward Colcord Walter Neal Jonathan Colcord the Third Gideon Colcord Joseph Merrill Caleb Olai« Gideon Colcord Samuel Baker Eli.18 Talton .John Shute John Sweesey Nalhl Lord Stileman Talton .John Colcord John Marstes Samuel Neal Joseph Sanborn Samuel Weaks Kathanl Cross Peter Folsom Nicholas Hersey James Gilman Jacob, Brown Robert Barber Junr John Stanwood William Coffin Daniel Barber William Tyrrel Stephen Clark Enoch Coffin Robertt Cross William Hains Benja Butler Joseph Morrell Seth Fogg Benjamin Cliflford Simon Dearborn Ezekiel Brown Ebenezar Fisk Jonathan Eliot Benjamin Page JamCri Sanborn Jonathan Philbrook Jonathan Winslow Barzellai French John Gilman Joseph Chandler Jonathan Melloon David Lawrence Jeremiah Sanborn Thomas Drake Job Parsons WilUara Merrel Josiah Norris Joseph Gale Samuel Langmaid Joseph Smitli Simon Knowles James Page Daviil Kindriok Josiah Sanborn .John Towle Reuben Osgood Levi Dearborn John Langmaid Jonathan Clark Joseph Mills William Rowell Andrew Hanson Benjamin Morse Samuel Osgood Moses Dalton .Toseph Smith Josa Wing.-ite Benjamin Leavitt Harvey Mooje Thomas Wiggen iiimon Wiggen Jonathan Wiggen Mosea Clark Ephraim Barker Benjamin Barker Wm Whipple Jos Whipple Supply Clark Joaha Wentworth James Stilson Richard Hart John Hurd Jacob Treadwell Samll Griffith Benja Slade David Griffith George Janvrin Samuel Cutts George Wentworth Samuel Shurbiirne Daniel Shurburoe H. Wintworth Robert Trail John Moffatt Gregore Pussell John Parker John Langdon Jacob Sheaf .Junr George Boyd Thomas Martin Daniel Towle 602 NEW HAMPSHIRE May 22 1772 In the House of Representatives upon Reading this Petition Voted that the Petitioners be heard thereon on the of June next and that the Petitioners Relating to a highway i/i New Market. Pursuant to a Vote of the General Assembly appointing us the Sub scribers to make Inquiry Relating a Certain High way in the Parish of New Market as Set forth in a a Petition to the General Assembly &c. We have on the 20 of March 1766 Viewed Said High way & fully heard the Parties Concerned there on and do agree to Report as foiloweth Viz : that the High way above Mentioned ought to be & Remaine as follows. Beginning at a Gate about twelve Rods to the North West of Piscasuk Bridge then Running Northerly as the Way was formerly Laid out and as it now goes through the Land of Joseph Hall Esq. and through the Land of James Marston & through the Land of Edward Colcorde as it now Goes to Joseph Lovering's Land then Beginning by Lovering's Land on the west Side of Said way and Running through the Same as foiloweth North ten degrees West thirty two rods then nortli fourteen degrees west twenty two rods to Jacob Ames Land then North forty degrees West thirty Rods to a Stone Bridge, over a small Brook the way to be two Rods wide and on the North Easterly side of said Line through Lovering's land to the stone bridge then north eight degrees east fifty eiglit rods to Stephen Lyfords land the way to be on the westerly side of said line then North nineteen Degrees East thirty four Rods as the way is now fenced out then North forty two Degrees East twenty four Rods then North forty nine Degrees East thirty five Rods to Nath Ames his Land then North forty five Degrees East Sixteen Rods then North Sixty Seven Degrees East thirty Rods then North twenty two Degrees East twenty two Rods as the way is now fenced out to Jacob Ames Land then through Said Ames his Land North twenty two Degrees East ten Rods then North thirty one De grees East Sixteen Rods then North fourteen Degrees west twenty Rods on a Strate Line to Josiah Hiltons South Corner Keeping the way as it now goes till it Comes to a High way formerly Laid out the way to be on the Westerly side of said Line throw Said Ames' Last mentioned Land. Never the Less since the Said Jacob Ames has by an agreement with the Seleet men Partly fenced the Road from Said Last mentioned Bridge on the Westerly Side of his orchard up a steep hill if the Said Jacob Ames will within thirty days from the tenth day of July next Cause the Said way on the Westerly Side of his orchard to be made Passable in the Judgment of the Selectmen of Said New Market then we think it ought to go on the west side and if not to go through his Land as abovesaid And also that there be paid unto the Person whose names here after mentioned for their Lands by the Select men of the above Said New Market. To James Marston 3 : 4:9 to Edward Colcord 3 : 5:6 to Nathaniel Ames 2 ; 11: o to Stephen Lj'ford 3 : 9^9 to Joseph Lovering 4 : 0:0 Lawful money All which is Humbly Submitted by Jn» Wentworth 1 And' Wiggin \ Committee Rich'' Jenness 3* j TOWN PAPERS NEWMARKET. 603 Provinceof \ In the House of Representatives July 5''!' 1766 Voted New Hamp'" f and Resolved That the foregoing Report be accepted allowed and Confirmed M. Wear CI' In Council Eo'''"" Die read Si Concurred. T. Atkinson Jun. Sec. Petition of Select/nen of Ncw Market and others for a highway. Province of ) To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' New Hamp'^ j Capt' General, Governour, and Commander in Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire : The Hon'"'' His Majes tys Council and House of Representatives in General Assembly Convened 25 June 1765. The humble Petition of the Selectmen of New Market & others sheweth, That the Selectmen of New Market aforesaid on the i8 Day of August 1763 laid out a High W^ay Two Rods wide in New Market aforesaid thro' the Lands of Several Persons ; and made a Return thereof (which was recorded on the Towns Records) to General Sattisfaction. But it has sence been dis covered that thro' the Inadvertency of the Surveyor there was a Mistake made in several of the courses of said Way between the Gate near Piscassick Bridge and Josiah Hiltons South West Corner so that instead of the Returns Directing it in such convenientPlacesaswasthen intended and agreed on it directsit to such Places as are very Inconvenient and almost Inaccessi ble to the damage of some and great Dissatisfaction of others. Wherefore your Petitioners Pray your Excellency and Hon''* to interfere in the Premises and appoint and send a Committee to investigate the Inconveniency Thereof and Provide a Rem edy Therefor by determining the Particular Place or Places where said Way shall go. And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray. John Burleigh ") Israel Gilman Jr. >- Selectmen Walter Bryant ) Hubartus Mattoon James Marston Daniel Hilton Hubartus Neal Joseph Merrill Isaac Marston Sam" Hilton Winthrop Hilton Theod'" Hilton Winthrop Hilton Jun' Thomas Young Sam' Pease Benjamin Folsom Robart Barber Jr. Peter Folsom Stephen Gilman 604 NEVV HAMPSHIRE IJavid Gilman Joseph Doe Zebulon Marsh William Perkins Sam' Baker W"' Badger. John Pike Province of New Hamp''* July 3' 1765. In Council read & ordered to be sent Down to the Hon"''' The Assembly Province of "I In the house of Representatives July 3^ 1765 This peti- New Hamps / tion being heard Voted That the petitioners be heard thereon nex friday if the Gen' Assembly be then sitting if not then on the second day of their sitting nex after & that he cause the Parties whose lands the said Road Runs thro', to be Serv'd with a Copy of said petition & this order of Court thereon that they may appear & Shew Cause if any they have why the prayer thereof Should not be Granted. A- Clarkson Clerk In Council Eodem Die read & Concurred T. Atkinson Jun-' Sec^ Province of 1 In the House of Representatives Nov' 28, 1765 The Par- New Hamp'« j" ties being heard on the within Petition Voted That Col" John Wentworth Andrew Wiggin & Richard Jen ness Esq'" be a Committee they or any two of them to make Inquiry Respecting the Highway mentioned in this Petition and the Return of the same and where the same ought to be laid for the Publick benefit and what satisfaction Ought to be made for any Lands through which the same may Pass, and to make Report to the General Assembly as soon as may be. The charge of the Committee to be Paid by the Parish of New Market M. Weare CU In Council Eodem Die read & Concurred T. Atkinson Jun. Sec? NEW IPSWICH. [Incorporated 9 September, 1762. Ed.] Votes of a Town /neeting in N. Ipswich, Oct. 8, 1764. Att a Town meeting held at the Meeting House in Ipswich in the Provence of New Hampshier on Monday y" Eighth Day of October A. D. 1764 Voted to Set a New Meeting House on the Commonage Near Whear the Meeting House Now Stands. Chosen to Bound the Meet ing House Spot Benjamin Adams Reuben Taylor and Reuben Kidder Voted to accept the Spot as it is Markt out by Said Gentlemen. Att a Legal meeting of the Town of New Ipswich in the Provence of New Hampshire held in Said Town at the meeting House on the twenty third Day of April A. D. 1767, Voted to Buld a meeting House next summer. TOWS PAPERS NEW IPSWICH. 605 Voted to Buld the Meeting House on the place where it was formerly Stakte out by a Committee. At a Legal Meeting of the Town of New Ipswich in the Provence of New Hampshier held at the meeting House in s' Town on the twen tyeth Day of May A. D. 1767 Voted to Confirm the Vots Past at the Last Town Meeting. A True Coppy of the Vote past in New Ipswich Respecting a place to Buld a meeting House on. Attest pr. Isaac Appleton Town Clerk. Petition of the inhabitants of New Ipswich for a Comfnittee to settle a plan for a tneeti/ig house. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esqr. Cap' Gener' Gov ernor & Commander In Chief In & over his Majesty's Prov ince of New Hamp' the hon'''" his majesties Council & house of Representatives for said Province In General As sembly Convened. The humble Petition of us the Subscribers freeholders & Inhabitants of the Town of Ipswich in said Province Shews That the Inhabitants of said "Town are about to Build a meet ing house for the public Worship of God there & have Lately had a meeting for that Purpose that it appears the said Inhab itants are no Ways Likely to agree on a suitable place to set the same that may in any manner accomad'e a Very Consid erable Number of the said Inhabitants & best Land, that much Uneasiness has already arisen on account thereof & more Likely to Insue and Shou'd that be the Case, May be the Means of hurting or Preventing a further Settlement of the Lands now Wild in said Town. That your Petitioners under a Sence of the Great Benefit Arising from a Peaceable Neighbourhood Now in the Infant State of said Town, Most humbly pray that your Excellency & honors wou'd Interpose & Take their peculiar Circum stances Into Consideration & that they may have a Committee to repair to Said Town & View the Same & Report a proper place which We pray may be final, or Give Such Other Re lief as your Excellency and honors shall see Meet and your Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall ever pray. June 25"^ 1767 Benj. Safford Abraham Bennet Paltiah Whittemore Samuel Whittemore Joseph Pollard Ichabod How James Chandler Benj' Gibbs Hezekiah Cory Allen Breed Wido Mary Foster Zacriah Adams John Welar Thomas Heald Simeon Wright Thomas Spaulding 6o6 NEW HAMPSHIRE Samuel Kenney Simeon Hildreth Joel Crosby Stephen Adams Tom Walker Elazer Cumm.ings Reuben Hosmer Jacob Gragg Andrew Conn David Rumrill Simeon Fletcher Samuel Holdin Stephen Adams Jr. Andrew Spaulding Abraham Estibrook ? Robert Campbell Samuel Wheeler William Hodgkins Thomas Adams Josiah Walton James Taler ? Thomas Brown Jesse Calton Reuben Tailor Province of \In the House of Representatives August ig"" 1767 New Hamp'' ; Voted That the Petitioners be heard on this Petition the Second Day of the Siting of the General Assembly after the 20"' Day of September next, and that the Petitioners at their own Cost serve the Selectmen of said Ipswich with a Copy of this Pe tition and Order of Court, And also Cause the Substance of the Peti tion And Order of Court to be printed three weeks in the New Hamp shire Gazttt That any Person may appear and Shew Cause why the Prayer thereof Should not be Granted M. Weare CI' In Council Augest 20"' 1767 Read and Concurred T. Atkinson Jun. Sec. Province of l In the House of Representatives Sep'' 22" 1767 New Hamps'^ j" Upon hearing the Petitioners on the foregoing Peti tion and also a Com'"* on behalf of the Town against the Petition it appears that Sending a Com''-''= will be most likely to Settle Peace in the town Therefore Voted That Col" John Goffe John Hale and James Underwood Esqrs. be a Committee to Determine the most Suitable Place for Erecting a Meeting House in said Town and to make Report to the General As sembly as soon as may t>e. M. Weare Cel'' In Council Sept' 24"' 1767 Read Si Concurred T. Atkinson Jun. Sec. Agreeable to the Within Vote We have been at the Town of New Ipswich have fully heard and Considered what has been offered by all Concerned Examin'd the Town Votes and View'd the Situation of the Town and from all Circumstances are fully Sattesfied that the place where the meeting House now is in said Town is the best situation for it to be Continued in will best accommodate the Town and be most agreeable to the Greatest part of the Inhabitants and accordingly we beg Leave so to Report John Goffe John Hale James Underwood February iS"- 1768 Acc't of the Pay of Petitioners S Non Petitio7icrs. In a Rate of three Hundred Pound the Petitioners with those that Voted with them aganst Bulding a meeting House on the Spot where TOWN PAPERS — NEWTOWN. 607 the Town Voted to Build it Pay Eighty foure Pound one Shilling, the other Inhabitance Pay two Hundred fifteen Pound nineteen Shillings to the same Rate Exclusive of the Poles Isaac Appleton ^ Nath' Stone [¦ Selectmen Benja Hoar j Provinceof "I In the House of Representatives Febi' 19''' 1768 New Hamp'" I Voted That the foregoin-j; Report of the Committee be accepted and the Place for Setting the meeting House in said Ip.swich Established agreeable thereto, and further Voted That the accomp' of said Committee for their time and Ex- pence in that Business amounting to three Pounds sixteen Shillings Lawfull money be allowd and Paid them by the Selectmen of said Ips wich, who are Directed to assess the Inhabitants for the Same. M. Weare CI' In Council eodem die Read & Concurr'd Geo King Depy Sec>' Assented to J'Wentworth Note. — On MS. p. 105, of Vol. 5, is a plan of lots in New Ipswich, not here inserted. Ed. NEWTOWN. incorporated 6 December, 1749. See South Hampton. Ed.] To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governour and Commander in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire in New England and to the Honourable his Majestys Council for said Province. The Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of that part of the Town of Amesbury that lyeth to the Northward of the Boundary line between the Province of New Hampshire and Massachusetts Bay bv the late Settlement of the S' Line and to the Southward of Shapleys Line so called most humbly shews That your Petitioners understand that about sixty per sons in Number who live in that part of Salisbury that lyeth between the two afores' lines and that part of Amesbury afores"" have petitioned your Excellency and Honours for a Township of seven miles in Length as mentioned in their Petition. That your Petitioners are included within the bounds of said Town ship. That the meeting house they have Erected for them selves is so situatedfis that it is no ways convenient for your Petitioners. That many of those who signed their Petition 6o8 NEW HAMPSHIRE now say they were deceived. That it will be a great Burden to your Petitioners if they are under an obligation to be holden by what their Neighbors have asked for themselves. That your Petitioners desire they may have liberty to be annexed to such Parishes as are most convenientfor them till Such Time as they shall be able to make a parrish among themselves. Wherefore your Petitioners pray your Excellency and Hon ours to grant your Petitioners liberty to speak for themselves before your Excellency and Honours and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c. Feb. i8"' 1741-3 Jonathan Kimball Orlando Bagly Jonathan Wasson David Bagly Jonathan Farron Andrew 'Whitt Timothy Farron Timothy Whittier David Gooden Josiah Fowller Samuell Gooden Thomas Fowller Philip Challess David Elott Benjamin Kimball Thomas Carter Caleb Hobs John Carter Roger Estman William Fowller William Sargent Thomas Carter Junr. Nathanel Ash Will'" Fowller Junr. George Marsten John Carter Jun' Robert Marter Joseph Fowller Abraham MarroU John Carter David Marten Jacob Carter Ivery Fooler > Samuell Carter The Inhabitants of Almsbury Peek petition. Province of | To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' New Hamp" j Governour & Commander in Chief in & over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire & to the Hon'^^"^^ His Majesties Council of s" Province in Court assembled at Portsmouth Dec"' 27'" Anno Domini 1743. The Memorial of Peter Morse, John W^ebster & Samuel Plummer for themselves and in behalf of Sundry others Inhab itants of the North Westerly part of the Town of Almsbury commonly called Almsbury Peek and within the Said Province Humbly sheweth That your Petitioners Labour under inex pressible difficulties by reason of our being annexed to the Toun of South Hampton. That the most ofus live near four teen Miles from the Meeting House in said Town and there fore cannot without great Cost as well as hazzard in passing their rocky & dangerous paths ever attend the publick worshiB of God there. ^ ^ That lying at such a distance from them we have no Notice TOWN PAPERS — NEWTOWN. 609 of their meetings for transacting their publick affairs So that we have no liberty of voteing ; are Tax'' & chosen into office without our Consent or Knowledge which with humble sub mission we Cannot but think a very Great Grievance. That your petitioners also live near Eight milesfrom Kings ton meeting House So that it will be very difficult for us to at tend the publick worship of God there & we would further humbly suggest that Kingston haveing of late Claimed Our lands there is now such a discord betwixt us that will we fear never be reconciled so as to sit easy together. That we are unable to support the worship of God amongst ourselves (tho we are willing and desirous to Contribute to it according to our ability) and we liveing very near & Conven ient to Haverhill district have some of us attended the worship of God at the Rev** M'' Cushings meeting others at Timber lane for many years past through their lenity to us, unless some times in the winter Season we have at a very great Cost hired preaching amongst ourselves & we apprehending that if we were annexed to that district it might make Two good parishes & would be agreeable and a very great Satisfaction to them as well as ourselves we earnestl}' request your Excellency and Honours to annex us to that district so that we may have y'' priviledges as they have, & for your Excellency & Honours Your Humble petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray &c William Sawerd Amos Clark Samuell Hunt Nathan Goodwin Peter Morss Richard Goodwin John Webster Beniman Hadley Samuel Plummer Edmund Sayer Thomas Williams Nathan Hunt Joseph Hadley Obediah Wels New Town Petition. To his Excelency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governour in Chieff in & over his Majesties Province of New Hamp''' in New England and to the Hon'''" his Maj'''^'' Council. The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants that Live in Almsbury District & in South Hampton in the Province aforesaid Humbly Sheweth That Several of your Petitioners have for many Years past been under very Difficult & Melancholy Cir cumstances because of their Liveing three or four Miles from any Place of Publick Worship which is very hard upon them at any time of the Year and Especially in the Winter Season when it is almost Impossible for them and much more for their 39 bio NEW HAMPSHIRE families to attend the Publick worship a Considerable Part of their Time. But in the midst of these discouragements your Petitioners have for some years Past Pleased themselves with the hopes that if a Kind Providence would sooner or later Provide for their Better Accommodation. However these agreeable hopes have in some measurebeenretardedby the Settlement of the Line between the two Provinces and also by the Grant of the Town ship of South Hampton By Virtue of which Grant Several of your Petitioners fall within that Township and are obleedged to Pay their rates there Notwithstanding such your Petitioners humbly Conceive that when the Meeting House was erected there the Managers of that affair had Little or no regard to their accommodation but on the Contrary could not but be Senseble that we could not Possibly attend the Publick worship in South Hampton for a Great Parte of the Year because of the Extra ordinary Difficultys in Passing over Powow river which is very often overflowed by reason of Several Dams that are built thereon which Deplorable Circumstances have Put your Peti tioners upon Prepareing to Erect a Meeting House in the Most Suitable place they could find for that Purpose, and it is so sit uated that it will accommodate near sixty families and scarce any of them be obleedged to Travel above Two Miles. Your Petitioners therefore humbly hope that the Consideration of their great hardships will so far prevail with your Excellencies & your Honour as to grant them a Parish Bounded as foilow eth : Beginning at a White ash Tree by Powows river which is said to be a bound of Chapleys Line and so following said Line to the West of Powows Pond so called so running South West to Haverhill Line so called and so following Plaverhill Line to the Province Line and so following the Province Line Easterly to Powows river and so following the said river to our beginning and your Petitioners are the rather encouraged to expect some favour from your Excellency Because your Late Hon ' father was so remarkably famousfor Benevolence& Con descention and we humbly Trust & hope that those Paternal accomplishments will Equally attend your Wise & just admin istration and we also flatter ourselves "with some hopes of suc cess from the Honesty & Justice of our Case & Especially when we beg Leave to affirm that this our humble Petition Proceeds not from a Spirit of Strife & faction or for want of Due affection to any of the Neighbourly g Ministers but Purely from a hearty Desire of haveing a Convenient Place to Wor ship God in constantly after the manner of our forefathers and according to the usual Custom of the Established Churches in this Country, and therefore your Petitioners Humbly hope that your Excelency & your Hon'' will Grant them such relieft" in TOWN PAPERS — NEWTOWN. 6ll the Premises as shall be most agreeable to Equity & Good Con science. And your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray &c. The Petitioners Names that Live in Almsbury District. Joseph Bartlet William Rowell Cutting Farrier Thomas Bedle Dan' Kelly Henry Bagley Andrew Whittier Timothy Whittier Samuel Jewel Daniel Gould Henry Flood X his mark Gideon Bartlet David Morton X his mark Abraham Merrill William Fowler David X Elliot his mark Thomas Carter Daniel Sargent David Sargent William X Sergent his mark David Bayley Thomas X Greenfield his mark Henry X Flood his mark Ezra X Tucker his mark Sam' X Hadley his mark Peter Colby David Colby Samuel X Jewel his mark Moses X Colby his mark John Challis Those that live in South Hampton. Rogals X Colby his mark Cateb Hobbs Timothy Farren Jonathan Watson Micah Hays John Eliot Jacob Colby David X Colby his mark Aron Currier Caleb X Hobbs his mark James X George his mark Zacheus X Colby his mark Benjamin Kimbal Jonathan Farren David Goodwin Robert Martin Samuel X Goodwin his mark Daniel Goodwin Jonathan X Kimball his mark Roger Eastman Philip Challis Nathaniel Ash his William X Sergent mark Nathaniel Asbery George Master Copy attests Theodore Atkinson SeoJ" Preferred the iS"" April 1744 In the House of Representatives Apr. 15"' 1744 The within Petition Read & Voted That the Petitioners serve the Seleet men of South Hamp ton with a Coppy of the within Petition & Votes thereon to appear the 3'' day of the sitting of the Gen' Ass"" after the first day of May next, to shew Cause if any they have why the Prayer of the Petitjon may not be granted, the Charges to be paid by the Petitioner. James Jeffry Cle"^ Ass"" Province of Report of a Co-mmittee. May 27"' 1745 f 1 ..... New Hamps. / We the Subscribers being appointed by his Excellency the Governor and the Hon'''" His Majesty's Councill a Committee to goe and View the Land and Settlements mentioned in a Petition of Joseph Bartlett & others Inhabitants of Almsbury District 6l2 NEWHAMPSHIRE praying to be Incorporated into a Parish &c : and to take with us the Petition & Vote of the Town of South Hampton and to Notify the Select men of South Hampton &c. Agreeable whereto we met at the House of Capt Joseph Bartlett in said District on the 15'" Ins' (Having Seven days Before Notified the Select Men of South Hampton and the Select men of Kingston of the time Place & Purpose of Our Meeting) where being attended by the Select men of South Hampton and Maj'' Stevens being present to say for Kingston ; we proceeded to Enquire Into the Circumstances of the Petitioners and other Inhabitants thereabout and Having heard and Consider'd the things offered and then Viewed the Situation and Circumstances of the Places &c. We beg leave Humbly to Report that it appears to us that the Circumstances of the Petitioners are Such that they Cannot without Great Difficulty attend the Publick Worship and other Publick affairs atSouth Hampton or be joyned to any Neighboring Place for their accommodation So that it appears to us Reasonable that they Should be Incorporated into a Parish by Meets & bounds as follows (Viz :) To begin at the white Ash Tree by Powers River Mentioned in their Petition and from thence westwardly to follow Shapleys line so Called till it comes to Powers Pond so Called and then to follow the Pond to the South east corner of the long Cove so Called, and from thence on a straight line to the Northwest End of the Long Cassway on the Road from Kingstown to Swetts ferry, and from thence on a Straight line to John Peasley's juner. Barn and from thence on a straight Course towards Timothy Emerson's house till it strikes Haverhill line so called (allowing to any Inhabitants of Kings town the liberty of Polling with their Estates Into this Parish if they Desire it and Give in their names to the Select men of this new Parish -within one year after they are Incorporated into a Parish) and from thence to follow Haverhill line to the Province line then to follow the Province line Eastwardly to Powers River, and so following said River to the Bounds first Mentioned : Allowing to Cap"^ Jonathan Currier Richard Currier & Larrance Straw liberty if they see Cause and their Estates to Poll to South Hampton and as there are some of the Inhabit ants of South Hampton who own Some land that falls within the Bounds aforementioned that those lands while they belong to the Inhabitants of South Hampton pay taxes to South Hampton. All which is Humbly Submitted By Joshua Wingate Eben'' Stevens Meshech Weare Petitio7i of Inhabitants in West part of Almsbury respect ing a Parish. Almsbury Deastrick January 10 y" 1745-6 To the honre'd Geanral Cort in Porchmoth humbly Sueath we hous nams are under written Lyuing in the west Eand of Almsbury Deastrick Lately heard that we are Sourounded with a Pertition for a Parish without our knolidge or Leave, it Being a Deficalt and Chargabel time on account ot the wars and sum of the Pertitioners Being But lo in Estate which we humbly Conseave will not be abel TOWN PAPERS — NEWTOWN. 615 to Seuport the Charge which will neasecary arise, Nither can we think it will be for the Glory of God to force any man to do that he is not abel nor willing to do, we humbly Pray you the honred Cort that you Consider us and not force us aganst our wills and ability. John Marten Robert Stuart Thomas Davis Jeremiah Carleton Samuel Davis Moses Carlton George Hadley Sargent Heath Francis Chase Parrot Hadley Amas Davis Samuel Hadley Junior Moses Sanders Filip Sargant Jacob Davis The Petition of Sa-ni French and others against a new Parish. Tb his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq'' Captain General and Governour in Cheif in and over hisMajsties Province of New Hampshire in New England and to the hon'''" his. Maj'''^ Council Jan y" 15 1745-6. We the Select men of South Hampton have taken oppor tunity At this time to Express our loyalty to the Kings Majesty and our Duty to your Excellency and Honours. We humbly confide in your tender Regard for us and whereas we have set tled a church of our lord Jesus a Mong us that you will protect us so that we Maybe able to Support it. Whereas there has been appointed by his Excellency the Governour and the Hon*"'" his Majesties Council a Committee- to go and view the lands and Settlement Mentioned in y'^ Peti tion of Joseph Bartlett and other Inhabitants of Amesbury District and to take with them y" petition and y'= vote of y" Town of South Hampton (and we the Select men of South Hampton being Served with a Copy of y- Committee's Report we Humbly begs leave to oppose the vote and y" Report of y'= Committee for y° Reasons here after Mention'' first as to the vote our Dissenting bretheren presented a petition to y' Town at a legal Meeting Held at South Hampton September y" 29 1742 which is as foiloweth. September y' 39, 1742. We whose Names are under writ ten do petition to y" town o; South Hampton that they would agree to pass a vote that that part of y" town which Lieth upon y' west side of powers River should be set off as soon as they are in order to settle a Minister that is More Convanant for them that is as many as shall be willing to be set off then vve will agree to holy support y" Minister here till then If you will finish y" meeting house and" settel a Minister upon your Charge^ 6l4 NEW HAMPSHIRE and like wise to Releas us from doing anything toward the meeting house that has been past. Jonathan Farren Phillip Challish Micaih Hoyt Samuel Goodwin James George William Sargent John Eliot Caleb Hobs Aaron Currier Daniel Goodwin David Goodwin George Martain David Martain Jon" Kimball Timothy Farren Benj» Kimball Thomas Greenfield Roger Easman John Sargent David Colby Abraham Merrill Jacob Colby Robart Martain Zaccheus Colby Nathaniel Ash Jon* Wotson A true Copy of their petition. Attest Reuben Dimond town Clerk 2ly we told our Dissenting brethren that we could not set them off for we had no power to E.icorporate our selves into a town so we had no power to make any secession but we told our Dissenting brethren that it was a time of Grate charge with us and if they would Joyne with us in our Extraordinary charges that when they should be thought capable by lawfull authority to maintain y Gospel of christ among them then we would pay back all their part of y'' Extraordinary charges that should arise to them infinishingy" Meeting house settelinga Minister and buld ing for him We Did not make our Dissenting brethren this offer be cause they Could Make any Majority upon us but we Did it for peace we considering how good it is for brethren to Dweel to geather in love and unity and that peace is the beauty of a society and it was so nessary and so valuable that we ar Ready to sacrifice anything to procure it Saving only a good conscience and so we proceeded to a Vote which is as foiloweth. At a meeting of y" Inhabitants of y town of South Hampton Sep tember y 29, 1742 Cornet Abraham Brown was Chosen moderator for y^ Same Meeting. At y" same meeting it was taken in to consideration that whereas there are a number of Inhabitants of y" upper or west part of this town that live at a Considerable Distance from Meeting and have thought in time to be better accommodated, then Constantly to Assemble with us and we being Desirous to Exercise all Christian Regard and Kindness to them, 'Votes first that all those persons that lives above or to y West ward of Capt. Jon" Currier's that have a mind to go off and be a par ish shall have their Extraordinary Charge that they are now at among us paid back again to them that is to say all their part of y' Extraordi nary Charges that shall arise to them by finishing y^ Meeting house setteling a Minister and bulding for him when they shall be thought ca pable by Lawfull authority to Maintain y" Gospel of christ among them provided they do not molest or hinder us of y« other part in our speedy Seteling a Gospel Minister among us and that they pay toward his support while they are of us or belong to us hopeing at y" same time they will of their own free will be assisting to us. 2ly voted that we will make no opposition to them in their indeavour to be a Regular town or parrish whenever they shall be thought Capa ble by lawfull authority Voted in y affirmative. A true copy Attest Reuben Dimond town clerk. TOWN PAPERS NEWTOWN. 615 3ly We sent a Committee to the Association meeting of y Rev. Min isters at y» Rev. Mr. Coffins in Kingston lower parrish to ask advice how we should proceed in a Regular way to settle a Gospel Minister among us and there appeared some of our Dissenting brethren and op posed y- Vote and said we did that only for a Sham for we knew they could not make a parish but we should say when they and their neigh bors could make a parish whereas we Drew y' vote according to their petition and they never ask us to set them off to Joyn with their neigh bors for there is not such a word in their petition as their neighbours : 4'y We call'd a town meeting which is as foiloweth At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of y^ town of South Hampton November y 26 : 1742 John Flanders was chosen Moderator for y'^ same meeting. At y same meeting it was taken into Consideration that whereas we y" In habitants of this town being in present want of a pious Larned orthodox Minister of a good Conversation to Dispense y" word and Administer y' ordinances of our lord Jesus among us and it being our Duty to look up to Heaven for Divine assistance to guide us in all our affairs, there fore voted that thursday y" 2 day of December next is appointed to be a day of fasting and prayer in order for y" calling and settling a Gospel Minister among us. Voted and past in y'^ Affirmative. At a meeting of y' Inhabitants of y" town of South Hampton Feb. y 15 1742-3 Joseph French was chosen Moderator, at y' same meeting it was put to vote ¦wheither the town would Chuse the Rev Mr. Odlin and the Rev. Mr. Gookins and their Messengers to be assistant in Council with the other ministers for gathering a church and earring on y° ordi nation among us and y vote past in y= affirmative. A true copy Attest Reuben Dimond town Clerk 8 >' y" Rev Council came to our assistance y^ day appointed and y Rev"! Mr. Caleb Chusing was Moderator, and our Dissenting brethren appeared in Council and objected against Some of the Council and y Moderator. Ask them who they wear and they said Mr. Joseph Parsens Mr. Sam' Parsons and Mr. Fogg, the Moderator ask them what tlrey had against them men they said they were akend to y'' man that was to be ordained the Moderator ask them what they had against y<' man that was to be ordained as to his life and Conversation or his Doctrine and they Eledge nothing but the^' said y^ province line would be Removed and then they should lose the monej- they Expended with us and they had not a Convenant way. the Moderator told them that could be no 'bar against Seteling a minister if y" province line should be moved we must petition to the Massachusetts Court for a parish and as to high ways y law provides how they should get them so not withstanding all their opposition and Allegations y^ Rev"* Council see their way Clear to proceed to the ordaining y" Rev. Mr. Parsons in y" work of y** Ministry among us. 9'.' we voted that we -w-ould pay back again to them all their part of the Extraordinary Charge that should arise to them by finishing y meeting house Setteling a minister and bulding for him but then there was a Condition anexed to that vote, it was provided they did not rno- lest or hinder us of y« other part in our Speedy setteling a gospel min ister among us. Now some of our Dissenting brethren say they have not hinder us in setteling a Minister but how came it to pass that they did not hinder us, it was because they could not hinder us. they mo lested us and they opposed us from place to place and from time to time, they Entered their Contrary Dissents once and again against our reg ular proceedings in an orderly way to settel a minister among us and 6i6 NEW HAMPSHIRE they did not enter contrary dissents only against the Rev Mr. Parsons but against all the Candidates for y^ Ministry so that if they could have Got their wills, we had never had a Gospel Minister Setteld with us to y end of the world. lo'i' all these Molestations Enterruptions and oppositions we have met with from our Dissenting brethren since we offered them that vote yet now they would skreen themselves under that vote when they never FuU-Fill'd y Conditions of y' vote in anyone Article. For if they had Concured with us we had no need to have called so many town meet ing nor been put to such an Extraordinary Charge in Sending from town to town and from one parish to another about y^ Country to call in that Grand Council for two or three y" neighbouring ministers would have done our bissness in y" morning before y^ ordination. I I'y After we offered our Dissenting brethren that vote we made them another offer that whereas they had not then Rais'd their meeting house that if they would set it one mile above y^ upper end of our town and then our meeting houses would stand four miles and a half apart and then we would be willing they should have a midle line and that would be but two miles and one quarter each way and we thought that could not be hard for any to go to meeting. At the same meeting Cap' Jonathan Currier and Joseph French jun. was chosen a Committee to call in y assistance o{ y<^ neighbouring Min isters to Celebrate a day of Fasting and prayer among us. Voted and past in y" affirmative. Nathaniel Ash Sam" Goodwin Jonathan Ferran John Eliot James George David Goodwin Daniel Goodwin Phillip Challis, Jacob Colbv David Colby enters their contrary Dissents against y" vote for y last which was for calling and Setteling a gospel Minister among us. A true copy of ye votes and all y Dissenters that lives above or to y« westward of Powers River. Attest Reuben Dimond town Clerk. 5'y the Rev. Ministers which we called to our assistance came up y Day appinted and our Dissenting brethren appeard and opposed the Rev. Ministers which we had called to our assistance and they beat off y» fore noon Exercise yet notwithstanding all their opposition and alle gations the Rev ministers did see their way clear to proceed in y after noon to y work of y" day whereunto they were called 6'y At a meeting of y Inhabitants of y« town of South Hampton December y 27, 1742, John Flanders was chosen Moderator for y same meeting, at y same meeting it was voted that we give y Rev. Mr. William Parsons a call to settel in yi= work of the gospel ministry among us. Voted in y affirmative at y" same melting James George Jon' Watson Jon" Ferran Sam' Goodwin Aaron Currier Rogles Colby David Goodwin Roger Easman David Colby Jacob Colby Daniel Goodwin Robert Martain Zacheus Colby Micah Hoyt Philip Challis enters their contrary Dissents against y vote for calling and seteling y Rev. Mr. William Parsons or any other man in y work of y" minis try under their present curcomstances. TOWN PAPERS — NEWTOWN. 617 the meeting was adjourned from y 27 Day of December 1742 to y 3 Day of JanX 1742-3 the meeting was Readjourned from y^ 3 Day of Jan. 1742-3 to y- 17 day of y presen Jans' at 12 of y clock. At y" Readjournment of y same meeting it was voted that the 23 Day of Feb. next is appinted to be a day of ordination among us. Voted in y" affirmative. At y' same meeting John Ordway Thomas Merrill Joseph French and Abraham Brown was chosen a Committee to send letters to y" Rev. ministers and messengers to be assistant in gathering a church and in ordaining y« Rev. Mr. William Parsons in y" work of y minis try among us. Voted in y* affirmative. At y^ same meeting y" Rev. Mr. Chusing Mr. Whiple Mr. Joseph Parsons Mr. Sam' Parsons Mr. Fogg Mr. Webster Mr. Coffin were chosen a council to Carry on y^ work of y" ordination among us. Voted in y« affirmative. A true copy of y'^ votes and all y^ Dissenters that lives above or to y* westward of Powers River. Attest Reuben Dimond town clerk 7'i' We Call the Rev. Council to set y'= day before y^ ordination and we notified our Dissenting brethren that they might come and shew Reasons if any they had why y^ minister should not be ordained, but before y'= time appointed Came we heard that our Dissenting brethren had made Report that they would take of our Council for some were a kind to y man that was to be ordained and others had given Judgment before, so we hearing of their Strategem and not being Ignorant of their Devices we considered it was eser to prevent a Desease then to cure it or to Keep an adversary out while he was out than to git him out when he is in, so we being forewarned we thought it best to be fore armed, so we call'd the town togeather again to chuse other minis ters, but our Dissenting brethren was very Refractory and said What must you appint a place for us to set our Meeting house? no thats what we wont Do. i2iy the Gent'men Committee that was appointed by his Excellency Governour and the Hona*"'" his Majesties Council to view the lands and Settelments mentioned in y petition of Joseph Bartlett and others came by your houses to our Meeting house about a mile below Powers River and they never vied y" situation of y" east end of y town to see the Difficult sircomstances that them people labours under in going to y Publick worship and so never considered whether we were capable to make a parrish or not but say it appears Reasonable to them if y petitioners should be Incorporated into a parrish by meets and bounds and according to their boundarys they comes within a mile of our meeting house and so they havetaken of all y" inhabitants that lives west of our meeting house saving four houses and so it appears to us that it will brake up an old parrish to a new one. I3'y the petitioners petitioned for a parrish beginning at a white Ash tree by Powers River and from thence to fowUow Shapleys line so called till it comes to the head or Westerly part of Powers pond so called and then to Run South West to Haverhill line so called and from thence to follow Haverhill line to the province line, then to follow y province line easterly to Powers River and so following s"* River to y first mentioned bound and y Gent'"- Committee say they being attend by y« Selectmen of South hampton and Major Stevens being present to say for Kingston, In fact it appears to us that Major Stevens said well to save Kingston for he or they have cut doun their petition from y' head or westerly part of powers pond so called to y" South east corner of ye long Cove so called and not allowing y petitioners to En- 6l8 NEW HAMPSHIRE elude any land or Settelments within y" line of their petition that Kingston claims but they have un Reasonably Entruded upon South hampton a lettel poor parish at y best are much Inferiour to Kingston upper parish both as to men and Eastes. 14'y the Gent"'«" Committee say that it appears to them that y" Cur comstances of y" petitioners are such that they cannot without greate Difficulty attend y'^ publick worship at South Hampton, we answer we had liberty to buld a Cassway on a mans land and accordingly -we bult a Cassway and bult a bridge and there are severl Famlies that lives to y west of Powers River that have all ways attended y publick worship with us ever sence we have been Incorporated into a town and there are some that come several times to our meeting y* lives above y west end and y' other Inhabitants might come as well as their neighbours and we should have had a commodious highway before this time if they had not opposed us and put it by but now we have laid out a new highway from y" high-way y' leads from y" meeting house to a highway or publick Rhoad that leads from Kingston through y' west part of South hampton to Amsbury. 15 the gent""-" Committee say it appears to them that y'' petitioners cant be Joyned to any neighbouring place for their accommodation but it appears to us that they can or else where is that Inhabitants that belongs to Kingston that they have given libity to pole to this new par rish if they Desire it, if y petitioners had set their meeting house higher up then there might have been some taken of y^ upper end of South hampton and some of Kingston and have made a good parrish and not have broken up South hampton. i6'>' if our Dissenting brethren can git to Powers River for a Dividin line to make them a parish it will sartainly break up ours and we shall take it hard that an old parrish should be broke up for a new one for they will come within a mile of our meeting house and take off all y* houses most of our meeting house but foure and then our brethren at y east end of y" town say y- meeting stands at one end of y people and there going off at y/ west end of y" town dont bring y meeting house any nearer to them but makes them a great Deal more Charge to pay and they as fur from meeting as ever and they say if those men which were petitioners for y^ town May go off, surly they that were non petitioners may go off also and so they will be annexed to Kings ton parrish and then there are some of our brethren that lives on y northerly part of the Town y' say if they goes off at both ends of y° town then they will be annexed to Kingston lower parrish for it is Im possible that the middle part should support the Charges and then there are a few families that lives next to y" Province line that can in no wise Support the charges nor Do y^ Duty of a town and we humbly Conceive that this Hon"'''" Court wont set them off to Joyn with Salis bury because this is a seprate Government and so them men are fitt for no body and so they are in that affair of all men y= most misrable i7'J' if twenty men in this town should Divide this town they will Encourage thirty in another town and them thirty will say if twenty can Divide a town surly thirty can and so they will goe on from bad to worse till they Grows incorrigible, if these Examples should be tol erated in these our Dissenting brethren they will Corrupt other and if it should be followed by many it would prove yc Dissolution an Confu- tion of touns parrishes and Churches for as sone as y" minor part sees they cant make a majority upon y" Major part they say we will have a meeting house and a minister of our own and so insted of having a Great many meeting houses and ministers in a littel time there wont be any for they cant possable be supported. 18'' if this Hon ''''e court Should see fit in your Great wisdom set TOWN PAPERS NEWTOWN. 619 off these petitioners according to y" bounderyes of y'' Committee Re port Then we Humbly pray that we might be annexed to ye town that we lays ajacent to for we cant in no wise support y" charges nor Do the Duty of a town. 19 We do Declear this Day to this Hon"'''" court that we have not willfully Endeavoured to take any Indirect way contrary to the law of our province to Defraud any brother [we wish our Dissenting brethren all well'J we wish brotherly love might be with us and Continue, we wish that Grace Marcy and peace might be multiplied among us that the God of love and peace might Dweel with us, we wish all things might be done with Charity, we wish we might have a Quiet and peace able Settlement ina Way of Righteousness that we might all be built to eternal life through Faith in Jesus Christ our lord. 2o'y by what has been all Ready offered we Doubts not but your Ex cellency and Honours in your great wisdom and Goodness will see Just Cause to Reverse y vote and petition of our Dissenting brethren and accordingly Grant our Request. Reuben Dimond ) Selectmen et V for Sam French j South Hampton South Hampton Jan y 14, 1745-6. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Captain Gen eral and Governour in chief in and over his Majesties Prov ince of New Hampshire in New England and to the Hon ourable his Majesties Council Jan y" 15, 1745-6 the Petition of Sundry of y" Inhabitants of South Hampton living at y'-' East end of the town Humbly Sheweth, Whereas in time past there was Sundry petitioners of y" Northerly part of Salisbury and Almsbury which by Runing y° Province Line was taken into y'' province of New Hamp shire which preferd a petition to this Honourable Court in order to obtain a town or parish and we your Humble Peti tioners Did at y° Same time prefer a petition to this Honoura ble Court and Humbly offerd that we could in no wise joyn with them in any of their proceedings of that nature, but yye petition'd that we might be annexed to Kinsington parrish but this Honourable Court in their great wisdom Did not see fit to grant our petition but Incorporated us with the other pe titioners into a town Called by y" name of South Hampton but now we understand that there has been a Committee sent by this Honourable Court to view y ' lands and Settelments of those petitioners that lives at y" west end of our town and that have made Report that it appears to them Reasonable that they with others should be Incorporated into a parrish by Meets and bounds and according to their butment to Powers River they comes within a mile of our Meeting house and they have taken of all y= Inhabitants that lives west of our 6aO NEW HAMPSHIRE Meeting house save four houses and so they have brought y' Meeting house to one end of y" people and there are some famlys at y" east end of y'- town that lives as far from meeting by y"- Road as Most of them at y*^ west end of y" town and their going off Don't bring y" Meeting house any Nearer to US but it makes us a great Deal More Charge to pay and we are as far from Meeting as ever And we Humbly Conceive that if those men which were petitioners for y" town may go off that those men which were non petitioners may go off' also. Wherefore we your Humble petitioners which formily pro- ferd a petition to this Honourable Court and some other of our Neighbors Humbly begs leave to revive our former peti tion and pray that we may be annexed to Kinsington parrish and there Do our Duty and there Injoy the priviledgs of towns men, so shall we as in Duty bound ever pray &c. Jan>' y' 14, 1745-6 Sam" French Jacob Fowler Ephraim Brown Abner Fowler Eliphilet Maxfield Daniel Carter Asa Flanders Nathanel French Samuel Flanders Caleb Clough Abrahm Brown Humphrey Clough Amos Page Benjamin Brown Daniel Page Petition of Mr. Thomas Fowler agai/ist a new parish. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqu Captain General and Governour in Cheif in and over his Majesties province of New hampshire in New England, and to the Honourable his Majesties Council Jan'" y" 15 1745-6. The petition of sundry persons whose name are under Rit- ten humbly sheweth whereas we your humble petitioners being as we apprehend Encluded within y" line of a petition of sun dry petitioners belonging to South hampton and there about which are about to be Incorporated into a parrish and we your humble petitioners humbly offer that we can in no wise joyn with them in any of their proceedi.ig in that nature, for there are y" best part of twenty of these petitioners that some are moved out and others that are not able to Support y"' Charges nor Do y-^ Duty of a parrish and there are eaight families that are Endured within y'= line of their petition that are Quakers and y'' most of them y" best livers in y'" line of their petition and they are Exempted by law from Ministry charges and y' Meeting house Don't stand in y" Right place it ought to be TOWN PAPERS NEWTOWN. 62 1 moved furder up toward Kingston and there it would accom modate more people. Jan^ y" lo, 1745-6 Thomas Fowller Joseph Fowller. At a lagual Meeting of y"" Inhabitants of y" town of South Hampton July y' 7"' 1748 John Paige Esqr was chosen Moderator. At y same Meeting it was Consider'd that whereas there are a Num ber of persons that Lives at y^ west end of this town that thinks they can better accommodate themselves by joyning with their Neighbours for a Meeting house then Constantly to Assemble with us and we being will ing to shew them all Christian Regard and Kindness voted that all those persons that lives at y^ west end of this town that have a Mind to go off shall have y^ Liberty to pole of themselves and their Estates which they now have and joyne with their Neighbours in y« District for a parrish in all affairs provided they pole off or File a list of their Names with his Excellency the Governor within thirty Days from y" Day of y* Date hereof. Voted in the affirmative. A true Copy Attest Reuben Dimond town clerk To his Excelency Benning "Wentworth Esquire Capt. General and Governor in Chief in and over his Majesties province of New hampshire in New England and to y' honrable his Majesties Council in General Court Assembled. The petition of sundry whose Names are hereafter Subscribe humbly seweth that we your petitioners under stand that there are Certain men of Almsbury District and some of South Hampton that have in time past prefered a petition to this Honourable Court praying to be Incorporated into a parrish by mets and bounds begining at a white ash tree standing by Pow ers River and so to fowllor Shaples Line to y' west end of powers pond so called and then to Run South west to haver hill Line and then to foller haverhill line till it meets y'= prov ince line and then to foller y" province line Easterly to Powers River and then to fowller Powers River up to y" beginning and we your petitioners apprehend that we are Included within y' lines and boundrys of their petition and we humbly offer to this Hon"'"'' Court that we cant in any wise Joyne with them for a parrish, for these Reasons. First their proceeding as to a Parrish have been very privet as to our Knowledge ever since y= year 1742 and they having given out word as we hear y' we wear not worth asking to Joyne with them but if they could git their petition granted then they would order us as they see fit but God in his all wise Providence has furnished us 622 NEW HAMPSHIRE with a place for his Publick worship more convenant than it can be for us to be compeled to joyne with them we your pe titioners have been at charge to promote y^ Gospel of christ peaceably and it will be very prejudicial for us to stand in such a Relation with them. Dated July 29, 1748 James Davis Jonathan Carlton Robert Stuart Thomas Johnson Joseph Rogers his Samuel Stuart Jonathan X Ordway Moses Davis mark Philip Davis Joseph Ordway his William Collins Thomas X Davis Francis Chase mark Peter Colby Jacob Davis Jacob Challis To his Excelency Benning Wentworth Esq"" Capt. General and Governour in Chief in and over his Majesties province of New Hampshire in New England &c. Whereas the Sec'''' by your Excelency command Did Rec ommend a letter to us y" Select men of South Hampton Dated June y' 14"' 1748 Signifying that y" Inhabitants of Almsbury District have set forth their unhappy Situation and they are Desirous y'' y'- town would Set off a sufficient Number of In habitants to their assistance or else they would be an next to South Hampton &c that is what y" town cant in no wise agree to y' y*^ District should be an next to y° town for y" Reasons Fowlering. i"' we apprehend that them men wont be Con tented without a Nother Minister and two Ministers is what we cant possable Support among such a Small number of people and upon such a Narrow Strip of Land and we have several poor people among us and we have for several years past been involved in a soar and a. greivious war w'^'' has Created a great charge and what will be the Result there of we know not and it has pleased Almighty God in his all wise providence to visite many families among us with a soar and Long sickness which has caused great Expence for Physicians Nursing and other Nesicaries. 2'y there wear thirty men or there about among us who aty" first erected our meeting house and laid out between three and four hundred pounds in that way and them men gave it up to y" town for y'' towns use to make peace, so our contending breth ren at y" west end of y'= town paid Nothing toward that charge and we have built a passonage house and barn and fenced our passonage and there were Cartain men among us that Duge TOWN PAPERS — NEWTOWN. 623 a well for our Minister and Stoned it and there wear other gen erous men built a pound and gave that to y'^ town for y" towns use, so our Contending brethren paid Nothing toward Either of them and we have laid out a great Deal of money in pur chasing high ways in y' town and we have got a high way that Leads Directly from our meeting house up among y" Inhabit ants at y" west end of y° town and we have built a spacious bridge over y" River and made it a fine way and it is traveled by many of his Majesties good Subjects and our Contending brethren have no Need to complain for want of a way for they may come to meeting with the neighbors if they would and this may Inform your Excellency that these Extraordinary Charges we have been Exposed to. 2'y if y" District should be annext to South Hampton we humbly Conceive that they will make a Majority and then they will oblige us to help them and pay our proportion with them in finishing their Meeting house which is only a frame with a few boards on it. And build them a parsonage house and barn and Dig a well and buy them a parsonage and fence it which will in this Day Cost of our money near four thousand pounds old tennur as it has been Computed. Now for these men of the District to Desire to be annext to South Hampton and make us bear such an Extraordinary charge with them when they never paid y" thousand"' part of a penny toward our Extraordinary Charges it appear to us to be an actually ciieat and a piece of oppression and it is very unadequate and if your Excelency should be pleased to grant them men their Disire in this thing it would make a prodigious Quarrel and prove the Dissolution and Confution of our town and our Latter end will be worse then our beginning for y" an nexing of them men to South Hampton cant be for the good of y' town, it Directly and surely tends in y° Natural Course of things to our utter Ruin and Destruction, the Subversion of our Constitution and it Deprives us of our just Rights and it lays Such a heavey yok upon our necks that we nor our chil dren Cant bear. 4'' our Contending brethren the Cheif men that oppose us signed our petition with us and we never Intended to make but one parrish and since they Retrograded and gon back from what they sign'd with us and if they had set their meeting house one mile or there about higher up in y" District they might have men enoufe to Joyn with them to make a good parrish and not have broke up South Hampton, but our con tending brethren with some others of y" District have set up a frame of a meeting house just over y' Line at y" west end of our town where it would sut them and they think we are bar- 624 NEW HAMPSHIRE barous to Disire them to assemble with us and yet they would tak of a Number from us against their wills who sets Down easy with us and Count that no barbarity at all and if our Contending brethren think it hard to joyn with us against their wills then Consequently they may think it hard for our breth ren who set down easy at y" first and went on chearfully with us in all our Extraordinary charges to be forced to Joyne with them against their wills and so we will force no man to go off from us but give every man his liberty to go or stay and since your Excellency has desired that we would set oft' a sufficient number to their assistance we Know no Number more sufficient to go off than they that are willing Richard Collins jun. \ Select men Richard Currier y of Benjamin Brown ) South Hampton South Hampto7i papers Setting off 28 persons to a New Town. . „ , South hampton July the 18"' 1748 Province ot I ^^ j^j^ Excelency Bening Wentworth New Hampshire | Governor &c. Excelent Sir. After Returning you hearty thanks for your care and kind ness toward us we once more make bold to trouble you with a few lines &c. And first of all wee woold mention to your Excelency the Late proceeding of South hamton in a meeting on the 7"' instant at which meeting they past a voat as folloeth (without the Least regard or reference to your Excelencys Direction in your Late Letter) with a plasable pretence of Christianity gieves Liberty to all persons that lieve att the west end of the town to pole of within thirty days with their Estates that they now have in which they have no regard to any Lands or Es tate own'd by any persons that are not inhabitants in the town notwithstanding there is Considerable of Lands ownd by per sons that are not inhabitants who have been with us in all our trouble and charg and we doubt not but that they woold be yet with us had they the Liberty. but however South hamton might flater themselves that few or none woold pole off on such a footing as they put it yet by the good provedence of God wee whose names are under ¦written by your Excelencys leave are resolved to pole off in order to be incorporated in to a Parrish with those of the des- TOWN PAPERS — NEWTOWN. 625 trict within the Limets or boundaries of the Com'"'" Reporte unless your Excellency Should provide better for us. Jonathan Farren Robert Martin Micah Hoyt James George Tho" Tuxbery David Colby Tho* Carter Zacheus Colby Benja Carter Jonathan Kimball Orlando Carter Aaron Currier Benj" Kimball Tho' Jewel John Carter Phillip Challis Sam' Carter Daniel Goodwin Jacob Colby Tho' Greenfield Rogles Colby Nathanel Ash Nathan' Colby Abraham Merrill Jonathan Watson David Goodwin Roger Easman Zebulon Farren Sam' Goodwin John Eliot P N Hamp These Certify that the List of the mens names above ^ mentioned were entred with his Excellency the Govern our & lodged in the Sect's office the 2'' day of August 1748. AttesP Theodore Atkinson Sec^ On the Charter is to be Enter'd the Vote of South Hampton luly 7'" 1748 Polled off July 18 1748 28 persons Polled off Aug I 1748 2 more 30 To his Excellency Benning Wenworth Esq' Capt. General and Governor in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England and to the Honourable his Majesties Council in General Court Assembled. the petition of the Inhabitants of South Hampton humbly Sheweth that whereas it was voted at a Meeting held at South Hampton July y" 7"' 1748 that all y° Inhabitants that lives at y" west end of this Town that have a mind to go off shall have y" liberty to poll off themselves and their Estats and Joyne with their Neighbors in y" District for a parrish in all affairs and there was no provision made in that vote for them that polld off to make and keep their proportion of y" high ways in good Repair — Wherefore we your humble petitioners humbly Addresses this Honourable Court and pray that when ever this Honoura ble Court shall poll them men off to Joyne with y" District that they may be orderd to make and Repair their proportion of y'= highways in y' town as they have Done in time past and that y' new parrish may at their "Election Day for chusing par rish offeciers Elect one Surveyor or more to order that affair 40 626 NEW HAMPSHIRE and keep y' ways in good Repair from time to time as occa sion may Require. So shall we as in Duty bound ever pray &c. Richard Collins ") Selectmen Benjamin Brown Jun. y for Richard Currier ) South Hampton Dated July y" 20''' 1748 Israel Dimond Reuben Dimond Samuel Currier Henry Currier Joseph Chandler Elijah Rowell Thomas Merrill Nathanel Merril John Flanders Joseph French Sam' Barnard Eliphelet Merrill Samuel French Er Colby Jacob Fowler Jon'-^ Watso/i & Roger Easman pole off fro/n South Hamp ton to the New Town. Province of 1 South Hamton August i, 1748 New Hampshire | To his Excelency Bening Wintworth Gov ernor &c. Excelente Sir we having tak" into Consideration the ill sircumstances that we mus be under in Case we should not take the Liberty to pole of when we may, we Resolve with y' Excelencies leve agreable to the Liberty Granted us by the voate of South hamton July 7'" 1748 to pole off and desire therefore that our names may be rec'd on file by your Excelency and youl yett further oblig your humble Serv"' Jonathan Watson Roger Esman Select me/i of South Ha/npton about New Tow7i's Petition & Charter, Sc. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Capt. General and Governour in chief in and over his Majesties province of New Hampshire in New England and to the Honoura ble his Majesties Council The Petition of Sunderj' of the Inhabitants of South Hamp ton Humbly Sheweth that whereas it was voted at a meeting held at South Hampton July the 7 1748 that all those persons that lives at y' west end of this Town that have a mind to Go TOWN PAPERS — NEWTOWN. 627 off and joyn with their Neighbors in the District for a parrish should have liberty and there being no provision made in that vote for them polers to make and maintain their proportion of their high ways. Therefore your petitioners aply them selves to your Excellency and Honours and pray that if your Excel lency and Honours should see it Reasonable to set them polers to New town that they make and maintain their proportion of y' high ways in this town and your petitioners pray that New town at their Election Day for chusing town officiers may chuse a Surveyor or Surveyors to see that their high ways be kept in good Repair from time to time as occasion may Re quire and In as much as them polers had Liberty to file a list of their names with his Excellency the Gouvernour within thirty Days and they never served our Select men with a copy and we Dont know that they have filde a list to this Day, therefore we pray that they may pay to us two assessments. One made in the year 1 748 and the other in y" year 1 749 So shall we as in Duty bound ever pray Reuben Dimond ") Selectmen Joseph Frinch y for J Sout'n Hampton Feb. 6, 1749-50 Abner Morrill in behalf of South Hampton says the sii town is con tent that New toun should Comence Lower Down than their charter now is by a Line from a School house that stands on a highway that leads from South Hampton to Kingston from s'' School house to run South to the curve line Si from the school House Northly till it meets a high way Leading to Powo river & then on the East side of y road or high way to s'' Powow river then to Shapleys line on y same Course. Thomas Merrill Henery Currier John Ordway' Samuel Currier John Flanders Nathanel Merrill Sam' Barnard Prince Flanders Seraeon Morel Joshua Clough Abner Morrill Little Harbour i3">Dec'' 1749 Sir: You are only to Indorse on the charter of New Town as a record from your office The Vote at South Hampton to poll off Such of their Inhabitants as are returned 18" July 1748 being 28 «& Aug i"' 1748, 2 — 30 in all This is an act of South Hampton to Enable Newtown to bear the Charges of their town the better and The Act of Government to Incor porate S-' Town has nothing to do with it, only to preserve the record to prevent disorders hereafter. "V"ou will take my fee £5 N. Tenor. I am Sr. Your hum Serv"- B Wentworth 628 new HAMPSHIRE Coll" Atkinson The first meeting is to be with thirty days after the date of the char ter and then annually For ever the last Wednesday March Rough Draft of an order in Council for Polling of 30 South Hampton men to N. Town as Voted in Council 22" March 1749 Province of ') George the Second by the Grace of God of Great New Hampshire / Brittain France & Ireland King Defender of the faith &c. To all People to whom the Presents Shall come Greeting. Whereas The Town of South Hampton within our Province of New Hampshire aforesaid for Diverse good & Laudable motives & Consider ations thereunto moving Did Voluntarily at a Town meeting held in Said Town by Inhabitants thereof on the 7''> Day of July Anno Domini 1748 Pass a Vote in the following words viz : " That all those Persons that Live at the West End of this Town that have a mind to goe off Shall have the Liberty to Poll of themselves & their Estates which they now have & joyn with their Neighbours in the District for a Parish in all af fairs Provided they Poll off or file a List of their names with his Excel ency the Governour within thirty Days from the Date hereof. And for as much as Jonathan Farren Michael Hoit Tho' Tuxbury Thomas Car ter Benj' Carter Orlando Carter Benj" Kimball John Carter, Sam' Car ter, Jacob Coleby, Ruggles Colby Nath' Coleby, Jon" Watson, Roger Flastman, Sam' Goodwin, Robert Martin, James George, David Coleby Zacheus Coleby, Jonathan Kimball, Aron Currier, Tho" Jewell, Phillip Challis, Daniel Goodwin Theo Greenfield Nathaniel Ash Abraham Mer rill, David Goodwin, Zebulon Farren, & John Eliot all Inhabitants in the West End of Said Town of South Hampton, Did file a List of their names with B. Wentworth Esq. our Governor of our said Province & the same was filed in the Secy's office of our afores'' Province on the Second Day of August 1748 within the thirty days in the above recited Vote of the aforesaid Town of South Hampton meantioned, and agree- :able to the Intent & tenor thereof Now know ye that for and in Consideration of the above mentioned vote & at the request of the Several Parties therein Concerned We have tho't fit by further the advice of our Trusty & well beloved Benning Wentworth Esq" our Governour & of our Council of our s'* Province of N. Hamps. to order & ordain that the aforesaid Jonathan Farren Michael &c with theirs & each of their Estates they now have in said Town of South Hampton be & hereby are order'd IJeclared & ordained to be Polled & set off from acting or Voting with the Town of South Hampton afores'' in any of their Town affairs excepting what does or may relate to the repairing or mending the high ways within the Lim its of the said Town of South Hampton afores'' with respect to which affairs they are to act & be governed as tho no Vote or order had Past thereon and are hereby together with the Estates they have in South Hampton as also all Persons that shall succeed them in anv or either of them in the improving of said estates Declared to be Polled off & annexed to Newtown within our Province afores' there to Vote & act •with s^ Newtown in all their Town affairs as fully to all Intents & Pur poses as any other the Inhabitants of said Town can or may do except ing what dos or may relate to the mending or repairing the High ways within the Limits of Newtown which they and Each of them are TOWN PAPERS — NEWTOWN. 620 hereby Exempt from they having the Liberty of Voteing with & are Sub ject to the Legal Directions of the Town of South hampton afores'', of all which all Persons concerned are to take Due notice hereof & Gov ern themselves accordingly. In Testimony whereof we have Caused the Seal of our Said Province to be hereunto affixed. Witness B. Wentworth Esq'' our Governour & Comander in Chieff of our Prov. of N. Hamp afores* this 22* Day of March in the Year of our Lord Christ 1749 & in the 23' year of our reign By his Excellencys com* with advice of Council. Supplemental Charter of Ncw town. New°Haraps°hire}^^°'"?^ ^"^^ S^''°"'' ^^ "^^ ^race of God &c. To all people to whom these presents shall come Whereas by our Charter bearing date We have thot fit by & with the advice of our Trusty & well beloved B. W Esq' &c. to Incorporate Certain of our well beloved Subjects residing within our Province of New Hampshire on a tract of Land on the Eastern & Southern boundary of our said Province by the name of South Hampton & otherwise Call'd & bounded as by the Charter of Incorporation May more fully appear and whereas the Inhabitants of our said toun of South Hampton for diverse Laudable motives & Considerations, did Volunta rily at a Public toun meeting held in said town on the set off Certain Inhabitants & their Estates within the Limits & Charter of Incorporation of s'' town of South Hampton the better to Enable a Number of Inhabitants residing within our said Province & lately In corporated into a township by the name of Newtown, to maintain the Gospel among them & support the other necessary Charges of a town Provided the said Inhabitants did give us their Names into the Secre tarys office within days after such Vote & Inasmuch as A, B, C, &c. have regularly given their Names into the s'' office within the time Limited & agreeable to the said Vote of S. Hampton Know ye that for the Considerations before mentioned, we have tho't fit by & with the advice of our trusty & well beloved B. W. Esqr. & of our Council of our s'' Province to order & ordain that the said Inhabit ants of South Hampton herein recited & their Estates agreeable to the vote of said town are & shall be Set off to the town of Newtown. And the said A. B. C. &c are hereby set off from Acting with South Hampton in their toun affairs, & annexed to Newton have full powers & to Vote & act with s* Newton in their town affairs as fully to all in tents & purposes as any of the other inhabitants, of which all persons. Concerned are to take due Notice & Govern themselves accordingly. Given Witness B. W. &c. 630 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition from Almsbury district. To His Excellency Bening Wintworth Esq'^ Cap' General & Governour In Cheif in and over His Majesties Province of New Hampshire, To the Hon"'^ Councel In s'' Province. May it Pleas your Excellency and Honors, Whereas we the Subscribers Living In Almsbury District on the Southerly side thereof and Nigh the Nor Westerly cor ner of Newton are Nigh Naibors to Capt Follinby & belong to Haverhill feet compan}' & live much better to Pay our taxes with Haverhill District and attend the Publick Worship at the Rev* Mr. Cushings meeting house than we are Like to be By being Set of to Kingston or to Newton : In Removing the Bounds of Newton further yyest to take us in may serve the In terest of sum But we are Humblj' of the opinion that it will Disoblidge more. Our Humble petition to your Excellency & Hon'" is that we may by no means be In eluded In that Town we haveing advised with Haverhill District and Considering we are so much Handier to that Place then Else -where theay are willing to Receive us. We humbly & Earnestly Beg we may with our Estates be joyned to Haverhill district "When ever you shall be pleas" to establish them In a toun or Re New their District act and we shall Look on our selves In duty ever bound to pray &c Nathan Hale Jonathan Calton Aaron Stevens Thomas Johnson [No date.] [Indorsed] — " The petitioners did belong to Amesbury district, and were not as the bearer says, included in Newtown ; so care must be taken not to exclude them, in Cushing's parish. B. W."] NOTTINGHAM. [Incorporated 10 May, 1722. Ed.] Original Charter of Notti/tgham, 10 May, 1722. George by the Grace of God of Great Britain France & Ireland King, Defender of the Faith &c. To all People to whom these presents shall come Greeting, Know ye, That we of our Special Knowledge and meer motion for the Due encouragement of Settling a new Plantation by and with the advice & Consent of our Council have Given and Granted and by these presents as far as in us Lies do Give and Grant in Equall Shares unto Sundry town papers NOTTINGHAM. 63I of our Beloved Subjects whose Names are Entred in a Schedule here unto annexed That Inhabit or Shall Inhabit within the Said Grant within our Province of New Hampshire all That Tract of Land within the Following Bounds viz : To begin at Dover Westerly Corner Bounds Running along Exeter Northerly line West and by North two miles then along Exeter Head Line South west half a point more Southerly one mile and Three Quarters and from thence upon a West North West point of the Compas Ten miles into the Countrey, Then to Be gin again at the afores* Dover Westerly Corner Bounds and Run North East half a point more Easterly Four miles and a quarter along Dover Head line Then upon a North West point half a Point more North erly, Thirteen miles into the Countrey and from that Bounds upon a straight line to the End of the aforesaid Ten Mile line And That the Same be a Town Corporate by the Name of Nottingham, To the per sons afores'' forever. To have and to hold the said Land to the said Grantees and their Heirs & assigns forever and to Such Associates as they shall admit upon the Following Conditions. That every proprietor build a Dwelling House within Three j-ears & Settle a family therein and break up three Acres of Ground and plant & Sow the Same within four years and pay his proportion of the "Town Charge when & So often as Occasion Shall Require the Same. 2'y That a Meeting House be built for the Publick worship of God within the Said Term of four years. 3'y That upon Default of any particular proprietor in Complying with the Conditions of this charter upon his part. Such Delinquent proprietor Shall forfeit his Share to the other proprietors which Shall be Disposed of according to the Major vote of the said Commoney at a Legal meeting. 4'y That a Proprietors Share be Reserved for a Parsonage another for the first Minister of The Gospel, Another for the Benefit of a School Provided nevertheless that the Peace with the Indians Continue dur ing the aforesii Term of Three Years, But if it Should so happen that a warr with the Indians Should Comence before the Expiration of the afores'' Term of Three years, The said Term of Three years shall be allowed to the Proprietors after the Expiration of the warr for the Performance of the afores"' Conditions — Rendering & paying therefor to us our heirs & successors or such other officer or Officers as Shall be appointed to Receive the Same the Annual Quit Rent or acknowl edgement of one ear of Indian Corn in the Said Town on the Twenti eth day of December yearly forever, Resarving also unto our Heirs & Successors all mast Trees growing on the Said Tract of Land (accord ing to the acts of Parliament made & provided) And for the better Order Rule & Government of the said Town we do by these presents for our selves our Heirs Si Successors Grant unto the said Men & Inhab itants or those that shall Inhabit the s' Town That yearly Si Every year upon the Last Tuesday in the month of March forever shall Meet to Elect & chuse by the Major part of them Constables Selectmen and other Town officers according to the Laws & usage of our afores"* Prov ince for the year ensuing, with Power & Priviledges & authority of other Towns and Town officers within our afores'' Province have & Enjoy. In Testimony whereof we have caused the Seal of our Said Province to be hereunto annexed. Witness Samuel Shute Esqr. our Governour and Command'' in Cheeif of our said Province at our Town of Ports mouth the Tenth Day of May in the Eighth Year of our Reign, Annoque Domini 1722 Sam" Shutk By his Excellency's Command w'" advice of the Council. Rich* Waldron Cler. Con. 632 NEW HAMPSHIRE Note by John Far-mer, Esq. This Charter of Nottingham I found among the Waldron Papers ia 1828. It was supposed to be irrecoverably gone, as appears from a Petition of Col. Peter Gilman to the General Assembly 17S3 wherein he says "the Record of the original Grant of Nottingham being by the act of God consumed when Secretary Waldron's office was burned (and no attested copy thereof extant" &c. Now this is the original having the autograph of Gov. Shute. Whereas M' Shem Drown of boston one of the proprietors of Not tingham haveing obtained a grant of s ' Propriatie of a priveledge for building a mill and of the Previledge of the whole falls on the South branch of North River near Bow Street and also a grant of fifty Acres of Land adjoining to s' falls, which fifty acres of Land is Laid out ac cording To grants, begining at the foot of the falls on the East Side of" s"' falls at a hemlock 'Tree marked S. D. from thence Runing East and be South thirty rods To a hemlock Tree marked with S. D. from thence running South & be East one hundred rods To a beach Tree marked S. D. from thence runing west to the River to a Maple Tree marked S. D. Then begining again at the foot of the falls on the west side at a. hemlock Tree mark'd S. D. from thence running west and be north fifty rods To a pine Tree Mark'd S. D. from thence running South west and be South one hundred rods to a beach tree Mark'd S. D. from thence runing East & be South to the river Laid out this fourteenth Day of May one thousand Seven hundred & thirty by us Joseph Hall "It i.. , ^ Edward Hall I L°"l^^«'^'* A true Coppy Taken from Nottingham Record Attes'^ Peter Gilman Prop' Cler. Indorsed, "Nottingham Papers March 2'' 1732-3." We the Subscribers being interested in the Land thro' which it is- supposed the High way petitioned for, from Nottingham to New-Mar ket will pass do hereby Signify our Desire to have y^ s"" High Way laid out & confirmed as a Publick High way & our willingness to give land Sufficient for s* High way wherever it may be laid out thro' our Lotts. Joseph Hall Samuel Mighell Moses Cofiin Richard Clark Robert Barber Isaac Marston Christopher Robinson Winthrop Hilton Sam' Sinkler John Perkins Sm' Stevens Richard Sinkler Benjamin Sanborn Fitz William Sargent Theophilus Hardie Nem>' Gilman Jonathan Colcord Jam' Gilman Steven Liford Tho'- Gilman Richard Malloon ? Water Neall James Maston Nath' Talyer Sam' Hilton Nath' Pees Robert Pike TOWN PAPERS — NOTTINGHAM. 635 Petition of Capt. Peirce and Dr. Rogers. To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq' Gov'' & Comander in cheif in & over his Majesties Province of New Hamps" And to the Hon"""' the Councill & the Representatives of said Province.The Petition of the Proprietors of y" Town of Nottingham Humbly Sheweth That the Proprietors & Inhabitants of s'' Town, are under very great Difficulties & Disadvantages for want of a Suitable Road to a convenient landing Place For the High way already laid out is not only much longer than is necessary, but, not withstanding a very considerable expence, the Proprief" have been at in clearing & Bridging the same it yet remains impass able for loaded Carts unless when the Rivers are very low, and for as much as there is already a pretty good cart way (Comonly called Hall's way) four or five miles from the land ing place at New Market towards Notingham which if con tinued thro' that part of Exeter which is between Notingham and y" Parish of New Market, would be above three miles nearer, & on every other acc't more convenient. They humbly therefore pray that there may be a Highway allowed & laid out thro' y" above s'' part of Exeter & New Market, which would be of great advantage not only to Notingham, but to some of y" New Towns Settling above it, and your Petitioners shall ever pray &c Tho 'Peirce | Com"'" Nath' Rogers j Portsm" Sept. 23, 1731 In Council Sepf^ 23'', 173 1 The within Petition Read, and Voted that a hearing be had thereon the third day of the next session of the Gen"'*' Assembly & that the Pe titioners serve The Town of Exeter w"" a copy thereof and of this order a month before the day of the hearing by leaving the same w"" one of the Select men of the Said Town that so the said Toun may ap pear & Shew cause if any they have why the prayer of the s"' Petition Should not be granted R. Waldron SecJ" Eod"" Die. In the house of Representatives. the above vote Read and Concurred and likewise the Petitioners serve those persons thro whose Land Said high way may goe with a Copy hereof to appeare at the Day & Time above James Jeffry Cle' Ass-^ In Council Sept' 24'-'' 1731 Read & Concurred w"' the amendment R. Waldron SeO The same day Assented to J. Belcher 634 NEW HAMPSHIRE Nottingham Petition and Votes thereon. In Counc' March 6* 1732-3 Upon the Petition of Nottingham Proprietors for a High Way &c. Voted that the Prayer of the Petition be granted, and that the Town of Exeter lay out the said Highway forthwith, as Commodiously as may be for the Town of Nottingham & make a return thereof To the Town Clerk of Exeter, to be recorded as usual in such Cases. Provided Nevertheless that the Said Town of Exeter be at no Charge in building or repairing the Bridge in said High way over Lamprey river, for ten years next following, and Provided also that the Said To-wn of Exeter be at no charge for purchasing any land for accommodating the said Way below Lamprey River and that Nottingham be at no charge in pur chasing any land for the same above said river. R. Waldron Sec)" ^jcb gtii In house of Representatives read and Concurred George Walton CI' pro tem Same day Consented to J. Belcher To his Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esquire Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire and the Honourable his Majesties Coun cil and House of Representatives for said Province The Petition of the Inhabitants and Resident Proprietors of the Town of Notingham Humbly Sheweth That whereas your said Petitioners have for Sundry years Past Resided in said Town and have for a Great Part of the Time been Destitute of a Preacher of the Gospel among us the cause whereof being chiefly our Inability to afford a suitable Maintainance for a Minister we being but a small Number although the Proprietors were obliged to Settle a family upon Each Right which if it had been Done would have been a Number Sufficient to have Supported a Minister for the Benefit of the Town, but since far the Greatest Part are non Resident and many of them Live out of this Province it cannot but be Highly Reasonable that as they have a Share in the advance of the Common Interest of the Town and it being Consistant with their Votes at Sundry Meetings and also the Most Likely Method to advance the worth of their Lands that they should bear som Suitable Proportion of the charge of a Minister till such time as the Inhabitants shall be able to Bear the Burden alone, we make bold therefore Humbly to Peti tion your Excellency and Honours to Pass an act to make the lands of such non Resident Proprietors as neglect to Pay such Proportion as to your wisdom shall seem meet to Lay upon them Lyable to be taken by Destraint in Case they do iiot Pay such assessments and seeing it may be for the Glory of God TOWN PAPERS — NOTTINGHAM. 635 the Interest of Religion and the Benefit of your Petitioners we humbly beg that this or some thing more Proper may be Done as to your wisdom Shall appear moste Expedient for the Rem edy of the Difficulties we Labour under and your Petitioners as in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray &c. From Notingham this 7"' Day of November Anno Domini 1738 John Harvey Simon Beird Sam' Goodhue James Lukes Moses Norris Frances Harve Nathan Pilsbury William Kilce Andrew Luckes William Morison John Cralton David Morrison Abraham ? Natt ? Rice Rowel William Neall Robairt Baird Rob' Harvey To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor and Commander in chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire and the Hon" His Majesties Council and House of Representatives for said Province in General As sembly Convened. The Inhabitants cf Nottingham in said Province Take this Opportunity Thankfully to acknow^ledge your Goodness in Sending and Supporting a Number of Men in Years Past for our Safeguard and Defence in this Time of War. And altho' we might from thence Infer your Good Disposition to Help us for the future yet in order to your being more fully Informed of our Circumstances we would Humbly offer to the Considera tion of this Honorable Court some of the Difficulties and Dan gers we find our selves Exposed to in this Time of War. Our Settlements are Remote one from another in a Moun tainous and Broken Country our Fields are Generally Encom passed about with Trees and Bushes which Continually Ex poses us to the Danger of being Surprized by the Enemy while about our Daily Labour our Common Roads and High ways are no Less Dangerous to Pass ; We Live open to a Wide Wilder ness which surrounds us on all sides by which means the En emy may come undiscovered very near our Garrisons which we have hardly men enough to Defend our Number being now very Small many having already Removed out of the Town and others Seem so much Discouraged that we fear our Num bers will be much Less in the Ensuing Summer than they are at present which has a Tendency to make our Burden Still the Heavier which is already almost unsupportable we have Never Desired Needlessly to be a Burden to the Government Neither 636 NEW HAMPSHIRE have we Ever before in this manner apply'd for Relief but be ing now convinced more than Ever of the Danger we are Likely to be Exposed to we cannot but think it Needfull for us to be Importunate with Your Excellency and Honours to grant us Such Large assistance as our Necessitous Circum stances may Require without which we fear we shall be obliged to Retreat for the Safety of our Selves and Families tho' it must be with the Greatest Regret that we Leave our Settle ments which we have Cultivated with much Toil and Labour. May it Pleas your Excellency and Honours to take the Premises into your Wise Consideration and if it be Consistent with your Pleasure and for the Benefit of the Province in Gen eral as well as your Petitioners in Particular to Keep this Town we Humbly Pray that there may be Speedy Provision made for the Support of Forty or Fifty Men to be sent up Early in the Spring and Kept Here for the Safeguard and Defence of the Inhabitants Here and that Such Stores as may be needful for them may be conveyed up by sleding the Knowledge of which as ic would be Likely to Prevent some from Removing out of Town So it would be a means to Encourage and strengthen us all who are very Sensible that we cannot Long Support our Selves Here without Such assistance from the Government as Shall Enable us to Go about our Labour and Business in some Degree of Safety which we Hope you will Freely Provide for and your Petitioners Shall as in Duty Bound Ever Pray &c. Nottingham Jan'' 21"' 1747 T Ti ) Selectmen of Nottingham Israel Bartlett / .^ g^j^^j^ ^^ ^ ^ ^^^^^ Robert Harvey ( ^^ ^j^^ ^^^^ At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Nottingham Dec' y" 8"' 1747 Voted that the Select men Draw up a Petition to be Prefered to the General Court to Pray that there may be Suitable Pro vision i-nade for our Relief under the Difficulties of the war and that Joshua Peirce Esq' be Impowered and he is hereby Desired to carry in s* Petition and Do what may be need full to obtain s'^' Relief Israel Bartlett Toun clerk A true Coppy pr. At a Meeting of y'^ Freeholders & Inhabitance of Nottingham Held March y" 27"' 1750 Voted that y= South westerly Corner of Nottingham be set oft' as a Parish & Bounded as foiloweth Begining at a Cartain tree bet, een the fifth & Sixth Range No. 21 being at y'^ Lower end of said Range thence Runing South West to Chester line thence Runingonsaid Chester west North West to a Pitch pine tree being y'' Southwesterly corner of said Notting"'^ thence RunningNorthEast&by North on y« head of saidNot- tingham to the Line between the 5"' & 6'" Range thence Running East South East on said line to y« Bounds first mentioned & voted to y In- TOWN PAPERS NOTTINGHAM. 637 habitance of said land all Privileges belonging to a Parish as much as in us Lyes. The above vote past in y° afirmative March y= 29"^ 1750, a Coppy Exam"' Rob' Harvey town Clerk At a Meeting of y freeholders Si Inhabitance of Nottingham held March y 26"' 1751 Voted that their be y* Sum of one Hundred pound old Tenor Raised on y= Town Including all Ratable Poles & Estats within y" Bounds of y« original Grant of y= Towne Exclusive of the church men to be Laid out for y"= Support of a Minister or Ministers of y* Gospel to be agreed with by a Committee to be chosen at this Meeting to Preach in said town Si y^ Money to be Raised as afores"* on those Living in that part of y' town called y" South west Parish to be Expended in Supporting a Minister to Preach amongst them in Such Place as they shall agree upon ; and y" money to be Raised on y Rest of y' Town to be Ex pended in Supporting a Minister to preach at or near y Block House yet this vote is not to be construed or Intended to Extend Eitlrer to Re voke or alter y« validity or Insufficiency of the title or Grant of those who Inhabit that Part of y'' town which they apprehend to be set off a Seperate Parish but that Matter to Remain in all other Respects as if this vote had never been Past. The above Vote past in y affirmative March y 30"" 1751. A Coppy Exam"* Rob' Harvey town Clerk At a Meeting of y freeholders & Inhabitants of Notting"' held March ye 31" 1752 Voted that "Whatsoever shall be Raised on those who Inhabit that Part of y^ Town Called South west Parish for y^ Charge of y*^ Meeting house be Refunded or paid bake to that People at Such time as thev shall Build a Meeting house there, to be Raised on y° other Part of the Town & paid them towards their meeting house with Reasonable Interest A Copy Att* Rob' Harvey town Clarke Province of \ To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq"" New Hamp'"" | Governor and Commander in chief in and over His Majestys Province of New Hamp' To the Hon''''' His Majestys Council and House of Repre sentatives in Gen' Assembly convened, July 25'" 1754 Humbly Shews Thomas Simpson in behalf of the Inhabit ants of the Town of Nottingham in said Province and agent for the said Inhabitants That by the fires in the woods the last Spring great damage was done to Most of the Inhabitants afores'', whereby they are much Impoverished That in conse quence of the torch of war with the Indians the Spring past and this Summer they have been much impeded in their Busi ness, That they apprehend they are overdone in the Propor tion to the Province Tax — Wherefore your Petitioner in be- 638 NEW HAMPSHIRE half of s' Inhabitants Pray that they may be eased this year of the Province Tax or such part thereof as may be tho't Just and reasonable and your Excellency and Honours will Indulge your Petitioners with an oppertunity to enforce this Petition and assign the Reasons for the granting the Prayer thereof and your Petitioner as in Duty bound Shall every Pray. Thomas Simpson July 25^" 1754 Prov. N. Hamp'= In Council July 25"' 1754 read & ordered to be sent Down to the Hon'''' the Gen' Assembly Theodore Atkinson Sec? Province of ) To his Excelency Bening Wentworth Esqr. New Hamp''" ) Governour in chief in & over the Province aforesaid (in Counsel) The Petition of the Inhabitance and freeholders of the Sow west part of Nottingham Humbly Sheweth that your Petition ers wear set of by a vote of the Town of Nottingham as a Parish in the year 1750 at their annual ineeting and were Bounded as foiloweth "Viz : Begining at a Certain tree between the fifth and sixth Ranges in the third Division of Lotts in s'* Towne No. 21 at the Lower end of said Ranges then Runing^ S. West to Chester Line being about five Miles, thence Run ing on s"* Chester Line West North West to a Pitch Pine tree which is the South westerly corner of Nottingham, thence Runing north East and by north on the head of Nottingham about five miles to the line between the 5''' & 6"' Range then running East South East on s' Line to the Bounds first men tioned. The aforesaid Tract of Land being about six Miles square was voted of as a Parish to the inhabitance & freehold ers of said Land with all Priviledges belonging to a Parish as much as in them Lyes. And in March 1751 Their was money Rais'd on all the in- hebetence of Nottingham Except the Church men and it was then 'Voted that what was paid by those men that Lived in the South West Parish (so call'd) should be expended in support ing a Minister to Preach the Gospel among them And in March 1752 at the annual meeting there was a Large sum of Money Rais'd and your Petitioners were to have the money that was paid by your Petitioners to be expended among us ; And money hath ben raised yearly ever since and we have Receiv'd nothing for our Money Except one Days Preaching and about three weekes schooling for six years, for your Peti tioners not being incorporated into a Parish only by the "Votes of the Town were not able to chuse any Parish officers to Re- TOWN PAPERS NOTTINGHAM. 639 ceive the money and to lay it out altho' the Town are willing we should have it as soon as we are incorporated and as preach ing the Gospel and teaching the children are matters of Great importance to all his Majesties Good Subjects and for many other Reasons which you in your wisdom are sensible of that will forward the Settleing and Promote Good order in a Place, We your Petitioners Earnestly Pray you would be pleas" to incorporate us and Grant us Parrish Priviledges. Nottingham Feb"^'- 23* 1756 Jonathan Longfellow John Batchelder Levi Dearborn Nathan Tilton Nathaniel Batchelder David Tilton Nathaniel Batchelder Junr. Timothy Sanborn Thomas Brown Coffin Sanborn Ephraim Pettengill Samuel Page Isaac Mason Nath' Healey Jun. Daniel Kelley Daniel Marston Ruben Masteen Jeremiah Dearborn Theophilus Griffin Steven Batchelder Green Longfellow Benj" Batchelder Eliphalet Grifien Abraham Drake Isaac Shepard Petitio/i June 28 " 1765 for a separate Parish. To his Excellency Bening Wentworth Esqr. Captain General Governour Commander & Chief in and over his Majesties province of New Hampshire And Vice Admiral of the same, The Honourable His Majestys Counsil & House of Repre sentatives for s ' Province Convened. The humble petition of us the Subscribers being Freehold ers and Inhabitants of the South West Parish in Nottingham (so call'd) Humbl}' shews, That whereas your petitioners Lives many of them to the Distance of eight and Some ten miles from the meeting house which makes it very Difficult for us or our families to attend the public worship of God att that place and as your petitioners apprehend their Number is equal or above many Parishes that have been sett off in this province We therefore humbly pray that you would please to sett us off a distinct Parish invested with all the privileges of other Parishes within this Province according to the following bounderies (which bounderies is agreeable to A Vote of the town of Notingham Held att the Meeting House in s ' Noting ham on the third thursday of april 1765) viz beginning att the bounds between the 9"' & 10'" Lotts in the first Range of the 3'' Division And to Extend to the head Line of Notingham Joining to Allenstown (so call'd) then to begin att the bounds ¦64c NEW HAMPSHIRE between the 21"' & 22" Lotts in the Second Range and to Ex tend to the s"* head Line and Likewise including the whole of the 3* 4"" 5* & sixth Ranges of the s'' 3" Division with all the Lands on the westerly side of pleasant pond including the whole of the farms in the 7"" & 8* Range that Joins to the road that Leads from Notingham Meeting House to Epsom Line. Also the whole of the Hundred Acre Lotts in Bow street on the Southwesterly side including Josiah Sawyers Lott being the original Lott of Archibald Macfadvix from thence to the head of s"* Bow Street. Your Petitioners therefore Hum bly prays that in your Great Wisdom and Goodness you would please to take this our prayer under your wise consideration and act on it as you may think proper and your petitioners as in Duty bound Shall Ever pray &c. Notingham June y" 17* 1765 Sam' Leavitt Obadiah Marston Tho' Simpson Eliphelet Grifeen Abraham True Isaac Shepard Samuel Tilton Peter Batchelder Robert Cram Patten Simpson Nathaniel Batchelder Jun. Thomas Brown John Batchelder Moses Thomson Sam' Hoyt Peter Leavitt Ephraim Pettengill Eliphelet Marston The") Griffin Reuben Marston Benjamin Cotton Sam' Leavit Jun. Samuel Marston Joshua Stevens Jeremiah Sanborn Joseph Marston Reuben Brown Nathan Grifen Reuben Marston Theophilus Griffin Jun. Samuel Winslow Nathanael Meloon Benjamin Page Daniel Page Samuel Perkins Josiah Chase Moses Chase John Gill Nemiah Cram Joseph Graves Jedediah Prescutt David Batchelder Josiah Prescott Samuel Pulsifer Josiah Sanborn Daniel West Benjamin Hilyard Benjamin Beachelder Israel Clifford John Robinson Joseph Roberts Joshua Young Jeremiah Glidden Joseph Judkins Richard Gliden Andrew Glidden John Young Jonathan Glidden Jonathan Hill Daniel Lad Joseph Lad Nathaniel Smith Benjamin Folsom Moses Thirston Jeremiah Folsom Moses Clough Josiah Smith Samuel Elkins Jude Allen John Cram Samuell Kelley Wadleigh Cram Thomas Robie William Sanborn Joseph Mason John Mason Jeremiah Easman Owen Runnells TOW.N PAPERS— NOTTINGHAM. 64I Increse Batchelder Josiah Sawyer Benjamin Batchelder Daniel Marston Nathan Batchelder In Council June 28"' 1765 Read Si Ordered to be sent down to the Hon'"'"' Assembly T. Atkinson Jun. Sec-^' Province of 1 t ., , , „ ,-, ^ . t New Hampre J ^" ^^^ ""'""^ °^ Representatives June 28, 1765 This Petition being Read Voted That they be heard thereon the second Day of the sitting of the General Assembly after the first day of Sep'' Next That they give notice of the Substance of the Petition in the Public News Papers of the Government three Weeks successively & that any Person or Persons may appear against the Prayer thereof that are so Disposed H. Sherburne Spk' In Council Eodem Die Read & Concurred T. Atkinson Jun Sec* New Hamos"! 1 ^" ^^^ House of Representatives Nov' 22* 1765. The Petitioners being heard on the within Petition and no Person appearing to make objection and the Prayer of said Petition appearing to be reasonable Voted That the Prayer of said Petition be Granted and that the Peti tioners have liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly. M. Weare CI'' In Council Nov. 22' 1765 The above Vote read & concurred T. Atkinson Jun Sec. Att a Legal meeting of the freeholders and Inhabitants of Noting ham held att the meeting house in said Notingham on the third thurs day of April 1765, Voted that the southwesterly Corner of Notingham (So called) be sett of as a Distinct Parish according to the following boundaries viz. to begin att the bounds between the ninth and tenth Lotts in the first Range and to Extend to the head line in s* Notingham then to begin att the bounds between the 21=' and 22* Lotts in the Second Range and to Extend to the s* head line in Notingham and likewise to include the whole of the 3"* 4'" 5"" & 6"' Ranges of the third Division (so called) in s"' Notingham with the Lands and settlers on the westerly side of Pleasant Pond so far as the road extends to Epsom line including all the farms and settlers on s* Epsom Road (so call*) to the head Line of Notingham as Likewise the whole of the Hundred acre Lotts in Bow Street on the Southwesterly side of s* Street including Josiah Sawyer's Lott being the original Lott of Archibald Macfadrix to the head of .s"' Bow street A true Coppy Attest Benjamin Shepard Town Clerk 41 642 NEW HAMPSHIRE Nottingha7n Petition for Liberty to Elect an Assemblyman Province of ) To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq'" New Hampshire >- Governor in Chief in and over his Majes- Rockingham ss. ) ties Said Province of New Hampshire. The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of Nottingham in said County of Rockingham Shews that said Nottingham is an ancient Settled Town and Does at Present Consist of above three Hundred & Fifty Families. For a Long Time Past the Inhabitants thereof have been Constantly Taxed toward the Support and Maintenance of the Government of this His Majes ty's Province and have always freely and cheerfully Paid the same tho they have Never Enjoy'd the Inestimable Darling Privilege and Liberty of Being Represented in the House of Commons here which other Towns and Parishes Less Opulent and Not so Numerous or ancient have been Indulg'^ with ; the Liberty of sending Representatives. Your Petitioners would humbly Submit their Case to your Excellencys Wise Mature Consideration, Whether they are not Intitled to the Privi leges and Immunity s of the British Constitution Equally with Every other Subject thereof Whether the Lives Liberties and Propertys of your Petitioners under their Present Circum stances may not be taken from them without their Consent to the Law by which they may be Judged. Wherefore your Petitioners Pray your Excellency Would authorize and Impower them for the future to send a Repre sentative to the General Assembly of said Province That your Petitioners may no Longer Be Virtually But Really Repre sented By a Person of their own Electing and Your Petition ers as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray Nottingham April 18"= 1774 Johu MecrilllB Joel Cram James Kelee hia William McCrillis Sam X Leavitt John Banfill m John Gile Jethomy ? Gowin Enoch Page Ephraim Cram Rice Rowell Stephen Chas Patton Simpson Jonathan McClure Robert Morrison John Trusten Jacob Frost Job Cilley Jr. JoBeph Morrill ThoB Bartlett Abednego Leathers Henry Dearborn John Harvey John Randle Nathaniel Avery John Morrill Zebulon King Benjamin WatBon John Methes Josiah Watson Clement Jackaou Jun. Will Clark Nathl Batchelder Jonathan Randel Nath Batchelder Moses Chase Eben Tilton Job Mills TOWN PAPERS — NOTTINGHAM. 643 JnoMillB Gntten Cilley Daniel Leathers Kathaniel Gove Samuel Gove Peter Leavitt ThOB Leavitt Jona Leavitt Benjamin Fi-ench James Page Daniel Page Samuel Winslow Josiah Prescott John Godfree Jeremh Easman Samuel McCluer Joseph Cilley Benjamin Butler Saml Hnntoon Thos Foss Joseph White John Fills ? Jona Willey John Morrill Asa Guile Nathl Randal John Einston Joshua Stevens Jonathan Davis Thomas HineB Josiah Bartlett Jonathan Huckins Saml Leavitt ThomaB Berry Simon Marston Daniel Moor Robey Marston Phineas Tilton Jacob Doe Thomas Band Saml Cate Joseph Gorman Jona Gove Noah Barker Jos Nelly John Harvey Jun. Thos Frost ? Jona Rolings John Simpson Josiah Fresket Jr. William Simpson John Sheperd. To the Hon'"'' Peter Gilman Esq"^ We the Subscribers Proprietors, or heirs Si descendants of the Orig inal Grantees of the Township of Nottingham East (formerly includ ing the Parishes of Deerfield & Northwood) now In the County of Rockingham (State of New Hampshire) And also of Those -who became denominated Proprietors, by their purchasing whole & Entire Rights throughout, of the said Grantees in their place & stead. Performing the Conditions of the Grant on the first planting & settling of the Prem ises, who in their Day & Time (there being Scarce any of either Grantee or Such Proper Proprietor now Surviving) not duly divided the whole of the said Township but eft'ectually rectified, certain Mistakes in the first Settlers Sitting down, with respect to the Home Lotts adjusted, de termined & Fixed that & all other Matters and Things Relative to the Propriety Here mentioned to Shew the Importance of Their records & Plans, besides, as the said Township was a Grant to a number of Per sons, they never had any separate Instrument in hand Severally of any such Grant. Their whole dependence as to the Original Title, being contained in Said Records & Plans. Therefore that due (care) be Taken thereof, and Vexatious Law Suits prevented Whenever you shall see Cause to Resign as Clerk, your special care of the same we hereby manifest our Freedom in joining with you in address, Humbly Recommending the said Records & Plans to the Pat ronage of the Hon''''' the General Assembly, to be by Them deposited with the Records of the said County of Rockingham, there to Remain (as compleated) Sacred & Inviolate Hunking Wentworth for Col Mark Hunking Esq'' Deceased r'g'- .? John Sherburne as Exec'' to the will of my Hon* father Henry Sher burne Esqr Deceas'd and for the original Right of Thomas Peirce Esqr Dec'd. 644 NEW HAMPSHIRE Geo Jaffrey adm' to Estate of Geo Jaffrey Esqr. deceased. Sam' Penhallow for Sam' Penhallow Esqr. Dec* & Benjaiuin Gambling Esqr. Deceased thirteen rights Benj"! Dolbeare — For 3 Rights viz. David Dolbeare, Jno. Calfe, Peter Gibbins Executor Shem Drowne — for 7 Rights, viz : Eben'' Surges, Jno. Steel, Jno. Pratt Jos Powell Jno. Newton Thomas Drowne, Clem' Re- nough Tim'' Newell — for Jn'J Goodman & Eben'' Messinger two rights Tho" Parker — for Sam' Kendalls one right Sam Whitwell Jun' — for his Grandfather Sam' Whitwell dec'd one right Eliz Richards — for her father Edwi^ Richards dec* one right Job Bradford — for W" Creese one right Samuel Green Ezekiel Walker for my father Eq. Er. Walker Dec"' one right. Thomas Drowne, as admin'' on the Estate of Francis Brinley Esq''. dec* for one Riglit viz Richard Heards James Maltman for lohn Granger Dec* one right, (s* Granger's son in law) Nathaniel Martain for my Father Nath' Martain Deceas'd one Right. Eliza North For my fathers one right James Pitson dec* for W'" Pitson's one Right Sarah Creese, Margarett Creese For their Father M'' Thomas Creese one right Jonathan Warner for Arch'* M^Phedris Esqr. Dec* John Penhallow for Rich" Wibird Esq' Dec* one right. Russell for the right of his father E. Russell Esq'' De ceased Odiorne in behalf of her Late husband Jotham Odiorne Esq'' Dec* his Right. Jn° Jackson for the Right of Robert Pike. Joseph Walton One of the heirs of Shadrach Walton Esqr. Dec* For his Right. William Langdon Ex' to the will of W"° Langdon Deceased in his Right. Nath' Peirce heir to my honored uncle Joshua Peirce for his right. Hannah Hughes Daughter and only surviving heir of Clement Hughes Dec* for his Right. Thomas Westbrook Waldron For the Rights of Thomas Westbrook Esqr. & Richard Waldron Jun. Mich' Wentworth for Benning Wentworth Esq' deceas* for his Right. Benja Dearborn for Nath' Sargent Esq' Dec* for his Right Jonathan Warner as Executor to the Estate of Mary Prav Dec* Heir of Tho» Phipps Esq'' Dec* Daniel Rindge Daniel Rogers for the Right of Benning Wentworth Esq'' Exeter June 12"' 1783 This may Certify that the within & foregoing is the address Referred to In my Petition to the General Assembly of the state of New Hamp- -shir bearing this date Peter Gilman. NOTE BY THE EDITOR. After the foregoing papers relating to Nottingham were prepared for e press, the editor received the following note, through Hon. B. F. the press, Prescott, viz TOWN PAPERS ORFORD. 645 " Deerfield Center, Nov. 25, 1875. Friend Prescott : I have in mypossession, a Plan of Nottingham, by John Brown — 1732, showing on it (where legible) the names of the then owners of each lot of land, the number of each lot, and the number of acres in each lot. I think that there can be no doubt of its authenticity or of its cor rectness. On the back is a Plan which I cannot make out. Much information can be obtained from it. This Plan was drawn while Nottingham in cluded Deerfield, Northwood and a part of Raymond. Perhaps it would not be amiss to inform Dr. Bouton. Yours, &c., G. H. Stevens." Reference to this Plan may be important to persons in investigating titles to land, or in completing a history of Nottingham, and of towns laid ofi" from it. The editor would have been happy to have secured a copy for an insertion in this volume. Ed. ORFORD. [Orford was granted 25 September, 1761, to Jonathan Moulton and others. It was settled in June, 1765, and incorporated by charter when granted. Ed.] A List of the Inhabitants and others hi the Township of Orford with their Familys <& ages. 1 Israel Morey Esqr. Abel Sa-wyer & Wife 19 Wife John " 16 Israel Morey II years Ruby Richardson an Samuel " 9 hired girl IS Moulton " S Martha " 4 5 Benja Baldwin & wife Darius an Infant T 6 Benja Baldwin jnn & Wife i John Man & Wife Andrew Peters 12 Jno " 6 Lydia " 9 Solomon " 3 Betty " 7 Jen-ad " I Benja " i Theophilus " '-2 3 William Marston & wife Huldah " 17 7 Ebenezer Baldwin & wife William 19 Abigail " 7 Jno " 15 Raynah " 6 Peter 11 Ebenezer " S Deborah " 9 Patty an Infant i Betty 7 & an hir'd woman Olive 3 JoBiah an Infant i 8 Ichabod Palmer & Wife & 1 Son 4 Thomas Sawyer * Wife Ichabod " 21 9 Jno Woodward & Wife 646 NEW HAMPSHIRE Theodore Woodward U 17 Samuel Phelps & Wife Phebe 3 Oranda " « Uriah " 5 Samuel " S Son " 2 Bridget " Lydia an Infant 1 10 Noah Dewey & Wife 18 Jno Wood & Wife 11 Hoah Dewey Junr & wife Eeuby " 16 Samnel " 13 Comfort " 14 Olive " 10 Elias 8 19 Joel Phelps & Wife Ezra " e Charles " i 20 Edward Sawyer & Wife Alexander 2 Darius an Infant 12 Experience Cross & Wife Kitty 11 12 Jamea CalkinB A Wife Bethuel 6 Rhoda " u Oliver " 1 Samnel '* 8 Fredrick " 6 23 ShubelCroaa* Wife CyruB 4 Joseph " 2 Enos " H Lydia an Infant 13 Constant Bliss & wife 14 Eldad Post & Wife Eldad 13 Aaron 11 Daniel " 6 RuBsell " 4 Hannah " 15 Sibbel 2 Mary an Infant IS Daniel TiUotson A Wife Child 1 Hir'd child 9 18 Clement Kmery A Wife 23 Linsford Morey & Wife 24 Jonathan Derby & Wife Jona ' ' aged 18 Ezra ' 1 « 14 Levmah ( tt 12 Lydia ' 9 Lucy < (C 6 Elizabeth & Apollos (Twins) 4 Samuel 14 26 Jeremiah Post & wife 26 Jonathon Sawyer & wife Reverend Mr. Obadiah Noble 1 Abraham Palmer 2 Jacob Marston 3 Gillam Bliss (a Transient man) 4 George Wilson Do. 5 John Wright Do. 6 Single Men Daniel Butterfield Do. 7 Jno Crosby for Jno Weeks 8 Giles Tiffany— a Transient man 9 Nathan Dewey 10 Jno. Morey— In all 11 TOWN PAPERS ORFORD. 647 Sundry persons to whom Coll. Moulton hath wrote to Settle on the following Rights. E. Cross on the Right of Samuel Blake N. Dewey on " " " Philip Towle S. Morey " " " Jn" Moulton 3'' I Wood " " " Josiah Moulton Jun' I. Morey " " " James Brown 1772 Mem" of the Settlement & I-mprove-ment of Land in the Township of Orford. Viz. orig : Prop' Names — by whom settled & in what manner improved Jonathan Moulton Esq' — John Wood has Settled for s* Right John Moulton 3* — Constant Bliss settled on the back lot, 6 acres fell John Nelson — ^Daniel Clark improving do. "l & Col Moulton making Thomas Reed — Levi Dam do do. j- Improvements on the J River Lots James Brown — ^John Morey do do John Moulton Esq' — ^Moses Norton do do John Wason — W'" Tarlton do do. Jereh'" Marston — Improvements making by his Son 3 or 4 Acres fell on the River Lot, about 10 acres more on the back Lot 6 of which is sowed with wheat. Sam' Blake — Experience Cross settled on the back Lot Joseph Palmer — Ebenezer Bracket improving on the back Lot Benning Wentworth — Ward Cotton — Sam' Haines Jun' improving on do. The" Atkinson Esqr. — Linsford Morey do. do Philip Towle — Nathan Dewy settled on the back Land Jere''i Sanborn — Benj" Kate improving on the back Land Josiah Dearborn — Jon' Moulton Jun' — Theodore Dam do. do. Jon* Philbrick — Ichabod Palmer Settled on River Lot ab' 5 acres under good Improvement Jerem'' Dow — Ichabod Palmer Jun' on do. abt. 5 acres under good Improvement. Walter Neal— Jacob Marston Settled on back Lot. Clem' March — Sam' Perkins — Richard Haines improving on do. Sam' Wentworth Esqr. — Joel Phelps settled on River Lot Christ" Tappan Esqr. ) Witham Wallace Josiah Lane Wiseman Clagget Esqr Byfield Lloyd Esqr Samuel Dow Cotton Ward Joshua Towle— Dan' Tillotson Esq' improv'd on River Lot ab' 10 acres under good Improvement. W"' Lane— Sam' Phelps settled do. ab» 10 acres under good Improve ment. Worthing" Moulton— Improvements on River Lot by Israel Morey Esqr. ab'^ 10 acres under good improvement Israel Morey Esqr. settled 3 mills near 100 acres of Land under good improvement. 648 NEW HAMPSHIRE W'" Marston — Settled by himself Benj" Staniford Randall 'I John Mann settled abt. 20 acres under good Nath' Showers J Improvements Edmund Mason — -James Calkins d" ab' 14 do. do. do Nicholas White — Benj" Baldwin Jun' do. 5 do. do Meshech Weare Esqr. — Dan' Mason settled do. Theo. Atkinson Junr. Esqr. — Daniel Tillotson Junr. do. Mark H. Wentworth Esqr. — Benj" Baldwin do. (Potash) & 20 acres under good Improvement. Ephraim Marston 1 Edward Moulton I Thomas Sawyer Settled, about So acres under good Thornton Wason ( Improvement. Thomas Nudd J Jon" Towle — Eben' Baldwin Settled, ab' 17 acres under good Improve ment. John Weeks Jun'' — John Crosby improving Jacob Brown — Thom' Sawyer Junr. ab' 16 acres under good Improve ment. Joshua Lane Jun' ] W'" Smith [ Jeremiah Post Settled, 40 or 50 acres under good Jo' Moulton 3'' j Improverrenf Jon' Sanborn Jun' J Abrah"' P. Towle 1- Eldad Post settled, about 20 acres under good Im- John Moulton Jun' J provement Sam° Gartlnd" 1 I^provemerits making by Col. Moulton, about 33 Jon" Marston 4"! j ^'^^^^ ^^" ^ '^^°"' '3 °^ which is well cleared Jon" Leavitt — Jon" Darbee Settled Jon" Marston Jun' \ Capt. Dewey Settled, 8 acres under Improvement George March J thereabouts Benjamin Batchelder — Noah Dewey settled, ab't 6 acres under do. Joseph Philbrick — Clem' Emery do. ab' 6 do. do. Nathan Moulton Tun' } j , j r ^ , -k, ,.. Philip Hooker /-Improvements made for Col. Moulton. Names of all the Men, Woz/ien and Childre/i in Orford. 1772. Married Mens Names Married Womens Names Capt Linsford Morey Mary Morey Israel Morey Martha Morey Ichabod Palmer Tabitha Palmer John Woodward Cintha Woodward Constant Bliss Elizabeth Bliss Shubel Cross Hipsebath Cross Experience Cross Mehitabl Cross Joel Phelps Mary Phelps John Wood Hannah Wood Jonath.an Sawyer Tabitha Sawyer Ebenezar Bracket Benjamin Cate Nathan Dewy William Marston Mary Marston Jonathan Darby Abigail Darby Thomas Sawyar Hipsebath Sawyar TOWN PAPERS ORFORD. 649 John Man Lydia Man Daniel Tillotson Mary TiUotson Noah Dewey Abigail Dewey Capt Noah Dewy Abigail Dewey Clemment Emery Mary Emery Jeremiah Post Anna Post Edward Sawyer Hannah Sawyer Benjamin Baldwin Elizabeth Baldwin Benjamin Baldwin Jun Lydia Biildwin Ebenezer Baldwin Abigail Baldwin Eldad Poet Hannah Post Samuel Phelps Lydia Phelps James Calking les Marsa Calking Toung Womens Names Yoiing Mens Nair, Revd. Obadiah Noble Ruby Coats Gillom Bliss Comfort Coats Jacob Mai-ston Hulda Marston .Tohn Wright Ruby Richerson William Marston Rhoda Calkings Abraham Palmer Hannah Post Richard Haynes Abigail Backster William Tolton John Crosbie Samuel Haynes Ichabod Sawyer Abel Sawyer 174 Jonathan Darby John Morey Daniel Butterfield George Wilson Giles Tiffeny zges children i/i Orford. Names and c • of the Male children ^ age. yrs. mos. Fenwle children ^ age yrs. Ichabod Palmer 16 Mehitabel Cross 12 Oliver Cross 5 Martha Morey 4 Israel Morey 12 Pheby Woodward 8 Samuel Morey 10 Eurana Woodward .oJ Moulton Morey 7 Lavina Darby 12 Darias Linsford Morey 5 Lucy Darby 0 Theodoras Woodward U 8 Elizabeth Darby 3 John Woodward 1 8 Mary TiUotson I5 John Marston 16 4 Olive Dewey ID Peter Marston 11 4 Lydia Baldwin 9 Josiah Marston 9 Elizabeth Baldwin 8 John Sa-wyar IB Mary Marston 9 Simeon Darby IB Deborah Marston 9 Ezra Darby 14 Elizabeth Marston 7 Apollas Darby 3 Olle Marston 3 Lemuel Darby I B Orenda Phelps 7 John Man 5 8 Bridet Phelps 'i Solomon Man 3 8 Lydia Phelps k Jerod Man 1 3 Abigail Baldwin 6 Lemuel Dewey 13 Mai-y Post 5 650 NEW HAMPSHIRE Elias Dewey 8 Eurana Baldwin 4 Ezra Dewey 6 Martha Baldwin 1 Noah Dewey 0 1 Aainath TiUotson IJ Elaxander Dewey 2 Benjamm Baldwin 5 Theophilus Baldwin 3 Samuel Phelps Jun. 5 Eldad Post 13 Aaron Post 11 Daniel Post 6 Russel Post 4 Ebenezer Baldwin 2 Samuel Calkings 9 Fredrick CaUdngs 7 Cyrus CalkingB 5 Enos Calkings 2 Joseph Cross 3 Andrew Peters 14 Note. — Readers will notice some discrepancy in the lists of names above. Ed. Petition of William Simpson d; others in behalf of the inhabitants of Orford. Province of ) To his Excellency John 'Wentworth Esq' New Hampshr J Captain General, & Governor &c. in and over the Province aforesaid and to the hon"' his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives in general Assembly conven'd on Tuesday the fifth Day of Jan. A.D. 1773. The Petition of William Simpson, John Man and James Calkin, Inhabitants of the Town of Orford humbly sheweth, that the Major Part of the Inhabitants of said Orford, by their Agents Alexander Phelps and Israel Mowry prefer'd a Peti tion to the General Assembly, on the twelfth Day of Decem ber A.D. 1771 Praying that his Excellency and your honours wou'd enact and order that a Tax of two Pence L Money to be assessed on each and every acre of Land in said Orford indiscriminately as well improved as unimproved Lands (the Public Rights excepted) annually for the next four years, and that they be impowered to levy and collect the same of the owners of said Land to be by the Inhabitants expended Solely for their Ministers Settlement & Salary as they shall become due. And for building a House for divine Service, as in and by said petition will more fully and largely appear. Now the said Simpson, Man and Calkins your Petitioners beg Leave to represent to your Exes' 4 Honours, that the major Part of the said Inhabitants of Orford are of the dissenting or Congrega- TOWN PAPERS ORFORD. 65 I tional Profession, that there Ministers called and settled there is of the same Profession ; but that your Petitioners are of the Profession of the Church of England, as Established by L»w, that they have possessions and Lands in the said Town of Orford, that they claim by natural Right and Lib erty, and upon the Principles of Religion an Exemption of having their Lands or Estates taxed for the Maintainance, Support or Charge either in Building or any other Manner, for any Minister other than for the Profession of the Church of England ; that it wou'd be illiberal and cruel to tax their Lands & Estates against there Consent, to maintain and sup port the Ministers of other Professions while they maintain and support their own ; that they have taken Measures, and Contributed towards the Expence in Conjunction with some of the Inhabitants of the Neighboring Towns, to procure a Minister of the Church of England to settle among them ; that they do not ask nor expect any one of a different profes sion to aid or assist in his Maintainance or Support in any Manner whatever : Wherefore your Petitioners most humbly pray your Excellency & Honours, that their Lands & Estates in the Said Town of Orford, and the Lands & Estates of all others in said Town, now of the profession of the Church of England, maj' be exempted from all Taxes and Impositions, for the Purpose of Maintaining & supporting any Minister, other than of their own Profession, or if your Exc'y & Hon ours in your 'Wisdom shall think fit and proper to tax the Lands and Estates of your Petitioners and others, they most earnestly pray that the Monies arising on said Tax may be at their own Discretion, appropriated to the use and Benefit of supporting their own Minister, or for the Purpose of other religious and Charitable Uses. And your petitioners, as in Duty Bound will ever pray. William Simpson John Man James Calkins Portsmouth Jan> 8'" 1773 In Council Janv 8"" 1773 Read and ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''' Assembly Geo. King D. Sec^ 652 NEW HAMPSHIRE PELHAM. [Incorporated 6 July, 1746. Ed.J Province of '| ^ .. c .. a NewHamp'MJ^""^""^^ '^''7^^ At a Town meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the town of Pelham Regularly Assembled, it was then voted to chuse Capt. Henry Baldwin to apply to the General Assembly of said Province in the behalf of this town in order to Get the Non resident land Taxed ly ing in this town ; to Enable them to support and maintain the Gospel &c. Feb. y' 12, 1746 A true Coppy taken from Pelham town Book of Record Attest Eleazer Whiting- town Clerk Henry Baldwi/i's petition in behalf of the Tow/i of Pelham. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Capt. General Governour & Commander in chief in & over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire, The Hon" " his Majesties Council & House of Representatives in Gen' Court as sembled. The Humble Petition of Henry Baldwin of Pelham in said Province Gentleman Shews That y" Inhabitants of s'' Pelham are but few in Number & some of them not able to pay any Tax at all and besides other Difficulties which they labour un der in their presen t needy Circumstances y" War makes their case much more difficult & y'' Support of y" Ministry and their other Necessary charges more intolerable. That there are many valuable Tracts of Land owned by non resident Proprietors which Lands are much meliorated by our Improvements & at our Expence and we are verily perswaded that some if not all of s ' non resident Proprietors would will ingly be subjected to p-ay something towards our Help. I would therefore in y= name & on y" Behalf of s'' Inhabitants as well as on my own humbly supplicate your Excellency & Honours by an act to Subject said non residents Lands to pay a Tax of one penny & an Half annually pr. acre for five years next ensuing & toi impower a Collector or Collectors by us lawfully constituted to collect y" same or otherwise do what your Excellency & Honours shall think best for us & consist ent with Justice. Henry Baldwin Portsm" Apr. 2" 1747. Hainpshir^ } ^" *^ House of Representatives April 2' 1747 Voted That the Petitioner be heard on this Petition y'^ third Day of TOWN PAPERS PELHAM. 653 y Setting of y' Gen' Assembly after yo first Monday in May next & that y Petitioner at his own proper Cost advertize y^ publick two or three weeks successively between this Day & y" aforesaid third Day of the setting of y" General Assembly in one of y» publick News Papers of y"- Matter of y« Prayer of s" Petition & this order of Court that so eveiry one may have opportunity to shew cause if any they have why y" Prayer of s"! Petition should not be granted. D. Peirce Clr. In Council April 3'' 1747 Read & Concurrd Sam Solly Sec protem Eodem Die Consented to B. Wentworth Province of ) , ., ,. ^ _ New Hampshir H" ^^'^ ^°"^^ °f Representatives 14"' May 1747 'Voted That in answer to the annex'd all y Land of said Pelham resi dents as well as non-residents be subjected to a Tax of a Penny & an half pr. acre for four years next ensuing & that a Collector or Collectors l)e impowered to collect the same & that y" Petitioner have Liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly D. Peirce CI' In the House of Representatives 16'" May 1747 It is further voted that the Inhabitants of said Pelham make it appear by an account to be rendered annually to y" Gen' Assembly that the money has been apply'd for y uses mentioned in the annexed Petition on Pain of Refunding the same D. Peirce Clk. In Council Eod"' Die read & Concurr'd Theodore Atkinson Sec^ Eodem Die Assented to B. Wentworth Petitio/i oj Selcct/nen of Pelha/n for po-wer to tax non resi dent lands. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Captain Gen eral Governor in chief in and over His Majestys Province of New Hampshire in New England, To the Honourable His Majestys Council & House of Representatives of said Prov ince in General Court assembled at Portsmouth the four teenth Day of July, 1756. The Petition of James Wilson John Hamblet & Benjamin Barker Selectmen of the Town of Pelham in the Province aforesaid in behalf of said Town, Humbly Sheweth That the Inhabitants of said Town labour under many Difficulties by Reason that about one half of the Land in Said Town is owned by Non Resident Proprietors (as your Petitioners Humbly conceive) and the Taxes which 654 NEW HAMPSHIRE the Selectmen of the Said Town assessed on the lands in said 'f'own at one penny half penny per acre annually in years past hath been applied and used as in and by the act for granting the same was ordered and yet there must be further great Cost and charge before the Meeting House in said Town be finished, and moreover the Inhabitants of said Town (though few in number) are desirous to promote learning among them and to that end be at the Cost to Keep a School. And further there is a certain River (called Beaver River) Runs through the Body of the said Town which occasions great charge for Building and maintaining five Bridges over said River to accommodate people in passing over the same from all which (and other circumstances) ariseth great Cost and charge upon the Inhabitants of said 'Town. And the said Non Resident owners of such lands are greatly benefited and may be still by the performance of these things thereby raising the value of such lands. Your Petitioners therefore (being Desirous to act and do such things as tend to the General Interest of the Town) Humbly supplicate the serious Consideration and favour of your Excellency and your Hon"* Praying that power and au thority ma}' be granted to the Said Town to Tax all the Lands of such Non- Residents lying within the said Town at two pence per acre annually for such term as your Excellency & your Hon'" in your wisdom and Goodness shall think fit and Judge meet — all which is humbly presented by Tames Willson ) o 1 i. T TT f selectmen John Hamblet y r- p lu Benjamin Barker ) In Council July 15, 1756 read & ordered to be Sent Down to the Hon'"'" House Theo'« Atkinson Sec?. Province of 1 In the House of Representatives July if"" 1756 This New Hamp'" / Petition being read Ordered That the Petitioners be heard thereon y 2^ Day of the Sit ting of the General Assembly next after y* i'' day of Sep' next Ensuing, & y' in the meantime the petitioner at his own Cost & charge Cause this order of Court with the Substance of s* petition to be advertized in some publick print for three weeks successively. Andrew Clarkson, CI' In Council Eodem Die read & concurred Theo's Atkinson Secy Province of "1 In the House of Representatives Dec' 22" 1756 This New Hamp"'' J Petition being read, & it appearing that the above order of Court had been Conformed to and no person appear ing against the Petition the prayer of which appears reasonable There fore 'Voted That the prayer thereof be granted & that the petitioners have TOWN PAPERS — PEELING. 655 Liberty to bring in a Bill according subjecting the s" Lands to the said Tax for five years Andrew Clarkson Clk. In Council December 23"' 1756 read & concurred Theodore Atkinson Sec PEELING. [Peeling was first granted Sept. 23, 1763, to Eli Demeritt; settle ments were begun about 1773. Ed.] To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Governor of His Majestjr's Province of New Hampshire The Petition of Nathaniel Cushman of Lebanon in Con necticut most Humbly sheweth That he hath a Number of Sons disposed to remove into the s^ Province, & become Settlers on the New & Unculti vated Lands within the same ; & that a Number of his Friends are of the same disposition — in the whole A Number fully Sufficient to settle an entire Township. Your Excellency's humble Petitioner therefore Prays your Excellency, to Grant to him & them A Certain Tounship of Land, within s* Province, called & known by the Name of Peeling, on such Terms, subject to such Settling Duties & endowed with such Town Priviledges as the other Towns in s* Province have generally & usually been Granted upon & Endowed with — & your Excellency's humble Petitioner as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray. Lebanon 17"' June A.D. 1771. Nathaniel Cushman Memorial of Nath Cushman and others for a regrant of the Town of Peeling. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq"^ Governor of the Province of New Hampshire in New England in America. The Memorial of Nath' Cushman & others Subscribers, Humbly Sheweth, That we are desirous of Settling a Town ship of Land, within the Province of New Hampshire. That we understand that a certain Town formerly Granted by the Name of Peeling, is now Vacant & Ungranted & that 656 new HAMPSHIRE your Excellency is willing to Grant that Town to People who will settle the Same. — Whereupon We humbly Move your Excellency to Grant the same to us in such Proportions as we subscribe for, & by the Name of Fairfield, subject to Such Duties & Penalties, & Endowed with such Priveledges, as your Excellency has been accustomed to Grant other Towns, ¦within s'' Province. And your Excellency's memorialists as in Duty Bound shall ever Pray. Dated at Lebanon this 24"' day of November, A.D. 1771 & in the 12*'' year of his majesty's Reign Henchman Bennet PoUecarpus Cushman Artemus Cushman Wm Cushman Nathl Hatch Jas Lassell John Crocker Joshua Eldei-kin Joshua Booth Elderkin Oliver Barbur Aaron Barbui- Obadiah Barbur Abner Flint John Crocker Jum- Isaac Cushman Nathaniel Cushman Jun. Caleb AheU Jar Rowland Swift Jur Silas Swift John Strong Nathl Cushman William WUliams Thos WiUiams Jona Trumbull Junr David Trumbull Jas. Trumbull John Trumbull David Barbur Caleb Abel .Jacob Sheaffe Junr Dr Thompson Esq. of Durham WiUm Torrey David Boynton Thos Curtain Cheevers Eight do do do do do do do do do Rowland Swift Benja Lyman Jedediah Strong Jedediah Strong Jun. Ebr Garey Asahel Clark Jun Allerton Cushman Jun Ambrose Cushman Samuel Clark Simon Ciark Consider Cushman Joab Cushman Solomon Williams Alexander Phelps Neziah Bliss Jehlel Rose Samuel Clark Jr. Samuel Clark 3d Samuel Robinson John Hurd Samnel Roberson Jr. Ebenezer Lech Henery Burt Benjn Cofrass Elijah Tisdel Jacob Eliot William Sims William Sims Jr. George Sims Supply Clapp Jacob Tilton Portsmouth John Sherburne Esqr. Thomas Shannon of Dover TOWN PAPERS PEMBROKE. 657 PEMBROKE. [This town was originally Suncook, and afterwards Lovewell's Town ; «nd was granted by Massachusetts to the brave men who belonged to the company of Capt. John Lovewell, and to the heirs of those who fell in the memorable engagement at Pequawket. The first Settlement was made about the year 1729, by some of the survivors of that engage ment. The Town was chartered by New Hampshire, i November, 1759. Ed.] To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Captain Gen eral and Governor in chief in and over his Majestys Prov ince of New Hampshire in New England the Honourable the Council and House of Representatives in General Court Convened. The memorial and Petition of Moses Foster in the Name and Behalf of the Inhabitants of the Plantation of Suncook in Said Province, Humbly Sheweth, That the Said Plantation has been Settled by His Majestys Subjects about Eleven years and a Gospel minister ordained there Several years. That the Settlers had an eye at enlarging His Majestys Do minions by going into the Wilderness as well as at their own Interest That several Thousand Pounds have been spent in clearing and cultivating the Lands there and in erecting Houses, Barns, and Fences ; besides a large additional Sum in Fortifications, lately made by His Excellency the Governours Order. That the breaking up of the Settlement will not only ruin the Memorialists, but in their Humble Opinion greatly dis serve His Majestys Interest by encouraging his Enemies to encroach on His derelict Dominions and be also hurtful to the Province by contracting its Borders and by drawing the War nearer to the capital. That it was by a long and importunate Intercession of this Province (and not of the Memorialists seeking) that they are put under the immediate care of this Government which they apprehend gives them so much the better Right to its Protec tion. That as War is already declared against France and a Rup ture with the Indians hourly expected your memorialists unljess they have Speedy help will be soon oblidged to dissert their Settlements how disserviceable so ever it may be to the Crown, and this Province and ruinous to themselves Wherefore your Memorialists most humbly Supplicate your Excellency the Honourable Council and House of Represent atives to take the Premises into your wise and mature Con- 42 658 NEW HAMPSHIRE sideration and to grant them such Seasonable Relief as may enable them to maintain His Majesty's Dominions in so an cient and well regulated a Settlement as well as to secure their own Lives and Fortunes against the Ravage and Devastations of a Blood-thirsty and Mercy-less Enemy and your Memori alists as in Duty bound will ever Pray. Moses Foster Portsmouth June 20. 1744- To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Capt. General, Commander & Gov in chief in & over his Majesties Prov ince of New Hampshire in New England, the Honourable his Majesties Council & House of Representatives in Gen eral Court convened. The Memorial & Petition of Benjamin Holt in the name and behalf of a major part of the inhabitants of the New planta tion commonly known by the name of Suncook or Lovewells Town in said Province Humbly Sheweth, That the said plantation has been settled By his Majesties Subjects about fourteen years, and a Gosple Minister upwards of seven, that the settlers had an eye atenlarging his Majesties Dominions by going into the Wilderness, as well as at their own Interest That many thousand pounds have been spent in clearing & cultivating the Lands there, and many more in erecting Houses Fortifications, Barns and Fenses. That the Buildings are properly formed for defence, and Well scituated for a Barrier being on Merrimack River about a Days march below the Confluence of Winnipishoky and Pemissawasset Rivers Both of which are gang ways of the Canadians to the Frontiers of this province and within a Weeks March at farthest.from a very Strong Fort Built within these few years by the French at Crown point, which will be a Place of constant Retreat and Resort for the French and In dians in all their Expeditions against the English Settlements. That the Breaking up of the Settlements will not only Ruin the memorialists. But in their humble opinion greatly disserve his Majesties interest by incouraging his Enemies to Encroach on his derelict Dominions and be also hurtful to the Province by contracting its Borders and drawing the War nearer the capital. That it was by a long and importunate intercession of this Province (and not of the memorialists seeking) that they are cast under the immediate care of this government which they apprehend gives them so much Better Right to its protection. TOWN PAPERS — PEMBROKE. 659 That as War has been declared against France for some time and a Rupture with the Indians has been hourly Expected many of the inhabitants of said Plantation by K.eason of their being so exposed to Eminent danger from their Enemies have already moved from said Plantation The Season of the year being such as to give the Indians an opportunity of Disturbing the Frontiers. And your memorialists unless they have sufficient & speedy help will bee soon obliged to Evacuate said Plantation how disserviceable soever it may be to (the) crown Dishonourable to the government Hurtful to the Province and Ruinous to themselves Wherefore your Memorialists most Humbly sjpplicate your Excellency the Honourable Council & House of Representa tives to take the Premises into your wise and mature Consider ation and to grant them thirty or forty soldiers to be posted at said Plantation for scouting Watching, Warding & guarding, with Sufficient Military Stores or otherwise to grant them such aids Both with Respect to men & military stores as your Ex cellency & Honours shall think sufficient to secure your Memo rialists Lives & Fortunes against the Ravage and Hostilities of our said Enemies. And your memorialists as in duty Bound Shall ever pray. Portsmouth April the 30 ' 1745. Benjamin Holt. Town fneeting relating to Rev. A. Whittez/iore, &c. Notice is hereby given to all the freeholders and Inhabitance of the Parish of Pembrook to meet at the New Meeting house in s'' parish on Monday the fifteenth Day of November next at ten of the Clock in the forenoon then and there when met, firstly to Chuse a Moderator to Regelat s" meeting. Secondly, to see if the Selectmen shall be Impowered by a Vote to ses and Rais the money according to Law that the Rev' Mr. Aaron Whitemore Recovered by Judgment of Court of the parish of Pembrook if Not then thirdly to see if they will vote to Rais any money to revew the action and further withstand the Rev. Mr. Whitemore. Fourthly to see if thej- will vote that the Rev. Aaron Whitemore shall be forbiden to Do any servise for the futter as a gospel minister for the Parish of Pembrook by a Comittee Chosen for that Purpose. fifthly to chose a Committee to forbid the Rev' Mr. Aaron Whitemore to Do any service for the futter as a gospel minister for the parish of Pembrook and to make a Return of their Doings to the parish Clark to be Recorded. Dated at Pembrook in the province of New hampshire October y« 30 Day 1762 A true copy per. me John Coifrin Parish Clark Thom* M' Lucas ) Will'" Knox \ Selectmen David Conor j <66o NEW HAMPSHIRE At a Legual meeting held at Pembrook November y' 15, 1762. firstly voted Thomas Lucas Moderatore the second Artickel in the warrant Past in the Nagittive. the third Artickel in the warent Past in the Nagitive. Fourthly voted that the Rev'' Mr. Aaron Whitemore Shall be forbiden to Do any Service for the futture as a gospel minister for the parish of Pembrook by a Comittee chosen for that Purpose. fiftly to chuse a Committee to forbid the ReV" Mr. Aaron Whitemore to Do any Servise for the futter as a gospel minister for the Parish of Pembrook and to make A Return 'of their Doings to the Parish Clark to be Recorded A true coppy pr. me John Coffrin Parish dark We the Subscribers Being a Committee chosen by the Parish of Pem brook to forbid the Rev' Mr. Aron Whitemore to Do any service as a gospel minister for s"! Parish of Pembrook for the futter and accordingly we have forbid the said Aaron Whitemore to Do any servise for the futter as a gospel minister for said parish. Dated at Pembrook Novem ber y IS, 1762. A true coppy pr. me John Coffrin Parish dark Robert White Eleazer Allen James Cochran At a meeting held at Pembrook January y^ 31 day, 1763 I'y voted Thomas M^Lucas Modrator 2'y then the Coppy of our Petition was read by Thomas M'Lucas acord ing to the order of Court In the hearing of all that would atend after being Posted two Publick days. A true Copy Pr. me John Coffrin Parish Clark Petition for a Justice of the Peace. Province of ) To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq'' New Hamp'" j Capt. General Governour and Commander in chief in and over his Majestys Province of New hampshire and the Hono'"'* His Majesty's Council of said Province. Humbly Shews the Inhabitants of Pembrook In said Prov ince, Whereas your Excellency and Hono'^ are furnishing the Several Parts of your Government with Officers of Justice for the Preserving the Ecconomy of Civil authority throughout Your Government We therefore Humbly Conceive Your Excellency and Hon'" will not think us Impertinent or acting more than our Duty in offering This our Humble Request Thatwe your Petitioners in the Parish of Pembrook aforesaid may have a Person assigned ihem to Keep the peace Throughout this Province and Con- TOWN PAPERS PEMBROKE. 66 1 sidering your Excellency & Hon' have very Little personal ac quaintance with our Parishioners, We further Beg Leave to recommend to Your Excellency and Hon''' Mr. John Bryent of said Parish of Pembrook as a suitable & capable person to be Intrusted with such Office, which is of Great Importance as it is Relative to the Honour of the Government & to the Peace and safety of Your Excel lency & Hon'''' Most dutiful and Loj'al Subjects the Petitioners who as in Duty Bound shall Ever pray &c. Pembroke Sep'' 3'' 1767 .Tohn Noyes Benja NoitIb James Conner .John Conner Samnel Jemes David Gilman 'I'homas McLucas Daniel McLucas James McLucas Benja Jenkins Joseph Sinkler John Siukler Nathaniel Piper sen. Nathaniel Piper Willm Cochran James Cochran Jnnr Jamea Cochran Nathaniel Martin Pomfrett Whithouse Robert McDaniel .Juhn CuUimore i-'rancis McCoy Solomon Whitehouse Nebtiniah McDanel Ro'oert McDaniel .Tohn Cochran Josiah Alien Ichabod Clark .-^ani 1 M'Conel James Fife Closes McConel John Man James Man John Man Jun. Nathaniel Walker Decon James Moor Robert Moov \riUiam Moor Jacob Doyne John Moor Ambros Goold '! William Robertson Andw Robertson Thos Robertson Samuel Connor James Martin Andrew Bunten Daniel Moor James Cunningham David Connor .Saml Noyes Benja Noyes John Noyes Jun. Saml Karr Eliphalet Connor Willm Knox James Knox Joseph Cochran .John Cochran Jr. John .iIcDaniel James Garey '? Peter Gilman Jlopcs .Mem 'i Petitio7i of Jn" Bryent agent for the Presbyterians of Pembroke. Province of ) To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq"" New Hampshire j Governor and Commander in cheif in & over said Province, The hon'''" His Maj esty's Council and The House of Representatives in Gen eral Assembly Conven'd Aug' 24'" 1768. The Humble Petition of John Bryent of Pembroke in said 662 NEW HAMPSHIRE Province Esq'' agent for the Presbyterean Society in said Pem broke Sheweth That by An act of the General assembly of said Province in the 4"" year of His Majestys Reign George the third among other things it was enacted " that all Persons then living in Pembroke belonging to the Presbyterian Congregation there or that should be joined to that Society hereafter Shou'd be exempted & exonerated from' paying towards the Support of the Congregational Minister, of said Pembroke ; " excepting only for three months, which was the Time of settling the Congregational Minister before any Presbyterean Minister was settled there ; for which time the said Presbyterean Society were to pay their Proportion according to their Estates & ability, as in other public charges. — And it was further Enact ed by the authority afores'' that the said Presbyterean Society Shou'd pay the sum of Twelve hundred Pounds old Ten'' be ing a Sum voted in said Pembroke to defray the charges of a Suit at Law bro'ght by the Congregational Minister there for his Salary before due — And said Presbyterean Society were then in & by the same act incorporated into a Separate Parish as to their Church affairs and as to the Support and maintain ing the Ministry in their own form as in and by said act it will more fully appear. And your Petitioner's Constituents After wards by an Assessment made upon them for the Residue of said Twelve hundred Pounds which they had not paid before the Passing said Act (the Major Part thereof being before paid) under the hands and Seals of William Moore and Isaac White Selectmen of and for said Pembroke for the year A.D. 1765 had the residue of said Sum collected from them for the Payment of said Law Suit, And by Another Assessment under the hands and seals of Ephraim Blunt Will" Moore and Isaac White Selectmen of said Pembroke for the year 1764 y"' Pef" Constituents were obliged to pay the other Sum ordered in said act to be paid by said Constituents to the Con gregational Minister of said Pembroke for said three months' Preaching That Isaac White in the Name of the Congrega tionals of said Pembroke after the Payment of said Sums by the said Presbyterean Society to the said Congregationals in Manner afores'' did Petition the said General Assembly ; set ting forth among other things contain'd said Petition, "That the said Sums above mentioned were then unpaid and that Particular Persons had given their Security for Payment of the Same with Interest which Several Sums amounted to one hun dred and twenty Pounds lawful money besides several years Interest, which ought to be assessed on Part of the Inhabit ants of said Pembroke only" Meaning your Petition"'' Con stituents. Your Petitioners Constituents As Soon as they TOWN PAPERS — PEMBROKE. 663 ¦were served with a Copy of said last mentioned Petition they chose Capt. Thomas Lucas as their Agent to appear in their Name and oppose the Prayer of said Petition ; who attended two Sessions of the said General Assembly and said Petition not being acted upon at either return'd home at the third Ses sion of said Assembly the said Lucas was accidentally or Providentially hindered from Attending at which Session the Petition passd in favor of the Petitioners without any of said Constituents being present to contradict and disprove the Cap ital facts therein alledged — In Consequence of which an Act was passd thereupon to levy and collect of the said Constitu ents the same sum of money they had before paid in Manner afore mentioned. The Committee impowered by said Act to Assess said Sums have assessed said Constituents for the Same. Wherefore your Pef Humbly prays in behalf of his said Constituents, That your Excellency and Honors would in your great Wisdom exempt and exonerate them from the Pay ment of any Part of the Several and respective sums assessed on them by said Committee. ^That you would order y' the Collection of said Tax might be suspended in the mean Time, or any other 'Way relieve said Constituents from the grievous and insupportable Burden they labor under. And your Petif as in Duty bound shall ever pray. Aug 25 "" 1768 Jn° Bryent, ) Agent for the j Presbyterean Society In Council Aug 27"' 1768 read & order'd to be sent down to the Hon'''^ Assembly. Geo. King Dep. Sec>' Petition to send a representative. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq'' Capt. General Gov ernour & Commander in chief in and over His Majesty's Province of New Hampshire. The Petition of the Freeholders and Others Inhabitants of the Town of Pembroke in the County of Rockingham, Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners in the aforesaid Town Sensible of the right inherent tc English Men to be represented in General Assembly according to the British Constitution and the many Inconveniences attending the want Thereof Pembroke being one of the oldest and best settled Towns within This Prov ince Humbly Pray that your Excellency would be Pleased to grant a Precept to Enable them to send a proper person to represent them in General Assembly as They Can by no 664 NEW HAMPSHIRE means Think Taxation and Representation Can be Sever'J without Committing a Palpable Breach in that Inestimable Paladium of English Liberty, Magna Charta And your Petitioners as in Duty Bound will Ever Pray. Dated at Pembroke April 12*'' 1774 Saml McConnel James Head Thomas Moses Tyler ? .Joseph Baker Ephraim Blunt Benja Holt John Mann .Joseph Emery .Tun. Pomphret Whitehouse Benjamin Norris Joshu.i Tyler Jno Bryent David Connor David Gilman Jonathan Dix Richard Bartlett Nathan Waite Samuel Conner Saml Noyes Ebenezer Prye Nathl Martin Ichabod Robie Aaron Whittemore Danieal Lucas Robert Hastings John Connor Samnel Jennes John Carlton John Clark John .\yer Benja Piper Joseph Emery James Knox Nathaniel Piper Nathaniel Pyper Willm Cochran James Cochran James Cochran Jun. WiUiam Martin .Tames M.^rtien Nehemiah McDaniel Robt McDaniel John Cochran Solomon Whitehouse Peter Robinson Robert Cochran Stephen B.-irtlett Caleb Lovejoy Joseph Swett Samuel EoUet Mickel Kimball David Kimball Caleb Foster Moses Foster Nath.in Holt WiUm Knox Zebulon Robinson WiUiam Marston Junr. .Jame.s Fife David EArnum Lemuel Sticliney James Cunningham John 'Whittemore John Fife William Fife .James Robinson WiUiam Mann Isaac White .Tohn Moor Jun Robert Moor Moses McConnell Jonathan Eliot Andw Robertson Saml Daniell Joshua Kimball TOWN PAPERS — PETERBOROUGH. 665 PETERBOROUGH. [This town was granted by the Province of Massachusetts, in 1738, to Samuel Haywood, and others. The first settlement was effected in 1739, by W"' Robbe, Alexander and William Scott, Hugh Gregg and Samuel Stinson. It was incorporated, by the Province of New Hamp shire, 17 January 1760. Ed.] Petition of the town of Peterborough. Province of | To His Excellency Benning Wentworth New Hampshire j Esq. Commander in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hamp. The Honourable his Majestys Council of said Province. The Humble Petition of us the Subscribers Being Inhabi tants of a Tract of Land Lying in said Province on the West side of Merrjmiac River of the Contents of about six Miles square. Commonly Called and Known by the Name of Peter borough in Behalf of ourselves and others the Inhabitants of said Tract of Land, Most Humbly shews, That about the year of our Lord 1739 a number of Persons in Consequence of a Grant of a Tract of land, had and obtain'd from the Great And Gen' Court, or Assembly of the Province of the Massa chusetts Bay by Samuel Haywood and Others his Associates Granting to them the s ' Tract of Land on certain Conditions of Settle' and in Pursuance whereof a number of People Imediately went on to said Tract of land and began a Settle ment, (Tho then Very Far from any other Inhabitants) which we have Continued Increasing ever since the s'' year 1739, Except Sometimes when we left said Township for fear of Being Destroyed by the Enemy who Severall times Drove us from our Settle' soon after we Began, and almost Ruined many of us. Yet what Little we had in the World, Lay there, and we having no wheither Else to Go Return'd to our settle' as soon as Prudence would addmit, where we have Continued Improving Constantly Ever Since and have Cultivated a Rough part of the Wilderness to a Fruitful! field, the Inhabitants of said Tract of Land are Increas'd to the Number of forty five or Fifty Famelys, and our Situation, with the Respect to the Terms we at first Settl'd on are Such thatwe Cannot hold any Propri''^ meeting at all to pass any Vote or Votes that will be Sufficient to Oblige any person to do any part towards Suport- ing the Gospel Building a Meeting house and Bridges, Clear ing and Repairing Roads all which wou'd not only be a Ben efit to us Settlers to have it in our power to do but a Great Benefit to People Travelling to Connecticut river and those Towns settling beyond us. Therefore we Humbly Request of Your Excell-' & Hon" to take the Premises under Considera- 666 NEW HAMPSHIRE tion and Incorporate us that we may be Invested with Town Priveledges and immunities as other towns are in this Province And Your petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray &c. Ocf 3" 1759 Thomas Morison Jonathan Morison Thomas Cunningham Your Petition''^ beg leave to add as a matter of Considerable Importance that the only Road from Portsmouth thro' this Province to number four is thro' said Township of Peterbor ough & which makes it more necessary to Repair said Road within said Township & to make many Bridges which they cannot do unless Incorporated & Enabled to Raise Taxes &c. Petition for a new County. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esqr. Captain General, Governour & Commander in Chief in & over his Majesties Province of New Haiinpshire & the Honourable His Majes ties Council & House of Representatives in General Assem bly Conven'd. The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitants of the Sundry Towns to which our names are annexed, All in the Province aforesaid Humbly Shews That by Reason of our Remote Sit uation from the Metropolis of the Government, where all the Courts Legislative & Executive are held Our Expense time & Trouble &c to Recover our Just Debts is Often greater than our Debts, & if the Case Requires Evidences & the Def ' Ap peals & procures a few Continuances we had better let any man with Hold a sum Large enough to Distress a poor family than be quite Ruined according to Law, in Perticular our Widows, Fatherless, & Orphans suffer, to settle an Estate agreeable to Law leaves little or nothing to Suport the Survi vors. Some are so unreasonable that they Report when we have a County on Our side Merrimac River, the Shire Town will be at that or Connecticut River & some are so weak as to believe it will be so, Either of which is so absurd & unjust it would be an affront to Common Sense & Impartial Justice to Offer Reasons for or against either. Our prayer is first that we may have a Countv Secondly that a Committee of Judicious Impartial Gentle men may View- all the Land & number all the Inhabitants, Intended to be Included in said County and every Circumstance being maturely Considered & every Reason Estimated at its Proper Nature we doubt not (from your well Known Clemency TOWN PAPERS — PETERBOROUGH. 667 & Impartial Justice) But we shall have a County & the Shire Town Appointed where it will best Accommodate the Inhab itants that are or may be within its Bounds, Which is all our desire & your Petitioners as in Duty Bound will ever prav. Dated Sep. 2'^ A D. 1767. John Young John Scott Alexander Swan Samuel Cunningham Humphery Emmory James Houston Samuel Willson John Taggart Junr. Hugh Willson Thomas Cuningham Gustavas Swan Moor Stinson Alexander Scott William Scott William Cochran William Spear Robert Willson Isaac Mitchell James Robbe John White' Thomas Morison John Morison Junr. Robert Morrison John White Junr. Charles Stuart Charles White Jonathan Morison John Goforth Thomas Morison Junr. Benjamin Esterbrook James Willson John Gragg Junr. John Willson Joseph Hammbel Neel Hammbel John Gragg Samuel Gragg Matthew Miller James Miller William Miller John Taggart y' 4"' Hugh Gragg Sam' Gragg James McDonlad William Robbe Junr. Sam' Mitchel Samuel Stinson John Robbe Moore Stinson James M'Coone Petition relating to Peterborough Slip. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esqr. Captain General and Governour in Chief in and over his Majestys province of New hampshire and vice Admiral of the Same & the Honourable his majestys Council. The Humble Petition of us the Subscribers humbly sheweth that whereas there is a certain part or Tract of Land in our Said province, Known by the name of Peterborough Slip un incorporated and not enough to make a town or Destrick and not under any regulation whereby we can repair our Roads which Lys unrepaired to the great Detriment of the Inhabit ants and the publick in general, we therefore humbly pray your excellency and honours that said tract or parcell of Land known by the Name of Peterborough Slip aforesaid may be annexed to the town of Peterborough as the most Contiguous Incorporate town that we may Injoy every privilidge consistant with our Infant State all which we Submit to your excellencys and your honours Clemency and as our Distant Situation is 668 NEW HAMPSHIRE well known to you we from your well known candor cannot fail to meet with Dispatch, we hope your compliance and we as in Duty bound will ever pray Peterborough Slip in the province of New hampshire May i8"' 1770 John M Allaster Inhabitance of s ' Peterborough John Thorn William McAUaster Peter McAUaster j- Slip and owners William McNee of Land in the David Moor | Same John Swan Jun'" J Petition relating to Rev. Joh/z Morrison. Province of \ To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq' New Hamps'"' \ Capt. Generai Governor & Commander in chief in & over the said Province of New Hampshire, To the Honourable his majes tys Councill & House of Representatives. The Humble Petition of us the Subscribers Being Inhabit ants of The Town of Peterborough in the County of Hills borough & Province aforesaid Humbly Sheweth that about five years since the Reverend John Morrison was Legally ap pointed to & ordained in the work of the ministry in said "Town since which Time he has been guilty various times of profane swearing. Drunkenness, Immodest Actions & conversation & other Lew'd wicked & Disorderly behaviour Quite unbecom ing the christian character by Reason of which your Petition ers Humbly apprehend that he is by no means Suitable to Ex ercise the sacred function, nor can they derive any Benefit or advantage from his ministry or Injoy any of the christian ordi nances under his administration Wherefore your Petitioners most Humbly pray That your Excellency & Honours would take the matter under your wise consideration & Release them from the agreement En tered into by them at the time of said Morrison settlement That they may have Liberty to settle & support some other minister who shall better support the ministerial character or grant them such other Relief as your Excellency & Honours shall Think proper & your Petitioners as in Duty bound will Ever pray. Dated at Peterborough Novem'' 27''' 1771 William M'Nee William Cochran Samuel Miller Archibald Cindinor James Cunningham John Willey TOWN PAPERS — PETERBOROUGH. 669 Mathew Miller James Taggart James McKeen William NcNe Jun'' William Miller Alexander Robbe James Miller David Steel Neall Hammel John Smith Sam' Willson Robert Morrison James Willson Joseph Hammill John Gragg Junr. Sam' Cunningham John Willson Thomas Little Daniel Mack John Mitchel Jasaniah Crosby Elijah Puffer William Moore John Puffer Hugh Willson Hugh Gregg Sam' Mitchel Abraham Holmes In Council Dec 14, 1771 The Petition was read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon'''^ As sembly Geo King D. SecJ' Province of ] In the House of Representatives Dec' 16, 1771. New Hampshire /Upon Reading this Petition Voted that the Petition ers serve the said John Morrison with a Copy of this Petition & order of Court thereon that he may be heard thereon the 3'' Day of the sitting of the General Assembly after the 15"' day of Jan uary next to shew cause if any he has why the Prayer hereof should not be Granted. Attest W'" Parker Clerk In Council Decem'' 18, 1771 This Petition having been Read the above 'Vote was non concurred & it is ordered that the Petition be dismissed. Geo King D. Sec^ In Council Decem. 20, 1771 This Petition was read & reconsidered and Concurred with this amend ment, that the Selectmen of Peterborough be also served with a Copy of this Petition by order of Court. Attest Geo. King D. Sec^ In the House of Representatives Dec 20, 1771 The above Vote of Council being Considered & the Question being put it pass'd in the Negative, it was then proposed that this petition be Dismissed Accordingly the Question being put it pass'd in the affirma tive Petition for a division oj Peterborough. To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq'' Capt. Gen' Com" in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hamp shire & Vice admiral of the same, and to the Hon'"'' his Majestys Council. The Petition of us the Subscribers Freeholders of the Town -of Peterborough Incorporated by Benning Wentworth Esq'' late Gov. of said province, the Free holders of that Tract of Land called Peterborough Slip, the Freeholders of that Tract of land called the Society, together with part of the Free- 670 NEW HAMPSHIRE holders of the Township of Jeffrey, most Humbly Shews — That your Petif* are at great inconveniencies as to the situa tion of said Vacant Tracts unincorporated, that the Tract called the Slip on the Southerly side of said Peterborough, & the Tracts on the Northerly side called the Society is neither of them near half sufficient to make a Corporated town or parish, and y'' petitioners pray your Excellency & Honours to Divide the said Township of Peterborough into two parts by a Westerly line extending from the middle of the East Bound ary to the middle of the West Boundary of said town, so that the Southerly part of said Peterb" may be annexed to the aforesaid Slip, together with four teir of Lotts taken off from the Easterly part of Jeffrey which will make one valuable Township, and your Petif* P^ay your Excellency & Honours to add to the North part of Peterb" about Three miles north of the now north Boundary extending by a west line from the west Boundary of Francestown till it meets with a line ex tending North from the North- West corner of said Peterb" so that one other Compleat Township may be made, & your petif* pray your Excellency & Honours to Incorporate said towns by the lines aforesaid which will much Facilitate the Settlement of the vacant Lands which now lye uncultivated in the aforesaid Towns and Vacant Tracts besides much con tributing to the Enjoyment of their Civil & Religious Rights & Priviledges and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound will ever pray. Peterborough Slip John Priest GUbert MoCay Benjamin Dole John MoAUester Ebenezer Thompson John Davis William McAUlster James McNee John Davidson James MiUikin Joseph Turner Solomon Coleman John Taggart Jun. Peterborough David Moore WiUiam McNee Andrew Baley WiUiam McNee Jun. Jacob Burkhard .John Richey John Whiteman John Taggart Henry Sallanham Robert Smith John Swan John Swan Junr. John Taggart Samuel Hogg Josiah Crosby Thomas Morison Jun. Andrew Conn John Morison John Smith Jeffrey. Thomas Morison James Heywood WiUiam Smith Samuel Butters John Scott Benjamin Nutting James Cunningham Daniel Davis William McCoy Ezekiel Hildreth Samuel MUler Alpheus Brigham Samuel MiUer Jun. Phineas Spaulding Hugh WUlson TOWN PAPERS — PETERBOROUGH. 671 Neal Hammel John White Junr. Jotham Blanchard Robert Morrison Samuel Giegg William Scott Society Samuel WiUson Moses Morison James Willson John Graham Abram Holmes George McClorg James McKeen Jonathan Barnett Thomas Cunningham April i8»" 1774 Petition against a division. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esqr. Captin General Governor and Commander in Chief in and over his Majes ties Province of New Hampshire and Vice Admiral of the same and also to the Honourable his Majesties Council. the Request of your Petitioners Humbly Sheweth That whereas your Excellency and Honours Petitioners (viz) Petterborrough and petterborrough Slip So called to gether with some of the inhabitants of the town of Jaffrey Are Desirous of obtaining four hundred Rods off the East End o: Jaffrey : Now we the Subscribers your Petitioners are of the mind that if Petterborrough Be Divided according to their Request and added to the petterborrough Slip it will Be accomo dated Both in quantity and qualaty for as Compleat a town as the town of Jaffrey as it now Stands Likewise in the West End of s' Jaffrey there is a Number of Baptists are now Em- bodyd into a Society and we Expect that they will Enjoy their Prevelidges 'without interuption also in the north West part of s** town is included Most part of the Grand Monadnock Moun tain and some Great ponds and other uninhabitable Lands (Viz) to the amount of Between two and three thousand Acres. Also Near the Center of s" town is Laid out ten acres of a Common and some Considerable of Labour Done upon it and a Burying yard laid out and Some people interred there also the Roads are opened By s'' Center so as to accommodate a Meetting House. Now if Such a Division Should take place it will unavoida ble Deprive us of many Valuable priviledges Such as Main taining the Gospel and otherwise. For Which Reasons aforementioned we your Humble Peti tioners Request your Excellency and Honours indulgence in Letting us Enjoy the aforesaid Town of Jaffrey as it now Stands Bounded, therefore trusting to your Excellency and 672 NEW HAMPSHIRE honours fidelity we your Petitioners Shall as we are in Duty Bound Ever Pray. Jaffrey April y= 8'-" 1774 WUliam Mitohell Francis Wright Solomon Grout Oliver Hale John Gilmore Oliver Procter his Dennis X Organ ? mark Samuele Sherwin John Harper Simon Warren Peter Warren Joseph Hodge Willm Smiley Mathew Wright Jonathan Priest Daniel Priest Jona Blodget Samuel Milliken William Milliken Ebenezer Ingalls Stephen Adams Peter McAUaster Robt Dunlap Joseph Wright Roger Gilmore WUUam Turner Elded Hetbreth ? John Little John Stanley John Smiley Jonathan Stanley Isaac Baldwin Jason Hemmenway Thomas Adams Isaac Wesson Elias Hathom Hiram Dean Ebenezer Hathom Samuel Peirce Ephraim Whitcom John Borland Jacob Peirce WiUiam Hogg WiUiam Fisher Robert Gilmore David Hunter John Brianle Kendall Briant Joseph Cutter Joseph Thomdick Joshua Thomdick Samuel Woodberry Baptists, Jefrey Henry Cofl'een Alexr McNeall Jonathan Jewett David Goodell John Henderson Nathaniel Turner David Allen David Stanley PLAISTOW AND ATKINSON. [See Atkinson.] Selecttnen of Plaistow' s Petition about a Constable. To His Excellency Bening Wentworth Esqr. Capt. General and Governor In chief In and over His Majesties Province of New hampshire. To the Honor' Council and Represent atives in said Provance, in Gen' Assembly Convened, y*^ 3* day of Dec'' 1754. The Petition of the Subscribers to your Excellency and TOWN PAPERS PLAISTOW AND ATKINSON. 673 Hon" Humbly Sheweth, that at the annuah Town Meeting held in Plastow by adjornment from the Laste Wensday of March Laste in this Present year then and their Was chosen to the offis of a Constabell for the year then Ensuing Moses Bel knap and also by Vote of the Town Samuel Kimbell who was one of our Constabel for the year paste was excepted of to serve as Constable Present year in the Roome of Benjamin Pettingall who was chosen Constabel at our firste meeting, so it Hapned our Town Clarke Lieu' Thomas Hale omitted Cum ing to meeting at our adjornment and Refuseth to Record these men as Constabels Because there was no Clark chosen Pro''^'" for that Day to Return the Votes to him. As to their being Le gally chosen Excepted of by the Town and sworn it can be attested to not onely by the Moderator but by the Town then present the Town not Noing the Nesesety of a Clerk it was omitted and their arisesth a Dispute in the Town that wee have no Constabels Notwithstanding the Moderators giveing them in to the Town Clerk upon oath and they have ofisiated in their offis by sarving warrants and wee have Committed a Tax or Assessment to them. If your Excellency and Hon''* would Compassionate ouer Surcumstances and Releave us under ouer Present Deficulty as in your Wisdom shall think beste. Samuel Little ) c , . T ,117 f selectmen John Webster y r. n, , Thomas Cheney r^"" P^^«t°^ In Council December I2«h 1754 read & ordered to be sent to the Hon""'' House Theodore Atkinson Sec^ Province of "I In the House of Representatives Dec' 12"" 1754 Upon New Hamp'" J Reading the within Petition and hearing the partys, 'The House are oi opinion y' the Town clerk of Plaistow ought to Record the Votes refered unto in the within Petition and that he be and hereby is directed to do the same. Matthew Livermore Clerk In Council Eodem Die read & Concurred Theodore Atkinson Sec' Eodem Die Consented to B. Wentworth. Province of \ Hampstead November i"' 1754. then the within New Hampshire / named Nicholas White Esqr. made Solemn oath that on the Second day of April last past the annual Town Meeting in Plastow in said Province was held by an adjornment at the Meeting House in said Town at which time and place the within writen voats was past. sworn before Daniel Little Just, peace. To Left. Thomas Hale town Clerk for Plastow, these are to desire you 43 674 NEW HAMPSHIRE forth with to Record y' within written vote in the town Book — they be ing the true minnits of the town meeting. Plastow Novembr y i"' 1754 vT- , tTTi. -i. 1 Moderator for Nicolas White \ ^„ ^^eting Province of "I Plastow Aprill y" 2, 1754. At the annuall town meet- New Hamp" J ing this Day hild by adjornment from y" Last Wensday of March Last the meeting being opened at time and place, By vote of the town Mr. Sam'-" Kimball is .S*cept of to serve as Con stable this year Ensuing In the Place of Mr. Benjamin Pettengel who was chosan Constabel at our Last meeting Past on the Last Wensday of March. By vote of the town Mr. Moses Belknapp is chosen Constabel for the west part of y" town for the year Ensewing. Jonathan Page chosen tith ing man Steven Dole Hogreaf. the meeting adjourn to the 8''' of Aprill Instants at 2 of the clock in the after Noon the town Clark not present Nicolas White, Moderator Vote of Haverhill District to set off Tifnberlain. At a Legal District meeting Holden at the old meeting House in said District on february y" 9" 1747, on the behalf of a Petition from Tim berlane so called with their Desire to be set off into a Destinct Parish by themselves as foiloweth viz : Beginning at Jonathan Stevens South 'West corner bound near the Islande Pond then Running by the East erly Side of Clements Land to his South Easterly Bound then Running by the Northerle side of Caleb Heaths and John Dustans Land to the Brook that Runs from Emersons mill, then Running by the Southerly side of Capt. George Littles and Thomas Littles Land to his Easterly corner Bonnds which is in Cloughs Medow, then Running to the North westerly corner of Thomas Hales Land and on the northerly side of said Hale's land and from tire North Easterly corner thereof to the near est Place in Almesbury Line. The said Timber lane ware set of by a vote according to the Bounds above mentioned excepting Capt. George Little and his Son Thomas and Joseph and their Lands to be kept on the South of their Line. A True Coppe Taken from the Book Thomas Hale District Clerk Portsmouth Feb. 13"' 1746 Sir. I am directed by His Excellency to acquaint you that in order to Sup port the Petition of Peter Petee & others of Haverhill district, it will be necessary to have a plan taken of that district Including Mr. Cushings Parrish & to mark on s' Plan the Situation of each House. For which service The Gov' has appointed Peter Pettee Richard Heath Joseph Little & Thomas Little, who are to take the plan above mention'd upon oath & return it into the Secretarys office, as soon as it can be conven iently done. The charge arising hereon to be born as shall be ordered by the Governor & Council I am Sr. Your hum*''" Serv' By His Exe*' Command R. W. See To Mr. Thomas Little in Haverhill district TOWN PAPERS — PLAISTOW AND ATKINSON. 675 Petition for a town or parish. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. Governour and Commander in Cheif in and over his Majesty's Province of New Hamp'''' and the hon''' "" his Majestys Councill for said Province. Humbly Shew Your Petitioners Inhabitants in the westerly part of Haverhill District, That your Petitioners live at a Great Distance from any place where the Publick worship is maintained. That Our Situation is such as is Convenient for a Township or Parish But cannot conveniently be joyned with any other. That there are already Sixty or Seventy families here setled and more daily Setling who must be under very great Disad vantages with Regard to the Publick worship of God unless we can obtain to have it Setled among Ourselves. We therefore pray your Excellency & Honours that we may be Incorporated into a Town or Parrish as you shall Judge most proper by the following Bounds Beginning at the west erly corner of Jonathan Stevens' land by the Islandy Pond and from thence to the Northwesterly Corner of Thomas Hales farm and from thence Southerly to the Province line so as to make this line half way between Mr. Cushing's Meeting house and John Watf s at Providence Brook or as near to half way as may be tho't Reasonable, from thence westerly by y" Prov ince line to the head of the District then Northerly so far as that an East line passing from the end of this Northerly line to the first mentioned Bounds shall Include all the Land to the Southward of Islandy Pond. And your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray &c. John Watts Edward Carlton Seth Pattee Joseph Little Jun^ Richard Patee John Currier Michah Amey James French Obediah Duston George Little Caleb Duston Samuel Watts Obediah Eastman Wyman Wise Alexander Gordon Thomas Cross John Watts Jun' Benjamin Wheeler Caleb Heath Stephen Wheeler Joseph Palmer Richard Heath James Heath John Duston Samuel Duston Philip Hite Moses Belknap Thomas Duston Philip Nelson William Morrison- John Clements We the Subscribers Consent to the Lines mentioned in the petition of Daniel Little & others any thing mentioned herein to y* contrary notwithstanding. John Pecker John Watts 676 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition against being set off as a new Parish. To His Excelency Bennen Wintworth Esqr. Capt. General and Governor in chief in and over the Province of New Hampshire, and to the Hon''"= Councill of the same. The Humble Petition of us the Subscribers in our own be half and others, belonging to the Westerly Part of Haverhill District that now belongeth To the Rev. Mr. James Cushings Parrish Humbly Sheweth, that it is our Desier and Prayer that we may not be separated in to any other Town or Parrish (from the Easterly Part) of the District but that we may all be In- corporatedin to a Town or Parrish (Excepting what has bin voted off by the District To Timber lane) so that we may In joy our Priviledge and Proprties for us and our children that we may have our meeting House and our Minister That we have bin at Great Cost and charges for building Seteling and maintaining for near Twenty years last Past and if your Excellency and the Hon'" Councill think it proper to mak us a town with the Easterly Part of the District we Shall Leave that to your Hon'^'" Wisdom, other ways Pray that we may abide as we are and In fullfilling our Desier and Humble Petition you will Greatly oblig your Sarvants, Who as in Duty bound shall Ever Pray. Haverhill District December y= 29''' 1749 Benj"' Richards Moses Belknap Jonathan Page Joseph Little Junr. John Dow Eldad Ingalls Timothy Page Edmund Page Caleb Page Junr. Nathl Knight James Noyes Abiel Knight ohn French Robert Greenough Samuel Little Humphrey Noyes Jonathan Page Junr. Thomas Hale Joshua Knight Timothy Ladd Ebenezer Knight Caleb Page Toseph Noyes J?^" Webster Thomas Noyes Daniel Poor John Knight Jonathan Nelson Nathaniel Knight Jun. Israel Webster Joseph Page Jonathan Clements Daniel Whitticker Moses Page Petition of the Inhabitants in the West part of Haverhill District desiring not to be inco/'porated. To his Excellency Bening Wentworth Esqr. Governor and Comander in Cheaf in and over his Majesties province of New hampshear in New England and to the Honourable his Majesties Council &c. We the Subscribers being inhabitance in the South west TOWN PAPERS PLAISTOW AND ATKINSON. 677 part of Haverhill District and Included within the Boundarys of the Last Petition brought forward by Capt. John Pecker and Mr. Johij Watts Considering the small number of Inhab itance and the Low Sircumstances that many of them Labours under i': is our Humble opinion that we are no ways able to supporte the Gospell amongst ourselves at present therefore we Desier your Excellency and Honours to take our case under your wise Consideration and not incorporate us into a town or Distinct parrish according to the prayer of the above s' Peti tion till we are better abell to bare the Charges for we are obliged by Contract to the Rev. Mr. Cushen and are not as yet set of from his Parish. Dated Haverhill District July y" 24"' 1749 Benj Richards John Corrier James Noyes Eldad Ingalls Jonathan Nelson Daniel Poor Daniel Flood John Webster Thomas Noyse Jr. Jonathan Page Caleb Page Thomas Little Joseph Noyes Edmund Page Joseph Page Hog & others Petition not to Joyn with Mr. Hazzen accord ing to his Plan. To his Excelency Bennin Wintworth Esqr. and Honrable Counsel. We your humble Pertisioners take Leave to Let you know part of our Greavies Coused by Mr. Richard Hazzen Per- tisions and plan if he obtains will Cut and Carve our Land & privelage all to pieces who ware Orderly Settled on Kings town Property & have a Petition Lodg with the Select men of our town in order to be set of as a parish. We pray that we may have the opertunity to Let your Excelency and Hon rable Counsel know what the town does for us who are Law- full Setlars who can have now privelage in that Regard unless we have part of what is in his Plan. We subscribe ourselves yoor Humble Pertisinors. Kings' September 16"' 1740. James Huse Isral Huse Jacob Gordy Daniel Hiberd Mesac Gordy Daniel Kid Jonathan Colby Israel Huse Junr. Orlando Colby William Straw Moses Tucker } John Pressey James Graves John Straw Jun. John Hog Philep Wells Joseph Dow Jacob Wells Reuben Clough Benjamin Tucker John Straw Jacob Tucker John Bond Note.— A Plan of the district is found iii the MS. Vol. p. 284. Ed. 678 NEW HAMPSHIRE Sanborn, Palmer dc Weares report of Haverhill District. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' May it please your Excellency, In Obedience to your Excellencys appointment we have View'd het Situations of the Inhabitants of Haverhill District to see if said Dis trict may Conveniently be Incorporated into three Townships having Regard to those People of Salisbury and Almsbury District above South Hampton that they may be- Provided for in one of the Town ships, And Beg leave to Report That upon the best survey we Could make and Information we could have from the Inhabitants it appeare to us that the Circumstances & Situation of the Inhabitants of said District (as well as their Desire) is such that they cannot at present Conveniently be Incorporated into more than two 'Townships. It appears to us that at the upper or Northwesterly part of said Dis trict the Inhabitants are Compaci; and Conveniently Situate for a Township or Parish, The Bounds of which (in Our Opinion) may be as follows. To begin at the North East Corner of Tyngs farm men tioned in Mr. Hazzens Plan and from thence to Run to the South west Corner of Hales farm from thence to Woodbridges Corner Bounds from thence to Morses Corner as mentioned in said Plan and from thence to Run north to Shapleys line then to follow Shapley's line westwardly till it strikes Haverhill Northwest line so called then to follow Haverhill Northwest line to the head of the District, And for the Bounds on the other side to begin at the North East Corner of Tyngs farm beforementioned from thence to run on the line of Tyng's farm, half way to the Bounds on Hog Hill and from thence on a strait Course to Clements Southwest corner bounds by Islandy Pond and then as Described in the Plan to the head of the District. This we think will conveniently make a Township and the other part of the District we cannot find any way be Divided at present to be Incorpo rated into more than one 'Tounship to be so well for the Inhabitants as they are now. John Sandburn Samuel Palmer Meshech Weare Portsm" Sep' iS"" 1746 Petition of Haverhill district for a new Parish. To His Exelency Bening Wintworth Esqr. Goviner and Com mander in cheaf in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshear in New England and to the Honourable His Majesties Councill &c. The Humble Petition of the Inhabitance in Haverhill Des trict and Province afore s" Humbly sheweth, that we are so Remote from the Place of the Publick worship of God that we cannot attend on it unless with Greate Difficulty and our other charges No Less Difficult. May it therefore Please your Excelency and Honours to take our case under your wise Consideration and Incorporate us and all that Do or shall TOWN PAPERS PLAISTOW AND ATKINSON. 679 Inhabit with us and a sufficient Parcell of Land Into a town or Distinct Parrish so that we may sit up and maintain the worship of God amongst us and Carry on Such business as shall be Nessesary with the following Boundaries. Begining at the Stake which stands in the Province Line near Jonathan Clements Dwelling House thence Runing noth notheast till it strikes Haverhill norwest Line thence by s'' Line till it Comes to the angle pond thence westerly to the wash Pond and so by the Wash pond brook to the Islande pond and so westerly to London Dary Line thence by s''' London dary Line till it comes to Methuen Line thence South easterly by Methuen Line till it comes to the province Line thence by the Province Line to the first Bounds mentionedandyouwill Gratly oblige your Hum ble Petitioners and we shall as in Duty bound for ever Pray &c. Peter Pattee Richard Heath Joseph Little Thomas Little Moses Page Samuel Watts Stephen Dole Paul Duston John Dustin Alexander Gordon Richard Patee John IngaUs Thomas Pope Benja Rawlings Caleb Page Benja Richards John Dow Edmund Page Jonathan Page Joseph Page Wyman Wise Daniel Whitaker Gershom Pike Nathan Morss Timothy Lad John Coronr Henry Sargent Abraham Annes Timothy Page Thomas Dustin Obadiah Dustin obadiah Eastman Jonathan Wheeler Benjamin Wheeler Stephen Wheeler Ahner Wheeler Jonathan Wheeler jnnr John Corrier Junr John Watts Jun Nathaniel Watts Daniel Poor Moses Belknap Joseph Gile John Clement Daniel Flood Jonathan Hntchina Nathaniel Knight George Little John Watts Joseph Noyes Ebenezer Knight Joshua Knight James Noyes Humphrey Noyes Thomas Noyes ¦lohn Knight Nathaniel Knight Jun Seth Patee Benjamin Heath 68o NEW HAMPSHIRE Hazzen and others Petition for a Special Act, <&c. Province of | To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr. New Hamp''" j Governour and Commander in chief in & over s' Province of New Hampshire, The Hon'''^ His Majesties Council & House of Representatives' in General Court assembled at Portsmouth August 1744 Humbly Shew the Subscribers That sometime in the months of September October or November last many persons liveing in Haverhill District in s"* Province or near to the same in the Town of Haverhill had severall of their Cattle taken out of their fields, or pastures and kill'd also Severall Swarms of Bees were stolen & the Honey carry'd off by some thievish & ill minded persons, as also axes Poultry of all sorts & other things. That severall of the hides were found in that part of s'' Dis trict which is Commonly called Rumford Parish either hid in barns under y' hay, or in other dark holes with the head and horns cut off for which reason with many other evidences we are well satisfied, the actors of these thefts & Robberies live most of them in s' District or Parish. That forasmuch as these actions are for the most part com mitted in the dark where positive evidences can scarcely ever be had, it is very hard & difficult to detect & convict the crimi nals in the Ordinary course and Method of the Law, by which means the Guilty are become verry bold & daring in their evil practices and the sufferers not like to have any recompense un less Some further provision in the law can be made. We therefore Earnestly request your Excellency & Honours to Compassionate our distressed circumstances and afford us releif either by making Some act to bring suspected persons & their aiders & assistants on their oaths which we humbly con ceive has been of Great Service in Trespass or Otherwise as your Excellency & Honours in your known wisdom goodness & piety shall think best & for your Excellency & Honours your Humble petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray &c. Stephen Huse Edward Calton Jun. Daniel Bradley Benja Gale James McHard had stolen 3 tattCatl Henery Springier & on Hors & Cow Nathaniel Balch Samuel White Jun. Solomon Springier Richard Hasseltine Daniel Samuel Johnson Nathaniel March Stephen Do'w Jonathan Springier Stephen Wheteaker James Wise WiUiam Stevens Edward pees Hoit ? Nehemiah Stevens Isaac Johnson Peter Morse Jame^ Black TO^VN PAPERS PLAISTOW AND ATKINSON. 68 1 Richard Hazzen Joshua Bayley had stolen a swarm of Bees Edward Flint Edmund Greenleaf Nathaniel Walker David Marsh James Pearson Jno Mitchel James How Lost a swarm of Bees Benja Grele Jacob Chase swarm of bees. John Pecker on cowe Willm Folnsby Nathan Heseltine Natthan Merrill Abner KimbaU Richard Emerson Abraham Kimbal] John Molton Jonathan Shepard Nehemiah Emerson James Emerson Joseph Litcl ? William Johnson Jon. Samnel Wontes Henry Herring Obadiah Parry James Ayer one swarm of beea Abiel Foster Samuel White John White Jun. Joseph Atwood Moses How Joseph Patten Jas Pecker Nathaniel Knowlton Isaac Dalton Obediah Emerson Thos Little Jonathan Webster Oliver Sanders Frink Ebenr Belnap John Oegood Jun. Jonathan Leafkin Daniel Poor Jonathan March William Samson Moses Hazzen Benjamin Richards Daniel Davies Nath Cogswell Joseph Clement Obadiah BeUknap Wm Handcock Thomas Follansbe Timothy Emerson Jonathan Stevens Joh. Stewart, on fat cowe stolen Alexandr Camhil on fat cowe Metnorial of Col. James White and others. Province of ) To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq" Gov- New Hamp''" j ernor the Honourable his Majesties Council and Representatives of said Province in General Court assembled. The Memorial of James White and others humbly sheweth Whereas by a late act or Law of this Province the Town of Plaistow is Divided and part of it become a New and Sepa rate Parish, which Includes our Houses and Lands, we ap prehend that our Situation and other Circumstances will render it very Difficult for us to become members of the said new Parish. And it being Just and reasonable to alow all men freedom and Liberty with respect to the choice of a society wherein to join in Public worship — We therefore Pray that your Excellency and Honours will according to your wonted favours Enact and order that we with our Estates may be set off from said new Parish, be an nex'd and belong to said Plaistow (old Parish) in the Same 682 NEW HAMPSHIRE manner as heretofore. And we as in Duty bound Shall ever Pray. Sep" 1767 James White Daniel Whiticker John Webster Daniel Poor Israel Webster Daniel Poor jun. John Webster Jun. Jonathan Page Jonathan Eatton Stephen Noyes Moses Page Humphrey Noyes Jonathan Webster Robart Greenough William Webster Petition of Sundry Inhab^' of Plaistow. Province of ) To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Cap- New Hamp''" j tain General Governor & Comander in Chief in and over his Majestys Province aforesaid &c : & the Honorable his Majestys Council and the House of Representatives in General Court Assembled at Portsmouth. The Petition of us the Subscribers Humbly Shews, Whereas there has been lately part of Plaistow set off and made a new & Seperate Parish bounded according to certain Lines which goes by the Name of Atkinson in which we with Our Estates falls into the said new Parish, Our Prayer & re quest to this Honourable Court above mentioned is that Whereas we have heretofore assisted in building a Meeting House a Parsonage House & have now a Minister settled in Plaistow according to our principles & minds Therefore Our Desire & request is that We with our Estates may be set off from said New Parish and be annexed to the Old Parish or Town of Plaistow that we might be & remain as heretofore. We therefore Pray that your Excellency and Honors will take the matter under Consideration & grant such Relief for those who desire to be set off as aforesaid as you in your wis dom shall think best, And we as in Duty bound shall Ever Pray &c. James White Moses GREENonoH Jonathan Eaton Samuel Kimball Plaistow Septemb' 1767 Province of "1 In the House of Representatives Septem' 14"' 1767 New Hamp'" / The within Petition being Read & Considered, Voted that the Petitioners be heard thereon the third day of the Sit ing of the General Assembly after the first day of Novem' next & that they serve Mr. Thomas Noyes -who is appointed to call the first meet- TOWN PAPERS — PLAISTOW AND ATKINSON. 683 ing in said Atkinson with a Copy of this Petition & Order that Objections may be made to granting the Prayer of the Petition if any there be. M. Weare Clr. In Council Eod'" Die Read & Concurred T. Atkinson Jr. Sec. Vera Copia T. Atkinson Jun Sec Petition for release from support of Hugh Potter. Province of ") To His Excellency the Governor to the Hon*"'' New Hamp''" ) His Majestys Council, and the House of Representatives of said Province in Gen eral Court assembled May y" 18"' A Domini 1774 In behalf of the Town of Plaistow in the County of Rock ingham in said Province — the Petition of the Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor of said Town of Plaistow Humbly Sheweth, That about Twenty years Since one Hugh Potter, a very aged man, without leave or liberty orderly had, or obtained, from Said Town, or the Selectmen thereof. Did come into and Obtrude himself upon the said Town of Plaistow by takeing residence therein, & dwelling there to this day — That accord ing to the best accounts from the said Potter he was a native of Great Britain & had never gained a legal settlement else where. That from Early life till near the time of his Coming into said Plaistow he the said Potter had been in his Majestys Ser vice both by sea & land, and that he had been in several Fights as long ago as in y'= Reign of Queen Ann &c. and that by reason of y* s' Hughs account of & about himself he was not legally warned to depart out of the Said Town of Plais tow. That the said Hugh Potter has been unable to support & maintain himself ever since his residence in said Town. That for Seventeen years last past the said Hugh Potter hath been maintained & supported at the Public Cost & charge of y' s'' Town of Plaistow, that the Cost & charge thereof has not been less than Eleven pounds lawful money p'^ an'" for several years past, and is now increasing So as greatly to Dis tress, & burthen the s"" Town &c. Wherefore the petitioners in behalf of said Town of Plais tow Humbly pray yr. Exce^>' & Hon''^ to take y' premises un der consideration and in your great goodness Grant and make an order that the s'' Hugh Potter may for the future be main tained, & supported at the Cost & charge of this, his Majes- 684 NEW HAMPSHIRE tys Province of New Hampshire & that the said Town of Plaistow be no longer Chargeable with his support and like wise favour us on account of y*^ charges we have been at in time past or such other way & manner as your Excel ' & Hon"* shall think best to relieve y" s ' Town & the Pef" as in dutv bound shall ever pray &c. Plaistow May y' 17'" 1774 JosEHH Welch ) Selectmen & David Stevens y Overseers of y° Ezekiel Gile ) Poor of Plaistow In Council May 18, 1774 The Petition was read and ordered to be sent down to the Hon""'" Assembly Geo. King, Dep. Sec. In the House of Representatives May 19"' 1774 The within Petition Read & Considered and Voted that it be Dis missed. M. Weare, Clerk PIERMONT. Petition of the Com^'-" of Piermont to the Governor. Province of \ To His Excellency John Wentworth Esq'' Cap- New Hamp"" j tain General Governor and Commander in chief in and over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire. The Petition of us the Subscribers being a Committee of the Proprietors of Piermont in said Province, Humbly Sheweth That in the year 1 765 , The said Proprietors had a Grant of said Township under certain conditions of settlement to be performed in Five years from the date of said Grant, and that your Petition ers have laid out and expended Large sums of money in Cul tivating said Town & have settled Fourteen Families Thereon, but nevertheless, Through badness of Roads, and the Impos sibility of obtaining Provision in that part of the Country and also by means of the said Petitioners being Employed a Con siderable part of their time in Transacting the Publick busi ness of the Province, they have not been able fully to comply with the conditions of the charter of said Town, and There fore Humbly Pray your Excellency would Grant a further Reasonable Time to the said Proprietors, to Fulfill the same and your Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever pray &c. Portsmouth December 22"" 1770 TOWN PAPERS PLYMOUTH. 685 Mark H. Wentworth Jonathan Warner John Tuften Mason Esq Geo. Jaffrey Rich'' Jenness Jon» Moulton D. Warner D. Peirce John Goffe Clem' March William Parker Christo' Toppan New Hampshire Grafton ss PLYMOUTH. Petition for leave to send a Representative. Province of ~) To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq Captain General Governor and Com mander in Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire &c. The Petition of the Free holders of the Town of Plymouth within the County of Grafton aforesaid. Humbly Sheweth That your Petitioners some months past preferred a Petition to your Excellency praying for the privilege of a Representa tion for said Town of Plymouth, in the Legislative Authority in said province. Agreeable to the Right inherent in them, as Englishmen and Freeholders. That said Petition by some means or other was dismissed. That your humble Petitioners again earnestly Pray your Ex cellency would take this petition under your wise consideration and grant them that privilege they think their Just Due by is suing a Precept for the choice of a proper person to represent them in the General Assembly Their Interest now suffering much for want of that most invaluable Privilege And your humble Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray &c. Sam Emerson ") James Harvell y Selectmen Thomas Lucas ) John Fenton Abel Webster Gersm Fletcher Francis Worcester Josiah Brown Stephen Webster John Willoughby David Webster James Blodget David Hobart George Hull Benja Goold Jacob MerriU David Nevens Ebenezer Hartshorn William Nevens Jonas Ward Edward Evans WiUiam Simpson Moses Dow Onesiferous Marsh WiUiam Greenough Elisha Bean Samuel Marsh Joseph Smith Saml Derben Thomas M'Cluer Jonathan Blodget 686 NEW HAMPSHIRE Joseph Brown Zebediah Richardson Gershom Hobart George Patterson James Barnes Zachariah Parker Phineas Lovejoy Solomon Wheeler Peter Steams Joseph Wheeler Jotham Cumings James Ryan Stephen Webster jun. Ephraim Kelse Jonathan Blodget Nahum Powers Peter Dearborn Jacob Marsh Paul Wells John Webber Benjamin WeUs Petition for a re-survey of land <&c. Province of ) To His Excellency John Wentworth Esqr. New Hamp"' j General Governor and Commander in chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire, The Honourable his Majesty's Council and house of Representatives in General Assembly Convened. The Petition of us the Subscribers being a Committee chosen by the Proprietors of Plymouth Humbly Sheweth, That the Corner boundary of Four Townships viz : Plymouth, Campton, Rumney and Cockermouth depends upon a certain Point or End of a Line, Nineteen Miles in Length, upon a Certain Point of Compass from a Certain Tree at Connecticut River. That the Severall Partys have at their own Private Cost made Several Surveys but do not agree one with another, Either in Length of Line or point of Compass, which throws the said Townships into Great Confusion and uncertainty, Concerning their Boundaries, and Greatly Retards the Settle ment of the Land. Wherefore your Petitioners pray the ad visement of This Honourable Court and that a Committee may be appointed to survey the said Nineteen miles and thereby to Establish the said Corner Boundary. And your Petitioners as in Duty bound will Ever pray &c. Portsmouth December 20"' 1770 S. Livermore \ Committee Moses Little ) for Plymouth Province of \ In the House of Representatives Dec' 22" 1770 New Hamp'e | Voted that the Petitioners be heard on this Petition on the fourth Day of the Siting of the General Assembly after the first Day of March next and that the Petitioners Cause the Substance of this Petition and Order of Court to be Published in the New Hamps'« Gazett six weeks that any person may shew Cause why the Prayer of the Petition should not be Granted. M. Weare CI' In Council Jan? 18" 1771 Read and concurred Geo King Dep Sec. TOWN PAPERS PLYMOUTH. 687 Province of '(In the House of Representatives March 26 1771 New Hampshire / The Within Petition Considered and Voted it be Dismissed M. Weare Clr that Petition for a representative. To His Excellency John Wentworth Esqr. Captain general governor & commander in chief in & over said province of New Hampshire &c. &c. The petition of us the Subscribers freeholders & inhabitants of Plimouth in the county of Grafton in the Province afore said. Most Humbly Sheweth that the said town of Plimouth is one of the best inhabitted towns in said County and one of the towns appointed by y* law of this province for holding the courts of Justice in, and that no representative hath hitherto been chosen within the said Count)' to sit in the General Assembly of this province. They therefore pray your Excellency's consideration of the premises, and that the said petitioners may be admitted to the privilege of sending a representative to the next General As sembly & your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c. January 19*'' i774 William SimpBon Peter Emerson .Sam Emerson David Hobart Abel Webster Town clerk James Harvel David Webster John WiUoughby selectman WiUiam Nevens Daniel Wheeler Peter Hobart Thomas Mcluer Joseph Smith Jacob Marsh Amos Webster James Hobart Francis Worcester Joseph Brown JoBiah Brown Benjamin Dearborn Amos Phillips Jotham Cumings Phineas Loyejoy Ebenr Hartshorn Stephen Webster Solomon Blood Peter Stearns SUas Brown Eleazer Parker Solomon Wheeler James Ryan Gersm Fletcher John Webster Stephen Webster Jun. Benja Derben Ebenr Blodget James Blodget Edward Evans Zebediar Richardson David Nevens Renjamin Goold Samuel Derben James Marsh Winthrop WeUs Elisha Bean Thomas Lucas Abijah Wright Jonas Ward Henry Phelps George HuU Nathl Hull John Calfe Gershom Hobart VOLUME VI. PORTSMOUTH TO WOLFEBOROUGH. PORTSMOUTH. [This is one of the oldest towns in the State, having been settled in the year 1623. Its Indian name was Pascataquack, and the first Eng lish name was Strawberry Bank. It was incorporated by the name ot Portsmouth, 28 May 1753, by the Colony of Massachusetts, under whose government the people of New Hampshire then were. The inhabitants in their petition for incorporation say, "the name of this plantation at present being Straberry Banke, accidentally so called by reason of a banke where strawberries -ivai found in this place "- They humbly desired "to have it called Portsmouth, being a name most suitable for this place, it being the river mouth and good harbor as any in this land." John Farmer, Esq.] Orders relating to a School. Portsm" 16 Nov 1708. Notwithstanding the pious care of the Governor Council and Assem bly of this Province in Raysing a free Gramar Schoole for the prov ince to be kept in the town of Portsmouth being the head of the Gov ernment & their good provision for the maintainance of the master: The Council are now Informed that there is no provision made by the Toun of Portsmouth for a Schoole house for the receipt of the master and schollars : — Ordered, that the selectmen of the toun of Portsmouth be notifyed of their neglect herein, and that they forthwith provide a suitable house for the said schoole to be kept, that the schollars may not lose their time within three days next coming upon the penalty of forty pounds to be levyed upon their persons & estates as other fines & charge .' into the treasury to be expended in the building of a good schoole house for the future service, that the aforesaid good and relig ious Act of the Assembly be not evaded & eluded. May &c (as early as 1709). Upon the vacancy of the School by Mr. Gambling's desire to be dis charged, the Council have taken it into Consideration of calling a new school ma'' who would very gladly submit to yo'r Exce" Recom- modation of 'W Dudly Broadstreet; but fearing he would not be every way soe agreable have therefore \>y the good character they have had of Mr. Dan' Ringe of Ipswich, to give him a call and agree with him for 4 years According to the Act — humbly desiring y ExcelU concurrence therewith. [See Act referred to, Prov. Pap., Vol. III. pp. 364, 365. Ed.] TOWN PAPERS PORTSMOUTH 689 Petition for a grant of land. To his Excellency Sam' Shute Esq'' Capt. Gen' & Comander in Chief in & over his Maj'ties Province of New Hamp"', and to the Hon'' the Council for said Province : The humble Petition of the selectmen of the Town of Portsm' within the ProV of New Hamp' — Humbly sheweth : That the former Select men for the s'' Town of Portsm" sometime since Petition'd to your Excellency and Hon'''' to have a small tract of land granted to the Inhabitants of s'' Portsmouth at the head of Dover, w'^" was granted, and upon view of the s* tract of land and mature consideration thereon your Petition'' find that it will not answer for the intended Settlement. Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray to have the liberty to withdraw the s'* Petition and to have a tract of land granted lor a Township to the Inhabitants of Portsmouth whom we represent, of six miles front and eleven miles back into the woods to be divided among the s* Inhabitants in proportion to their rates agreable to a vote past at a Town meeting of the s'' inhabitants in March last past, beginning four miles and half from Dover North east corner bounds upon Dover head line, "then to run from the s'^ head line upon a South west point half a point northerly two miles for the depth of the Land granted to the Iron works ; Then the said Tract to begin at the end of the s'' two miles and run upon the Same point Eleven miles into the woods, and from thence upon a parallel 1 line w'"'' Dover head line six miles to New Boston northerly corner, and from the end of the two miles afores'' six miles upon a parallell line w"' Dover head line to New Boston easterly line which makes an oblong or Long square tract of Land as is laid down in a plot here annext : And your Petitio.v' as in duty bound will ever pray. Tho' Peirce John Cutt Joseph Moulton Selectmen for the toun of Portsm" The prayer of the petition granted. May 4, 1722. R. Waldron, Cler. Con. Request to the Selectmen of Portsmouth. To the Select men of the town of Portsm" in New Hampshire : Gentlemen : Whereas in an Act of this Province (of y 4** year of his Majesty King George) entituled an Act for y« better regulating of Town and Proprietary Meetings, among other things, It is enacted in the words following : " That when and so often as ten of the free- 44 690 new HAMPSHIRE " holders of any Town shall signify under their hands to the select- " men their desire to have any matter or thing inserted into a warrant "for calling a town meeting, the Selectmen are hereby required to " insert y" Same in the next warrant they shall issue for y" calling a " Town meeting " — And Whereas at a thin meeting of the said Toun held by adjourm* in said Toun, the 7"" of September, 1724, several votes were past as we conceive w"'out due consideration, respecting the three nooks & gores of land mortgaged to Maj' Wm. Vaughan, which votes (in our opin ion) are unreasonable & unjust, and to us a great greivance, & (as we are given to understand) very disagreeable and * * * contrary to y' mind of y= toun in general : Therefore, We the subscribers & freeholders of y" said Town, do now by these Presents signify to you y' it is our desire to have y» said votes reconsidered at y^ next town meeting, in order to have y' subject matter thereon more maturely & deliberately discussed & repass'd upon to y end that strict justice may be done, our grievance removed & y" town contented touching y" premises ; and accordingly do earnestly pray that the same be inserted into the next warrant (alias notifica tion) which you shall issue for y" calling a town meeting Pursuant to the afores^ (in part recited) Act. In testimony of our desire as aforementioned we have hereunto set our hands. y« 26"» of Feb'' 1724-?. (Copy) Petition in relation to a meeting house at the Plains. To his Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq. Governor and Com mander in chief in and over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire in New England, and to the Honourable the Council and House of Representatives convened in General Assembly. — The Petition of Sundry his Majestys loyal Subjects, Free holders & Inhabitants of the Southwesterly Part of the town of Portsmouth in said Province : Most humbly sheweth : That about seven years agoe several of your Petitioners with some others (at a vast expence) erected a House for the Publick worship of God at the Plains (so called) in said Portsmouth ; and from the month of Janu ary 1725 to March 1727, defray'd the charge of constant preaching in the said house, paying their full Proportion of the Parish Tax for the support of the Gospel Ministry at the Bank at the Same time : But that Burthen bearing a little too heavy, the Proprietors of the said house and others commodi ously situated for attending the Publick worship there, at length requested the Parish to which they belong'd to exoner ate them from any further levys towards the subsistance of the Reverend Mr. Fitch, which they (like well-dispos'd & true Christian brethren) by a unanimous vote dated the 4"" of town PAPERS — PORTSMOUTH. 691 March 1727, in a full Parish meeting readily comply'd with ; in order to enable the said Proprietors and others to maintain the Publick worship of God with the greater cheerfulness & more ease amongst themselves, which they have done with the utmost alacrity (for the most part) ever since, and found un speakable comfort therein. But forasmuch as the method for defraying the charge aforesaid hath hitherto been by a free subscription, which has had considerable Inconveniency attend ing it — some paying much more & some much less than their due Proportions, and Some few nothing at all, either there or elsewhere ; and moreover your humble petitioners (upon seri ous consideration) earnestly desiring a full enjoyment of the Gospel ordinances amongst them selves, from a si.icereaimatthe glory of God and the Health of their immortal souls, do now most humbly supplicate your Excellency and Honours to grant them an Act of Incorporation for a Parish by "he metes and Bounds mention'd in the aforesaid Parish Vote ; — an exempli fication of which properly authenticated is hereunto annex'd, with the full powers and authoritys of a Parish — excluding all those that belong to the Mill dam Parish by Law (that desire to be excluded) if by Law any such Parish there be. Your Excellency and Honours are so well acquainted with the common arguments in such Petitions (viz.) The great dis tance from the Meeting-house ; the vast difficulty of travel (especially for women & children ; & more especially at some seasons of tlie year) that not more than one in five or six can go up to the house of God, and that therefore they are in dan ger of perishing for lack of vision ; labouring under a Famine of the word, &c. that your Petitioners dont think it proper to essay any Illustrations on those common themes, but humbly take leave only to offer an observation or two for the further enforcing their request, viz. i" That there are to the best of their knowledge Eighty families, (besides the Familys of six widows) one hundred & eight ratable heads & four hundred and fifty souls or there about within the bounds mentioned in the aforesaid vote. N. B. There are half a dozen Familys or more consisting of thirty souls at least (not comprehended in the bounds above- said,) more commodiously situated to attend the Publick wor ship at the Plains Meeting-House than any where else. 2. That in the year 1 727 (as they are informed) there was at Greenland but 92 ratable Polls, tho' that has been a Parish between 20 & 30 years ; at Newington but 92 which has been a Parish near 20 years, at New Castle but 82 ; at New Market but 78 ; and at Rye but 72 : By which it appears that the Reasons for making a Parish in the Southwest Part of Ports mouth are much greater with respect to numbers, than they 69^ NEW HAMPSHIRE were for incorporating either of the Parishes aforesaid, & on all other accounts the same ; and therefore as your Petitioners cannot in the least doubt of your Excellency's & Honours re ligious disposition to promote the glory of God & good of souls, so neither can they suspect the success of a prayer sup ported by weightier Reasons, when so many Petitions of like sort, but with much lighter Reasons have so often prevailed.- We are your Excellency's & Honours most dutiful & obedient servants and shall ever pray as in Duty bound. P. S. May it consist with the wisdom of the Legislature, to put the Petitioners on the same footing with the Parish of Greenland in Regard to an Assembly Man & the Province Tax without further concern with Portsmouth. Nathanel Peverly Thomas Snell James Libby Samson X Babb, his mark John Bruster John Marshal Hen. Sherburne, jun. Joseph Nelson Sti'ramers Clark "Thomas Sherburne his John X Ham mark John Tomson Israel Hight Sampson Babb his Ricard X Babb mark James Rowe John Hight Charles X Brown, his marie Mick. Abbot John Brown James X Benson, his mark. Joel X Wisem? mark Jams X Worson, mark Sam' Sherburne Jos X Moroson, mark Nathaniel Sherburn Matthew Nelson John Langdon Henry Benet William Lang John X Simons, mark Holms, mark John Peaverly Richard X Honywal? mark Joseph Langdon Samuel Homes Thomas Cotton Henkman X Fose, mark Cesfo? X Noble, mark Nath' Tuckerman Nicholas Norris Noah Sevy , Tho'mas Read Jn' Walker Anthony Rowe, mark Sam' Bruster Sam' White Joshua Bruster John Sherburne James Wood Henry Benson John Langmd Phillip Babb Jeirimiah Holms John Holms Benjamin Holms Lazarus Nobel Israel Hunewell Saml Row Charles Frost [Several names appear to be cut off.] Margaret Nelson Grace Row, widow, Wid. Sarah Tomson. In Council March B* 1732-3. Read and unanimously voted, That the Prayer of the Petition be granted & that the Petitioners have leave to bring in a bill accordinelv R. Waldron, Secy. ^ •'" TOWN PAPERS— PORTSMOUTH. 693 In the House of Representatives, March 9, 1732-3. Read and Voted, that the within petition be referred, until, the 3' day of the next Sessions of the General Assembly, Si that the Upper and lower Parrishes in the Town of Portsm' be served with a copy of the Petition, and that so they may appear at the time above s"lthen to shew j-eason if any they havev why the prayer of the petition should not be granted. George Walton, clr. Pro temp"" March 10, 1732-33, Concurred R. Waldron, Secy. Same day consented to J. Belchbr. Petition relating to dividing the Common land in Ports mouth. To his Excellencie Jonathan Belcher Esq' Capt. Generall >& Commander in Chief, in and over his Maj'"-" Province of Newharapshire, and the Hon''''' his Maj'"'' Councill for said Province : The humble Petition of Henry Sherburn Esq"^ Ephraim iDennet Esq'' Joshua Pierce Esq' and Mr. William Cottonfor themselves and others, a Committee for the dividing the Com mon Land of the Town of Portsmouth, In behalfe of the Pro prietors of the said Common Land, most humbly Sheweth: That in the yeare 1699, The'' was at a legall Town meeting held at Portsmouth a vote Past for the dividing the comm-on Land of the said Town amongst the then Inhabitants, and per sons as a Committee for Doing the same then appointed, and from Time to Time continued of which Com"=° the above are the- Major part: which Committees from Time to Time ev«r since (when not obstructed by the Indian Warr, ) has continued to lay out the said Comon lands to all such as had Right, and such Rights quietly enjoyed untill the year of our Lord 1716 ; Since which yeare Sundry of the Proprietors of the Comon land about Greenland adjoining to the town of Streatham have been molested and hindered from improving their Rights by the Inhabitants of said Town of Stretham, and several Law suits commenced which is the cause of great trouble & charge &c. all which happened by the misaplying the Grant or Char ter of the Town of Stretham, as y'' Pettition" humbly pre sumes, which they humbly sheweth happens as hereafter ex prest : On the 10'' day of January 1715-16, sundry persons calling themselves the Inhabitants of Squamscot Pattent (Tho' there never was any such '* Pattent) Petitioned the the Hon'''° * This is incorrect; unless there i. A. D. 1739-40. Upon re considering the above Vote of the House : Voted, That the Petitionee serve the Wardens of the North Parish in Portsmouth with a copy of this Petition, and the above order. James Jeffry, Cler. Ass"' In Council, Feb' 8''' 1739. Read & Concurred. Rich" Waldron, Secy Feb? 8'" 1739-40. Assented to J. Belcher. In Council, Feb" 15"' 1739-40, Read, and on motion made by the Respondents, and the. Petitioners being heard in answer to the s'' motion, TOWN PAJPERS — PORTSMOUTH. 697 ^oted That the consideration of the Petition be suspended till, y next session of the general Court R. Waldron, Secy. Remonstrance of Portsmouth Selectmen. To his Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq. Governor & Com mander in Chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, the Hon''- " his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives for said Province, In General Court Con vened, Jan' 31, 1739. The Remonstrance of the selectmen of the town of Ports mouth in said Province, Humbly Shews That the Laws of the Province that relate to the admission of new Inhabitants into any of the Towns in this Provi.nce'& the removal of such persons as obtrude themselves upon the Towns, are very defective in many Respects, so that the good purposes that were even designed by those Laws cannot be attain'd : Tbat the said Town of Portsmouth from its situation is greatly exposed to the entrance of stra,ngers by sea, from which Quarter many enter & become Inhabitants even in spite of all opposition & often a charge to the town ; for the pre vention whereof there is no effectual Provision in the said Laws : That Laws well calculated to remove or Prevent the said Inconveniency -would certainly be of general Benefit & would serve the Interest of every town in the Province & the larger Towns in a more especial manner : Wherefore your Remonstrants beg leave humbly to propose that the Laws already in force Relating to the premises might be perus'd by this Hon'''' Court, or such as they shall appoint to that service & such an additional Act speedily enacted as will be necessary for the purposes afores'' Your Remonstrants beg leave further to observe : That the Town of Portsm' afores ' in many places of it being built in a compact manner and in some places there are old houses with broken chimneys, ovens &c. and the dwelling in these houses especially in the winter season greatly exposes them to the danger of fire, by which, if they should be con sumed whole streets might meet with the same fate. Wherefore they humbly pray that a Law may now be made authorizing some officer or officers upon request to view such old houses & to determine whether they are in a condition fit to be occupied as Dwelling Houses ; and if not to order the 698 NEW HAMPSHIRE repair thereof at the expense of the Proprietor (so far as shall be necessary for the common safety) or to remove the occu pants of such houses, or to take such other measures as this Hon''"' Court shall in their great wisdom & goodness think proper in a case of such Importance ; for which your Remon strants, as in duty bound (in behalf of their Principals) will ever pray &c. Wm Parker 1 Sam' Bruster Wm Bennet Tho^ Wibird D. Peirce Selectmen In the House of Representatives, Feb? the 14"" 1739—40. The within Mem" read, and Voted, That Mr. Hunking Wentworth & Capt. EdwiJ Hall be a Comittee of this House to joyne with such as the Hon'"8 Council shall appoint to draw up an act relating to the ad- mition of Town Inhabitants ; and appointing Committees (or officers) relating to old defective Houses & Chimneys ; and for regulating the poor, and putting out such children apprentices as are likely to become chargeable to any town or precinct, or whose parents do not take due care of them. James Jeffry, Clr. Ass"" In Council Feby 19, 1739-40. Read and Concurred, and Joshua Peirce & Theo' : Atkinson Esq' ap pointed to joyn in the service above. Richd Waldron, Sec?. Same day assented to, J. Belcher. Answer to a Petition relating to the choice of James Clarkson, Esq., as representative. To the Hon"'" the House of Representatives for the Province of New Hampshire, met in General Assembly, Dec' 31^' 1745- The Answer of the Selectmen of the Town of Portsmouth in said Province, to the Petition of sundry persons respecting the late choice of James Clarkson Esq'' to be one of the Rep resentatives of said Town in General Assembly : — May it please this Hon^^' House — As it was the order of the House that we should be served with a copy of the Peti tion afores", we presume 'twas with Design to hear what we had to say in answer to it, tho' not express'd in the order, & therefore beg leave to answer the said petition in the following method, viz : First, to represent the case as we apprehend the truth of the facts to be, & then to shew why the prayer of TOWN PAPERS — PORTSMOUTH. 699 this petition ought not to be granted, for which we pray the patience, attention, & impartial consideration of this Hon''' House. The case was thus : — Pursuant to a precept to us. Wee gave notice to the voters in the usual manner of the time, place & occasion of holding a meeting, which was duly attended ; a moderator chosen & then the votes in writing bro't in for a Representative, which were fairly put into a Box standing be fore the moderator & clerk, by the voters passing by man by man. When all were biro't in, the votes were turned out on a table & counted by the moderator & Clerk. It appeared there were only two candidates, viz. James Clarkson & Joshua Peirce Esq''' In conducting the whole affair thus far, there was not the least appearance of any disorder or unfair practice. When the counting of the votes was finished & the number of votes for each candidate was known to some, tho' not declared by the Moderator, some of the voters on the side of the Low est number being disappointed in their expectation, declared their Dissatisfaction, that there was some mistake, & there upon a Poll was demanded. Here we must observe, all was quiet & still, not the least Dissatisfaction expressed till it was plain how the vote was, & indeed the disparity left no room for doubting, for one of the gentlemen had 1 14, the other but 81 votes. When the Poll was demanded, the Moderator had recourse to the Law, which gives it. Upon which every person present hadfree liberty of reasoning&constructingas he tho'tfit, & after much reasoning and consultation upon it, the Modera tor declared his opinion. That he apprehended the Demand ants had no right to a Poll upon the Law & Circumstances of the case & therefore denied, for which he gave his reasons with the denial. This is a brief but true State of the case as we apprehend ; and whether this or that made by the Petition ers is Right, will best be discovered upon the evidence. We come now to the prayer of the Petition, & say it ought not to be granted for the following reasons : First — Because it has neither Law nor Reason to support it ; and therefore in the next place, the granting of it would be an infringement upon the legal Rights of the voters & deprive them of their just Liberties & Privileges ; And Lastly, It would be an act of Injustice — all which may be easily evinced to the satisfaction of every unprejudiced Judgment. To the first of these — that the prayer of this petition has neither Law nor Reason to support it : — This is a direct nega tion of what the Petitioners say, and may be made out very clearly as -we conceive by considering of the only Law they can be supposed to refer to, which is an Act entitled, '¦'¦ An Act for the better regulating Town S Proprietary meet- 5E90 NBW HAMPSHIRE ings, of the Province Laws": By which this ( controversy ought to be determined; and if this Law is not with the Peti tioners, they have none of their Side in this case. In order to know this, every reasonable man ¦will think it necessary to find out the true Intent & meaning of this act ; for it is la maxim, — an indisputable Rule — in such cases. That the meaning & intention of the Law, is the Law -itself ; and to find out that it is a certai,n & undisputable . rule among those whose business lays this way & who are thoroughly versed in the Interpretation of Acts & Laws, That the Preamble of;an 'Act is always first to be consulted ;.as it is declarative of the reasons of making of it, , & the. mischief designed to be reme- dyed or prevented by it, & therefore is compared to a. Lanthorn hanging in an Entry of an House by which .we discover the rightway in. Now the Preamble of this Act says. By reason of the Disorderly carriage of some persons . in such meetings the Busi/iess thereof is much retarded <& obstruct ed : for preventing whereof it is enacted that a moderator shall be chosen to govern & regulate the Business of the nieeting ; and, wheti it shall happen that any matters re/nain doubtfull after a vote, the Moderator is directed to Decide it by the Poll, if seven or mare desire it : This is all that relates to this affair in the whole Act. Now this being the first paragraph in the Act it must in reason be supposed the Preamble contains a special reference to the things mentioned in this Paragraph ; for to suppose a preamble to. an Act which has no refference to any thing thereby enacted, and to suppose it has none to the first & principal paragraph, is equally ab surd : And therefore we can't but think that by the disorderly carriage mentioned in the Preamble was intended such as ren dered the vote when passed Doubtfull & uncertain, for the removing of which a Poll might be had ; — and if this be just reasoning, the consequence is. When there is no disorderly carriage or none detected, no disturbance or interruption given to the affairs of the meeting ; when there is no apparent cause of doubt nor Rational cause of suspicion, no Poll was to be granted. But to come to the enacting clause : To find out any meaning we ought always to consider the mark he aims at, the main point he has in view. This is also given As -a Rule to find out the mind of the Legislature & to apply it in the case before us r^'What was the point the Legislators had in vievv in forming this clause.? It is plain if we take their words in the same sense which other people use them, it was to take away all cause of Doubt how a vote was carried ; & the restraining Disorders was with a special view to that, as tliey give Occasion of Doubting ; for the words are, & when it shall happen that a/ty Matters re/nain Doubtful after TOWN PAPERS PORTSMOUTH. 70I a vste, then a Poll is to be had &c. The words are express in case of Doubt : Do they mean also that there shall be a Poll where there is no doubt.? when the thing is already as plain; as it can be by polling : Surely this Law did not design every thing should be Determined by the Poll, if that had been intended it would have said so. But as the Petitioners would have it, it must be in all cases if required, for the thing is always either plain or doubtfull ; the Legislators men tion & limit the Remedy to a particular case only : But this way of interpreting supposes they intended something directly contrary to the import of their expressions, and the design they had in view, that is, to comprehend all cases. By such a method any law may be made to mean any thing its inter preters would have it mean ; — and the consequence of con struing this Act in this manner, is to make Polling necessary in all cases at every Town or Parish meeting, where there are seven persons against the vote, which is an inconveniency which the Petitioners are not well aware of, & is greater than any man would readily imagine : — for by the juggle & con trivance which designing & disaffected persons might then practice, this very scheme for making things certain would be a means of destroying itself, embarrassing all such affairs & introduce occasions of perpetual jangle & controversy. Biit we take the truth of the case here really to be this : "This law was designed to reduce the usual method of voting by lifting up the hand, to a more certain method of decision when the're should be occasion, viz. by Polling & was never designed to be xised where the voting is by Ballot or writing, which is a Modern way not used among us when this law was made & is much more certain than polling; and to correct that by this would be like correcting a man's countenance by his picture, or to make an original peice more certain by a copy, — that is, in plain English, to amend the better by the worse. We humbly conceive it will not be said, or if said will not be regarded, that this law was intended to satisfy everybody's doubts who should pretend to them, tho' they could shew no Rational grounds for them, or because they may suggest a pos sibility of deception without pointing out any thing in partic ular ; these are such wild and loose objections as deserve no reply ; for by the same way any thing may be made doubtfull, & tO'argue from possibility to reality, deserves no attention ; — those who do it claim pity, but no answer. As to the reason of the thing or the nature of such affairs, we can't think reason would ever have directed to the tryal of voting by writing, by Polling the voters. We have the more reason to think so because we don't find that among other people no less reason able than ourselves when they determine matters by written 702 NEW HAMPSHIRE votes, they have not lit upon this happy method of polling to try the other by in case of dispute ; At this day the Jurys at tending the Courts in Westminster Hall are elected by Ballot, but no Polling in case of Dispute. If they cant tell what is done, the way is to do it over again until they can ; so in choos ing of Parliament Men, the regulation of corporation affairs, &c. which is done by Voting but no Polling: &:to come nearer home in the neighbouring . Goverm' Jurys, Registers, Repre sentatives, &c. are chosen by ballot, but there is nothing of the way we are speaking of in doubtfull cases. Now if Reason or the nature of the thing directed to this way, it is strange that other peoples Reason had not lead them into it ; but as we don't find it has, we conclude it is not a dictate of Reason but an instituted method introduced & subsisted by the Provincial Law. Reason would have directed to several methods more certain than Polling, as writing down the voters names, setting their names to their votes &c. And if this be so, & that Law does not reach the case of the meeting now under considera tion, then it necessarily follows, that to grant this Petition would be an infringement upon the Legal Rights of the voters & deprive them of their just Libertys and priviledges in this affair. This is so plain & so necessarily follows, that little need be said to it ; for if the Law don't teach nor Reason oblige to it, then to vacate what the people have legally done is an in fringement upon those Rights by 'which it was done, to deny them of the man that was chosen to represent them is depriv ing them of their Liberty in that respect, which is to choose for themselves, & taking away a valuable privilege of keeping the man they have once chosen ; & hence it follows that it would be an Act of Injustice ; these things which would be thus broke in upon & taken from the people, are of more con sequence really to them than a partof their substance. It has cost Englishmen dear every body knows to purchase & maintain these & such like privilidges, & therefore to deny the free ex ercise of them, which is a Denial in effect, is the highest In justice. It is no answer to say the people have a new choice ; for besides the loss of time spent in this case, when a new choice is made may not that be set aside in the same manner & so on till they choose, not according to their own inclina tion, but the man they might be directed to. This would be like sending out a Jury till they find such a verdict as the court likes. Upon the whole we humbly conceive, to grant the prayer of this Petition signed by twelve persons only out of eighty-one, & one of those not an inhabitant of the town, to set aside an Election honestly, fairly & Legally made, upon such grounds, because a motion was denyed that was made out of season, after those who made it saw the affair was determined TOWN PAPERS PORTSMOUTH. 70^ contrary to their desire and which was made not from any cause of doubt but only dissatisfaction, & which they would never Jhave made, had every thing but done just as it was only the vote been as they would have had it ; Nay, but would rather have cryed out upon it as unjust, illegal & absurd, should such a motion have been made ; We say to make void this election under all these circumstances, we apprehend would have a very extraordinary effect & is what the wisdom & jus tice of this Hon'''" House will not suffer us to fear.* Sam' Hart ") Nath' Mendum l Selectmen Mark Langdon ) Portsm" Dec'' 31, 1745 : Deed from Theodore Atkinson and Others of their Rights in certain Townships <&c. To ALL People, to whom these Presents shall come. Greeting : Know ye, That we, Theodore Atkinson, Richard Wibird, John Mof fat, Mark Hunking 'Wentworth, Samuel Moore, Jotham Odiorne jun. Joshua Pierce, Nathaniel Meserve, George Jeffry, Jun., and John Went worth, jun., all of Portsm" in y" Province of New Hampshire in New England, & Thomas Wallingford of Somersworth & Thomas Packer of Greenland, both of s"" Province aforesaid. Diverse good causes & con siderations us hereunto moveing, have remised. Released & Quit claimed & by these Presents for ourselves each and every of us & all & each & every of our heirs. Executors & Administrators Respectively, Do Re mise, Release & forever Quit claim unto y" Inhabitants & proprietors of y" seven-all Towns, Precincts, Parishes, Villages & Districts hereafter named, lying & being within y Province aforesaid, viz. Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter, Hampton, Gosport, Kingstown, Derry, Chester, Not tingham, Barrington, Rochester, Canterbury, Bow, Chicester, Epsom, Barnstead, with all & every of y" Districts, Parishes, Precints & vil lages within y s'' Tounships, any & every of them, & to their success ors. Heirs & Assigns forever Respectively in their seisin and Posses sion now being as the s-* Townships, Parishes, Districts, Precincts & Villages are limited, bounded & described by y» Acts, orders, customs. & usages of y" s'' Province, with all & singular y" Estate, right, title Inheritance, claim & demand of us &each & every of us of in & untoy same & every part thereof to us in any manner belonging, Either to Houses, Lands, Rivers, woods, mines, minerals & appurtenances What soever, Excepting & Reserving to ourselves & such of us & each of us our Respective Heirs & assigns, all & each of our several & Respective rights, 'Titles, Inheritance & Possession which we heretofore had in common or in severalty as Inhabitants or proprietors of houses & Land s within any of the Towns, Precincts, Parishes, Districts & Villages afore s" in the same manner as tho' the above Release had never been made : To have & To hold, the above Remised & Released Prem ises with all y Privilidges & appurtenances to y^ same in any manner belonging, to them, y" said Inhabitants & proprietors, their several & respective successors. Heirs & assigns for ever, according to their sev- "' See Proceedings of the House on this case in Prov. Pap. Vol. V. pp. 394, 395 403,409. ED. 704 NEW HAMPSHIRE eral & respective Tenures, Grants, Priviledges & possessions, excepting as before excepted. In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands & seals yi^ Thirty first day of July, Anno Domini, 1746, in y" hventieth year of ye reign of Ki-ng George y" Second' &c. Sign'd, Seal'd and delivered, after the words (of us & each & every of us) were interlin'd. In Presence of us, executed by all except Tho' Packer Esq. before Joshua Gilman Noah Emery. Sign'd, Seal'd and deliver'd by Thomas Packer, Esq" in presence of Richard Hart Noah Emery. Theo' Atkinson (S) Josh" Peirce (S) Nath' Meserve (S) R. Wibird (S) John Moffat (S) Geo. Jeffrey, Jun. (S) Mark H'g Wentworth (S) John Wentworth, jun (S) Sam' Moore (S) Thomas Wallingford (S) J. Odiorne, Jun. (S) Tho> Packer, (S) Prov. of "I Portsm" July 31" 1746. Then Theodore Atkinson, New Hampr /Richard Wibird, John Moffatt, Mark Hunking Went worth, Jotham Odiorne jun., Joshua Peirce, Nath' Me serve, Geo. Jaffrey, Jun. John Wentworth, Jun. & Thomas 'Wallingford, above named acknowledged the foregoing Instrument to be their free act & Deed before me Pierse Long, Just. Peace Prov.' of New Hamp' Poi-tsm" August 23, 1746. Then personally appeared Sam> Moore & Thos. Packer Esqr* & acknowledged the above Instrument to be their free Act & Deed. Before Pierse Long, Jus. Peace Prov. of New Hamp"^ A true Copy from Lib. 31, Fol. 175, Exam'd this 30"" June 1756. D. Peirce, Rec'«' Petition of Portsmouth Selectmen about a Pest-hou^e. To his Excellency Benning Went-worth Esq' Capt. General, Governor & Commander in Chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, the Hon*'' his Majesty's Coun cil & House of Rfepresentatives for said Province, in Gen eral Assembly convened the 23'' day of Feby. 1747. The Humble Petition of the Selectmen of Portsmouth in said Province for the current year, shews : That your Petitioners in thesummerpasthave had the Build ing of a Public Pest House under consideration and had fixed upon a certain Island near the Pool commonly called Antho ny's Island as the most convenient place near to which Vessels might conveniently perform Quarantine, & Persons sick with any infectious Distemper might be safely kept both with re spect to themsjlves & others. TOWN PAPERS PORTSMOUTH. 705 That the property of the said Island could not be purchased but at more than double the real value, as your Petition'''' con ceive, advantage being taken of the supposed necessity of the case, whereby the grant of the sum made by the General As sembly would have been expended (or near it) only for the land : That the necessity of such an house grows greater every year, & the charge of purchasing a proper place & building suitable places for the reception of the sick & those whom it may be necessary to remove, will be considerably more than it appear'd to be when the said grant was made ; and as such places are for the Benefit of the whole Province, Your Peti tioners pray that a further grant may be made for that purpose ; That (as the owners of the Land which may be fixed upon, will probably raise their demands upon the occasion) three or more indifferent suitable persons may be appointed to value and ap praise the said Island, or other place that may be chosen, un der Oath, & to make Return to some Magistrate or Judicatory, who shall administer Oath, & that the owner or owners thereof may be obliged to take the sum so stated, and the ap- praisors ordered to make Return describing the Place so ap praised & that being recorded in the Province Records with the Oaths of the appraisers, may vest the fee of the Land so appraised & described in the Province, & Divest the owners thereof, (without the formality of Executing a Deed or Deeds, which may be attended with difficulty ;) and your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray. Sam' Hart 1 Nath' Mendum >- Selectmen Mark Langdon ) In Council, March the 8"' 1747. Read & voted. That a Committee of both Houses be Imediatel,y ap pointed to take under consideration the subjects matter of the within petition & report thereon as soon as may be. Theodore Atkinson, Secy. Ordered to be sent down for concurrence. Answer to a Petition of Clement March for annexing cer tain lands to Greenland. To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq'' Capt. General, Govern"^ & Commander in chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, the Hon"'" his Majesty's Coun cil & House of Representatives in General Assembly con vened, May 10"' 1748. The Answer of the Town of Portsmouth to the Petition of Clement March of Greenland in said Province, Esq'^ praying 45 7o6 NEW Hampshire to have certain Lands purchased by him, lying in said Ports mouth, annexed to Greenland aforesaid : First, There is no reason for diminishing the Rateable Estate of said Town & lessening the Extent thereof, to enlarge the Par ish of Greenland, but quite contrary, for the Annual charges bf said Town for Schools, Poor &c. is more than Double in proportion to the Polls & Estates, than the annual charge of Greenland. 2'*'. The Reason given by the Petitioners for Annexing the Lands mentioned, to Greenland, is, that they lye contiguous to his other Lands which are in Greenland, & so most convenient for him to have it so ; But why most convenient.? There is no Reason but only the Rates in Greenland are not so high as in Portsmouth, for as to any other advantage it is not conceiva ble : the situation of the Land & all other circumstances will be just the same, whether they belong to Greenland or Ports mouth, excepting the article of Rates; and if that is the mo tive to ask this favour, that alone shows it ought not to be granted ; because it shows that Portsm ' has greater charges in proportion than Greenland, & therefore more need of Rateable Estate. Besides, what is there in the Petitioner's case that is peculiar, & will not be every man's case who shall ever pur chase Lands in the Town if he lives near or upon the line in another Town or Parish all around ; or indeed, which will not happen in any other Town thro' the Province. For, may not every purchaser under like circumstances, ask the same favour to have his lands annexed that place which pays the lowest Taxes ; and where will this end .? There is one Dearborn who owns Lands in Greenland, Stratham & Hampton, which lye contiguous, as the Petitioner's does : May not he with equal Reason come & pray that all his lands may be annexed to that place he likes best, & will there not be the same conveniency to him as in the case of the present Petitioner.? and so of many others. It is a rule to be observed with respect to Petitioners, that when any thing is asked which makes way for every per son, or an indefinite Number to ask the like, — vsrhen the thing ask'd is a mere matter of favour, and no principle of justice or equity to enforce it, — There, in such cases it ought not to be granted. The present Petition is rather against Justice & Equity ; it amounts really to no more than this : that the Peti tioner may hereafter be exempted from paying half or some part of the Taxes which the Law imposes on him ; and there are many others ready to ask the like favour ; and then some others must pay the more : and can it be said to be just and right to grant a favour to one to the prejudice & Injury of another.? Wherefore as the Town of Portsmouth is a Sea Port continually exposed to strangers & many extraordi- TOWN PAPERS — PORTSMOUTH. 707 nary charges, the extent ought by no means to be lessened ; and as several others are in like case of the petitioner who will in all probability follow his example in case he succeeds, whereby the charges of said Town will fall so much theheaviet on those who remain, 'tis humbly hoped you will see cause to deny the prayer of this Petition. Sam' Hart, I i" behalf of the ) selectmen. Wm. Parker j^g^'tf'''" j s"Town. Petition for a Lottery to pave the streets in Ports7nouth. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Governor and Commander-in-chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, the Hon''" his Majesty's Councill & House of Representatives for said Province in General Assembly conven'd, the 16'" day of Octob'' 1759. The Humble Petition of sundrj'^ of the Inhabitants of Ports mouth in said Province Shews : — That your Petitioners apprehend it to be very necessary that the principal Streets in said Town (which are now much us'd & are narrow) shou'd be Pav'd, especially where the Public Business occasions the greatest concourse of People : That this wou'd be a work of very considerable expence, and con sidering the annual charges of the town for support of the Poor (which by the situation it is often oblig'd to receive) more than any other Town in the Province, with other incidental charges, the Inhabitants cou'd not well sustain a Tax for this purpose at Present ; — That works of this & the like nature are annually carried into execution in other Places by Public Lotteries, and much money from this as well as other places in the Province is by the adventures of Particular persons carried away & made con tributory to the Designs of those Lotteries ; Your Petitioners therefore think it may be prudent to take advantage of this disposition of the People & Direct it to some Public use & General service among ourselves. Wherefore, they Humbly Pray that they may have leave to set up a Public Lottery to raise a sum of money for paving the Streets aforesaid, to be under the Regulation & management of Persons to be stated & appointed in a Billfor that end, and that they may have leave to bring it in accordingly ; and your Peti tioners as in duty bound shall ever pray, &c. H. Wentn-orth John Moffat D. Peirce John Sherburne 7oS NEW HAMPSHIRE John Newmarch Daniel Rogers Chnrles Treadwell Jacob Treadwell John Penh;il]ow Saml Penhallow Saml Sherburne Clemt JackbOn Saml Wentworth John Griffeth Richard Champney John G.irdner John Grant John Beck George Uoyd Danl Jackson Sam Griffeth Nathl Mendnm W. Clagett James Sloodley Benjamin Welch Tho : Wibird Joshua Brackett Joseph Allcock William Pearson Henry Rust Charles Banflll Solomon Loud Gregory Pursell Geo : Jaffrey Will. Temple Jno. Nelson Jotham Rindge S. Livermore Nathl Adama Nalhl Peirce John Wentworth Damaris Wheelwright .Tonathan Warner George Libbe Danl Rindge George Meserve Saml Hart Benja Mackay Thomas Parker Saml Erost Jno. Parker Joseph Buss John Cutt Humpy Furnell Thos Hart Charles Hight Hy Apthorp Peter Man Thos Landell John Hart Saml Cntt E. Russell, jr James Dwyer John Wendell Theo. Atkinson, jun John Ley William Parker, &c. &o. &o Thos Packer Matthew Livermore Danl Fowle Nathl Treadwell, jnn. In Council OctC 30"" 1759. Read & Concurr'd & sent down to the Hon''' Assembly. Theodore Atkinson, SecJ' Province of '1 In the House of Representatives, Oct' 31, 1759. New Hamp' ( This Petition being read, Voted, That the Prayer thereof be granted & that the Petitioners have Liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly. A. Clarkson, Clerk. In Council, Eod. die, read & concurr'd Theodore Atkinson, Sec. Petition of Ports-mouth against a Bridge at New Castle. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq'' Governor & Commander in chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, the Hon'" his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives for said Province, in General Assembly convened, the 15"' Day of Feb>' 1760. The humble Petition of the Selectmen & agents of the Town of Portsmouth, shews : — TOWN PAPERS — PORTSMOUTH. 709 That your Petitioners have been informed that there is now lying before the Assembly a Bill for granting liberty to the Town of New Castle to set up a Lottery to raise money for building a Bridge a cross that Branch 'of Piscataqua River call'd Little Harbour, which your Petitioners apprehend if it should be effected will greatly Prejudice the said Town of Portsmouth, especially if done in the manner we are inform'd is design'd & begun ; and as your Petitioners have been so lately inform'd of the said Bill they have not time to Reduce the Objections to be made to writing, and especially as there was no Public notice nor Liberty given for that purpose, they could not be prepared therewith, they humbly pray that they may in behalf of said Town be heard, to shew cause why the said Bridge shou'd not be built, especially in the unlimited manner proposed ; — and they shall as in duty bound Pray &c. Sam' Penhallow A. Clarkson William Knight John Sherburne Tohn Griffeth. Memorial for a bounty on fish, wheat, he/np, dec. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq' Governor and commander-in-chief, in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, the Hon'''" his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives in General Assembly convened, June 6'-'' 1763. The Memorial of Sundry Inhabitants of Portsmouth and other places in said Province shews : — That as the Business of taking, curing & carrying on the Fishery in this Province -wou'd be of great advantage to the Province in general, and especially to the landed Interest, per haps nothing cou'd sooner & more sensibly encourage & Pro mote that Business than the favour and regard of the Govern ment, not only countenancing but granting a bounty on the same, in such manner & proportion as in their wisdom shall be judged convenient ; for as that Business has been in agreat measure neglected for some time & preparing for it is attended ¦with considerable expence, & the issue & event not certain, most People who heretofore were ingaged in it, will be back ward to resume it on the bare prospect of the advantage aris ing by it : That it has been done in many instances by the wisdom of the British Parliament not only for introducing a new Branch ^iP »£¦«?- HAMPSHIRE of: Trade, or a new kind of Manufacture, but also for reviving & giving spirit to any thing of that Nature useful to the Public not wholly disus'd but much decay'd, as in particular on the Whale Fishery. an additional Bounty of twenty shillings a Ton on the admeasurement of the ship, by Stat. 22 Geo. 2, was granted to the owners of the ships, on a preceding bounty of twenty shillings, before granted by the Stat, of 5 & 6 Geo. 2, &c. And many other instances might easily be given ; For i£ is. now become a ipaxim from long experience, that the G«a- erality of the world must be counted to pursue their own In terest ; And it is a well known Fact, how greatly the State of Ijreland has been raised & improved within thirty years last past, by giving bountys & premiums to those who excelled in. every kind of manufacture in use there, — which raised a spirit of emulation, in that way bro't arts & industry into credit St reputation & promoted the trade & wealth of the kingdom. The reason is so clear & strong in such cases that even in the New Province & settlement of Nova Scotia, the Government there has granted a Bounty of twelve pence sterling per Quin tal on all Cod fish cured there ; and in every Government en couragements in this way have not been wanting ; That there is perhaps more necessity for such an encouragement in this Province, than in any other place that can be named, to raise something to ballance the large Importation annually made for some of the necessaries of life ; — it appearing by the Custom House Book, that between March 1 761 & June 1763, 180,865 Bushels of corn had been duly Entered imported here, besides a,dventures & small quantities not observed, by Coasters, &c. Add to this, the prodigious quantities of flower & great quanti ties of other provisions, by which means all the silver & gold which used to be current here is gone, or at least the greatest part, and the Bills of credit now current Depreciated as they vvou'd not purchase our daily Bread, for it is certain the more limited any currency is & the fewer demands it will answer, the more the value will sink. That a sufficient sum for the purpose aforesaid might be easily raised by an Excise on Spirituous Liquors, more es pecially on that enormous Quantity of rum imported, which by the entries aforesaid, it appears that more than three thousand eight hundred & twenty hogs heads have been in lit tle more than two years, besides smaller parcels, tho't too in considerable to be entered, private adventures, — and many hogsheads annually of New England rum, carried up Merri mack & consumed in this Province ; and it is well known to every one, that almost all the Profit of this trade is made bv tiie Importation and consumption here ; and how prejudicial to the substance, morals and health of the People such' a larg^ town papers PORTSMOUTH. 7 IX consumption of spirit is, no one can readily conceive ; »nd therefore it seems as necessary to prevent or lessen this grow ing mischief, as it was in time of war to Defend the people against the common Enemy, by whom perhaps fewer lives were annually destroyed ; That wheat. Hemp, Flax & other kinds of the Produce of the Field, wou'd doubtless be soon raised and bro't to such a degree of perfection, as would at least lessen our Importations A bring our Trade nearer to a ballance, if not turn it in our favour, if the Husbandman was suitably encouraged and some method taken to introduce a more profitable way of cultiva- "tion and Agriculture, than has yet been practised here, the Public wou'd soon find the advantage ; And from the experi ence of others, we learn that nothing will prove more effectual tp advance & promote such like improvements than Bounties and premiums given at first till those concerned find their ac count & encouragement from the Profit of the Business. Wherefore your memorialists Pray you wou'd take the Premises under consideration and do therein as in your wisdpm ^ goodness you shall upon the whole Judge will be best for the public advantage & emolument — and we shall ever pray, Ac. John Sherburne A. R. Cutter Will'" Torrey Tho- Parker 'Wm. Parker Tho" Parsons D. Peirce John 'Wentworth Geo. Meserve Tho' 'Wibird Daniel Rogers Nul Lamont Benj" Odiorne Jn° Parker John Moffat Mark Hunking Thomas Packer, jun. Ichabod Clark J. "Wentworth Philip Hooker Dan' Rindge Samuel Mofifat 'Wm. 'Whipple James McDonough Thos. Martin Tho' Tash Hugh Hall Wentworth Peter Pearse Jonathan 'Warner Jona. Lovewell George Boyd John Penhallow Geo. Jaffrey Nath' Adams 'Wyseman Clagett John Clark Joss. Frost Tim. Pope Hubartus Neal Paul March In Council, June 8"' 1763. Read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon"'' Assembly. T. Atkinson, Secy. NrHamp'}j"--'^'763. The Committee appointed to consider the subject matter of the for^ going Petition, beg leave to Report as follows, viz. That when the Excise Act Pass'd by this House and Now before the Council shall be pass'd by the Hon"-'" Council and Assented to by his Excellency We 7i2 NEW HAMPSHIRE think it adviseable that then a Bounty be given on fish, hemp, flax & wheat, to be paid out of the money Rais'd by s-* Excise. Meshech Weare, on behalf of the Com'»' This Report Entered June 15, 1763, & the House was prorogued the same day. [Note. The MS. Piipers which next follow, relate to an atternpt to establish a Play House in Portsmouth, in June, 176::; — all which are printed in full, in Prov. Pap. Vol.- VI. pp. 831-835, to which read ers are referred. Ed.] Petition of the Selectmen, <&c., of Portsmouth, to hold Town meetings in the State House. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq'' Governor and commander in chief, in and over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, The Hon'' his Majesty" Council & House of Representatives for said Province in General As sembly convened. Decern' 15"' 1763. The humble Petition of the Select men of Portsmouth in said Province & the Wardens of the first Parish in saidTown» shews : That it has been the usual practice to hold the meetings of said Town in the meeting House in said Parish, which has been long complained of by many in the Parish, not only as injurious to the property of particular Persons, by breaking down the .seats, dirting the Pews and benches, & carrying away cushions & other injuries, but as a very indecent thing to make an house appropriated & consecrated to the worship of God^ the scene for public civil affairs, where the warmest Disputes & Contentions often happen ; and woul'd be so estimated by serious Persons of any Religion whatsoever ; But especially since a very Large & commodious addition at a great expence of the Parish, has been lately made, the article of Injury is. more evident & more frequent ; and as the number of parish ioners increase the complaint of indecency and Impropriety in creases ; Wherefore your Petitioners humbly pray, that leave may be granted by a Resolve, that the said meetings of the Town of Portsmouth for the Purpose aforesaid, may be held in the State House, from time to time, and any damage occa sioned thereby shall be repaired or made good by the Town — and your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray, &c. H. Wentworth ) 1°"^ Langdon ^ Chanlee Treadwell [ Jp^^t ^^^^^^"^ I Select- Wardens. S f,t^ 1 ENHALLOW r men. ^ William Knight ) TOWN PAPERS PORTSMOUTH 713 Another Petition on the satne matter. Province of ) To his Excellency Benning Wentworth, New Hampshire j Esq'' Capt. General, Governor & Com mander in Chief in and over his Majes ty's aforesaid Province of New Hampshire, The Hon''' his Majesty's Council for said Province, & Hon''' House of Representatives in General Assembly convened, April ii"" 1764. The humble Petition of the Select men of Portsmouth in the Province aforesaid, whose Names are hereunto subscribed, Sheweth — That the annual and other Town meetings for the said Town of Portsmouth have (for many years last past) been held in the North Meeting house there, which hath given offence to many of the Parishioners, who by means thereof have had their Pews dirtied and spoiled and who are also of opinion that the said Meeting house ought to be wholly set apart for the worship of Almighty God ; and this hath lately produced no small contention : That with a view to quiet the said contention and prevent any future offence. It was at the last annual meeting for the said Town, Voted, as follows, viz. " That the Selectmen be desired to Petition the General " Court at their next session for leave to hold their Town " meetings in the State House, And if the Prayer of their " Petition be granted, that the said selectmen be and are here- " by desired, to appoint their next Town meeting (the next " annual meeting included) to be held in said State House ; " And if they cannot obtain leave of the general Court as " aforesaid. Then to meet at the North meeting House as '< usual." Which vote occasions this application to your Excellency and Honours ; And your Petitioners to Pray that for the rea sons aforesaid, the Selectmen of the said Town of Ports mouth for the time being may have leave, and be legally authorized by the General Court to hold their future Town meetings in the State House. John Langdon A. Clarkson John Dennet Sam' Penhallow William Knight. Province of \ In the House of Representatives, May S"" 1764. New Hamp'^ / This Petition being read Voted, That the prayer of the within Petition be granted in the fol lowing manner ; Viz. That the Town of Portsmouth have liberty of 7l4 NEW HAMPSHIRE holding their Town meetings for the future, in the lower room of the- State House, provided the Town at their own Expense will finish in a decent and hansome manner the Room upon the lower floor of the State house finding all the materials for plastering, ceiling and what ever is necessary that the same may be finished in a workmanlike man ner, and cause the same to be so finished in a Reasonable time. A. Clarkson, Clerk. Portsmouth Petition in regard to certain election returns. Province of I To the Honourable House of Representa- New Hampshire | tives for said Province in General As sembly conven'd ; — ^May 4"' 1775. The humble petition of the subscribers, freeholders in Ports- rpouth, in s"* Province, Sheweth : — That before the last election of Representatives for tb.i* Province, Writs issued to several new Towns in said Proy- ipce, which had not heretofore sent Representatives, to chooja persons to represent them in General Assembly ; — in conse quence of which Writs, these towns did elect Representatives ; And as there is no Legal Authority vested in any seperate Branch or Branches of the Legislature of this government tp issue such writs, we apprehend the exercise of such authority, therefore, not only unwarranted by the British Constitution A the Laws of this Province, but in its consequences subversive of both, and pregnant with many alarming evils (i). Wherefore we being deeply sensible of the great importance of preventing so unconstitutional a procedure, most humblv pray that the honourable House may take into their wise and immediate consideration, whether the persons so chosen, are entitled to a seat there. And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c. H. Wentworth Caleb Currier Danl. Peirce Nah. Ward John Newmarch Richd Salter Thos Hart Edmund Coffin David Griffith John Marshall George Ciins James Clarkson George Hart William Furnell Elisha Hill Saml Dalling Mark Seavey Saml Hale, jun .Icremiah Libbey Jno Furnald Wm. Langdon Wm. Whipple Benjamin Slade Willm Pearny Temple Knight J. Brackett Benja Akerman H. Sherburne Saml Beck John Grant n) See " Journals of the Honse," on the foregoing, in Prov. Pap. VoL VU. us. 374,378,333-385. Ed. k ** iw TOWN PAPERS — PQWNALL, IN VERMONT. 7^5 Jos. Allcock WUliam Cotton Peter Man Mark Nelson Benja Mackay Jacob Sheafe, jun Saml Bowles David Call John Gregory Thos Prince Saml Jackson John Peirce Alexr Monson Giles Seaward E. Butler John Furbur Benj. Patridge Reuben Snell Ephm Ham Geo. Tumar Peirse Long Joseph Bass James Grouard Robert Ham Joseph Akerman Saml Moses Theodore Moses Noah Peirce Nathaniel T. Griffith POWNALL, IN Vermont. Petition. Province of \ To his Excellency Benjamin Wintworth, New Hampshire ) Capt. Generall and Comnnander in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of Ne'W Hampsher in Newengland, and to the Hon'"' his majesties Council in the Same. The Humbell petition of the Inhabitants of the township of PowNALL, sheweth : That w^e your petitioners mete the sac- ond tusday of Jenerwarey Instant, In order to hold our An" Meting, to chues town officers and to do as derected by Char- tor ; But Esq'' Samwell Robinson's reading our Charter at the opening of s'' meting, he being Moderattor, we found we had maid A mistake throo Ignorance off the day ; therfore Durst not proceed to do the business of the day ; so your humble pe titioners pray, that this fault may be forgiven, and that for this present year your Excellency & Honours would be graciously plesed to appoint us the fortenth in febu' or such a day as in your grate Wisdom and Goodness you shall see best, promising for the time to com to fully observe and walke by your Charter orders ; And your petitioners shall as in duty bound ever pray. Deated pownell the i8''' Jene>' A. D. 1763. Witness, Isaac Vanarenem Silas Pratt John Vanarenem Noah Pratt Jabuz Worran James Grover Robert Watson Elieser Mash Asa Alger Thomas Train. 71 6 NEW HAMPSHIRE Province of New Hampshire, Jan'y. 3' 1763. The within Petition read & considered, & the Prayer thereof granted & ordered that the second Tuesday in March be appointed the time for the Annual Town Meeting for the within mentioned town of Pownal for the choice of Town officers &c. agreeable to the Laws of this Prov ince, and that the Charter for said-Town & the record thereof be ac cordingly altered. Read & concurred T. Atkinson, Jun. Secy Note. — There is an evident discrepancy in the above dates. Ed. PUTNEY, IN Vermont. Petition for a Grant of Latid. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq'' Capt. General and Governor in chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire &c. And to the Honorable his Majesties Council of s' Province : The Petition of Josiah Willard and others humbly sheweth ; That your Excellency's Petitioners are desirous of having his Majesties Grant of a Township of Land of y' contents of six miles square on y" westerly side of Connecticut River, at a place called y" Greate Meadow adjoining to y" Township of Westminster at y" Northerly End of the Land called y" Equiv alent Land in the Province of New Hampshire, as your Ex cellency's Petitioners shall in duty bound ever pray. Josiah 'Willard. Josiah Willard Thomas Hill Moses Wright, jun. Henry Hill John Armes James Hews Nathan Willard James Hews, jun. Lois Butler Francis Bowls John Peirce Isaac Bowls Joseph Ashley John Bowls John Moor James Tilston Wilder Willard John Newel Oliver Willard Samuel Sparhawk Thomas Whiting Samuel Sparhawk, jun. Daniel Adama Jeremiah Hall Joseph Baker Samuel Hall Timothy Baker William Smeed Isaac White Prenctice Willard Joha VVhite Joseph Ashley (1) Benja VVhita Thomas Chamberlain (1) James Clemmcns Thomas Prentice (I) These two names have a X before them Ed. TOWN PAPERS— PUTNEY, IN VERMONT. 717 James Alen. jun josiah Willard, jr. Jonathan Hammond Robert Usher Elnathan Blood John Usher Amasa Parker Jonathan Cummings Ephraim Adams Thomas Parker Isaac Powers Ellas Alexander Robert Fleteher Richard Wibird Jonathan Hubbard Theodore Atkinson. RAYMOND. [Raymond, formerly belonging to the town of Chester, was incor porated as a Parish, 9 May, 1764. Ed.] Anno Regni Regis Georgii Tertii Magna; Brittaniae, Franciae & Hiber- niae Quarto. An Act for Erecting a New Parish within the Township of Chester in this Province ; Whereas at a Town meeting held at Chester on the twenty-Sixth day of January 1763, it was granted & Voted that a part of said Township commonly call'd Free Town described in said Vote, might be incor porated into a new Parish (as far as their consent was necessary) and it appearing to be convenient considering the situation of the Inhab itants ; Be it therefore Enacted, by the Governo' Council and Assembly, That there be and hereby is a new Parish constituted, Erected and Incorpo rated there, by the following Bounds namely, Beginning at the North East corner of Chester upon the head line of Epping at a maple tree being a boundary between Chester and Nottingham, then runs south twenty nine degrees West, bounding partly on said Epping & partly on Brentwood, to the South East corner of the Lot Number'd thirty in said Chester, as may appeare by Records of the Proprietors of Chester, then West North West so far as to contain all the old Hundred Acre Lots so called in said Township, then North twenty Nine Degrees East to the South East corner of Candia, then by & joining upon Candia to the Line of Nottingham upon that side & by that Line to the Maple Tree where it begins ; and that the same Parish be called. Incorporated & Named the Parish of Raymond ; And all the Polls and Estates within the limits aforesaid are hereby exonerated and Discharged of & from all Duties, Taxes & Assessments (excepting what is hereafter mentioned & excepted) in & to any other place or part of said Town and are hereby Invested & Enfranchised with all common Privileges which other Par ishes have & legally hold, & likewise with all the Legal powers & author ities of other Parishes in this Province, and may raise money for the necessary uses of the said Parish as any Town or Parish may Legally do. To have succession and continuance forever : And Samuel Emer son Esq'' of Chester, is hereby authorised to call the first meeting of said Inhabitants for the choice of the necessary Parish Officers and any other afl'airs they may judge proper at said meeting, giving due notice yiS NEW HAMPSHIRE of the time, place & Design of such meeting, in the usual & customary manner in said Town. Provided, Si Excepting, that the Polls & Estates of & within said Parish shall continue to be taxed & assessed to the Province Rates as they have usually been until a new Proportion of said Rates shall be made among the several To-wns & Parishes in this Province. Province of | ^^ ^^^^ House of Representatives, May 4''' 1764 This Bill having been read three times. Voted, that it pass to be En acted H. Sherburne, Speaker. In Council, May 9"' 1764. This Bill read a third tim & Past to be enacted. Theo. Atkinson jun. Secy. Consented to B. Wentworth. Province of \ To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq"' New Hampshire ) Captain Generall, Governor and Com mander in Chief in and over his Majes ty's Province of New Hampshire, to the Honourable his Majesty's Council and House of Representatives for said Province in General Assembly convened : The Humble Petition of the Subscribers, freeholders and Inhabitants of the Parish of Raymond in said Province, Sheweth : That the Said Parish was Incorporated in May A. D. 1764, 3nd have ever since been Destitute of a Meeting-house for the Publick Worship of God in said Parish ; That the Parishioners cannot agree where to set a Meeting house, altho they have had sundry meetings for that purpose-; but the Major part of the Inhabitants Living in the North Easterly part of said Parish, have Voted to set the Meeting house about a mile from the North Easterly side line of said Parish, which will greatly discommode many of the Inhabit ants of the upper part of said Parish, which is likely in a short time to be the best part of s** Parish. That your Petitioners humbly conceive that if the meeting house was to be placed as near the Center of the Parish as possible. It would Accommodate all the Inhabitants that now are or hereafter may be settled there. And as some of your Petitioners live altnost five miles from the place proposed & Voted to-set the said House, which is to your Petitioners a great grievance, & if so done will be to them a heavy burthen-; your Petitioners therefore humbly pray the Interposition of your Excellency & hon'" in this matter, and that a Disinterested Committee may be appointed to view the said Parish & Report where they shad think most proper for said House to Stand, TOWN Papers — ravmond. 719 to accommodate the Inhabitants in the best manner, and that iBuch report may be established, or that your Petitioners may be otherwise relieved in such way & manner as your Excel- Ibiicy & Hon'" in your Wisdom shall see fit. And your Peti- tibners as in duty bound shall Pray &c. Raymond, Octo"^ 1768. Ezekiel Lane John Leavitt Daniel Lane Gilman Dudley Ezekiel Morss William S. Healey William Todd Daniel Richardson Samuel Healey Christopher Richardson David Lane John Hains Obadiah Griffen Stephen Thirst" Daniel Clay Samuel Brown ? Jonathan Palmer John Wells James Row Stephen Gale Jonathan Palmer (jun) James Bean Joseph Giles Benjamin Prescott Jonas Clay Nicholas Gilman Ephraim Currier Stephen Dudley Alexander Smith Joseph Smith Joseph Giles, jun. Samuel Cram Clement Dollof Alexander McCluere John Leavitt, jun John Sweat. Province of '1 In the House of Representatives Octob' 20"' 176S. New Hamp'' ( Upon reading this Petition, voted. That the Petitioners serve the Selectmen of Raymond with a Copy of this Petition & order of Court thereon that they may be heard thereon, on Friday the 28"' Instant, if the General Assembly be then sitting, and if not then on the third day of the sitting of the Assembly after the first day of November next. Sam' Hobart, Clk. Pro Temp. In Council, Eodem Die. Read & concurr'd. Geo. King, Dep. See. Province of "I In the House of Representatives, Octo' 28"', 1768. New Hamp' / The parties being heard on this Petition and agreeing on a Committee to be appointed. Voted, That John Webster, Col" Ebenezer Stevens, Esq" and Capt. Eliphalet Morrill be a Committee for the purpose mentioned in the Pe tition, to proceed therein and make Report to the General Assembly aS 'isbon as may be. M. Weare, Clr. Ih Council, eodem die. Read & concurred Geo. King, Dep. Sec?. 720 NEW HAMPSHIRE RINDGE. [This Town was granted by Massachusetts in 1738, to John Tyler, Joseph Pike and others, officers and soldiers in the Canada expedition in 1690. It was called for many years Rowley -Canada, and sometimes Monadnock No. i. It was incorporated by charter, August 11, 1768, John Wentworth being then Governor of the Province of New Hamp shire. John Farmer, Esq.] Certificate. Francis Peabody & Huberd Gould boath of Lawfull age testifyeth & saith, That in y" year 1742, we went to work at Rowley Canada & we kept our horses on Able Plats is haj' in mado whare y trespas is said to be done & paid him for y"- same, & y<^ s"" Plats hath bin in possession of s'' meado ever since till he gave it to his son Jo.seph, y" defendant, who hath ben in possession ever since & as to y= upland whare y" tres pass is s'' to be done we se Able Platts in y" year 1742 y' 29 & 30 days of September cut wood & Timber on the Lot whare y trespas is said to be done & y" s*" Able Plats hath ben in possession ever sence till he gave it to his Sun Joseph Plats the defendant & he hath ben in pos session to this day. Francis Peabody Hubbard Gould. Essex SS. January ye twenty seventh day 1752 Then the within named Francis Peabody and Hubard Gould both being strictly casuned to the truth of what is above written and then made oath to the same, — the adverse partys not Notified living more than thirty miles Dis tance : before me the subscriber : Atf Thomas Lambert, Jus. of Pec. Copy of the grant to Rowley - Canada, now Rindge, 1738. At a Great & Gen' Court or Assembly for his Majesties Province of the Mass" Bay in New England begun & held at Boston upon Wednes day the 31=' day of May 1738 & continue' by prorogation to Wednesday the 29''" day of Nov'' following & then met': January 23^ a plot or Tract of Land oi y" Contents of six miles square laid oiit by Nathan Hay wood Surveyor & chainman on oath to satisfy a grant made by this Court to John Tyler, Joseph Pike & others officers & soldiers in y Canada E.xpedition in the year 1690, Lying to the Southward of the mountain called the Grand Monadnock & adjoining to y" Township granted to Sam' Haywood & others. Beginning at a maple Tree y' northeasterly corner of Dotchester-Canada" Township, from thence Runing north 32 deg^ East two miles & one hundred poles to a heap of stones, Thence north 22 deg" East four miles. Thence North one mile till it meets with y said Township granted to Samuel Havwood &c. Thence West four miles by y« s'' Township to the southwesterly corner thereof, Thence north by y« s'' Township three miles & two hundred & twenty poles, Thence west 30 deg • South five miles & one hundred & eighty poles to a wild cherry Tree on the Southward of y Grand Monadnock afores", Thence South one thousand & eighty poles. Thence East 41 deg" South two thousand five hundred perch to a heap TOWN PAPERS — RINDGE. 731 ¦of Stones, then North 12 deg' East one mile to y" northeasterly corner of Dotchester-Canada Township, being y» maple first mentioned, with the allowance of one rod in Thirty for uneven Land & Swag of chain & a further allowance for ten large ponds & a large shrub Swamp about four miles in length & a mile in Bredth. In Council Read & ordered that five thousand Acres only be allowed for Ponds & that the Committee be Directed to reform the plot upon the Spot accordingly at the charge of the Grantees, & Report to this Court at the next May session. In the House of Representatives, Read and concur''. Consented to. J. Belcher. Copy examined, pr. Thos. Perley Pro. Clerk. Taken from a copy attested bv J. Willard, Seci Andover, April 3und shall ever Pray, &c. Rochester July i, 1746. Tim^Roberts Stephan Berejt Edward Tebbetts Joseph Walker John Laighton James Rodger John Jennes Daniel McNeall William Jennes James Rodger jun Jonathan Young John Heard James Lock Ruben Heard Henery Allerd Mattliew McFee Thomas Drew Abram Pearce John Hammock Beniman Richards James Plleace ? Ichabod Coson Clement Deeren Ebenezer Plaice Ithema Sevey Thomas Young James Busey Elezar Ham John McFee Solomon Clark Joseph Richards John Garion Beniman Heays William Chamber'" Zebolon Damm Solomon Perkins. Jonathan Hodgen In Council, July 2<' 1746. Read & sent down to the Hon'''' House. Theodore Atkinson, Sec^. 726 NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition for further relief and for a guard of soldiers,i'j^7 • Province of ") To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' New Hamp'' j Captain General, Governor and Commander- in-chief of his Majesty's Province aforesaid, The Honourable his Majesty's Council and House of Rep resentatives : The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Rochester in the Province aforesaid Humbly sheweth : Whereas the circumstances of your Petitioners by Distress of the Enemy, a Frontier Town, "Whereby are much exposed, and suffered by the Inrode of the Enemy in the year past, with the loss of the Lives of five men, the Inhabitants of this Town, and many of our Brethren not less than Twenty, en listed in his Majesty's service for the Canada Expedition, sev eral families moved ofl' by Distress and fear of the Enemy, whereby we are unable to Defend and protect the settlement and Improvements made here : Wherefore your Petitioners humbly Pray you will take our Distressed Circumstances into consideration, and grant us such a stated number of men as may be sufficient to Defend and protect this settlement and improvements and preserve the lives of the Inhabitants of this town. We humbly acknowl edge and return our hearty thanks for Relief sent us the year past. Our Improvements and further Improvements of our sev eral settlements Depends upon the succour and relief of this Province, otherwise must unavoidably move in and leave our several settlements for the destruction of the Indian Enemy : Therefore your Petitioners again would entreat to grant our Petition : Which is the Prayer of your Petitioners. Rochester, March a'' 1746-7. Tim" Roberts Sam' Whithouse Edward Tebbets Robert Knight John Alan Jo' Libby & for his sons. Benj" Richards William Allen James Place Nathan Allen John McFee John Wallingfar Ebnezer Place & son, Peter Wallingford Joseph Walker John Young Reuben Heard John Bickford Richard Winford Thomas Perkins Stephen Berry Jonathan Young Zebulon Dam Samuel Richards Alexander Hodgdon James Loock Jonathan Hodgdon Ichabod Horn John Heard John Laighton Beniamen^ayes Samuel Laighton Daniel McNeall Samuel Twombly Ithamer Sevey TOWN PAPERS — RINDGE. 727 Richard Bickford Joseph Egerly William Jennes Thomas Young Aaron Tibbets John Garlend Isaac Miller Aleazer Ham James Merrow In Council, April i, 1747. Read & order'd to be sent down to y' Hon'''" House. Theodore Atkinson, SecJ". Letter of thanks, and petition for further aid. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq'' Capt. Gen' and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of New-Hampshire ; and to the Hon"' Council and House of Representatives in General Court Conv' May it please your Excellency and your Hon" : — This, agreeable to a Vote in a Publick Town meeting holden in Rochester October 19"', 1747, is to Return the greatfuU ac knowledgment of the said Town to your Excellency and Hon''' for the Paternal care you have taken of us in the spring and summer past by sending Maj' Thomas Davis to us with the soldiers under his command ; Who by his prudent, dilligent and carefull managm' under the Divine Providence, hath been instrumental of Defeat- the Enemy in their attempts against us and so of Preserving our Lives and the Lives of our Fami lys ; and we think it a Reasonable Duty for us to Render our thanks to your Excellency and the Hon"' General Court in this Publick manner. And we pray your Excellency and your Hon'' if in your ¦wisdom shall think it necessary and convenient to favour us with a few soldiers a while longer to scout about the Town upon the Discovery. And inasmuch as we are unable of ourselves to support the Gospel Ministry amongst us, Wc pray your Excellency and your Hon ' to lay a Tax upon the First and Second Division Lots of Land in Rochester belonging to the non-resident Pro prietors to be paid annually towards the support of the Gospel Ministry in said Rochester, and your humble Petitioners shall -ever pray &c. The foregoing Articles were Voted in a Publick Town meeting holden in Rochester, October 19"' 1747, and Voted that they be preferred to his Excellency the Gov'' and to the gen' Court of this Province in manner aforesaid. Attest, Jno. Bickford, Town Clerk. In Council, Nov. 12'" 174.7. Read and sent down to the Hon"*' House. Theodore Atkinson, Sec'. 728 NEW HAMPSHIRE Prov. of New'l In the House of Representatives, 13"' Nov'' 1747. Hampshire ) Voted, That y" Petitioners be heard on this Petition y^ second Dav of y- setting of y Gen' Assembly after the first of January next, & that y Petitioners at their own cost adver tise y- publick two or three weeks successively (between this day & y^ afores'' Second Day) in y' Post Boy & Evening Post News papers (so called) of y' Prayer of y" s' Petition & this order of Court, that every one may have opportunity to shew cause if any there be why y Prayer of s ' Petition should not be granted. D. Peirce, Clk. In Council, Eod. Die. read & concurred. T. Atkinson, Sec^'. Nov. 19. Consented to B. Wentworth. Petition of John Dam, in relation to Roads, in Rochester. Prov. of \ To his Excellency the Gov' the Hon"" his Maj- New Hamp'' \ esties Council, and the Hon"^' House of Rep resentatives of said Province : The Petition of the Town of Rochester in said Province Hiimbly sheweth : That by reason of the unwearied Diligence of a Number of Gentlemen in Settlin the Wilderness Country to the Northward of us, and the abundance of Land-carriage and Travelling vvhich is Daily or yearly increasing and Likely so to continue, Makes it Necessary to have a good Road or Roads to Encour age so essential a Plan for promoting the Bringing the unprof itable Wilderness to be serviceable to the Province and En creasing his Majesties subjects in the same, and by Reason of bur Natural situation the Roads must run a great length through our Town which is but a little part of it .settled at one end in comparison of what is unsettled, so that the Road to NevV Durham Runs 7 or 8 Miles through said unsettled Land, and the Road to Water Town much further, and the Inhabitants Dont own one 16'" if the 20" part of said wild Land, which is yearly increasing in value by settling the country above, and we have don between five and six hundred days work on the Road to New Durham, which is found insufficient, and wC have had one Presentment already for said Deficiency and are liable to more when any disafiected Party shall see cause : Therefore we pray that your Exe'' and Honours will pass an Act to lay a Tax on the settled and unsetded Land through the whole Town to defray the charge of clearing and repairingth6 Roads through the unsettled Land from time to time as there may be occasion or so long and Recoverable in such a way as your Honors in your wise Penetration may judge Reasonable: TOWN PAPERS — 'RINDGE. 729 We trust you will consider our circumstances as a People, that in peril of our Lives from the sword of the wilderness, have Defended this frontier from which we are but just Relieved, to that our condition may well be thought to be otherways than if we had had our Liberty ; for many or the most of us are not in a capacity to take our Packs and travel sixteen or Eighteen miles into the country to Do so much Labour as is needful on said Roads, and our families not suffer at home ; Therefore we hope your Parental affections are such that you will lay the Burden where it Properly Belongs ; and we is in duty Bound will ever Pray. Signed in and on behal. of said Rochester Per Jona. Dam, Agent. Rochester, 12"' Feb', 1768. In Council, Feb>' 17"> 1768. The above Petition read & ordered to be sent down. Geo. King, Depy Secy. In the House of Representatives, FebJ' 18, 176S. The within Petition being considered, voted. That the Petitioners b* beard thereon the third day of the siting of the General Assembly next after the tenth day of March next, and that in the mean time, he cause the substance of this Petition to be printed in the New Hampshire Ga zette three weeks successively, and give notice that any Person may then thew cause why the prayer thereof should not be granted. M. Weare, Clr. Eodem die. In Council, read & concurr'd Geo. King, Dep. Se=>' New Ham°^'' } ^" "'^ House of Representatives, March 17, 1768. The within Petition being considered and the Petitioner and such wh6 ippeared to make Objection being fully heard : — • Voted, That the Petitioner have leave to bring in a Bill for laying a tax of one half penny pr Acre yearly for two years on all the Lands in taid Township belonging to Residents and non Residents for making and Repairing the highways in s'^ Province of New Hampshire in New England, and to the Hon'''^ the Coun cil for s"* Province : The humble Petition of the Inhabitants living in that part of New Castlfc called Little Harbour and Sandy Beach, and the Inhabitants living at the Eastward of the Little River comonly so called, att the Easterly end of Hampton, next Sandy Beach, and sundry others of Portsm" Living near the s"* Sandy Beach humbly Sheweth : That there being sixty familys or upward within the Pre cints above named who having for a long time lived att a great Distance from any meeting house where the publick worship of God has been carried on, and most of us having great familys which very Rare above one or Two of a family can go to the House of God for the greatest part of the time by Reason of the Distance we live from any meeting house, and thereby the greatest part of our familys have been De prived of the Dispensation of the Gospell, and there has been 756 NEW HAMPSHIRE allmost a famine of the word and worship of God amongst us, theire being near four hundred souls whereof not above the sixth or seventh part can attend s'' worship which is very Predutiall to the glory of God, and Destructive to our Eternall wellfare, for the greatest part of us thus to be brought up in Ignorance which is a Greater Griefe to us than we can herein Express, and the only cause of addressing y Hon' and the Hon"'^ the Council herein. And for preventing the Difficulties and Hardships which wee have for a long time labour'd under, and for the advance ment of the glory of God and good of souls, wee the sub scribers hereof humbly prays your Hon' and the Honourable the Councill that wee may be sett off a Particular District or Precinct for tlie maintaining a minister with the Priviledges of carying on the affairs of a Town or Parish according to the Bounds hereafter Exprest or as your Hon" in wisdom shall see meet, viz. To Begin att Sampsons Point and Run south west to the Road from Seaveys to y^' Bank and then on the Southerly side of the Road by Capt. Walker's and Capt. Langdon's to the Road that goes to Breakfast (i) Hill (Ex clusive of that part of Capt. Walker's and Capt. Langdon's Land that now lyeth in Portsmouth,) and on the southerly side of the Road from between Capt. Langdon's and Slopers farms to Breakfast Hill to the Road from s"* Sandy Beach to Greenland, and then on a South west line untill it meet with Little River in Hampton Bounds, and then on the Easterly side Little River to y' Sea, and then round by the Sea Side to y' Place where itt Began, and that all the Land that Elias Tarlten and Jeremiah Jorden and Abraham Libby enjoy may be poled off to s'^ Town or Parish herein mentioned, wee hav ing been at the charge of Building a Meeting house by the consent and att the charge of most of the Inhabitants within the Bounds herein mentioned : hopeing your Hon''^ will grant so Reasonable a Request for so good End, aud your Petition ers shall ever pray &c. Jotham Odiorne Nathl Rand Wm. Seavy Wm. Look Wm. Wallis Wm. Harden Hezh Geunins jos. Lock Tho. Rand James Seavy Phillip Payne Wm. Berry Jno. Gennins Ez. Nolea Richd Gennins Josha Foss Eiclid Goss James Lock Saml Seavy James Fuller '(l)So called from- the circumstance that a party of Indians, after an attack npoa f'i?„?5?i'f „„"S,„' ^a..!!..'?^"** » .'j,F°'''®°^?'''''; *' Juoe, J696, encamped and took .p. UU3 t>cu|»c ,ri« 1.110 iiaiuo ill, jT oriBuiouiH, ») J uuc, 1696, eucampea ana breakfast on tbe declivity of a hill near the bounds of Greenland and Rye. hill retains the name to this day. — Brewster's Sam. Porta. VoJ. I. p. 73. Ed. TOWN PAPERS RYE. 737 Saml Rand Thos Rand, jun. Jos. 'Seavy Elias Tarlton Jeremiah Jorden Elex Simes Benja Seavy, Jim. Nathl Berry Francis Lock Stephen Berry Jonathan Lock Saml Donst Eben Bei ry Saml Brackett Saml Seavy, Jun. Jno Nolcs Jno Lock Jno Lock, jun. James Marden Soliimon Doust Christ Pamcr Tho. Gennins Hez. Gennins, jun. Saml Wallis Nehemiah Bery Richd Rand Thos Edmunds Edwd Lock Jno Moor Benja Seavey, jun James Randall Isaac Liby Jacob Liby Eben Philbrick Saml Lock Ab'm Liby Wm. Seavy, teriius Wm. Webster .Tames Slmte Wm. Se;ivy, jun Saml Berry Wm. Gammon Stephen Marden. es. Vote and Remo/istra/ice of Portsmouth against the Petition fro77i Sa/idy Beach, 1724. Att a Publick Town Meeting held in Portsm' the 20''' Ap' 1724, Vot'd That y' Prayer of Sandy Beach so far as it Relates to this Town is higlily unreasonable & y" Coll. Plaisted & Capt. Phipps Esq' & Mr. Wm. Fellows be a Comittee in behalfe of s' Town to appear be fore y'= Gov & Councill upon y" hearing of y- s'' Petition & Rei'non- stiate against y" Same & Implead y'-' Petition''' generally so y' there may be no further curtailing or Dividing of y" si'-' House. Theo. Atkinson Sec''. Province of "1 In the House of Representatives, Octo' 14"', 1756. New Hamp' / The within Petition being read. Ordered, That the Pe titioners be heard on said Petition on the third day of the sitting of the General Assembly next after the first day of Nov' next ensuing & that the Petitioners at their own cost & charge cause the Selectmen of Salem in said Province to be served with a copy of said Peti tion & this order of Court thereon, to appear & shew cause if any they have, why the prayer thereof should not be granted. Andrew Clarkson, Clk. In Council, Eod'" die Read & concurr'd (A true copy) Theodore Atkinson, Sec''. SALISBURY. [Salisbury was originally granted by Massachusetts and was known by the name of Bakers-Town. It was afterwards granted by the Maso nian proprietors, 25U1 October 1749, and was then called Stevens-Town from Col. Ebenezer Stevens, a distinguished citizen of Kingston, many years a representative of that Town. It was incorporated by Charter from the government of New Hampshire, March i^^ 1768, when it took the name of Salisbury; it originally included that part of Franklin which lies west of the Merrimack river. Ed.] A guard provided for Salisbury as afrontier.town. (i) Provinceof \At a Special Convention of the members of the Genl New Hamp' / Assembly at Portsmouth on the 22'' day of Aug' 1754 in pursuance of an order from his Excellency the Gov ernor, to the Sheriff of si* Province to summon the Members to Meet, as on file : Whereas his Excellency the Governor by his Message of the twenty- first Instant takes notice of sundry Hostilities committed upon sundry (1) SeeProv. Pap. Vol. VI. pp. 26, 27,296-309. ED. 48 754 NEW HAMPSHIRE of his Majesty's subjects at a place called Stevens-Town within this Province by Indians (suppos'd to be of the St. Francis Indians) and that the Inhabitants on the Frontier are much exposed and so put in fear, that they stand in need of Protection and help :— Therefore it is agreed upon by the members of the House of Representatives that there be the number of sixty men enlisted or Impress'd (and his Excel lency is hereby desired to give orders for the enlists or Impress y' num ber) for the protection and defence of the Frontiers, not exceeding the space of two months, and that the allowance for their pay subsistance and amunition be the same as at the latter end of the last Indian War, and in order for a fund therefor, it is further agreed that there be so much of the Bills of Credit of y<= Interest of the Twenty-five Thous and Pounds loan in the hands of the Treasurer, borrowed as vvill be sufficient for the same ; and that for the Replacing the same in the Treasury it is further agreed, That there be a tax layd on the Polls and Estates within this Province agreeable to the last proportion to be payd by the 30"' day of Decemb'' 1755, and that there shall be a Tax Bill for that end as soon as the Gen' Assembly shall be in a condition to act in. a legislative capacity. Meshech Weare, Speaker. Petition for aid in settling Salisbury . To His Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq' Capt. General, Governor & Commander in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire, and to the Hon*"'" his Majes ties Council and House of Representatives in General court Assembled : The Petition of the Proprietors & Settlers of a Tract of Land in the Province afores'' comonly called Stevens-Town^ humbly Sheweth . That the s'' Proprietors have been at great expence in set tling s" Tract & encourageing the same, and in the late Wars have been at considerable cost to defend the same by Building a fort thereon & paying soldiers to keep the same, even at our own private expence ; and thei-e are now many families settled and many more settling ; We have also Built a Saw Mill & are building a grist Mill, & yet there are costly duties to be performed, such as the building a Meeting-house, settling a Minister &c. And the s'* Petitioners being in no capacity to raise money for the Defraying these & other incidental charges ; We, therefore Humbly pray that your Excellency & Honours will be pleas'd to add to our cost & labour this further encour agement to settle the waste lands, viz. To make a« Act ac cording to your Excelly's & Honours Wisdom that will enable the s'' Proprietors & settlers to raise moneys for the carrying on their setdement & defraying other Necessary charges that TOWN PAPERS SANBORNTON. 755 may arise for the future ; And so your Petitioners shall as in duty bound ever pray &c. Trueworthy Lad, In behalf & by order of the Proprietors and settlers. June the 12"' day, 1765. In Council, June 20* 1765. Read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon*'^ Assembly. T. Atkinson jun. Secy. New^Hamnr f -^^ '^^ House of Representatives, June 20* 1765. This Petition being read. Voted, That the Prayer thereof be granted so far as that the Petitioner have liberty to bring in a bill accordingly. A. Clarkson, Clerk. In Council, Eod"" die Read & concurr'd. T. Atkinson, jun. Secy. SANBORNTON. [Sanbornton was granted by the Masonian proprietors, in 1748, to several persons of the name of Sanborn, and others; and was settled in 1765 and 1766 by John Sanborn, David Duston, Andrew Rowen and others. It was incorporated, March i, 1770. Rev. Joseph Woodman was ordained their minister in November, 1771, when there were about fifty families in town. Ed.] Petition to be exempted from taxation. Sanborn Town, January y' 8"" 1768. To his Excellency John Wentworth, Esq. CajJtain General, Governor & Commander in Chief, in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, in New England : The Humble Petition of y^ Inhabitants of Sanborn Town : We, the Inhabitants of this Town, Promicing our selves your Excellency's Protection, Both in our Public & Private in terests. Humbly beg y^ Liberty of Declaring to your Excel lency, f Present Condition of this infant Town, which is as foiloweth, viz : We have thirty-two Familys in Town, & a number more we expect will sone move in, & we doubt not But that in a few years we shall if Prospered, be a flourishing Town, able to support our familys, and be a help to y" Pub lick, But at Present we are under a necessity of going to other Towns for meny things to support our selves and our Cattle which are but very few, y° time Being so very short since we moved into Town, there Being no more than seven familys 756 NEW HAMPSHIRE that have Been in Town so long as two years, & they were Poor People that mov'd in for y" sake of Cetching a few fish to support their familys ; many of us have Been here But one year & some not so long, our Land is very heavy to clear & after it is clear'' & affords us a considerable Crop of Indian Corn it is next to imposable to Plow the Land for some years by Reson of y-^ stumps & Roots ; there hath Been But a very few acres ever Plow'' in Town, not more then six or seven men that have Plow'' any & on y'= whole it is not without a great deal of Difficulty that we Bring y' year about. Being obliged to spend on the Store we had Before we moved up, those that had any & those that had not, to Run in debt many of us or be beholden to friends, which cant we humbly conceive be thought strange considering that this was all a wilderness so very lately. Now with submission to your Excellency's Pleasure, our humble Petition is, that your Excellency would Consider our Sircumstances & Release us from paying any tax for a Little time : — your Excellency granting which we Humbly con ceive will be an advantage, not only to your humble Petition ers But also to the Publick as it will enable us to make the greater Progress in clearing our farms & so" of consequence to Pay y" greater tax which at present could be but very small, having but a Little to pay for. We remain your Loyal humble servants James Cates Edward Kelly Thomas Sender Daniel Samborn John Gale Benjamin Samborn John Samborn Eben' Morrison Josiah Samborn Thomas Gilman Winthrop Hoit Benjamin Darling William Kineston Nath' Burley Satchel Clark John Folsom Cele Weeks Jon* Lary Daniel Lary Solomon Cope Aaron Samborn Sam' Shepard David Dustin Moses Danforth Jonathan Smith Andrew Roen Josiah Kentfield John Gipson Jacob Smith Sam' Smith Jonathan Thomas Philip Hunt Thomas Lyford Dan' Fifield. [Note. The above names are mostly written by one hand : which may account for the spelling of 5a»born, uniformly with an m. Ed.] TOWN PAPERS — SANBORNTON. 757 Petition for Incorporation. Province of New Hampshire. To his Excellency, John Wentworth, Esq' Captain General, Governor & Commander in Chief of the Province afore said. In Council. The Petition of Joseph Hoit of Stratham & his Associates, humbly sheweth : That your petitioners being agents for, & interested in the Township of Sanborn (so called) in -which there are upwards of Forty Familys settled, -who are very desirous of being in corporated into a Town, for many good reasons, humbly re quest your Excellency & Honours to grant them that privilege by a Charter of Incorporation as usual, and your petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray, &c. Joseph Hoit JosiAH Sanburn. Portsm" I March 1770. Petition for the-appointment of a Justice of the Peace. Province of ) To his Excellency John Wentworth, Esq'' New Hampshire j Captain General, Governor& Commander in Chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, In Councill. The humble Petition of the Subscribers, Proprietors of the Town of Sanbornton in said Province Sheweth : — That your Petitioners humbly conceive that it would be gready for the Benefit of the Inhabitants as well as the Pro prietors of said Town to have one of the Inhabitants of said Town Comissionated as a Justice of the Peace there, and hav ing understood that the Inhabitants have already petitioned your Excellency that Daniel Sandborn Esq' of that Town may be Appointed by your Excellency to that honourable Place, We begg Leave to join them in the said request and Pray your Excellency to appoint him accordingly (and do heartily recom mend him as the most suitable Person for keeping and Pro moting Peace & Concord amongst the said Inhabitants) . And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c. July lo"' 1 77 1. Sam' Folsom Abraham Perkins Joseph Hoit David Fogg Theophilus Rundlet, jun. Jonathan Rawlings Jethro Person Joseph Smith Edward Taylor William Chase, jun Josiah Folsom Samuel Fogg John Fogg Jeremiah Sanborn yc8 NEW HAMPSHIRE John Taylor John Folsom David Burly Eben' Samborn Joseph Clark Jonathan Jewett Ezra Barker Jacob Jewett Josiah Sanborn John Sanborn Josiah Dearbon Joseph Hoit, jun. John Dearbon John Hopkinson. Daniel Hoit SHELBURNE. [As early as 1775, David and Benjamin Ingalls commenced a settle ment at Shelburne, and not long afterwards several families were added. The town was not incorporated until December 13, 1820. Ed.] Petition of Daniel Rindge, Esq^ Province of New Hampshire : To his Excellency, John Wentworth, Esq' Governor in Chief in & over said Province The Hon"' his Majesty's Council in s"* Province, in Council convened 25'" May, 1770. The Humble Petition of Daniel Rindge of Portsmouth in said Province, Esq' in behalf of himself and the other Propri etors of Shelburne in said Province, Sheweth : That the Township of said Shelburne is very mountainous and Rockey, by means whereof a considerable Part of the same is and ever will be useless to the said Proprietors. Wherefore, your Petit°' humbly prays, in behalf of himself and said Proprietors, that your Excellency and Honors wou'd be pleased to make them an additional Grant of Land agreeable to the Plan herewith exhibited, or in any other manner thought advisable, and your Petition' shall ever pray. Daniel Rindgb. Granted 4'" of July, 1770. TOWN PAPERS SOCIETY-LAND. 759 SOCIETY-LAND. [Incorporated 14"' January, 1774(1). Ed.] Petition for Incorporation. To his Excellency John Wentworth, Esq. Captain General, Governor & Commander in chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire & Vice Admiral of the same &c. the Honourable his Majestv's Council & House of Rep resentatives in General Assembly convened. The Petition of the subscribers, Inhabitants on that part of that Tract of Land known by the Name of the Society Land, Humbly Shew : — That we are Purchasors from the Purchas- -sion of John Tufton Mason Esq*"' Patent, and have not Legal Authority to oblige any person to support the Gospel, Nor to Build Mills or Bridges, or clear Roads &c. & must either Live without all these great Privileges, or a few men beat the whole expence, which will ruin their families. Therefore your Petitioners Humbly Pray your Excellency & Honors to Incorporate the Tract of Land hereafter described into a Township, -with Town privileges, (viz.) Beginning at the North West Corner of Francestown, from thence East to the Township of Weare, from thence North to the Township of Henniker, from thence West Bounding partly on Henniker, ¦& partly on Hillsborough six miles, from thence South to the first bounds mentioned : & your Petitioners as in Duty Bound will ever pray, &c. Society Land, April 26"' 1773. William Forsith Ephraim Abbot James Grames Neniah Aiken Asa Dresser WiUiam McKeen David Wilson John Wiley Benj' Bradford William Robson Thomas Aiken John Bayls Joseph Mills Francis Grames William Aiken John Lyon Robert Mills Samuel Paten William Farson Alexander Hogg. Nathanel Sweeter <1J See Prov. Pap. VoL VIL p. 24. Ed. 76o NEW HAMPSHIRE SOMERSWORTH. [Somersworth was formerly a part of Dover ; it was made a Parish- Dec. 19, 1729, and incorporated April 22'', 1754. The settlement was- probably begun as early as 1650, by William Wentworth, John Hall, Wm. Stiles and others. Ed.] July 2.3 1 1746. ^ A true list of all the Train Souldiers in the y Parish of SuTnersworth, under com'd of Tho^ ' Wallingford, Capt. are as foiloweth, viz. f Drurars Sergt. John Ricker Serg. Philip Stackpole Serg. Thomas Tebbets Serg. William Wentworth Corpo Ebenezer Garland Corpo Samuel Joanes Corpo Samnel Rendall Thomas Stevens 1 Richard Gorden S Samuel Do^wns Ebenr Wentworth Joseph Wentworth John Mason Joseph Hussey John Hall Daniel Goodin Samuel Hall James Hall Benja Wentworth Ephraim Bickers Melurin Rickers Abram. Mimmey Samuel Nock Eleazr Wyer Henry Nock Thomas Tebbets jun Benja Twombly Ezekiel Wentworth Ebenr Roberts Thomas Wentworth George Rickers, Ter. James Kiney Robert Cole Benja Stanton James Clements Moses Tebbets Saml Wentworth John Vicker John Lebrock Samul Austin Benja Austin Edward Eliot George Rickers, jun. Samuel Wentworth, jim Jonathan Wentworth, jun Natbl Nock Jonathan Merrow Ebenr Heard John Wentworth Hatevil Roberts William Hanson Benja Roberts Lemeul Perkins Drisco Nock William Stackpole James Eoy Joseph Vamey, jun Elipha. Cromuel Daniel Smith Meturin Rickers Benja Heard James Stackpole John Calland Isaac Hanson Daniel Hanson Richard Philpott John Sulevant Saml Allien Edward AUien John Muzert Samuel Waymoutb James Nock Lane Roberts, jun Ichabod Rawlins Ebenr Downs, jun John Rickers, jun Joshua Roberts Terah Sprage Daniel Libbee Neal Vickers Dodepher Garland Richard Goodin, jun Benja WaiTen Samuel Roberts Francis Roberts Saml Downs, jun Saml. Jones, jun. Joseph Hussey, jun. TOWN PAPERS — SOMERSWORTH. 761 Ebenr Roberts, jun. Tristram Heard Job Clements jun William Chadwick John Ferall William Downs Zebn Coason Peter Cooke Elipha. Randall John Downs Mark Wentworth Noah Cross Joseph Richardson A true List as Attesf by me. Total loi. Petition for Town Priviledges, 1743. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesty's Prov ince of New Hampshire in New England, and to the Hon ourable his Majesties Council and the Honourable the House of Representatives for the Province afores'' in Gen eral Assembly convened : The Humble Petition of the Freeholders & Inhabitants of the Parish of Summersworth within the s'^' Province humbly sheweth : — That the s'' Parish being sett off a seperate Parish by an Act of the General Assembly made and passed in the third year of his present Majesty's Reign whereby the Inhabitants of s'' Parish are invested w^th all the Powers and Priviledges of a Parish as to maintain an Orthodox Gospel Minister their poore and School and to choose all Parish officers, now the growing charge of maintaining the minister, poore and school and other necessary charges arising insomuch that the Rates for this present year are six shillings & Eight pence on the head or four pence per pound in the new Tenor which makes the taxes very high, and our Numbers being small, also the Land not taken up is so mean that there is but little probability of our numbers increasing, as also that when we have chosen a Collector to gather the Parish Assessment & he having sei-ved in that troublesome office hath beene Re-chosen by the Town of Dover as Constable, which office he hath been Obliged to serve in or otherwise to pay his fine, and also if any person that was chosen by s'' Parish as Collector and Refused to serve there was no Law to compel him to pay his fine : — Wherefore to Remedy the above Grievances your Humble Petitioners Humbly Pray that your Excellency and Honours would be pleased By an Act of General Assembly to Invest us with the priviledges and Powers of a Town, and a small matter to en large our Boundaries according or near our first Petition : viz. To begin at a place in Quocheco River called the Gulf and from thence on a Straight Line to the southern side of Var ney's Great Hill, and from thence to run on a North West 762 NEW HAMPSHIRE point of the Compass to the end of the Township and your Petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray. Dover, May 19'-'' 1743. Paul Wentworth Gershom Wentworth William Wentworth Moses Stevens Thomas Miller Baml Randal Ezekiel Wentworth John Wentworth Loue Roberts PhiUp Yetton Lane Roberts Joseph Ricker John Ricker Samuel Wintworth Jeremiah Rawlings James Clement John Sullivan Ephraim Wentworth Garghom Dowens Thomas Dowens John Downs John Drew Moses Carr Thomas Nook Nathanel Nock Benja Twombly John Ricker Nathaniel Ricker Phinias Ricker John Robertas Daniel Smith Ebenezer Robearts Alexander Robarts Richard Downs Silvanus Nock Samuel Nook Benja Wamyorth Daniel Goodin James Hobbs Richard Goodin Jonathan Merrow Daniel Plumer Benja Mason John iVtason Saml Walton Joshua Stakpole George Bicker William Stakpole Joseph Wentworth Samuel Stakpole Joshua Robards, junr Philip Stakpole Samuel Downs In the House of Representatives, December i, 1743. The within Petition read, and voted That the petitioners at their cost «erve the Select men of Dover with a coppy of the Petition and votes thereon, and that they appeare before y" General Assembly y" 2"" day of Jan) next, if y'= Ass'" be then sitting ; if not, on the third day of the sitting of the Gen' Ass"" at their next sessions, to shew cause (if any) why the prayer of the Petition may not be granted. James Jeffry, Cler. Ass"" In Council, Dec' 2, 1743. Read & Concurrd. Theo. Atkinson, Sec?. 'Eodem Die, assented to B. Wentworth. TOWN PAPERS — SOUTH HAMPTON. 763 SOUTH HAMPTON. [Was incorporated by Charter, May 25, 1742. Ed.] Petition of sundry inhabitants to be set off, &c. To his Excelly Bening Wentworth Esq' Capt" Gen" and Gov ern' in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in N. England and to the Hon"" his Majesties Council and Representatives in Gen' Court assembled Sep tem"' 14* 1742. The Petition of sundry of y' Inhabitants of the Est part of Salisbury which by the runing the new Line fall into the Prov ince of New Hampshire and (as we are informed) are includ ed in the late charter granted for y" Township of South Hampton, Humbly Sheweth : — That we the subscribers being comprehended in the afores'' Charter and by reason thereof exposed to greater hardships and unreasonable difficulties as to all Parish and Town affairs, being six miles or more distant from their Meeting house, we cannot with our families attend y" publick worship there, neither can we have y" privilidge of voteing in their publick affairs respecting Town or Parish, for if their meetings are warned in the usual Method we shall have no knowledge of them, or if by chance we hear of any of them, such is the distance that we can't attend them ; and therefore it will be very prejudicial to us to stand in such rela tion to them with whom we can neither do our duty nor injoy our just Rights and Privileges ; — We therefore pray that (as the rest of our Neighbours) we may be set off as to our per sons & Estates from the said Town of South Hampton and annexed to Hampton Falls there to do duty and injoy y° priv- ifidges of Townsmen, so shall y' Petition" ever pray, &c. John CoUins Jonathan Walton Sam' CoUins Joseph Norten Samuel Smith Ja'cob Smith David Norten Eliphaz Dow (i) Province of New Hamp' In Council September the 16, 1742. The above petition read & Voted thereon that the selectmen of South Hampton be served with a copy of this Petition & the vote thereon, by the Petition''' & at their expence ; & that they appear on the -i,^ day of sitting of the Gen" Assembly next, to shew cause if any they have why the Prayer of the Petition should not be granted. Theod. Atkinson, Secy. Eodem Die. In the House of Representatives, the above Petition Read & y« (1) A note in the margin by the late John Parmer, Esq. says, " Eliphaz Dow mur dered Peter Clough m 1754, and was executed 8 May 1765." See Prov. Pap. Vol. VI. pp.338, 384. Ed. 764 NEW HAMPSHIRE vote of Council thereon, and voted a concurrence w"" y« Vote of Coun cil James Jeffry, Clr. Ass"". September y 17"" 1742. The within vote Assented to, B. Wentworth. In the House of Representatives 9"' 19"' 1742- ^ , _ .^. The within Petition read and voted. That the Prayer of the Petition be granted & that the Petitioners have liberty to bring in a Bill accord- ""^ ^' James Jeffry, Cler. Ass"' Prov. New Hamp' November 23'' 1742. In Council. the above vote read & Concurrd. Theod. Atkinson, Sec)'. In the House of Representatives, 9'"' the 24"' 1742. Mr. Sec)' bro't down the within Petition to be Reconsidered, 9"' y 25''' 1742. The within Petition Read & the House having reconsidered the affair Voted, That a Line be extended from the dividing Line be tween Hampton FaUs P'ish Sy" P'ish of Kensington to the Province Line, bring in a Bill accordingly. ^ James Jeffry, Clr. Ass-" In Council, Nov : 25, 1742. Concurrd with this amendment, viz. After the words Hampton Falls Parish, be added, — to all Intents & Purposes except the Dutys of repair ing & mending highways below the above s'' Line, & paying their Prov ince Tax which is to be paid as usual till a new Proportion or the further order of the Gen' Assembly Theod. Atkinson, Secy. Eod. Die. In the House of Represen" the above vote of Council for amendm' Read & Concurrd. James Jeffrey, Cler. Ass"" Eod"" Die. — Assented to B. Wentworth. Petition of John Page and Benjamin Baker, to be set off, d:c. [Compare the papers which follow, with those pertaining to New town, pp. 607-630. Ed.] To his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq- Cap. Gen' and Governour in Chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire in N : E : And to the Honourable his Majesty's Council and Representatives in General Court Assembled : November — 1742. The Petition of John Page & Benjamin Baker late of Salis bury, now incorporated with the Inhabitants of South Hamp ton, Humbly Sheweth : That by Reason of our great Distance from the Place of Pub- town PAPERS — SOUTH HAMPTON. 765 lick Worship in s" Town of South Hampton, We cannot with out great difficulty with our Families attend the Publick Wor ship there, nor attend other publick meetings for the manage ment of Town affairs : And therefore pray that We may be polled off to Hampton Falls as to our Persons and Estates, there to do duty & enjoy Priviledges as sundry others of our Neighbours, in like circumstances with our selves, have been. So shall your Petitioners ever pray &c. John Page Benjamin Baker. South Hampton, Sept' 27"' 1742. In the House of Representatives 9'"' y^ ig* 1742. The above petition read and voted. That the Petitioners serve the Se lectmen of South Hampton with a Coppy of this Petition and Votes thereon, & that they appeare the third day of y" sitting of the Gen' As sembly at the next sessions to show cause (if any) why the Prayer of the Petition may not be granted. James Jeffry, Cler. Ass'" Prov. of New Hamp' Nov' 20"' 1742. The within Vote of the House read & concurrd at the Council Board. Theod. Atkinson, Sec)'. Nov. 24"! 1742. Assented to, — B. Wentworth. In the House of Representatives, May 25"' A. D. 1743. The within Petitioners heard & the Select men of South Hampton : The House having considered thereof, Voted that the Petition be dis missed. James Jeffry, Cler. Ass"» Answer to the foregoing Petition by the Selectmen of South Hampton. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq' Captain Gen neral and Governour in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England, and to the Honourable his Majesties Council and Representatives in General Court Assembled, May y"= 10"' 1743. We the Select men of South Hampton have taken oppor tunity at this time to express our loyalty to the King's Maj estic and our Duty to your Excellency and Honours and to the Representatives : We humbly confide in your tender Regard to our holy Religion that whereas we have setteled a Church of our Lord Jesus among us that you will protect us so that we may be able to maintain it. We have been served with a coppy of a Petition that Doc. John Page and Mr. Benjamin Baker have prefered to this Honourable Court in order to pole off from us, which we oppose for these Reasons following. 766 new HAMPSHIRE I. Every man cant have an equal priviledge in going to y"" publick worship, in all Towns and Parishes there is some without as well as some within and since Doc. Page and Mr. Baker's lines are fallen to them without we think they ought to be content. jdiy YVe laid out a drift way from y* high way that leads from Doc. Page's house a cross to our Meeting house and we made gats and some of our brethren came to us to meeting but they found some difficulties by Reason of y^ Gats so they were desirous that we would lay it out an open high way and we being willing to shew them all Christian Regard and kind ness layd it out an open high way and have agreed w"* y° owners of y'= Land and y" way cost y'= Town about one hun dred and :ourty pounds and we have made y" way so conven ant to pass & Repass that som of our brethren comes to us to meeting and Doc. Page and Mr. Baker may come with their neighbours. 2>"y We have laid out a high way from y" mouth of a high way y' leads from our meeting house to Powers River a cross Richard Curriers land to a high way y' leads from Almisbury through South Hampton to Kingstown to oblige our brethren at y" West part of y" Town, and we have built a Bridge over Powers River and we have been at an Extraordinary charge in building a long and high Cassey over a Great water y' is flow'd by a Dam a cross y'^ River and we have made it con venant to pass and Repass And several familys come to us to meeting. 4'y If Doc. Page and Mr. Baker should be polled off there are some at y" west end of y" Town y' lives furder of y" Meet ing house then Doc. Page and Mr. Baker, and they will say there is more reason y' they should poll off then Doc. Page and Mr. Baker, because they lives furder of. Doc. Page and Mr. Bakers polling off Dont bring them any nere y'^ Meeting house, but makes them more charge to pay and they as far from meeting as ever and so they will be for polling off too and so it will threaten y'^ Dissolution and confusion of our Town. 5'y Your Excellency and Honours was pleased to grant us a Town calld by y° name of South Hampton for which we thank you and you wear pleasd in your greate wisdom to send us a Committee of very judicious men and they came along by Doc. Pages and Mr. Bakers houses and so came across nere where we laid out our new high way to our Meet ing house and viewed y" Town to y'= Extent, and they judged that all y° Inhabitants that lives above or to y" westward of Kinsington line that was Run by Capt. Robie out to y" Prov- i nee line should stand with us, and we stands by their judg- TOWN PAPERS — SOUTH HAMPTON. 767 ment, and we shall take hard that one or two privit men should spoil a Publick Intrest. 6''' Doc. Page and Mr. Baker have set forth in their Peti tion that they cant come to y" publick worship with us by Reason of the great Distance therefrom nor attend other pub lick meetings for y° management of Town affairs, whereas we think they are nearer to our Meeting house than they are to Hampton Falls Meeting house, and we think it cant in Rea son be thought that ever Doc. Page and Mr. Baker will or intend to make any constant practis in going to Hampton Falls to meeting for they make it their constant practis in going to Salisbury to meeting, and will have their priviledge w"" them, and we think it reasonable that they should stand with us because there is about thirteen families that lives at the North west End of Salisbury that constantly Assemblys with us. 7'y By What has been offered we doubt not but your Excel lency and Honours will se just cause in your great wisdom to revers Doc. Pages and Mr. Bakers petition, and accordingly grant us our Request. Your humble Servants, Reuben Dimond '\ Selectmen Joseph French, jun y for Ephraim Brown J South Hampton Memorial of Inhabitants of South Hampton. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Captain General and Governour in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England and to the Honourable his Majesties Council. After our Duty expressed we find ourselves constrained to make our humble acknowledgment of your Goodness extended toward us, and Return you thanks for granting our Petition and Incorporating us into a Town called by y" name of South Hampton. We have been credible informed that some of our Dessenting brethren that lives at y' upper or west part of our Town have preferd a petition to y" Honourable Court to be set off from us and we hear all so that they have presented a copy of a vote to your Excellency & Honours that we are willing they should be set off, which Vote we oppose for y" Reasons hereafter mentioned. Our Dessenting brethren Did at a Town meeting present us a petition which is as foiloweth : September y 29* 1742. We whose names are under written Do Peti tion to the Town of South Hampton that they would agree to pass a 768 NEW HAMPSHIRE vote that that part of y town which lyeth upon y" west side of Powers River should be set off as soon as they are in order to Settel a minister y' is more convenant for them that is as many as shall be willing to be set off, then we will agree to help support y" minister here till then ; If you will finish y" meeting house and settel a minister upon your charge and like wise Release us from doing any thing toward y meeting house that has been past : Jonathan Farren, Micah Hoit, James George, John Eliot, Aaron Currier, David Goodwin,'David Martain, Timothy Farren, Thomas Greenfield, John Sargent, Abraham Merril, Robert Martain, Nathaniel Ash, Philip Challis, Samuel Goodwin, William Sargent, Ca leb Hobs, Daniel Goodwin, George Martain, Jonathan Kimball, Benja min Kimball, Roger Eastman, David Colby, Jacob Colby, Zacheus Colby, Jonathan 'Wotson. A true Copy Examined by me, Reuben Dimond, town Clerk. Now we had no power to set our Dessenting brethren off, for as we had not power to Incorporate ourselves into a Body so we had no power to make any secession and it is not for us to arrogate that to ourselves -which belongs to the Honourable Court ; but we told our Dessenting brethren that it was a time of great charges with us and if they would joyne with us in our extraordinary charges, when they should be thought capa ble by lawfull authority to maintain y" Gospel of Christ among them y" we would pay back again their part of y" extraordi nary charges that should arise to them in finishing y'^ meeting house, setteling a minister and building for him : now we did not make this offer, because they could make any majority upon us, but we did it for peace, we considering how good it is for brethren to Dwell to gether in Love and unity, and that peace is y" beauty of a Society and it is so necessary and so valuable that we were Ready to sacrifice any thing to procure it, saving only a good conscience, and so we proceeded to a vote which is as foiloweth : At a meeting of y" Inhabitants of y town of South Hampton, Sep tember y8 29, 1742, Cornet Abraham Brown was chosen Moderator for y" same meeting. At y same meeting it was taken into consideration that, Whereas there are a number of Inhabitants of y' upper or west part of this town y' lives at considerableDistance from meeting and have thoughts in time to be better accommodated than constantly to as semble with us, and we being Desirous to exercise all Christian Regard and kindness to them, Votes first. That all those persons that lives above or to the Westward of Capt. Jonathan Currier's that have a mind to go off and be a Parish shall have their extraordinary charges that they are now at among us paid back again to them : — that is to say. All their part of y' extraordinary charge that shall arise to them by finish ing y" meeting house, setteling a minister and building for him, when they shall be thought capable by lawfull authority to maintain the Gos pel of Christ among them, Provided they do not molest or hinder us of y other part in our speedy setteling a Gospel minister among us, and y' they pay toward his support while they are of us or belong to us, hoping at the same time, they will of their owe free will be assisting to us. 2'^ Voted, That we will make no opposition to them in their Indeav- TOWN PAPEiRS™.SOUTH HAMPTON. 7^ ««rs to he a Reg'lar town or parrish whenever they shall be thought ca- jabJe by lawfull authority — voted in y° affirmative. A true Coppy-— Attest, Reuben Dimond, Town Clerk. Now after this Vote was offered to our Dessenting brethren we chose a Committee to go to 3'' Association meeting of y" Rev' Ministers at y° Rev. Mr. Coffin's in Kingston to ask ad vice. How we should proceed in Reg'lar way to settel a Gos pel minister among us, and there appear'd two of our Dissent ing brethren and Declared that they would not joyne with us in setteling a minister for they s* that vote was only a sham for we knew that they could not make a parrish ; but they said that we should have put into y'= vote y' when they and their neighbours could make a Parrish ; — whereas we drew y- vote according to their petition, and they never ask us to set them off to joyne with their neighbours for there is no such a word in their petition as their neighbours. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of South Hampton, November y" 26, 1742, John Flanders was chosen moderator for y same meeting. Aty* same meeting it was taken into consideration, that Whereas we y" In habitants of this Town being in present want of a pious, larned ortho dox minister of a good conversation, to dispense y word and Adminis ter y ordinances of our Lord Jesus among us, and it being our Duty to look up to Heaven for Divine Assistance to guide us in all our af fairs, therefore. Voted, That Thursday y- 2'' day of December next is appointed to be a day of Fasting and Prayer in order for y" calling & setteling a Gospel minister among us, voted and past in y^ affirmative. Nathaniel Ash, Jonathan Farren, James George Daniel Goodwin, Jacob Colby, Sam' Goodwin, John Eliot, David Goodwin, Philip Challis, Da vid Colby, enters their contrary Dessents against y" Vote for ye fast which was for calling and settelinga Gospel minister among us. A true Copy of y vote and all y" dissenters that live above or to y" westward of Powers River. Attest — Reuben Dimond, Town Cler. At the same meeting Capt. Jonathan Currier and Joseph French jun. was chosen a Committee to call in y Assistance of y neighbouring ministers to cellebrate a day of Fasting and prayer among us — Voted & past in y'= affirmative. A true copy, Reuben Dimond, Town Clerk. Now when y" Rev. Ministers was come, which we called to our assistance, our Desenting brethren appeared and opposed them and beat off y° forenoon exercise, yet notwithstanding all their oppositions and Alegations the Rev. Ministers Did not see but y" way was clear to proceed to y" worship of y° day where unto they were call'd. At a legal meeting of y" Inhabitants of y" Town of South Hampton, December 27, 1742, John Flanders was chosen Moderator y Same meeting. At y" same meeting it was Voted, That we give y" Rev^ Mr. William Parsons a call to settel in y work of y Gospel ministry among us. Voted in y affirmative. Aty same meeting, James George, Jon- 49 770 NEW HAMPSHIRE athan Farren, Aaron Currier, David Goodwin, David Colby, Danief Goodwin, Zacheus Colby, Philip Challis, Jonathan Wotson, Sam' Good win, Rogles Colby, Roger Easman, Jacob Colby, Robart Martain, Micah Hoyt, Enters their contrary Desents against y Vote for calling and set teling the Rev. Mr. William Parsons or any other man in y' work of y" Ministry under their present curcomstances. A true Copy of y* vote and all y" Dessenters that lives above or to y' westward of Powers River.. Attest, Reuben Dimond, Town Clerk. At y" same meeting it was Voted that y' 23'' Day of February next is appointed to be a day of ordination among us & at y same meeting Joseph French, John Ordaway, Thomas Merril and Abraham Brown were chosen a Committee to send Letters to y" Rev. Ministers andl Messengers to be assistant in gathering a Church and in ordaining the- Rev. Mr. William Parsons in y" work of y" ministry among us. Voted in the affirmative. A true Copey. Attest, Reuben Dimond, Town clerk Now y" ministers we calld to our assistance were the Rev^ Mr. Chusing, Mr. Whipple, Mr. Joseph Parsons, Mr. Sam' Parsons, Mr. Fogg, Mr. Coffin, Mr. Webster : These wear chosen a Council to carrey on y^ work of the ordination among us, and to sety" day before y" ordination, and so we notified our Dissenting brethren to come at y'= time appointed and shew Reasons if any they had why y" minister should not be ordained ; but before y" time appointed came, we heard that our Dissenting brethren had made Report that they intended to take of our Council, for some were akinc/ to y= man that was to be ordain'd and others had given judgment before : So we, hearing of their Stratagems and not being ignorant of their Devices, we considere'' it was easier to pre vent a Diseas than to cure it, or to keep an adversary out when out, then git him out when he was in, and so being forewarnd we thought it best to be forearm'd and so we calld y° town together to chuse other ministers. At a meeting of y' Inhabitants of y town of South Hampton, Jan'^ y is"' 1742-3. Joseph French was chosen Moderator. At y* same meeting it was put to vote wheither the Town would chuse the Rev. Mr. Odlin and the Rev. Mr. Gookin and their messengers to be assist ant in Council with y other Ministers for gathering a Church and carry on y ordination among us, and y vote was past in the affirma tive. A true copy. Attest, Reuben Dimond, Town Clerk. We voted that we would pay back again all their part of y" extraordinary charges that should arise to them by finishing y'' Meeting house, setteling a minister and building for him when they should be thought capable to maintain y= Gospel of Christ among them : but then there was a condition annext to that vote : it was provided they did not molest or hinder us in our speedy setteling a Gospel minister among us ; but now they have opposed us from place to place, and from time to time they have entered their contrary desents once and agen TOWN PAPERS — SOUTH HAMPTON. 771 against our Regular proceedings in an orderly way to settel a Gospel minister among us, and then put us to a great deal of trouble and to an extraordinary charge in calling in that Grand Council which set at y= time appointed, and the Rev. Mr. Caleb Chusing (i) was moderator, and our Desenting brethren appeared in Council and objected against some of y° Council ; and y'^ moderator ask them who they were and they said Mr. Joseph Parsons, Mr. Samuel Parsons and Mr. Fogg : the Moderator ask them what they had against them men ; they s' they wear akena^; and y'= Moderator ask them what they had against y" man that was to be ordained as to his life and conversation or his Doctrin, and they eledge nothing ; but they said y= Province line would be moved and then they should lose the money that they had expended with us, and they had not a convenient way : The Moderator told them as to y'' removing y' line that could be no bar as to setteling y° minister, for if y° lines should be moved then we must peti tion y° Massachusetts Court for a Parrish, and as to a way, their law provids how they should get high ways ; so notwith standing all y' objections and allegations they could make the Rev. Council did not see but y° way was clear to settel a min ister among us. All these molestations, interruptions and oppositions we have met with from our Desenting brethren since we offerd them that vote ; yet now they would skreen themselves under that vote, that we are willing they should go off when they have never fullfilld y° conditions of y° vote in any one article ; for if our Desenting brethren had agreed with us, we should have had none occasion to have been at so much trouble and at such an extraordinary charge in sending from town to town and from one Parish to another about y° country to call in that Grand Council, for two or three of y° neighbouring ministers would have done our business in y" morning before y° ordina tion. South Hampton March y° 29, 1745. Daniel Brown Reuben Dimond Nathanel Morrill Joseph Chandler Daniel Carter Samuel Straw Abner Morrill Ephraim Carter Henry French Nathan Gould Joseph Jewit ? Samuel Barnard Joseph Gould Elezer French Josiah Flanders Joshua Clow oseph Jones Jonathan Jewet Samuel Morrill Jonathan Flanders Ephraim Brown Joseph French Elijah Rowell Samuel French John Ordway Henry Currier (1) Probably this was Bev. Caleb Cushing. 7.72 «EW HAMPSHHiE Daniel French Ezekiel Hoyt Toseph Morrill Ephraim Carter Richard Fitts Orlando Weed ? Moses Richasofi Paul Morrill Petition in relation tc a high-way. Ta his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Capt. General and Governour in Chief in and over his Majesty's Provihcie of New Hampsheir in New England, and to the Honoura ble his Majesties Council And to the Gentlemen of the House of Representatives in General Court assembled : The Petition of the Town of South Hampton humbly sheweth : — - That the Town finding thare was Occasion of a highway from the Meeting-house Southward to a highway which was laid out by Alms bury, accordingly Voted a way should be laid oiit on the East side of the Parsonage unto Powes River, and throw sundry mens Land unto the said high-way, and the se lectmen being met to lay out s' way and finding a more con venient way might be had else where made Request to the Town, who Voted, That the former Vote should be reconsid ered, and a high way should be laid out across the Parsonage and over the River whare it dos meet the high way which was laid out by Almsbury Direct, and thare it is laid out and Re corded. Notwithstanding this way is moste for the common good, thare are sum persons who are uneasy because the -way first Voted is not laid out and have applyed themselves to the Gen eral Sessions of the Peace who have ordered a Committee to lay that way out also ; which if Don the Town must make and maintain two ways and two bridges within about twenty five or thirty Rods which will be a very great and useless charge. Therefore j'our Petitioners do most humbly apply to this Honourable Court and Pray that a Committee may be ap pointed to view those ways and to judg which will accommo date moste people and is best for the Towns use in general that it may be established and the other prevented : So shall we as in duty bound ever Pray &c. South Hampton, April the 8, 1746. John Paige. Agent, for South Hampton. In Council, May 6"" 1746. Read and sent down to the House Theod' Atkinson, Secy. [Note. A hearing was had on the foregoing petition, when — ] In the House of Representatives, May 13, 1746, Voted,that the within Petition be dismissed. D. Pierce, Clk. town PAPERS SOUTH HAMPTON. 7^3 Petition relating to a Province Tax. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq' Capt. General And Governor in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England, and to the Honoura ble his Majesties Council, and to the Gent' men of the House of Representatives in General Court assembled : The Petition of the Select men of South Hampton, humbly sheweth : That whereas George Jaffrey, Gent. Treasurer and Receiver General for his Majesties Province of New Hampshire, did in the year past send a Precept to the Selectmen of South Hamp ton to Raise the sum of Ninety seven Pounds and ten shillings in bills of Credit Emitted by virtue of an Act of the General Assembly of said Province passed April y" 11"' 1755, Entituled an Act for granting unto his most excellent Majesty the sum of thirty thousand pounds for and towards building a Fort near Crown Pint, and the Select men in the year past omitted the Raising the Sum of Ninety seven pounds and ten shillings which was set Down in the preceipt, by Reason of an over sight or miss under standing, and we the Select men of South Hampton for the present year, Do therefore humbly apply our selves to this Honourable Court and pray that this Honourable Court would be pleased in your great wisdom and goodness to compassionate our Difficult case and pass an Act to impower and authorize us the present select men to assess the Polls and Estates within said South Hampton lyable to be tax'' by Law, and give us a Reasonable time to do it in, so shall we as in Duty bound ever pray, &c. Rich' Collins ) Selectmen for Benj. Brown j South Hampton. Dated March the 21 Day, 1757. Prov. New Hamp' In Council March 23'^ 1757. Read & ordered to be sent down to the Hon" House. Theodore Atkinson, Sec>'. Province of 'I In the House of Representatives, March 23, 1757. This New Hamp' j Petition being read Voted, That the Prayer thereof be granted & that the petitioners have Liberty to bring in a Bill accordingly. Andrew Clarkson, Clerk. In Council, March 23'', 1757. Read & concurrd. Theo. Atkinson, See. ijijA NEW HAMPSHIRE Petition from sundry inhabitants of South Hampton to be annexed to Newtown. New^H^p' } So*^* Hampton, July 14, ^768. To his Excellency the Governor, the honorable his Majesties Council & House of Representatives for the Province afore said in General Court Assembled : We subscribers Inhabitants of South Hampton do humbly request that we and our Estates may be annexed to Newtown for the Reasons following, viz. We were originally of the Almsbury District which is now called Newtown : We can attend public worship there with more ease, the way to it being much better & the place of worship nearer ; some of us live within half a mile of Newtown Meeting House & four Miles from our own. The most of us do constantly attend public worship at New town and enjoy special religious privileges there but are denied the satisfaction of paying our money where we have our favors, and to those to whom it seems of right due, and the mortification of paying it to such as do us no good. We are ill accommodated in regard to schooling for our children. Newtown School we have no right to : South Hampton is sc distant that we cannot send to it ; indeed South hampton hath in some instances left our proportion of the School money to our own disposal, but the sum is so small that it will not maintain a School long enough to be of any consid erable benefit, & even while it does support a school among us we live so scattered & at such a distance from one another that the School cannot be so placed as to well accommodate us all at once. Our condition is really in our account Very unhappy ; — we therefore humbly beg that your Excellency & Honors would take it under your consideration and grant such relief as in your wisdom you shall think proper. Jonathan Currier, i M. north. Nathan Currier Samuel Kimball Charles Coolens Phillip Currier James Currier Challis Currier Aaron Sargent, sou. 1-2 mile. Thomas Currier Sarah Currier Ne^'Hamp' } ^" ^^^ House of Representatives Jan? 12"' 1770 The within Petition being read & considered Voted, That the Petitioners be heard on this Petition on Thursday the twentj'-fifth Day of January instant, if the General Assembly be then sitting, and if not then on the second day of their sitting next af ter, and that the Petitioners at their own cost serve the Selectmen of TOWN PAPERS — SOUTH HAMPTON. 775 South Hampton with a Copy of this Petition & order that they may «hew cause why the prayer thereof should not be granted. M. Weare, Clk. In Council, Jan)' 12, 1770. Read & concurred. Geo. King, D. Seer. ¦VT Ham " f ^^ ^^^ House of Representatives March 22'' 1770. The Parties being heard on this Petition and the Petitioners request ing that a Committee may be appointed to view the circumstances of the Petitioners at the cost of the s'' Petitioners : Voted, That Capt. John Giddings & Doctor Ebenezer Thompson be a Committee of this House to join with such as the Hon''' Council shall appoint to make enquiry respecting the circumstances of the Petition ers and make report to the General Assembly as soon as may be — the ¦cost of the Committee to be paid by the Petitioners. M. Weare, Clk. In Council, March 23'' 1770. Read & concurred & the Honi"' Daniel Pierce Esq' added on part of the Board. Geo. King, D. Secy. Pursuant to the foregoing appointment we the Subscribers have view'd the situation of the Petitioners, heard & consider'd what the Par lies concern'd thought fit to offer relative to the Premises : And although we think that some of the Petitioners might be better accommodated by being annexed to Newtown, yet really think their ¦difficulties not greater than what usually happens in almost every town : And their being so annexed would (as we conceive) increase the diffi culties occasioned by the former liberty of Polling in said Towns, which we now think need redress : Therefore we beg leave to recommend the ' to consider what sum might be proper to be raised for the maintenance of the Gospel among them according to their former way, or whatever else they might then think nec essary. Pursuant to which the meeting was afterwards held by adjournment as aforesaid & "Voted on the first article of the Warrant to give Mr. Wm. Johnson (a gentleman who has preached there) the sum of three hundred pounds Old Tenor settling money, & two hundred pounds yearly salary. 2'"^, Voted on the last article of the Warrant, not to raise any money according to their former manner. That there would not have been a majority of the Votes in favour of those Resolves had more been admitted to Vote but such as were qualified, but by admitting of disqualified Per sons matters were carried against the majority, or at least an equal number of qualified voters : That the said Meeting being a special or particular meeting nothing should have been transacted there but what was ex pressly mentioned in the warrant for calling of the same ; and your Petitioners humbly conceive that neither of the articles mentioned in the said warrant could authorize the voters at that meeting to make choice of a man to be their minister, nor to give an invitation to any particular person to settle among them in that relation & whenever a meeting is call'd for that purpose being a point of great weight & Consequence ought .always to be expressly set forth in the warrant as part of the intended business of the meeting & not to be comprised under any general expressions whatsoever. That your petitioners apprehend, should such a design be fairly Notified & the meeting Regularly conducted, there would be a majority of the Votes against the choice aforesaid & in order to obtain such a meeting more than twenty-five of TOWN PAPERS WINDHAM. S05 the Inhabitants & Freeholders of the said Parish have since petition'd the select men afores'' for that purpose & mention'd in their petition sundry articles they would have inserted in the Notification for calling the Meeting : But the Selectmen have refused & utterly denied to do it : — all which with many other matters respecting the managem' of said meeting too tedious to be here inserted j'our petitioners conceive to be just matter of grievance & complaints Wherefore they Humbly pray that the meeting held as aforesaid may be declared to be irregular & illegal & the proceedings thereof Null & Void ; that a new meeting may be called for the purposes mentioned in the Petition to the selectmen afores'' (a copy of which shall be produced,) and some indifferentsuitable person be appointed to govern the said meeting, that so the minds of the Parish may be truly known relating to the matter in Dispute, and thereby a variety of Law-suits prevented : And your petition ers as in duty bound shall ever pray, &c. William Jameson jun William Gregg William Jameson Samuel Armour Daniel Clyde Henery Campbell Francis Smiley Robert Dinsmoor Robert Hopkins William Campbell Joseph Clyde Hugh Clyde Robert Spear Francis Dinsmoor Samuel Campbell John Dinsmoor John Kyle John Dinsmoor, jun. Hugh Graham John Waddell Thomas Campbell Authur Graham John Willson Samuel Smith John Armstrong John Campbell John Mckay David Gregg. In Council, December 11'" 1746. Read & ordered to be sent down to y" Hon^e House. Theod. Atkinson, Sec. Prov. of New ¦( J j^ House of Representatives, Dec. ii, 1746. Hampshire. J '^ Voted, That the within Petitioners be heard on the within Petition the third day of the sitting of the General Assembly after y" seventeenth dav of January next & that s¦ Selectmen Hugh Brown j At which meeting, chose Alexander Dunlap Moderator. Voated and chosen fora Committee Nathaniel Hemphill and Joseph Waugh to go to the Revil Messrs Davidson and MacGregore of London derry and Willson of Chester to see if each of them will preach a day for us : and further Voated that James Caldwell, Treasurer is Impowered by this Voat to pay those Re v* Gentlemen if they preach to us out of the money that is Colected and in the Constables hands Voated on the second article of the Warrant That the Comitee that (1) 6ev. Wm. Johnstoii, mmister of the Presbyterian Churoli in Windham, wii« iMtolled there ia 1747i he woe diamiaeed in Jalf, 1752. Eb-. 8l6 NEW HAMPSHIRE was chose to tak care of the ministeriall Lott are impowered by this Voat to sell the Logs and fallen timber on s" Lott at publick Vendue to the highest bidder Voated on the Last article of the warrant not to consider of it this time. Copy Exami* Will"' Gregg, Town Clerk. Petition relating to a disturbance in the Parish. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq' Capt. General, Governor & commander in chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire the Hon'"''' his Majestys Coun cil & House of Representatives in General Assembly con vened : The Humble Petition of sundry of the Inhabitants of Wind ham in said Province, shews : That at the last Annual meeting of said Inhabitants for the choice of Town officers a difference arose among the said Inhabitants concerning the Right of voting : The Selectmen suffering sundry Persons expressly excepted in the Act for incorporating of Windham to vote there and sundry others who did not belong there & were not Inhabitants & only Occa sionally in the Parish. That a great Number of the Inhabitants then objected against such Proceedings, but to no purpose, they still pro ceeded ; whereupon the objectors seperated & held a diflferent meeting whereby there were two sets of officers chosen & sworn ; but being doubtful of their authority on both sides neither party has acted in their offices and the whole Business of the Parish in consequence thereof has been neglected to this time. That this is a great injury to the Minister & all others who have any concern with the Parish as w^ell as to the Inhabitants in general and to leave the affair to the decision of the Law in the common course would be much more so not only by the expence but the delay which will be occasioned in that way, and as there is no Prospect of a Reconciliation the breach is likely to grow wider, for it all rests till the next annual meet ing ; the same Dispute will in all probability again arise with an additional controversy about calling the meeting. Wherefore your Petitioners humbly Pray that the circum stances of the said Parish may be considered and that in your great wisdom & goodness you wou'd interpose & reduce their affairs in this regard into order ; That you will make void both the said proceedings, appoint a proper person to call & govern a new meeting, that all grounds of Dispute respecting TOWN PAPERS WINDHAM. 817 the premises may be taken away or that you will relieve the said Parish in any other method which you shall judge best, and your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray, &c. Feb. 2' 1753. Alexander Park John Kyll jun. John Dinsmore Francis Smylie John Morrow Sam' Morrison William Thom Rob' Park Thomas Quigly Joseph Park Will'" Thompson John Bolton John Stewart James Twadell Nathan Man Wm. Bolton Alexander Simpson Samuel McAdams Alexander Richy Andrew Armour John Cristy Gain Armour Robert Spear John Dinsmore George Spear Thomas Jamison Will ' Jeamson William Jamison James Gillmore James Jamieson. Sam' Armour John Tuift James Brown Adam Templeton Will"' Smylie Samuel Thompson Francis Dinsmore Andrew Thompson Hugh Boide Samuel Kinkead. John Kyll [On the foregoing Petition a hearing was granted "on the third day of the sitting of the General Assembly next after the lo"" of February inst," and George Davison, Hugh Brown and Sam' Cambell, selectmen for 1751, were summoned. Ec] Province of New] In the House of Representatives February 32'' Hampshire. ( 1753. Upon hearing the within Petition of Alexander Park and others and the Respondents, and considering the evidence produced by the Partys — Voted, That the choice of both sets of officers made at the annual meeting referred to in said Petition was illegal, and that the said choice be and hereby is declared to be null and void : And that there be a meet ing held in the said Parish of Windham on the first Tuesday of March next for the choice of Parish officers for the year 1752, and that Peter Gilman, Esq'' be and hereby is appointed & authorized to call the s"* meeting and to be the moderator of said meeting, and that the said Peter Gilman Esq' put up or cause to be put up a notification of the time and place of meeting at the ineeting house in said Windham and also at the dwelling house of John Christy Innholder in s'' Windham, at least four days before the time of holding said meeting. Matthew Livermore, clerk. In Council, Feby 23, 1753. read & concurred. Theod. Atkinson, Secy. In Council 26 '' Feb'' Consented to — B. Wentworth. 53 8l8 NEW HAMPSHIRE Answer of Selectmen to the foregoing Petition. To his Excellency Bening Wentworth, Esq' Capt. General, Governor and Commander in chief in and over his Majes ty's Province of New-Hampshire, the honorable his Majes ty's Council and house of Representatives in General As sembly convened. Samuel Campbell, George Davidson, Hugh Brown inhabit ants of Windham in s'' Province, (who was Selectmen of the perrish of s" Windham in the year 1751) who was by this hon orable Court ordered to be served with a copy of a petition of some of the Inhabitants of s' parrish, Dated the 2 ' of Febru ary Instant to appear Before this honourable Counsel to shew cause if any they have why the praver of the .s" Petition should not be Granted &c. The Respondents humbly shew — That the said petition is not genuin but groundless and fallacious in Divers Respects ; as first, It is therein shown forth that at y" last anual meeting of s" parrish there arose a Disput Relating^ to y" Right of Voting in s" meeting and that y" Selectmen suf fered sundry persons expressly exempted in the Act for y° In corporating of Windham to Vote there ; which asertion is in tirely groundless and without any foundation — there being only five persons with their respective familys and Estates that were exempted in s' Incorporation, and nether of them were present at s* meeting. a"'>' There Asertion in s'* petition that there "was sundry oth ers that were not Inhabitants nor Did not belong there. But were only occasionally there were alowed to vote there : which s ' asertion we utterly Deny. 3'"y Whereas they set forth that a great number of y" Inhab itants there objected against such proceedings but to no pur pose : Whereas there was not any that made any Legal or methodical objection against s"* meeting in any Respect, nor protested against the same in writing, that we might then have known what there objection was and fe.edrest their grivinces if in our power : which we humbly conceive they ought to have done. ^thi7 As to the separat meetings there held as mentioned in b" Petition, We understood it onely that a number being Dis affected that they could not carry there point in Voting, cav iled at y' proceedings to embarras y' busnise of s'* parrish & in a heddy mabash way without any warrant held a sepperate meeting when they plainly sde that a majority of y° Qualifed voters of s" Parrish was against them, and after a nUmbet Of y' s" officers was chose declared and sworn they presumtously chose and Swore another set of officers as we humbly conceive with a design to render y" Busnesee of y= Day abortive by pe- titing to have both meetings Destroyed as illegal, knowing there own to be so. TOWN PAPERS — WINDHAM. 819 jtwy "Whereas y" s* petitioners set forth that they was doubt ful on both sides as to their authority and that nether parties has acted in there offices, and the whole Busness of v"* perrish in consiquence thereof hath been neglected to this time to the great Injury to y'' minister and all other who have any concern with s" perrish as well as the Inhabitants : To which your Re spondents in fact say that indeed and in truth they Never knew that any was doubtful of there authority as toy' officers on the Respondents side except y" petitioners, and they onely on there own side, that that representation is so far from being truth, that the Busness of s'' perrish hath been carred on as usueal, and that there hath since s'* annual meeting been sundry meet ings of the s"* perrish called by y" officers of y^ opposite side from y- petition'^ and that there hath been Comitees chose for y° s' perrish in Busness since then, of which some of the peti tion'* hath been appointed and officiated therein, and that a Comitee was at a meeting since s" anual meeting chose to settle acc'^ with our minister, of which one of .s'' petitioners wasone and served in that trust and the s" minister is paid his dues in full by s'' parrish, and that y" Selectmen have oince asesed y" Inhabatants of s ' parrish and that a considerable part of s" as- sesment is paid : That y" petitioner^ ten of them Belongs to Salem and that some of s'* petitioners are minors. And that in the Number of the whole of the oposites there is not above eleven qualifyed Voters as we conceve of y" Law in that Respect : of all which your Respondents are reddy to aver : Wherefore your Respondents humbly pray ; That your Excelency and honners would in your clemency and goodness take y° premises into your wise consideration and grant thaty" s" petition be no further sustained, and that y" s" parrish be no longer disturbed and Distresed by such unnesary & unreason able Disputs, and your petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray, &c. Sam' Campbell George Davidson Hugh Brown. February y" i2"', 1753. In Council, Feb? 14"' 1753. The annexed petition read and ordered to be sent down to the Hon!" House of Representatives. Theodore Atkinson, Sec. Depositio7i of Robert Hopkins. Robert Hopkins of Windham in the Province of New Hampshire, of lawful age, testifies and says. That the same day of the Annual meeting for 1752, of Windham in the Province of New-Hampshire, after s'' meeting, David Archibald shewed me a Bond which David Gregg & two 820 NEW HAMPSHIRE moor Inhabitants on the West side of the Pond, had signed as Princi ple, with a large penal sum, that if he the si^ Archibald would vote for them & pay Province & Town Taxes with them, that they would pay for him or keep him clear fromMinisterTaxes for twenty years to come. Robert Hopkins. [Sworn to before Matthew Thornton, Justice of the Peace, February 30" 1753. Ed.] Deposition of Samuel Barr. Samuel Barr of Londonderry in the Province of New Hampshire of lawful age, testifies & says That on or about the ninth of March A. D. 1752, he with many oth ers, being at the annual meeting of Windham in the Province of New Hampshire & a dispute arising betwixt the Inhabitants and the Select men for the year 1752, the said Selectmen & clerk Refused the votes of Samuel Armer, Gaan Armer, John Dinsmoor, Francis Dinsmoor, Rob ert Spear, John Bolton, Andrew Armer, John Dinsmoor, jun. Michal Ferguson, James Twadwell, they being Inhabitants of the Town of Windham, incorporated by the three branches of the Legislature : The Selectmen & clerk afores' excepted as voters, David Archibald, Samuel Archibald, James More, David More, they being inhabitants of the sec ond Parish of Londonderry to which they pay Rates, & was exempted when s' Windham was Incorporated : Also excepted as Voters Samuel McMaster, Charles Mellin, Joseph More, James Alexander, the last eight the Inhabitants of the easterly side of the Pond then urged were not le gal Voters : David Archibald above s'' after the meeting told me that some men of the westerly side of the Pond gave him bond that if he was Rated in Windham they would pay his Rates ; also that he was ashamed of what he had dun & ware it to do again he would not do it for his oxen. Samuel Barr. [Sworn to before Matthew Thornton, Just of the Peace, Febr 20** 1753. Ed.] Petition relating to a Meeting-house. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq' Governor and Commander in Chief in & over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire, The Hon*"^ his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives for said Province, in General As sembly Conven'd, Feb'' 20"" 1754. The Petition of sundry of the Inhabitants of the Westerly Part of the Parisli of 'VV^indham in said Province humbly shews: That the Parish of Windham aforesaid was made by an Act of Assembly in or about the year 1742, by certain Boundaries set forth in the Act— a Part of vi'hich was after the Incorporation of the Township of Salem set off" & made a part of that Township. That before that was done, or the Line fixt between Salem & said Parish, the Inhabitants of said Windham not agreeing where they had best place their meeting house, they finally TOWN PAPERS WINDHAM. Szi agreed to chuse a Committee of indifl^erent Persons to Deter mine that mat'jer : — which they did accordingly & the Comittee Resolved upon a proper place after having view'd the Parish, & Declared the same. That the said Comittee determined the matter before the said Line between Salem & Windham was fixt as it now stands, as above mentioned, and tho' it mi^jht have been well with Respect to tae whole of vvh;;t was \'',' inJIiara by the said Act, ye'c by tiie taking Oii cz annexing to oalera those Polls & Estates by the Last Line, t'nat place which was near the cen ter of the Parish before, was very ex-centrical afterwards. That after all this a number of said Parish in a private way erected a meei:ing house at the place agreed upon [by] the said Comittee without regard to the Line last stated, and have lately obtain'd a vote (after it had been rejected at one meet ing) that tho Parish shou'd take or receive the said house & pay the charge of building the same. That the said meeting-house is 'by no means conveniently sit uated as it no'^.v stanus for the majority of the Parishioners considering the present extent of the Parish, but especially if it be considered that the greatest part of the future settlements in the Parish must be at the remotest part of the same from said house, and as it is likely there will be muc'.i contention in said Parish (already almost ruined by Divisions and Debates) about the place where said hou.se had best be filially fix'd for it can't be that the majoritv shou'd long agreo it shall stand where it is at present. Your Petitioners humbly pray that this matter may be put out of the power of said Parishioners to contend about, and for that purpose that a comittee of dis interested impartial persons may be appointed 'oy the General Assembly to view said Parish & consider it in all circumstan ces as it now stands with respect to boundaries, as also with respect to the situation of the present Inhabitants & the Pros pect of futu'.-e settlements & additional inhabitants, and to determine upon the whole matter where it is proper the said meeting-House shou'd be placed and to make Report thereof as soon as maybe: And the said House or another (if the Parish shall chuse rather to build a new one than Remove this which may be easily done) may be placed accordingb/, and youi- Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray. David Gregg Wm. WauG^h John Kyll °^ John Waddel Wm. Gregg John Karr Hugh Gravham Joseph Corning Thos Campbell John Grag John Davidson Hugh Clyde Arthur Grayham John Kyi George Davidson John Clyde John McCoy Hugh Montgomery 823 MEW HAMPSHIRE Joseph Wagh Rob' Hemphill Hugh Bell John Wilson Joseph Clyde Alexander Dunlap Samuel Clyde Henry Cambel James Alexander Thomas Richardson David Gregg Samuel Campel James Dunlap James Betton Hugh Brown Henry Campbell, jun. Peter Patison Samuel M'Master Nath' Hemphill [Note. On the above petition a hearing was granted : When, April ii"' 1754, "Voted in the House that this Petition be dismissed." Ed.] Petition of Oliver Saunders. To his Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq'^ Governor & Commander in chief in & over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire, the Hon''''' his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives for said Province in General Assembly Convened, JanJ' 25"' 1757. The humble Petition of Oliver Saunders of Salem in said Province, yeoman, .r^cwj : Thatyour petitioner on the 13"' day of October 1756, exhibited a Petition to your Excellency & Honours relating to the Rates supposed to be wrongfully assess'd on sundry of the Inhabitants of said Salem in the manner set forth in said Petition, signed by himself & others aggrieved, on which a time was appointed for hearing of the Petitioners on their Petition, which they mistook and so lost the opportunity wherebj' the merit of their case has not been considered : "Wherefore 3'our Petitioner mo.st Humblv prays That the said Petition may be revived that the Petitioners may be heard thereon and such measures pursued relative thereto as in your great Wisdom & Goodness you shall judge to be Right and your Petitioners in Duty bound shall ever pray &c. Oliver Sanders. Note. — On the foregoing petition a hearing was granted, " on the second day of the sitting.of the Gen' Assembly next after tlie i"' dajf of February'," when. In the House of Representatives Voted, That the prayer of this petition be granted & that the peti tioners be exempted from paying any arrears of Province Tax to Salem before the year 1753, it appearing they had paid their province taxes to Windham from the year 1743 to 1752 (i). (1) See Salem Town Papers. Ed. TOWN PAPERS WINDHAM. 823 Deposition of John Dinsj/ioor. The Deposition of John Dinsmoor of Lawful Age, doth testifie & «ay that the persons hereafter named, were and are Inhabitants dwell ing within the bounds of Londonderry According as Mr. Bryant run the Lines, viz : John Ober, jun. John Ober Robert Spear William Sanders Timothy Sanders John Ashby Samuel Armour Oliver Sanders Andrew Balch William Leach John Dinsmoor Natii' Woodbury Oliver Kimbal Israel Woodbury Israel Ober Joshua Thorndike Ebenezer Woodbury Moses Morgan George Corning Edward Bayley John Corning Jonathan Woodbury John Hall Wid. Judith Corning John HaU 3*' Samuel Crowel Rob' EUenwood Hugh Campbell Abial Pitman James Twaddell John Giles Jonathan Morgan Attest, John Dinsmoor. [Sworn to before Daniel Peaslee, Just. Peace, Jan>' 20'', 1757. Ed.J [Similar Depositions were made by Samuel Moran, Daniel Dow, Alexander Park and Francis Smiley and Sworn to before Daniel Peas lee, Just. Peace, Jan>' 19''', Jan'' 20'", JanJ' 31"', 1757. Ed.] A List of those men that now live in Salem which formerly lived in the Parish of Windham and paid their Province Tax to s^ Wind ham : viz. Samuel Armor John HaU Robert Spear Oliver Kimbel John Dinsmoor Edward Baley Francis Dinsmoor John Giles Wm. Sanders Win. Leach John Ashby John Hill Eb' Woodbury Nalh' Woodbury George Corning Abiall Pitman Oliver Sanders John Ober, jun John Ober Moses Morgan Israel Ober Jon» Morgan John Corning Joshua Thorndike Robert Elinwood Andrew Balch John Woodbury A true Copy given under my hand at y' Parish of Windham, Janr y 19"" 1757. by me, Francis X Smiley. mark. 824 NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWN PAPERS. WOLFEBOROUGH. [Was incorporated in 1770.] Petitio/t for I/tcorporation. Province of New | To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Hampshire \ Capt. General, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the Province afore said, and the Honorable his Majesty's Council for said Province : The Humble Petition of Aaimi Ruhamah Cutter, Physician and John Parker, Merch' both of Portsmouth in said Province as a Committee of the Proprietors of Wolfeborough in said Province shews : — That there are in the Township of Wolfeborough upwards of Thirty Families settled and more coming to settle there, which makes an Incorporation necessary in order to transact their common alTairs with ease & di.=;patch, and in that case many 'wou'd be induced to settle there, who ¦would be back ward without that advantage. That the Proprietors aforesaid are desirous of obtaining this Privilege as it will enable them to carry on the settlement with more Regularity and enable them to carry into Execution any of their Resolutions in which all are concerned, with Justice as well as with dispatch, and have therefore chosen your Petition ers with another person now absent to apply to your Excel lency & the Hon"'" Council for this purpose. Wherefore they humbly Pray that the said Inhabitants & Proprietors may be Incorporated with the usual Franchises, Privileges & Emoluments : that they be authorized & Intitled to use the Powers with which other Corporations are In vested, and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall pray &c. A. R. Cutter \ ^ ,.. JN° Parker } Comm-. Portsmouth, July 9"" 1770. Minutes. 9«" July 1770 To call i^t Town meeting Wolfeboro' Petition for Mr. Jonathan Rindge. Incorporation, i«' Meeting 2ist Sept. Granted. Annual meeting Accepted on my part, J'W. last Tuesday in M'ch. Charter to be prepar'd Annual Fair or Mart I"' Tuesday following 21^' Sept. ADDENDA. note by the editor. Readers of the foregoing Papers relating to Towns, will have noticed that no mention is made of a very considerable number of Towns in the State, some of which hold an important place in our history. In relation to some of the towns thus omitted, the reason may be, that they never had occasion to make application to the Legislature by peti tion or otherwise ; or that making such application, the Papers were not preserved or have not been found : Other towns are of modern date, i. e. subsequent to 17S4, and therefore not properly included in this vol ume. The Editor, however, has carefully printed every paper which he has found on file or on record, relating to early towns. The following notices of towns omitted, are given as supplementary; — the facts stated being derived from such authorities and documents as were accessible to the Editor (i). Towns not included among the foregoi/ig Papers. Alexandri.\, granted March 13, 1767; incorporated, Nov. 23, 1782; its first settlement was made in December 1769, by Jonathan, John M. and William Corliss. Allenstown, so named from Gov. Samuel Allen, the purchaser of Mason's claim ; the tract was reserved for Allen's children. (SeeProv. Pap. Vol. 4, p. 42.) A settlement was begun by John Wolcutt, An drew Smith, Daniel Evans, Robert Buntin and others, about 1740. Andover was granted by the Masonian proprietors in 1746, to Ed mund Brown and others, and was called New Breton in honor of the capture of Cape Breton, 1745. It was incorporated, with its present name, June 25, 1779. Antrim derives its name from a county of that name in Ireland — the original settlers being mostly of the Scotch-Irish stock that settled Londorfderry in 1719. "The first^ settlement was made by Dea. James Aiken, about 1768; itwas incorporated, March 22, 1777. Barnstead was granted May 20, 1727. Settlements commenced in 1767. Bath. The original charter of Bath was granted Sept. 10, 1761, to Rev. Andrew Gardner and 61 others. It was re-chartered to John Sawver and others, in March 1769, on the ground of the forfeiture of the first charter ; settlement was made in 1765, by John Harriman, from Haverhill, Ms. Bradford was granted to John Pierce and George Jaffrey, in ? Settlement was made in 1771, by Dea. William Presbury or Presby. In corporated Sept. 27, 1787. Bridgewater formerly comprised the whole of New Chester (now Hill), Bridgewater and Bristol ; the first settlement was made in 1766, by Thomas Crawford, Esq. Bristol was taken from Bridgewater and (1) Much reliance has been placed on statements found in the N. II. Gazetteer, by Farmer & Moore, 1823. £u. S26 NEW HAMPSHIRE New Chester ; first settlement, about 1770, by Col. Peter Sleeper, Benj. Emmons and others. Brookline was formerly a part of old Dunstable. It was incorpo rated March 30, 1769, .by the name of Raby. The name was altered in November, 1798. Benton was granted Nov. 6, 1766, to Clement March, Joseph Senter and others. Campton was granted in Oct. 1761, to Capt. Jabez Spencer of East Haddam, Ct. ; first settlement made in 1765, by two families of the name of Fox and Taylor; it derives^ its name from a camp built by the first surveyors of the town. Canaan was granted by charter, July 9, 1761, to 62 persons, mostly from Connecticut, and took its name from Canaan in that State. The settlement was begun in the winter of 1766-7, by John Scofield, who, it is said, drew his eifects from Connecticut river by hand-sled, 14 miles, over a crust of snow. Candia was originally a part of the township of Chester, incorpo rated Dec. 17, 1763; said to have been named by Gov. Benning Went worth, who was once a prisoner on the island of Candia (the ancient Crete). A settlement was begun as early as 1748, by William Turnerjj and in 1755, by John Sargent and a few others. Centre-Harbour, or rather Senter Harbour, so named for Col. Jo seph Senter, v. prominent man, who settled there in 1767. Chatham was originally granted to Col. Peter Livius and others, Feb. 7, 1767. Claremont was granted October 26, 1764, to Josiah Willard, Sam uel Ashley and 58 others ; it received its name from the country seat of Lord Clive, an English general; a settlement was begun in 1762, by Moses Spoiford and David Lynde; in 1767, new settlers came in from Connecticut. The early settlers were about equally divided as Episco palians and Congregationalists. Colebrook was originally granted to Sir George Colebrook — and hence the name ; incorporated 1790. Coventry was granted January 31, 1764, but not settled till after the commencement of the Revolutionary war. Danbury was first settled in Nov. 1771, but not incorporated till June 18, 1795. East Kingston was incorporated Nov. 17, 1738. Among the early settlers were William and Abraham Smith, who settled near the center of the town. Effingham, formerly Leavitts-town, was settled a few years befoM the Revolution. Ellsworth, formerly called Trecothick, was granted May i, 1769. Enfield, formerly called Relhan, was incorporated by charter, granted to Jedediah Dana and others, July 4, 1761. Errol, granted Feb. 28, 1774. Fitzwilliam, formerly Monadnock, No. 4, incorporated May 19, '773. and took its present name from the Earl of Fitzwilliam, Eng. Gilford was formerly a part of Gilmanton ; it was settled in June, 1778, by James Ames and S. S. Gilman, but not incorporated until June 16, 1812. Grafton was granted Aug. 4, 1761, to Ephraim Sherman and others ; first settlement was made in May, 1772, by Capt. Joseph Hoyjt, from TOWNS — ADDENDA. SzJ Poplin. Capt. Alexander Pixley and wife were the second family -yirhich settled there. Greenfield was first settled in 1771, by Capt. Alexander Parker, Major A. Whittemore, Simeon Fletcher and others; and was incorpo rated June 15, 1791. Hancock, so named in honor of Hon. John Hancock, of Boston, who was one of the original proprietors, was incorporated Nov. 5, 1779. A settlement was begun there by John Grimes in May, 1764. Haverhill was known in early times by the name of the Lower Cohos. It was granted by charter May iS, 1764, to John Hazen and 94 others; Mr. Hazen began the settlement the same year on what is called Little Ox Bow. The first court was held there Oct. 21, 1773; Rev. Peter Powers, from Hollis, was settled as the firs; minister in 1765- Hawke, now Danville, derived its name from Admiral Hawke of the British navy; was incorporated Feb. 22, 1760; but settlements were made by Jacob Hook, Jonathan Sanborn and others, as early as 1735- 1739- Henniker was first granted by the Masonian Proprietors under the name of Number G, to James and Robert Wallace and others from Londonderry; settlement commenced in 1761 ; incorporated Nov. 10, 176S, and called Henniker, by Gov. John Wentworth, in honor of hia friend, John Henniker, a merchant in London and member of the British parliament. This town was formerly classed with Hillsbor ough. Keene, whose original name was Upper Ashuelot, was incorporated April II, 1753, by its present name, in honor of Sir Benjamin Keene, British ininister in Spain, and contemporary with Gov. Benning Went worth, who in early life visited that country. Settlements were begun as early as 1736 ; being a frontier town, it was repeatedly attacked by Indians. Langdon, so named in honor of Gov. John Langdon of New Hamp shire, was first settled by Seth Walker in 1773; by Nathaniel Rice and Jonathan Willard in 1774; but itwas not incorporated until Jan. il, 1787. Lebanon was granted July 4, 1761, to sixtj^-two proprietors from Norwich, Mansfield and Lebanon, Ct., — friends and some of them par ishioners of Dr. Eleazer Wheelock; this was the first town settled on Connecticut river north of Charlestown, No. 4. A Congregatibnal church was formed in 1771, and Rev. Isaiah Potter installed in 1772. Lee was originally a part of Durham, and was incorporated Jan. i6, 1766. Lincoln was granted Jan. 31, 1764, to James Avery and others, but not settled till after the Revolution. Loudon was formerly a part of Canterbury; was incorporated Jan. 23, 1773: but settlements had been made in 1760, by Abraham and Jethro "Bachelder and Moses Ordway. It derived its name from the Earl of Loudon, Eng. Lyman was granted to Daniel Lyman and others, Nov. 10, 1761. Manchester, formerly known as Derryfield (which was incorpo rated Sept. 3, 1751,) was formed from a part of Londonderry and a part of Chester. It was famous in early times for a fishing plac? at the Amoskeag Falls ; was incorporated by its present name in i8lp, and is now distinguished as the most populous and opulent city in New Hampshire. 828 new HAMPSHIRE Marlborough, formerly Monadnock, No. 5, was granted by charter April 29, I7i;i, to Timothy Dwight, Esq., of Northampton, Ms., and 61 others ; the charter was renewed Sept. 21, 1764. Settlement was begun about 1760 by a Mr. McAlister, William Barker, Abel Woodward, Benj" Tucker and Daniel Goodenough; and the town was incorporated Dec. 13. >776. Mason, formerly known as Number 1, and settled as early as 1751, was granted by charter Aug. 26, ,1768. Meredith was first called New Salem., and was incorporated Dec. 30, 1763. Middleton was incorporated March 4, 1778 ; the first settlers were from Lee and Rochester, N. H. MiLFORD was tormerly known as the South West Parish of Amherst. It was not incorporated with its present name till Jan. 11, 1794. MoxT Vernon was originallj' a partof Air.hei-st; its settlement com menced early, but it was not incorporated as a distinct town till Dec. 15, 1803. Moultonborough was granted by the Masonian proprietors, Nov. 17, 1763, to Col. Jonathan Moulton and 61 others, principally from Hampton ; settlements commenced the next year. Nelson was formerly known as Monadnock, No. 6; it was granted by the Masonian proprietors, and chartered Feb. 22, 1774, by the name of Packersfield, from Thomas Packer, who owned about one half of it- It took the name of Nelson in June, 1S14. New Chester (nov/ Hill, in honor of Gov. Isaac HiU,) was granted Sept. 14, 1753, to 87 proprietors; the first settlement was in 1768, and incorporated Nov. 20, 1778. New H.\mptox was incorporated Nov. 27, 1777, and called New Hampton at the desire of Col. Jonathan Moulton, an original proprie tor from Hampton. There is a tradition that Col. Moulton, in 1763, having an ox weighing 1400 pounds, fattened for the purpose, hoisted a flag upon his horns and drove him to Portsmouth as a present to Gov. Benning Weutworth, asking only of the Governor as a favor, to have a grant of a Gore of land lying near the town of Moultonborough— which, the record shows, was granted. Newington is one of the old historic places or parishes of the State. It was embraced in what is called the Sgiiamscut or Hilton's point Pate/it ; and in itwas was the Bloody Point. A part of Newington was claimed to lye in Dover and a part in Portsmouth. The name Newington was given by Gov. Dudley May 12, 1714; its bounds were settled July 28, 1714, at which time "it was called a Parish. It had town privileges as early as 1737 ; but when incorporated, is not defi nitely ascertained. The late John Farmer, Esq., said it was in Julv, 1764. [See Prov. Pap. Vol. 3, pp. 562, 574, 5S6, 587, Vol. 4, pp. S24-826.] New London, first called Dantsick, was incorporated June 25, 1779; a settlement, however, was begun hy Nathaniel Merrill and James Lamb, Eliphalet Lyon and Ebenezer Hunting, probably as early as 1775- North Hampton was formerly a parish in Hampton, known as North Hill. Settlements were early begun, and it was incorporated as a distinct township, Nov. 26, 1742. Northumberland was first settled about 1767, by Thomas Burnside and Daniel Spaulding; itwas incorporated Nov. 16, 1779. Northwood, originally a part of Nottingham, was settled March 25, TOWNS ADDENDA. 829 1763, by Moses Godfrey, John Bachelder, Increase Bachelder, from North Hampton ; and Solomon Bickford from Durham, in December, the same year. Orange was granted by the nameof Cardigan, Feb. 6, 1769, to Isaac Fellowt, and others. Its settlement commenced in 1773-4, by Silas Har ris, Beiij-imin Shaw, David Eames, Col. Elisha Bayne and Capt. Joseph Kenney. PlaAjfield was granted August 14, 1761, and was settled in 1764, by L. Nash and J. Russell. The name is derived from a town in Con necticut where the proprietors held their first meeting. Poplin, now called Fremont, was incorporated June 22, 1764. Raymond was originally a part of Chester, called Cliarmingfare. It was mado a distinct parish in 1762, and incorporated as a town, May 9, «76S- Richmond was granted to Joseph Blanchard and others, Feb. 28, 1752, and settled within five or six years afterwards by people from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Sandown was originall)' a part of Kingston, and was incorporated April 6, 1756. Sandwich was originally granted by Gov. Benning 'VVentwortli, Oct. 25, 1763, six miles square. On the 5'^ Sept. 1764, an additional grant was made to the territory on the east and south, called Sandwich Addi tion. Seabrook was formerly a pai t of Hampton Falls. Settlements com menced here in 1638, by Christopher Hussey, Joseph Dow and Thomas Philbrick. It was granted June 3, 1768, to Jonathan Weare, John Moulton and others. A Presbyterian society was formed here in 1764. Springfield was granted Jan. 3, 1769, by the nan-.e of Protectworth, to John Fisher, Daniel Warner and 58 others. Its first settlement was made in 1772, by Israel Cliflford and son, Nathaniel Clark, Samuel Stevens and others. It was not incorporated by its preient name till Jan. 24, 1794. Stoddard was formerlycalled Li-inerick ; a settlement begun in June, 1769, bv John Taggard, Reuben Walton. Richard Richardson, Amos Butterfield, Joseph Dodge and Oliver Parker. It was incorporated Nov. 4, 1774 by the name of Stoddard, in honor of Col. Samson Stod dard of Chelmsford, Ms., an original grantee. Stratford was incorporated Nov. 16, I779- Surry was originally a part of Gilsum and Westmoreland ; was in corporated March 9, 1769, deriving its name from Surry in England; a settlement was begun by Peter Hayward in 1764. Sutton was granted in 1749, by the Masonian proprietors, and first called Perrys-town, from Obadiah Perry, an original and principal proprietor; a settlement was commenced in 1767, by David Peaslee. Tamworth was granted Oct. 14, 1766, to John Webster, Jonathan Moulton and others, and was settled in 1771, by Richard Jackman, Jon athan Choate, David Philbrick and William Eastman. Temple is the easterly part of what was called Peterborough Slip — Incorporated Aug. 26, 1768. Thornton is understood to derive its name from Hon. Matthew Thornton ; it was granted July 6, 1763, to M.atthew, James and Andrew Thornton and others; settlement made in 1770, by Benjamin Hoyt; •nd it was incorporated Nov. 8, 1781. 830 NEW HAMPSHIRE TOWNS ADDENDA. Tuftonborough was granted to J. Tufton Mason, from whom the name; was settled about 17S0, but not incorporated till Dec. 17, I79S- Unity was granted by charter July 13, 1764, to Theodore Atkinson, Meshech Weare, and 45 others — called Unity from the termination of a long dispute between claimants in Kingston and Hampstead. Settle ment was begun in 1769, by John Ladd and Moses Thurston. Walpole was first known bv the name of Great Fall ; its first set tlement was made in 1749 by Col. Benjamin Bellows; it was granted to Col. Bellows and 61 others^ Feb. 16, 1752. For some time it was a border town exposed to the attacks of Indians, but was bravely defended. W.\rren was granted by charter July 14, 1763. Washington wa. February, the abovesaid Report was adopted ; and the Convention of delegates chosen by the respective towns and parishes, for the abovesaid purpose met in Concord, on the day appointed, June lo'", 1778 (i). (1) For the facts here stated, see State Papers, 'VoL VIU. pp. 757, 7o3, 774, 775. Ed. 53 834 JJEW HAMPSHIRE It is much to be regretted, that the Journal of that Convention can not any where be found. Search was made in v.ain for it by the late John Farmer, Esq., and by Mr. G. Parker Lyon, as also by the Editor of this volume : Mr. Lyon was at the great pains, however, of collect ing the names of the Delegates to that Convention from the Town Records, respectively, throughout the State. The following is the list of names as thus collected by him (i). Towns. Portsmouth, Exeter, Londonderry, ¦Chester, Kensington,Stratham, Brentwood, Kingston, &c.. North Hampton, New Market, Epping, Hampton Falls, &c., Hampton, Greenland, Sandown and Hawke, South Hampton and Newtown, Nottingham, Rye,Newington,New-Castle, Hampstead, Raymond and Poplin, Atkinson and Plaistow,Deerfield and Northwood, Candia, Salem, (1) SCO N. H. Register, 1852, pp. 18-21. LIST OF DELEGATES Chosen from the several towns, classed towns, and places in New Hampshire, in I'J'jS, to /neet at Concord, June loth,. for the purpose of forming a new Constitution. Delegates. John Langdon George King George Gaines Samuel Cutts WiUiam Whipple Nathaniel Folsom Samuel Hubbard John Pickering / Matthew Thornton \ John Bell Samuel Emerson Ezekiel Worthen / Benjamin Barker \ Mark Wiggin Voted not to send Samuel Philbrick, deceased, and Josiah Bartlett was chosen. Levi Dearborn None sent f Enoch Cofiin \ Simon Dearborn Nath'l H. Dodge None sent William Weeks > Jethro Sanborn, probably. j Robert Stewart Voted not to send Joseph Parsons Richard Dame Information not received None chosen [¦John Dudley i Joseph Welch \ Simon Marston J Richard Jenness John Sargent Moody Morse Eo. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 835 Epsom, &c., &c., Windham,Pelham, Canterbury and Loudon, Pembroke, Concord, Bow and Dunbarton, Litchfield and Nottingham West, Merrimack and Bedford, Derryfield and Goffstown,Dunstable,Amherst, Hollis, Hopkinton, New Boston and Francestown,Weare,Wilton, Lynde- boro', &c.. Mason and Roby, New Ipswich, Temple and Peterborough, Henniker and Hillsborough, Salisbury and Boscawen, New Bretton, Warner, Perryston, and Fisherfield, New Durham, &c., and Wolfborough, Durham, Lee, Madbury,Dover, Somersworth, Rochester, Barrington, Gilmanton and Barnstead, Wakefield, Middleton, and Leavittstown, Meredith and Sanbornton, John McClary None sent James Barnard V Archelaus More {Samuel Daniell Richard Bartlett Timothy Walker [•Jeremiah Page \ William Burns /John Parker [• Solomon Hutchinson [•None sent * Benjamin French ¦(.WiUiam Hunt J Reuben Mussey \ Moses Nichols ( Enoch Noyes \ Noah Worcester Stephen Harriman I Archibald McMillen Samuel Caldwell V Moses Putnam I David Blodgett Timothy Farrar [• Francis Blood > Isaac Andrews I George Jackman I- None sent [ Voted not to send Ebenezer Thompson Information not received James Davis, Jr. f John Gage L Caleb Hodgdon Town Rec. burnt, 1S12 Information not received Information not received. [.Joseph Badger hNone sent \ Ebenezer Smith 8^ NEW HAMPSHIRE Sandwich, Tamworth, and Moultonborough, Rindge, JaiTrey, and Peterborough Slip, Dublin, Marlborough,Stoddard,Packersfield, Sic, Keene,Swanzey and Fittzwilliam, Westmorland, Richmond,Winchester, Walpole, Hinsdale and Chesterfield, Marlow, Surry, and Alstead, Charlestown,Claremont, Acworth, Lempster, Savill,Croydon, Unity, and Newport, Cornish,Protectworth,Plainfield, and Grantham, Plymouth, Cockermouth, Alexandria, and New Chester, Rumney,Holderness, Campton, and Thornton, Orford, Haverhill, Lyman,Gunthwait, Landaff, Bath, and Morrristown, Lancaster, Northumberland, Apthorp, Stratford,Colburn,Cockburn, Conway, Shelburne, Sic., [-None sent } Enoch Hale Phineas Spaulding I None sent Jeremiah Stiles [•Calvin Frink Information not received Oliver Capron Daniel Ashley Benjamin Bellows > None sent l-None sent Samuel Hunt None sent Samuel Silsby Benjamin Giles J ¦None sent • Francis Worcester • William Baker None sent None sent None sent CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. S.ty None sent None sent Hanover,Canaan, and Cardigan, Lebanon, Relham, and Grafton, Wentworth,Dorchester, Lyme,¦Warren, and Piermont, • Obadiah Clement of Warren, (probably) Note. The next meeting of this Constitutional Convention was at Concord, June 5", 1779: — at which time, a Constitution was agreed upon and sent out to the people for their adoption. The copy of the Constitution, from which this is transcribed, is printed on both sides of a half-sheet of large size, and issued from the Press of Zechariah Fowle, in Exeter, 1779. It is the only copy of the original print which the Ed itor has found, and is as follows (i) ; [THE CONSTITUTION PROPOSED IN 1779.] A DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, AND PLAN OF GOVERNMENT FOE THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIIiE. Whereas, by the tyrannical administration of the govern ment of the King and Parliament of Great Britain, this State of New Hampshire, with the other United States of America, have been necessitated to reject the British government, and declare themselves Independe/it States^dXX which is more largely set forth by the Continental Congress, in their resolu tion or Declaration of the fourth of July, A. D. 1776: And whereas, it is recommended by the said Continental Congress to each and every of the said United States to estab lish a form of government most conducive tp the welfare thereof: We the delegates of the said State of New Hamp shire, chosen for the purpose of forming a permanent plan -of government subject to the revisal of our constituents, have composed the following Declaratio/i of Rights and Plan of Government ; and recommend the same to our constituents for their approbation. A Declaration of the Rights of the^ People of the State of New Hampshire, 1st. We declare, that we the people of the Slate of New (1) See a copy also in CoU. of N. H. Hist. Soe. Vol. 4, pp. 15a-l61. Ed. 838 NEW HAMPSHIRE Hampshire, are free and independent of the Crown of Great Britain. 2d. We the people of this State, are entitled to life, liberty and propertv ; and all other immunities and privileges which we heretofore enjoyed. 3d. The common and statute laws of England, adopted and used here ; and the laws 'of tlie State (not inconsistent with said Declaration of Ind'ependence) now are, and shall be in force here, for the welfare and good government of the State, unless the same shall be repealed or altered by the future leg islature thereof. 4th. The whole and entire power of government of this State, is vested in, and must be derived from the people there of, and frorn no other source whatsoever. 5th. The future legislature of this State, shall make no laws to infringe the rights of conscience, or any other of the nat ural, unalienable Rights of Men, or contrary to the laws of GOD, or against the Protestant religion. 6th. The extent of territory of this State, is, and shall be the same which was under the government of the late Gov. John Wentworth, Esq. Governor of New Hampshire. Re serving, nevertheless, our claim to the New Hampshire Grants, so called, situated to the west of Connecticut river. 7th. The right of trial by jury in all cases as heretofore used in this State, shall be preserved inviolate forever. A PLAN OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. I St. The State of Ncw Hampshire shall be governed by a Council, and House of Representatives, to be chosen as herein after mentioned, and to be styled the General Court of the State of New Hampshire. 2d. The Council shall consist for the present of twelve mem bers, to be elected out of the several counties in the State, in proportion to their respective number of inhabitants. 3d. The numbers belonging to each county for the present, according to said proportion being as foiloweth, viz. — To the county of Rockingham, five — to the county of Strafford, two — to the county of Hillsborough, two — to the county of Cheshire, two — to the county of Grafton, one. 4th. The number for the county of Rockingham, shall not be increased or diminished hereafter, but remain the same, and the numbers for the other counties shall be increased or dimin ished as their aforesaid proportion to the county of Rocking ham may chance to vary. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 830 5th. The House of Representatives shall be chosen as fol lows. Every town or parish, choosing town officers, amount ing to one hundred families and upwards, shall send one rep resentative for each hundred families they consist of, (or such lesser number as they please) or class themselves with some other towns or parishes that will join in sending a representa tive. 6th. AH other towns and parishes under the number of one hundred families, shall have liberty to class themselves together to make the number of one hundred families or upwards, and being so classed, each class shall send one representative. 7th. The number of Counsellors belonging to each county shall be ascertained and done bv the General Court every time there is a new proportion made of the State tax, which shall be once in seven years at the least, and oftener if need be. Sth. All male inhabitants of the State of lawful age, paying taxes, and professing the protestant religion, shall be deemed legal voters in choosing counsellors and representatives, and having an estate of three hundred pounds, equal to silver at six shillings and eight pence per ounce, one half at least whereof to be real estate, and lying within this State, with the qualifications aforesaid, shall be capable of being elected. 9th. The selectmen of each respective town and parish, choosing town officers containing one hundred families or up wards, and also of each respective class of towns clas.sed together as aforesaid, shall notify the legal voters of their respective towns, parishes, or classes, qualified as aforesaid, in the usual way of notifying town meetings, giving fifteen days notice at least, to meet at some convenient place on the last Wednesday of November annually, to choose counsellors and representatives. loth. And the voters being met, and the moderator chosen, shall proceed to choose their representative or representatives, required by this constitution by a majority of the voters pres ent, who shall be notified accordingly, and a return thereof made into the Secretary's office, by the first Wednesday of January then next. nth. And such representatives shall be paid their wages by their constituents, and for their travel by the State. 12th. And in the choice of counsellors, each voter shall deliver his vote to the moderator for the number of counsel lors respectively required, with the word counsellors written thereon, and the voters name endorsed to prevent duplicity. 13th. These votes shall be sealed up by the moderator, and transmitted by the constable to one of the justices of the Infe- i^O NEW HAMPSHIRE rioT Court of Common Pleas for the cOunty, before tire second Wednesday in December next following. 14th. And the said justices of the Inferior Court shall meet together on the said second Wednesday of December annuall}', to count the votes, and the persons that have most votes to the number of counsellors required, shall be declared duly elect ed, and shall be notified by the said justices accordingly, and a return thereof shall be made by them into the secretary's office by the first Wednesday in January anntially. 15th. And in case any two persons shall have alikenumbet of votes, the said justices may determine the choice in favor of which they please. 16th. The Council and House of Representatives so chosen and returned as aforesaid, shall meet on the first Wednesday in January next after their being chosen, at such place as the present, or future General Court may from time to time ap point: and being duly sworn, shall hold their respective ¦pilaces until the firsit Wednesday in January then next. 17th. The council shall choose their president, vice-presi dent, and Secretary ; and the house of representatives shall choose their speaker and clerk. iSth. The council and house of representatives respectively, shall determine all disputed elections of their own members,, regulate their own proceedings ; and on any vacancy, order i. new election to fill up such vacancy. 19th. The said General Court elected and constituted as aforesaid, shall be invested with the supreme power of the State. And all acts, resolves, or votes, except grants of money, lands, or other things mav originate in either house ; but such grants shall originate in the house of representatives only. 20th. The said council and house of representatives re spectively, shall have power to adjourn themselves from day to day, but not longer than two days at any one time, without concurrence of the other. 2 1 St. The President of the council .shall hold public corres pondence with other States, or persons ; call the council to gether when occasion .shall require ; and with advice of three or more of the council shall from time to time call the General Court together if need be, before the time they were adjourned to ; and also point out the principal business of their session. 22d. The military and naval power of the State shall be regulated, and all proper officers thereof appointed, as the legislature by law shall direct from time to time. 23d. The judges of the superior and inferior courts, judges. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 84I of probate, judges of admiralty, judge of the maratime court, justices of the peace, sheriffs, coroners, attorney general, treasurer of the state, and delegates to the Continental Con gress, shall be appointed by the said General Court, and com- tflissionated by the president of the council. 24th. The appointment of registers of deeds, county treas urers, clerks of courts, registers of probate, and all other civil o'fficers whatsoever, not before mentioned, shall be regulated by the laws that now are, or that hereafter may be enacted. 25th. All civil officers of the State, shall be suitably com pensated by fees or salaries for their services. 26th. No member of the General Court shall be judge of the superior court, or inferior court, judge or register of pro bate, or sheriff' of any county, or treasurer of the State or at torney general, or delegate at the Continental Congress. 37th. And no member of tlie council, judge of the superior court, or sheriff, shall hold a commission in the militia, army, or navy of this State. 28th. No member of the house of representatives shall hold any salary under the government. 29th. The president of the council, 'with advise of council, may grant reprieves not longer than six months, but the Gen eral Court only shall have power to pardon offenses against the State. 30th. A quorum of the council, and a quorum of the house of representatives, shall consist of a majority of each house. 31st. This Declaration of Rights and Plan ot Government, shall have the force of law, and be esteemed the fundamental law of this State. 32d. The General Court shall have no power to alter any part of this Constitution ; but in case they should concur in any proposed alteration, amendment, or addition, the same being agreed to by a majority of the people, shall become valid. State of New Hampshire. In Convention, June, ^th, i779' Voted, that the foregoing Bill of Rights, and Plan of Gov ernment, be printed, and dispersed throughout this State, for the people thereof, to give their opinion thereon. ¦Voted, that Colonel Thornton and Colonel Bartlett, be a committee to get this plan of government printed, and trans mit two or more copies of the same to each and every town, parish and place in this State, to which precepts for this con vention were sent, and publish the same in the New Hamp shire newspapers. 842 NEW HAMPSHIRE Voted, That the selectmen of the several towns, parishes, and districts in this State, upon the receipt of the same, are desired to notify and warn the legal inhabitants p.iying taxes in such town, parish, or place, to meet at some suitable place therein, giving them at least fifteen days notice, for the pur pose of taking said plan under consideration ; and make re turn of the number of voters present at such meeting, and how many voted for receiving-said plan, and how many for reject ing the same, unto this convention at Concord, in this State, on the third Tuesday in September next. By order of the Convention, John Langdon, President, P. T. E. Thompson, Secretaiy. NOTE BY the editor. The foregoing Constitution, which, according to order, was sent out to the people, was rejected : "The state of the votes upon it, the Editor has not been able to find. THE SECOND CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. note. On the 28''' of March, 17S1, the House of Representatives voted to call another Convention to " settle a Form of Government," and that a Com mittee be appointed, to join a Committee of the Board, to form and issue a suitable Precept to the towns, for that purpose; which vote was concurred by the Board; and on the 6 '' of April, 1781, a joint Resolve was adopted that the said Convention should meet at Concord, the first Tuesday of June, next (i). The Journal of that Convention has not been found; but fortunately the late Mr. G. Par'icer Lyon obtained a list of Delegates, which is pre sumed to be correct: (see N. H. Reg. 1852, pp. 22-25). The names of the Delegates chosen are as follows : Towns. Delegates. Portsmouth, George Atkinson '' John Langdon " Ammi Ruhami Cutter " John Pickering " Jona. Mitchell Sewall Exeter, "Nathaniel Folsom " John Taylor Gilman Londonderry, Archibald McMurphy Chester, None sent Hampton Falls, Nathaniel H. Dodge Brentwood, 'Voted not to send Stratham, Mark Wiggin (1) See state Pap. Vol. VIU. pp. 894-897. Ed. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 843 North Hampton, Kensington, Hampton, New Market, Epping,So. Hampton, Kingston,E. Kingston, Greenland, Nottingham, Hawke, and Sapdown, Newington, Rye, Atkinson, & Plaistow, Hampstead,Raymond, & Poplin, New Castle, Deerfield, Northwood, Salem,Candia, Epsom & Chichester, Pelham,Windham, Pembroke,Concord, Canterbury & Loudon, Bow, & Dunbarton,Durham, Lee&Madbury, Dover, Somersworth, Rochester, Barrington, Wakefield,Gilmanton, Meredith & Sanbornton, Wolfboro', Sandwich,Conway, Goffstown, Merrimack,Nottingham, West, &c. Dunstable, Hollis,Amherst, Hopkinton, Abraham Drake Voted not to send None sent None sent 'Voted not to send Voted not to send None sent None sent Voted not to send Joseph Cilley I Robert Collins Ephraim Pickering Joseph Parsons, or Nathan Goss [•Nathaniel Peabody Voted not to send [¦John Dudley [¦ Voted not to send None sent Voted not to send [•John McClary Jacob Butler, jr. None sent Joshua Kimball Timothy Walker [•Jeremiah Clough [•Voted not to send John Sullivan (chos V James Davis I Otis Baker (Joshua Wingate None sent Joseph Badger, Sen. [•Ebenezer Smith Voted not to send James Brewer None sent Simeon Cummings l Timothy Smith Jonathan Lovewell None sent None sent Joshua Bailey 1782) 8*4 NEW HAMPSHIRE Salisbury, & Boscawen, Weare,Wilton, &c. New Boston, Andover, Warner, &c. Mason, & Roby, New Ipswich, Temple, & Peterborough,Dublin, & Marlborough &c. Lyndeborough, Hillsborough, Litchfield, &c. Rindge, & Jaffrey, Keene, Packersfield, Swanzey, & Fitzwilliam,Hinsdale, &c. Westmoreland,Walpole,Richmond, Surry, & Alstead,Newport, &c. &c. Unity, Acworth, &c, Winchester, Charlestown,Claremont,Cornish,Plainfield, Plymouth, &c. &c. N. Holderness, &c. &c. Lancaster, &c. &c. &c. Haverhill, y Ebenezer Webster Voted not to send Jonathan Martin None sent. V None sent V Benjaman Mann Timothy Farrar [•John Cragin, jr. \ Reuben Morse / Amos Emery None sent James Underwood [• William Smiley Daniel Newcomb None sent. V Edward Goddard None sent ( Thomas Sparhawk (John Bellows Oliver Capron > None sent Benjamin Giles William Markham Daniel Grant [• None sent V None sent f Francis Worcester \ Samuel Emerson Moses Baker David Page, by Tradition trom Conway None sent CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 84? AN ADDRESS OF THE CONVENTION FOR FRAMIVG A NEW CONSTITUTION OF GOVERNMENT, FOR THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, TO THE INHABITANTS OP SAID STATE. [sent OUT, 1781.] Friends and Fellow Citizens, — The General Assembly of this State having thought proper to issue precepts to the several towns within the same, for choosing delegates to form a Convention for the purpose of framing a civil Constitution for the people of this State ; and the Convention having met in consequence of such choice, after maturely deliberating on the important subject, agree to report the following plan, which with the humblest deference is submitted to your impartial consideration. The task of forming a Constitution, adapted not only to our present, situation, but to the probable situation and circum stances of remote posterity, is an arduous one indeed ! How far we have succeeded in it you are the sole judges. It is your interest as well as duty, to examine it with the most critical attention, and it is 3'our unquestionable right to propose such alterations as you may judge necessary, to approve and establish it as it no-w stands, or wholly to reject it. A perfect system of Government is not to be expected in the present imperfect state of humanitv. But could a fault less one be framed, it would not be universally approved unless its Judges were all equally perfect. Much less then, may we presume to hope that the plan here offered to view will meet with universal approbation. Unanimity of sentiment is sel dom to be found in any case ; there are many reasons for despairing of it in the present. Besides the common sources for variety of opinions on points in general, there are new and particular ones in the case before us. There is nothing which our open, avowed e/ie-mies more dread than to see the several States each formed into a permanent and well-constructed body-politic ; as nothing, under God, can more contribute to the stability of their councils or the success of their exertions. Nor have we any reason to doubt but that our secret, internal ene/ziies are equally averse thereto. Every artifice will be devised, every effort tried, to frustrate an event equally dreaded by both. Let us guard against their machinations. Nor is it our enemies only we have to dread. We havt much to fear from our friends ; from those who wish well to the common cause, and are equally opposed to the common enemy. 846 new HAMPSHIRE The love of Power is so alluring, we had almost said infat uating, that few have ever been able to resist its bewitching influence. Wherever power is lodged there is a constant pro pensity to enlarge its boundaries. Much more then, will those with whom it is entrusted, agonize to retain all that is clearly delegated to them. When the people of this state first thought proper to assume government for themselves, it was a time of difficulty and peril. That form which was the simplest, and first presented itself to their view, in the perturbation of spirits that then prevailed, they adopted without that thorough discussion and calm delilaeration which so important an object required. It was not intended to be lasting. It was expressly declared by themselves to be temporary. In this imperfect form, the legislative and executive powers of government were vested in one body, to wit, in a General Court, consisting of two branches, a House of Representa tives and a Council. Nor was any provision made therein for the exercise of the executive power in the recess of the Gen eral assembly. So great a defect was soon discovered and felt ; and the Court thus established by the Constitution, without any new authority derived from the people, or without even consulting them, patch'd this flaw by delegating to a number of persons, whom they termed the "Committee of Safety," the executive power to be by them exercised in the recess of the General Assembly : which mode has been since continued, and the Committee have made an important part of the gov ernment. A further defect among innumerable others, is the want of an ExcLusiON-BiLL : In consequence of which, many of the individuals who compose the aforementioned body, assist in enacting laws, in explaining and applying them, and in carry ing them into execution. Can it seem strange then, that such persons, and indeed all who are vested witli the aforementioned powers, should be backward in receiving and approving a Constitution that so remarkably retrenches them ? that sets out in direct opposi tion to the present one, with this position, that the three essen tial powers of government ought ever to be kept totally inde pendent of each other.'' It is not strange, it is perfectly nat ural ; and the fact is fully verified by the length of time which the present form of government has been permitted to continue. But we trust you will with a manly and becoming firmness, oppose every interested adviser, reject every selfish motive, and with a noble independency of spirit, "even of yourselves judge what is right." Having premised these things, we will proceed to consider CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 847 as critically as the limits of our time will admit, the frame of government herewith exhibited to your view ; its principles, and some of the motives that induced us to prefer it to any other system which occurred to us. Availing ourselves of the various theories and forms of gov ernment we could meet with, whether new or old, examinino- their principles, and comparing them, as far as we were able, with experience, the surest touchstone, and most infallible comment, we collected sufficient, and we hoped the best, ma terials for the political building now presented to your view. The three powers of government, before hinted at, to wit, The Legislative, or power of making laws, — The Judicial, or power of expounding and applying them to each particular case — And the Executive, to carry them into effect, and give the political machine life and motion : These three important powers we have thought proper to keep as separate and dis tinct as possible, for the following reasons. If they should be all united, the government, would then be a complete system of tyranny. The same party would be leg islator, accuser, judge, and executioner. If the Legislative and Judicial powers should be united, the maker of the law would be the interpreter thereof, and might make it speak what language best pleased him, to the total abo lition of justice. If the Executive and Legislative powers should be vested in one body, still greater evils would follow. This body would enact only such laws as it wished to carry into execution, and would, besides, entirely absorb and destroy the judicial power, one of the greatest securities of the life, liberty, and property of the subject; and in fine, would procure the same system of despotism first mentioned. And lastly, should the executive, and judicial powers be combined, the great barrier against op pression would be at once destroyed : The laws would be made to bend to the will of that power which sought to execute them with the most unbridled rapacity. These several powers should also be independent; in order to which they are formed with a mutual check upon each other. We shall proceed to consider them distinctly. The Legislative power we have vested in a Senate and House of Representatives (with the reserve hereafter men tioned) each of which branches is to have a negative on the other; and either may originate any Bill, except for the grant of monies which is always to originate in the house. Any al terations or amendments may be proposed by either branch, in all cases. We have given the supreme executive power the righ t of revising and objecting to all the acts passed by the legisla ture, for reasons hereafter to be mentioned. The manner ol 84S KEW HAMPSHIRE electing the second branch, or House of Representatives, as it is new, requires a particular discussion. Experience must have convinced every one who has been^ in any degree, conversant with the transacting of business in public bodies, that a very large assembly is not the most con venient for the purpose. There is seldom so much order, and never so much dispatch, a^s is to be found in a smaller body. The reason is obvious. This has given birth to the mode of chusing committees out of the whole body ; and experience hath demonstrated its utility. The Convention, therefore, 'were of opinion, that the confining this second branch to the number of fifty, which appeared to them sufficiently large for every purpose, would be attended with the following salutary consequences. First, There would be, probably, a greater proportion of suitable men, than in a larger body. The manner of their choice, they being twice sifted, would likewise greatly promote this. The debates, would of course, be conducted with more wisdom, and unanimity. From their numbers, merely, there would be much less confusion, and infinitely more dispatch. This would of itself, produce an amazing saving in the ex pense, independent of the difference between paying fifty, and three times that number. For these and many other reasons, the reducing and confining this branch to a small number, waa surtly an achievement devoutly to be wished ! But how was it to be effected.? Should the mode hitherto practised of chus ing members be continued, scarce three towns in the state^ would be each entitled to elect one. Should several towns be joined together till a number sufficiently large was collected to choose a representative, this would be abridging the privileges of towns, confounding them with each other and destroying their independences. This has been practised in some fsw in stances, but has been the source of much complaint, and many heavy evils. The Convention therefore, after revolving the matter with the utmost attention, could hit upon no method that appeared to them in all respects, so unexceptionable as the one here of fered. By allowing every town and parish having fifty ratea ble polls to elect one member to compose a certain body, out of which the people's representatives are to be chosen, almost every town and parish within the State that would wish to ex ert the privilege, is included, and even such as have less than fifty rateable polls arc permitted to join another. Besides, in a few years, tis probable, there will be no towns which have not fifty families at least within the State. The larger towns. being permitted to choose in the same proportion renders the representation as equal as the nature of things will admit. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 840 These bodies thus chosen, one in each countv, after dividino- the districts as mentioned in the Constitution, are respectively to choose from among themselves the representatives of the people to sit in the Ge:ieral Court. This mode will be found, perhaps, as free, equal, and perfect, as any that can be de vised. The objection, that in this way each town will not know, nor have the power of designating its own representa tive, 'will, perhaps, on examination, be found one of the strong est arguments in its favor. Those interested views, that party spirit, and zeal for rivalry, which too often takes place in towns on such occasions, will be hereby in a great measure destroyed ; and the people will be under a necessity of acting upon liigher and better principles. The provision for publishing the journals of both Houses at the close of each session, supersedes another objection that might be stated against the want of information among the people, that the smallness of the Representative body might otherwise occasion. The only remaining objection of anv weight, is the consequences that may arise from the assembling s ¦ large a number of people together at the County Conven tions. To this it is replied, that the County Delegates thro' the State, will be divided into five separate and distinct bodies — that all will sit on the same day, — and probably not more than one day, ur.less upon extraordinary occasions — that they will be the chosen ones of the people, a most respectable body, with too much business on their hands to allow them time for dissipation, and too much of the people's welfare at their hearts to permit them to sow sedition. And even allowing some of the inconveniences hinted at really to follow, they must be less than if all should unite in one General Assembly, and sit, not one or two days only, but half the year, in the propor tion of a hundred to one. We have been thus particular upon this head of representa tion, partly on account of the novelty of the mode, and partly from a full conviction of the vast importance of the thing. And we leave it for your faithful discussion ; observing as we do it, that it is what many great, wise, and learned men of our own, and other days, have wished to see put in practise, and have not seen it. The choice and powers of the Senate, h.iving less of novelty arid being sufficiently explained in the Constitution we shall pass ever with a bare mention, and proceed to the Executive Power. This Power is the active principle in all governments : It is the soul, and without it the body-politic is but a dead corpse. Its department is to put in execution all the laws enacted by the legislative body. It ought therefore, to have the appoint- 54 850 NEW HAMPSHIRE ment of all the civil officers of the State. It is at the head of the militia, and therefore should have equally the appointment of all the military officers within the same. Its characteristic req uisites are secrecy, vigour, and dispatch. The fewer persons, therefore, this supreme power is trusted with, the greater proba bility there isthat these requisites will be found. The convention therefore, on the maturest deliberation, have thought it best to lodge this power in the hands of one, whom they have stiled the Governor. They have indeed, array'd him with hon ors, they have armed him with power, and set him on high. But still he is only the right hand of your power, and the mir- Tor of your majesty. Every possible provision is made to guar J against the abuse of this high betrustment and protect the rights of the people. The manner of his choice is such, that he is the most per fect representative of the people. He can take no one step of importance without the advice of his privy-council ; and he is- elected annually. But, as if this was too little, no one person is capable of being elected oftener than three years in seven. Every necessary and useful qualification is required in him, in point of age, religion, residency, and fortune. In addition ta all which, he is liable for every misconduct to be impeached, tried, and displaced, by the two legislative branches ; and is amenable to the laws besides, equally with the meanest subject of the State. Thus controlled and checked himself the Con vention thought it reasonable and necessary, that he, in turn, should have some check on the legislative-power. They there fore gave him the right of objecting to and suspending, tho' not the absolute control over the acts of that body ; which they thought indispensably necessary to repel any encroachments on the executive power, and preserve its independency. The Judicial department falls next under our consideration. This comprehends the Judges of the several courts, and the Justices of peace throughout the State. These are all ap pointed by the Governor, with the advice of Council, but not removable by him in case of malcouduct, but by the legisla ture, and in no case without the intervention of that body. The Judges all hold their offices during good behavior ; the only proper term, especially for the Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature, as they ought, in a peculiar manner, to feel themselves independent and free, and as none would be at the pains to qualify themselves for such important places, if they were liable to be removed at pleasure. As another in ducement for persons so to qualify themselves as an encour agement to vigilance, and an antidote to bribery and corrup tion ; adequate, honorable, and permanent salaries to the Judges of the Supreme Court in a particular manner, we CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. SKI have made essential in the Constitution, and do now most strongly reconitnend. The alteration of Justices' commissions from life to five vears, is to guard against agfc, incapacity, and too large a number; to secure the appointment of the best ; and ;o prevent too frequent addresses and impeachments. You will judge of the propriety and expediency of this innovation, and either give it your sanction or not, as appears to you best. The reasons for the Exclusion Bill are too obvious to be pointed out. Sad experience has evinced the necessity of such a provision. Besides the interference of several offices held by the same person, in point of time, which we have often see/i ; and the difficulty of one man's giving his attention to many matters sufficiently to understand them all, which wc have too oftc/i felt; there is still a stronger reason, which is the difficulty of a man's preserving his integrity in discharging the duties of each unstained — at least by su.spicion. From the deepest impression of the vast importance of Literature in a free government, we have interwoven it with, and made its protection and cncouragemeit a part of the Constitution itself. The Bill of Rights contains the essential principles of the Constitution. It is the foundation on which the whole po litical fabric is reared, and is consequently, a most important part thereof. We have endeavored therein to ascertain and define the most important and essential natural rights of man. We have distinguished betwixt the alienable and unalienable rights : for the former of which men may receive an equiva lent: for the latter, or the rights of Conscience, they can receive none ; The World itself being wholly inadequate to the purchase. " For what is a man profited, though he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul.'"' The various modes of worship among mankind, are founded in their various sentiments and beliefs concerning the Great Object of all religious worship and adoration. Therefore to him alone and not to man, are they accountable for them. Thus the Convention have endeavored to explain as particu larly as they could without trespassing on your patience, the reasons and principles upon which they have labored to form this Constitution. They have done it in integrity and faithful ness. They conceived themselves as part of the community for which the Constitution is intended, and therefore equally interested with the other members in framing the best. What ever latent defects there may be in it, time will discover them — and, at the end of seven years, provision is made that they may be amended. Confiding therefore, in your candor, and humbly imploring on your behalf, that assistance which the 8^.2 new HAMPSHIRE" fiiuntain of Wisdom sees you need, we leave it in your handis;, and wait with chearful acquiescence, your decision. In the Na/ne and pursuant to a Resolutio/i of the Con vention. George' Atkinson, President'. Attesf. ToNA'- M. Sewall,, Secretary. PROPOSED CONSTITUTION OF 17S1. A constitution or form of government, agreed upon by the delegates of the people of the state of new hampshire in convention, Begun and held at Concord, on the second Tuesday of June,, tySi, and continued by adjournment, to the second Tuesday- of September following: To be submitted to the PEOPLE- for their revision, in order to the completing of the same, in conformity to their amendments, at a session to be holden' for tliat purpose, on the fourth Wednesday of January next.. Aj Constitution or Form of Government for the Statb' OF New Hampshire. PART I. Al Declaration of tJie Rights of the People of New Hat/tp- shirc. article i. All men are born equally free and independent, therefore all government of right originates from the people, is founded in consent, and instituted for the general good. II. All men have certain natural, essential, and inhei'ent rio-hts among which are,— the enjoying and defending life and lib erty — acquiring, possessing and protecting property, — and ina word of seeking and obtaining happiness. III. When Men- enter into a state of society, they surrender iro some of their natural rights to that society in order to secure the protection of others, and without such an equivalent the surrender is void. constitutional conventions. S53 IV. Among the natural rights, some are in their very nature unalienable, because no equivalent can be given or received for them. Of this kind are the Rights of Conscience. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to wor ship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, and reason, — and no subject shall be hurt, molested, or restrained in his person, liberty or estate for worshipping God, in the .manner and season most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience, or for his religious profession, sentiments or per- .suasion ; provided he doth not disturb the public peace or dis turb others in their religious worship. VI. As morality and piety, rightly grounded on evangelical principles, will give the best and greatest security to Govern ment, and will lay in the hearts of men the strongest obliga tions to due subjection ; and as the knowledge of these is most likely to be propagated through a society by the institution of the public worship of the Deity and of public instruction in morality and religion ; therefore to promote these important purposes, the people of this State have a right to impower, and do hereby f'.illy impower tho Legislature to authorize from time to time, the several towns, parishes, bodies corpo rate or religious societies within this State to make adequate provision at their own expence, for the support and mainte nance of public Protestant teachers of piety, religion and morality ; Provided notwithstanding, That the several towns, par ishes, bodies-corporate or religious societies, shall at all times have the exclusive right of electing their own public teachers., and of contracting with them for their support and raainte- nance. And no person of any one particular religious sect or denomination, shall ever be compelled to pay towards the support of the teacher or teachers of another persuasion, sect or denomination. And every denomination of christians demeaning them selves quietly and as good subjects of the State, shall be equally under the protection of the law ,; and no subordination of any one sect or denomination to another shall ever be established by law. And nothing herein shall be understood to affect any former contracts made for the support of the ministry, but all such contracts shall remain and be in the same state as if this Con stitution had not been made. S54 new HAMPSHIRE VII. The people of this State have the sole and exclusive right of governingthemselves as afree, sovereignand independent State, and do, and forever hereafter shall, exercise, and enjoy every power, jurisdiction and right pertaining thereto, which is not, or may not hereafter bo by them expressly delegated to the United States of America in Congress assembled. VIII. All power residing originally in, and being derived from the people, all the magistrates, and officers of government, arc their substitutes and agents, aud at all times accountable to them. IX. No office or place whatsoever in government shall be hered itary — the abilities and integrity requisite in all, not being transmissible to posterity or relations. X. Government being instituted for the common benefit, pro tection, and security of the whole community, and not for the private interest or emolument of any one man, family, or class of men, therefore whenever the ends of government are per verted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of right ought, to reform the old, or establish a ncw government; the doctrine of non resistance against arbitrary povi^er, and oppres sion is absurd, .slavish, and destructive of the good and happi ness of mankind. XI. All elections ought to be free, and every inhabitant of the State having the proper qualifications, has equal right to elect, and be elected into office. XII. Every member of the community has a right to be protected by it in the enjoyment of his life, liberty and j^i'operty— he is therefore bound to contribute his share in tlie expence of such protection, and to yield his personal service when necessary, or an equivalent. But no partof a man's property shall be taken from him, or applied to public uses, without his own consent or that of the Representative body of the people. Nor are the inhabitants of this State controllable by any other laws than those to which they or their Representative body have given their consent. XIII. No person who is conscientiously scrupulous about the law- constitutional CONVENTIONS. 855 fulness of bearing arms, shall be compelled thereto, provided he will pay an equivalent. XIV. Every subject of this state is entitled to a certain remedy, by having recourse to the laws, for all injuries he may receive in his person, property or character, to obtain right and justice freely, without being obliged to purchase it; completely, and without any denial ; promptly, and without delay, conforma bly to the laws. XV. No subject shall be held to answer for any crime, or offence, until the same is fully and plainly, substantially and formally, described to him ; or be compelled to accuse or furnish evi dence against himself. And every subject shall have a right to produce all proofs that may be favorable to himself; to meet the witnesses against him face to face, and to be fully heard in his defence by himself, and Counsel. And no subject shall be arrested, imprisoned, despoiled, or deprived of his prop erty, immunities, or privileges, put out of the protection of the law, exiled, or deprived of his life, liberty or estate, but by the judgment of his peers, or the law of the land. XVI. No subject shall be liable to be tried, after an acquittal, for any crime or offence whatsoever. Nor shall the Legislature make any law that shall subject any person to a capital pun ishment, excepting for the government of the army and navy, and the militia in actual service, without trial by jury. XVIL In criminal prosecutions, the trial of facts in the vicinity where they happen, is so essential to the security of the life, liberty and estate of the citizen, that no crime or offence ought to be tried in any other county than where it is committed. XVHI. All penalties ought to be proportioned to the nature of the offence. No wise Legislature will affix the same punishment to the crimes of theft, forgery and the like, that they do to those of murder and treason ; where the same undistinguish- iiig severity is exerted against all offences, the people are led to forget the real distinction in the crimes themselves, and to commit the most flagrant with as little compunction as they do those of the lightest dye ; for the same reason a multitude -of sanguinary laws are both impolitic and unjust. The true ¦design of all punishment being to reform, not to exterminate, mankind. 856 NEW HAMPSHIRE XlX. Every subject hath a right to be secure from all unreason-- able searches and seizures of his person, his houses, his papers, and ail his possessions. All warrants, therefore, are contrary to this right, if the cause or foundation cf their., be not previ ously suported by oath, or affirmation ; and if the order in the warrant to a civil officer, to make search in suspected places, or to arrest one or more suspected persons, or to seize their property, be not accompanied with a special designation of the persons or objects of searcli, arrest, or seizure; And no war rant ought to be issued but in cases, and with the formalities prescribed by the laws. XX. In all controversies concerning property, and in all suits be tween two or more persons, except in cases iri which it has been heretofore otherwise used and practised, the parties have a right to trial by jury ; and this method of procedure shall be held sacred, unless in causes arising on tlie high seas, and sucii as relate to Mariners wages, the Legistaturc shall find it ncces- eary hereafter to alter it. XXI. In order to reap the fullest advantage of the inestimable priv ilege of the trial by Jury, great care ought to be taken that none but qualified persons should be capable of serving, and such ought to be fully compensated for their travel, time and attendance. XXII. The liberty of the Press is essential to the security of free dom in a State ; it ought therefore to be inviolably preserved. XXIII. Retrospective laws arc highly injurious, oppressive and un just. No such laws therefore should be made, either for the decision of civil causes, or the punishment of offences. XXIV. A well regulated militia is the proper, natural, and sure de fence of a State. XXV. Standing armies are dangerous to liberty, and ought not to be raised or kept up without the consent of the Legislature. XXVI. In all cases, and at all times, the military ought to be under ptrict subordination to, and governed by the civil power. CONSTIT.UTIQNAL CONVENTIONS. S^S XXVII. No soldier in time of peace shall be quarter'd In any bouse without the consent of the owner, and in time of war suclji quarters ought not to be made but by the civil magistrate in ^ ijijanner Qrdaine<;l by the Legislature. XXVIII. No subsidy, charge, tax, impost or duty shall be established, fixed, laid, or levied, under any pretext whatsoever, without the consent of the people or their Representatives in the Leg islature or authority derived from that body. XXIX. The power of suspending the laws, or the execution of them, ought never to be exercised but by the Legislature, or by authority derived therefrom, to be exercised in such partic ular cases only as the Legislature shall expressly provide for. XXX. The freedom of deliberation, speech, and debate, in cither House of the Legislature, is so essential to the rights of the people, tliat it cannot be the foundation of any action, com plaint, or prosecution, in any other court or place whatsoever, XXXI. The Legislature ought frequently to assemble for the redress of grievances, for correcting, strengthening, and confirming the laws, and for making new ones, as the common good may require. XXXII. The people have a right in an orderly and peaceable man ner, to assemble in order to consult upon the common good, give instructions to their Representatives ; and to request of the Legislative-body, by way of petition or remonstrance, re dress of the wrongs done them, and of the grievances they *ufler. XXXIII. No magistrate or court of law shall demand excessive bail or sureties, impose excessive fines, or inflict cruel or unusual punishments. XXXIV. No person can in any case be subjected to law-martial, or to any pains,, or penalties by virtue of that law, except those per- ^ions employed in the army or navy, and except the militia jij actual service, but by the authority of the Legislature. S58 NEW HAMPSHIRE It is essential to the preservation of the rights of every indi vidual, his life, liberty property and character, that there be an impartial interpretation of the laws, and administration of Jus tice. It is the right of every citizen to be tried by Judges as impartial as the lot of humanity will admit. It is therefore not only the best policy but for the security of the rights of the people that the Judges of the Supreme (or Superior) Ju dicial Court should hold their offices so long as they behave well ; and that they should have honorable Salaries, ascer tained and established by standing laws. XXXVI. Economy being a most essential virtue in all States, more especially in a young one, no person ought to receive any stipend, or salary, but as an equivalent for actual services, and the Legislature ought to be exceeding cautious of grant ing pensions, especially for life. XXXVII. In the government of this state, the three essential powers thereof, to wit, the Legislative, Executive and Judicial, ought to be kept as separate from and independent of each other, as the nature of a free government will admit, or as is consistent with that chain of connection that binds the whole fabric of the Constitution in one indissoluble bond of union and amity. XXXVIII. A frequent recurrence to the fundamental principles of the Constitution, and a constant adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, industry, frugality, and all the social virtues, are indispensably necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty and good government ; the people ought therefore, to have a par ticular regard to all those principles in the choice of their offi cers and representatives: And they have a right to require of their law givers and magistrates an exact and constant ob servance of them in the formation and execution of the laws necessary for the good administration of government. PART II. FORM OF GOVERNMENT. The people inhabiting the territory formerly called the Prov ince of New Hampshire, do hereby solemnly and mutually agree with each other, to form themselves into a free, sove reign and independent Bodv-politic or State, by the Name of the STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 859 THE GENERAL COURT. The supreme legislative power within this State shall be vested in a Senate and House of Representatives, each of which shall have a negative on the other. The Senate and House shall assemble every )^car on the first Wednesday of June, and at such other times as they may judge necessary, and shall dissolve, and be dissolved, seven days next preceding the .said first Wednesday of June, and shall be stiled the General Court of New Hampshire. No bill or resolve of the Senate or House of Representa tives, shall become a law, and have force, as such, until it shall have been laid before the Governor for his revisal : And if he, upon such revision, approve thereof, he shall signify his approbation by signing the same. But if he has any objec tion to the passing of such bill or resolve, he shall return the same, together with his objections thereto, in writing, to the Senate or House of Representatives, in whichsoever the same shall have originated ; who shall enter tlic objections sent down by the Governor, at large, on their records, and proceed to reconsider the said bill or resolve : But if upon such recon sideration, three quarters of said Senate or House of Repre sentatives, shall notwithstanding the said objections, agree to pass the same, it shall, together with the objections, be sentto the other branch of the Leg'siature, wliere it shall be also reconsidered, and if approved by three quarters of the mem bers present, it shall have the force of a law : But in all such cases, the votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and nays ; and the names of the persons voting for, or against, the said bill or resolve, shall be entered upon the public rec ords of the State. And in order to prevent unnecessary delays, if any bill or resolve shall not be returned by the Governor within eight days after it shall have been presented, the same shall have the force of law. The General Court shall forever have full power and au thority to erect and constitute Judicatories and courts of rec ord, or other courts, to be holden in the name of the State, for the healing, trying, and determining all manner of crimes, offences, pleas, processes, plaints, actions, causes, matters and things, whatsoever, arising, or happening within this State, or between or concerning persons inhabiting, or residing or brought within the same, whether the same be criminal or civil, or whether the crimes be capital, or not capital, and whether the said pleas be real, personal or mixt; and for the awarding and issuing Execution thereon : To which courts and judicatories are hereby given and granted full power and au- 86(3 NEW HAMPSHIRE thority, from time to time, to administer oaths or affirmations for the better discovery of truth in any matter in controversy, or depending before them. And farther, full power and authority are hereby given and granted to the said General Court, from time to time, to make, ordain, and establish, all manner of wholesome and reasona ble orders, laws, statutes, ordinances, directions, and instruc-- tions, cither with penalties or without; so as the same be not repugnant or contrary to this Con.stitution, as they may judge for the benefit and welfare of this State, and for the governing and ordering thereof, and of the subjects of the same, for the necessi'.ry support and defence of the government thereof ; and to name and settle annually, or provide by fixed laws, for the naming and settling all civil officers within this State ; such officers excepted, the election and appointment of whom, are hereafter in this form of government, otherwise provided for ; and to set forth the several duties, powers and limits, of the several civil and military officers of this State, and the forms of such oaths or afnrmations, as shall be respectively admin istered unto them for the execution of their several offices and places, so as the same be not repugnant or contrary to this Constitution ; and also to impose fines, mulcts, imprisonments, and other punishments ; and to impose and levy proportional and reasonable assessments, rates and taxes, upon all the inhabitants of, and residents within the said State ; and upon all estates within the same : to be issued and disposed of by warrant under the hand of the Governor of this State for the time being, witli the advice and consent of the Council, for the public service, in the necessarv defence and support of the government of this State, and the protection and preservation of the subjects thereof, according to such acts as are or shall be in force within the same. And while the public charge of government, or any part thereof, shall be assessed on polls and estates in the manner that has hitherto bsen practiced, in order that such assess ments mav be made with equality, there shall be a valuation of the estates within the State taken anew once in every five years at least, and as much oftener as the General Court shall order. SENATE. There shall be annually elected by the freeholders and other inhabitants of this State, qualified as in this Constitution is provided, twelve persons ta be Senators for the year ensuing their election ; to be chosen in and by the inhabitants of the districts, into which this State may from time to time be di vided by the General Court, for that purpose : And the Gem CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 86l eral' Court, in assigning the number to be elected by the re spective districts, shall govern themselves by the proportion of public taxes paid by the said districts ; and timely make known to the inhabitants of the State, the limits of each dis trict, and the number of Senators to be elected therein ; pro vided the number of such districts shall never be more than fen, nor less than five. And the several Counties in this State, shall, until the General Court shall order otherwise, be districts for the election of Senators, and shall elect the fol lowing number, viz. Rockingham, Five. Strafford, Two. Cheshire, Two. Hillsborough, Two. Grafton, One. The Senate shall be the first branch of the Legislature ; and the Senators shall bo chosen in the following manner, viz. every male inhabitant of each town and parish with town- privileges, in the several counties in this State, of twenty-one years of age and upwards, having a freehold estate in his own right, of the value of One hundred pounds ; situated in this State, or other estate to that amount, shall have a right at the annual or other meetings of the inhabitants of said towns and parishes, to be duly warned and holden annually forever in the month of March, to vote in the town or parish wherein he dwells, for the senators in the county or district whereof he is -a member. And every person, qualified as the constitution provides, shall be considered an inhabitant for the purpose of electing and being elected into any office or place within this state in that town, paris.h or plantation where he dwelleth and hath his home. The Selectmen of the several towns and parishes aforesaid, shall, during the choice of senators, preside at such meetings impartially, and shall receive the votes of all the inhabitants of such towns and parishes present and qualified to vote for senators, and shall sort and count the same in the meeting, and in presence of the town clerk, who shall make a fair rec ord in presence of the Selectmen, and in open meeting, of the name of every person voted for, and the number of votes against his name, and a fair copy of this record, shall be at tested by the Selectmen and town clerk, and shall be sealed up and directed to the Secretary of the State, with a superscrip tion expressing the purport thereof, and delivered hy the said derk to the sheriff" of the county in which such town or par ish lies, thirty days at least, before the first Wednesday of 862 NEW HAMPSHIRE June ; and the sheriff of each county or his deputy, shall de liver all such certificates by him received, into the Secretary's office, seventeen days, at least, before the first Wednesd.iy of June. And the inhabitants of plantations & places unincorporated, qualified as this constitution provides, who are, or shall be, re quired to assess taxes upon themselves towards the support of government, or shall be taxed therefor ; shall have the same privilege of voting for senators in the plantations and places wherein they reside, as the inhabitants of the respective towns and parishes aforesaid have : And the meetings of such plan tations and places for that purpose shall be holden annually in the month of March, at such places respectively therein, as the assessors thereof shall direct ; which assessors shall have like authority for notifying the electors, collecting and returning the votes, as the Selectmen and town clerks have in the several towns by this constitution. And that there may be a due meeting of senators on the first Wednesday of June annually, the Governor and three of the Council foi- the time being, shall as soon as may be, examine the returned copies of such records ; and fourteen days before the said first Wednesday of June, he shall issue his sum mons to such persons as appear to be chosen senators by a majoritv of votes, to attend and take their seats on that day : Provided, nevertheless, that for the first year the said returned copies shall be examined by the president and five of the Council of the former constitution of government ; and the said president sliall in like manner, notify the persons elected, to attend and take their seats accordingly. The senate shall bo final judge of the elections, returns, and qualifications of their own members, as pointed out in the con stitution, and shall on the said first Wednesday of June annu ally, determine and declare, who arc elected by each district to be senators by a majority of votes: And in case there shall not appear to be the full number returned elected by a major ity of votes for any district, the deficiency shall be supplied in the following manner, viz. the members of the house of rep resentatives and such senators as shall be declared elected, shall take the names of such persons as shall be found to have the highest number of votes in each district, and not elected, amounting to twice the number of senators wanting, if there bo so many voted for ; and out of them shall elect by joint ballot the number of senators wanted for such district : And in this manner all such vacancies shall be filled up in every district of the state, and in like manner all vacancies in the senate, arising by death, removal out of the state, or otherwise, CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 863 shall be supplied as soon as may be, after such vacancies hap pen. Provided nevci'theless, That no person shall be capable of being elected a senator, vyho is not of the Protestant Religion, and seized of a freehold estate in his own right of the value of four hundred pounds, clear of debt, lying within this state, and who is not of the age of thirty years, and who shall not have been an inhabitant of this state for seven years immedi ately preceding his election, aijd at the time thereof he shall be an inhabitant of the district for which he shall be chosen. The senate shall have power to adjourn themselves, provided such adjournment do not exceed two days at a time. The senate shall choose its own president, appoint its own officers, and determine its own rules of proceedings. And not less than eight members of the senate shall make a quorum for doing business. The senate shall be a court with full power and authority to hear and determine all impeachments made by the house of representatives, against a'.-:y officer or officers of the State, for misconduct or mal-adrainistration in their offices. Butprevious to the trial of any such impeachment, the members of the senate shall respectively be sworn, truly and impartially to try and determine the charge in question according to evidence. Their judgment, however, shall not extend further than re moval from office, disqualification to hold or enjoy any place of honor, trust or profit under this state ; but the party so con victed, shall nevertheless be liable to indictment, trial, judg ment and punishment, according to the laws of the land. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. There shall be in the legislature of this state, a representa tion of the people, consisting of fifty members, apportioned upon each county, as follows, viz. for the County of Rockingham, twenty ; Strafford, eight ; Hillsborougli, ten ; Cheshire, eight ; Grafton, four ; and elected in County-Conventions. In order that the representation of the citizens of this state, may be as equal as a large political society will admit; every corporate town, and parish, having towa privileges, contain ing fifty rateable polls, may elect one delegate for such County Convention, wherein such town or parish lies ; every such town, or parish, containing one hundred rateable polls, may elect two such delegates, and so proceeding in that manner, making fifty the mean increasing number for every additional 86^ NEW HAMPSHIRE dblegate. And if after the fifties are deducted, there ShoUl'd remain twenty five, or more such rateable polls, that remain ing number shall entitle such town or parish to elect another delegate therefor. And every corporate town. Or parish With tbwn privilfeges, which now, or hereafter, shall not contain fifty rateable polls, shall have a right to join, or associate with Some town or towns adjoining, for the election of delegates'; artd in such cases, the votes thus united, shall have the right to elect the same number of delegates, as they would have done were they inhabitants of one corporate town ; which delegates may be elected out of either of the associated towris, or par ishes, indifferently. And the legislature, from time to time, shall determine what towns or parishes shall thus associate, the manner of their association, and the method of calling and conducting the meetings of such associated towns and par ishes, for the election of delegates to the county conventions. The delegates for the county conventions shall be elected by d' majority of written votes, and no person shall be a delegate, unless he be of the Protestant Religion, and for two years next preceding his election an inhabitant of the town, parish, or association, for which he may be chosen ; and shall have an estate of the value of two hundred pounds clear of debt, one half of which, shall be a freehold whereof he is seized in his own right, situate in the town, parish, or association, for which he may be elected. The meeting of the several towns, parishes and associations, for the choice of such delegates, shall after being duly warned, be holden in the respective towns, parishes & associations in the month of March annually. The Selectmen of the several towns, parishes and associa tions, shall preside at such meetings, receive the votes of the inhabitants thereof present, and qualified to vote for such del egates, in presence of the clerk thereof, who shall make a fair record in said meeting, in presence of the Selectmen, of the names of the delegates chosen by a majority of votes, and of the number of votes for each against his name ; and a fair copy of this record shall be attested by the Selectmen and clerk of the meeting, and timely delivered to each deleg.ite. The conventions for the choice of representatives for each county shall be holden at the following time and places, 'viz. on the third Wednesday of April annually. At Chester, for and in the county of Rockingham ; At Rochester, for and' in the bounty of Strafford ; At Amherst, for and in the county of Hillsborough ; At Walpole, for and in the county of Cheshire ; At Haverhill, for and in the county of Grafton. The places for holding such conventions, may be altered by CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 865 the legislature, for others more convenient within the respect ive counties. A quorum of each convention for doing busi ness, shall never be less than two thirds of Its members. Each convention shall be the judge of the returns, qualifica tions, and elections of its own members as pointed out in the constitution, shall choose their own president and clerk, and settle rules for their own proceedings. Each county shall contain as many districts, as the same shall have representatives, and each district in each county, shall be so divided by the respective annual conventions, as each shall contain equal number of rateable polls, or as near as may be. The several counties In the State shall be so divided into districts by tlie conventions of each county, at their first an nual meeting ; and forever after at every fifth annual conven tion, Which being done, each convention, shall elect by a majority of written votes out of the members who are chosen to compose such convention, a representative for each district ; and living witliln the district for which he may be chosen. And the president of such convention, with the clerk, shall sort and count the votes, and declare who are chosen repre sentatives by a majority of votes for each district within such county, and the clerk shall make a fair record of the names of each representative, and of the number of votes for each against his name, in open convention ; and deliver a copy of the record attested by the president and clerk, to each repre sentative, as soon as may be. Each convention shall have power to adjourn themselves but not longer than two days at a time. All Intermediate va cancies in the house of representatives, may be filled up from time to time by the convention of the county wherein the same may happen, agreeably to the writ trom the house of representatives for that purpose ; which occasional conven tion shall be holden at the same places appointed for the an nual ones, and at such times as the writ shall direct; and such representatives shall be elected and returned, in like manner as those at the annual conventions. The house of representatives shall be chosen annually, and shall be the second branch of the legislature. The wages and travel to the General Court, and returning home, once In every session, shall be paid out of the public treasury, to every member, who in the judgment of the house, shall attend seasonably, and not depart without leave. The house of representatives shall be the grand Inquest of the State, and all impeachments made by them, shall be heard and tried by the Senate. 55 866 NEW HAMPSHIRE All money bills shall originate in the house of representa tives, but the senate may propose or concur with amendments^ as on other bills. The house of representatives shall have power to adjourn themselves, but not longer than two days at a time. Two thirds of the members of the house of representatives elected, provided the said two thirds do not amount to a less number than thirty, shall make a quorum for doing business. No member of the house of representatives or senate shall be arrested, or held to bail on mean process, during his going to, returning from, or attendance upon the court. The house of representatives shall choose their own speak er, appoint their own officers, settle the rules of proceedings in their own house ; and issue writs to fill up any interme diate vacancies therein. They shall have authority to punish by imprisonment, evei-y person who shall be guilty of disre spect to the house in its presence, by any disorderly and con temptuous behaviour, or by threatening, or III treating any of its members ; or by obstructing its deliberations ; every per son guilty of a breach of its privileges in making arrests for debt, or by assaulting any of Its members during his attend ance at any session, in assaulting or disturbing any one of its offi cers in the execution of any order or procedure of the house, in assaulting any witness or other person, ordered to attend and during his attendance, of the house, or in rescuing any person arrested by order of the house, knowing them to be such. The Senate and Governor, and Council, shall have the same powers in like cases, provided that no imprisonment by either for any offence, exceed ten days. The Journals of the proceedings of both houses of the Gen eral Court, shall be printed and published immediately after every adjournment, or prorogation ; and upon motion made by any one member, the yeas and nays upon any question, shall be taken and entered in the journals. The legislature shall once every five years from the com mencement of this constitution, apportion the representatlves- anew to and for each county, according to the number of rate able polls each may contain. EXECUTIVE POWER. GOVERNOR. There shall be a supreme executive Magistrate, who shall be stiled, the Governor of the State of New Hampshire ; and whose Title shall be His Excellency. The Governor shall be chosen annually ; and no person. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 867 shall be eligible to this office, unless at the time of his elec tion, he shall have been an inhabitant of this state for seven years next preceding, and unless he shall be of the age of thirty years, and unless he shall, at the same time, have an estate of the value of one thousand pounds, one half of which shall consist of a freehold, clear of debt, within the state ; and unless he shall be of the Protestant religion. Those persons qualified to vote for delegates to the county conventions, within the several towns, parishes, and planta tions, of this state, shall at a meeting to be called for that pur pose, some day in the month of March annually, give in their votes for a Governor to the select men, who shall preside at such meeting, and the clerk in the presence and with the as sistance of the select men, shall in open meeting sort and count the votes, and form a list of the persons voted for, with the number of votes for each person against his name ; and shall make a fair record of the same in the town books ; and a pub lic declaration thereof in the said meeting ; and shall in the presence of said inhabitants seal up a copy of said list, attested by him and the selectmen, and transmit the same to the sheriff of the county, thirty days at least before the first Wednesday of June, or shall cause returns of the same to be made to the office of the secretary of the state, seventeen days at least, before said day : who shall lay the same before the senate and house of representatives on the first Wednesday of June, to be by them examined : And in case of an election by a majority of votes thro' the state, the choice shall be by them declared and published : But if no person shall have a majority of votes, the house of representatives shall by ballot elect two out of four persons, who had the highest number of votes, if so many shall have been voted for ; but if otherwise, out of the number voted for ; and make return to the senate of the two persons so elected, on which the senate shall proceed by ballot to elect one of them, who shall be declared Governor. The Governor, with the advice of Council, shall have full power and authority in the recess of the general court, to pro rogue the same from time to time, not exceeding ninety days in any one recess of said court; and during the session of said court, to adjourn or prorogue it to any time the two houses may desire ; and to call it together sooner, than the time to which it may be adjourned, or prorogued, if the welfare of the state should require the same. In cases of disagreement between the two houses, with re gard to the time of adjournment, or prorogation, the Gov ernor, with advice of Council, shall have the right to adjourn or prorogue the General Court, not exceeding ninety days, at any one time, as he may determine the public good may re- 868 new HAMPSHIRE quire. And he shall dissolve the same seven days before the said first Wednesday of June. And in case of any infectious distemper prevailing In the place where the said court at any time is to convene, or any other cause whereby dangers may arise to the healths, or lives, of the members from their at tendance, the Governor may direct the session to be holden at some other the most convenient place within the State. The Governor of this State for the time being, shall be com mander In chief of the army and navy, and all the militai'y forces of the State, by sea and land ; and shall have full power by himself, or by any chief commander, or other officer, or of ficer^, from time to time, to train, instruct, exercise, and gov ern the militia and navy ; and for the special defence and safety of this state, to assemble in martial array, and put in warlike posture, the inhabitants thereof, and to lead and conduct them, and with them to encounter, expulse, repel, resist and pursue by force of arms, as well by sea as by land, within and with out the limits of this state ; and also to kill, slay, destroy, if necessary, and conquer by all fitting ways, enterprize and means, all and every such person and persons, as shall at any time, hereafter, in a hostile manner, attempt or enterprize the destruction, invasion, detriment, or annoyance of this State ; and to use and exercise over the army and navy, and over the militia in actual sei-vice, the law martial in time of war, inva sion, and also in rebellion, declared by the legislature to exist, as occasion shall necessarily require. And also from time to time, to erect forts, and fortify any place or places within the said state, and the same to furnish with all necessary ammuni tions, provisions and warlike stores for defence and offence, and to commit, from time to time, the custody and government of the same, to such person or persons as to him may seem meet: And in time of emergency, the said forts and fortifications to demolish at his discretion : and to take and surprize by all ways and means whatsoever, all and every such person or per sons, with their ships, arms, ammunition, and other goods, as shall in a hostile manner invade, or attempt the invadin"', con quering, or annoying this State : and in fine, that the" Gov ernor be, and hereby is intrusted with all other powers Inci dent to the office of Captain-General and Commander in Chief, and Admiral, to be exercised agreeably to the rules and regu lations of the Constitution, and the laws of the land. Pro vided, that the Governor shall not at any time hereafter, by virtue of any power by this constitution granted, or hereafter to be granted to him by the legislature, transport any of the in habitants of this state, or oblige them to march out of the lim its of the same, without their free and voluntary consent, or the consent of the general court ; nor grant commissions' for CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 869 exercising the law martial upon any of the inhabitants of this state, without the advice and consent of the council of the same. The power of pardoning of offences, except such as persons may be convicted of before the senate by the impeachment of the house, shall be in the Governor, by and with the advice of the Council. But no charter of pardon granted by the Gov ernor, with the advice of Council, before conviction, shall avail the party pleading the same notwithstanding any general or particular expressions contained therein, descriptive of the of fence or offences Intendej to be pardoned. All judicial officers, the Attorney-General, Solicitor-Gen eral, all Slieri.fTs, Coroners, Registers of Probate, and other civil officers, except such as are to be otherwise elected or ap pointed by this constitution, or the laws of the state, and all officers of the militia and navy shall be nominated and ap pointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Council ; and every such nomination shall be made by the Governor, at least seven days prior to such appointment. No officer, duly commissioned to command in the militia, shall be removed from his office, but by the address of both houses to the Governor, or by fair trial in court martial, pur suant to the laws of the state for the time being. The commanding officers of regiments shall appoint their adjutants and quarter-masters ; the brigadiers their brigade majors ; the major-generals their aids ; the captains and sub alterns their non-commissioned officers. The Governor, with the advice of Council, shall appoint all officers of the Continental army, whom by the confederation of the United States it is provided that this state shall appoint, as also all officers of forts and garrisons. The division of the militia into Brigades, regiments, and companies, made in pursuance of the militia laws now In force, shall be considered as the proper division of the militia of this state, until the same shall be altered by some future law. No monies shall be issued out of the treasury of this state, and disposed of, (except such sums as may be appropriated for the redemption of bills of credit or treasurers notes, or for the payment of Interest arising thereon) but by warrant under the hand cf the Governor, for the time being, by and with the ad vice and consent of the council, for the necessary support and defence of this state, and for the necessary protection and preservation of the inhabitants thereof, agreeably to the acts and resolves of the general court. All public boards, the commissary-general, all superintend ing officers of public magazines and stores, belonging to this 870 NEW HAMPSHIRE State, and all commanding officers of forts and garrisons within the same, shall once in every three months officially, and with out requisition, and at other times, when required by the gov ernor, deliver to him an account of all goods, stores, pro visions, ammunition, cannon with their appendages and small arms, with their accoutrements, and of all other public prop erty under their care respectively ; distinguishing the quantity, and kind of each, as particularly as may be ; together with the condition of such forts and garrisons : And the commanding officer shall exhibit to the governor, when required by him, true and exact plans of such forts, and of the land and sea or harbor or harbors adjacent. And to prevent an undue influence in this state, which the first magistrate thereof may acquire, by the long possession of the important powers and trusts of that office, as also to stim ulate others to qualify themselves for the service of the public, in the highest stations, no man shall be eligible as governor of this state, more than three years in any seven. And as the public good requires, that the Governor should not be under the undue influence of any members of the two houses, by a dependence on them for support, that he should in all cases act with freedom for the benefit of the public ; that he should not have his attention necessarily diverted from that object to his private concerns ; and that he should maintain the dignity of the State in the character of its Chief Magistrate ; it is necessary that he should have an honorable stated salary of a fixed and permanent value, amply sufficient for those pur poses, and established by standing laws; and it shall be among the first acts of the general court after the commencement of this constitution, to establish such salary by law accordingly. Permanent and honorable salaries shall be established by law for the Justices of the Superior Court. Whenever the chair of the Governor shall be vacant, by reason of his death, absence from the state, or otherwise, the President of the Senate, for the time being, shall during such vacancy, have and exercise all the powers and authorities which by this constitution the Governor Is vested with when person ally present ; and whenever the President shall fill the chair, he shall have no voice in the Senate. COUNCIL. There shall be a Council for advising the Governor, in the executive part of government, to consistof five persons, whom the Governor for the time being, shall have full power and authority to convene from time to time, at his discretion, and the Governor, with the Counsellors, or three of them at least, shall and may, from time to time, hold and keep a council, for CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 871 «rdering and directing the affairs of the State, according to the laws of the land. Five Counsellors shall be annually chosen from among the people at large, on the first Wednesday of June annually by joint ballot of the Senators and representatives in one room as sembled. The qualifications for counsellors, shall be the same as those required for senators. The resolutions and advice of the Council shall be recorded in a register, and signed by the members present, and the rec ord may be called for at any time, by either house of the legis lature, and any member of the Council may enter his opinion contrary to the resolution of the majority. And whereas the elections appointed to be made by this con- ¦stitutlon, on the first Wednesday of June annually, by the two houses of the legislature, may not be completed on that day, the said elections may be adjourned from day to day until the same shall be completed. And the order of the elections shall be as follows : the vacancies in the senate, if any, shall be first filled up ; the Governor shall then be elected, provided there should be no choice of him by the people : And afterwards the two houses shall proceed to the election of the Council. SECRETARY, TREASURER, COMMISSARY-GENERAL, &C. The Secretary, Treasurer, and Commissary-General, shall be chosen by joint ballot of the senators and representatives in one room : and no man shall be eligible as Treasurer or com missary-general of this state, more than five years successively. The records of the state shall be kept in the office of the secretary, who may appoint his deputies, for whose conduct he shall be answerable, and he shall attend the governor and coun cil, the senate and representatives, in person, or by deputy, as they may require. COUNTY-TREASURER, &C. The County-Treasurers, and Registers of Deeds shall be elected by the inhabitants of the several towns, in the several counties in the state, according to the method now practised, and the present laws of the state : And before they enter upon the business of their offices, shall be respectively sworn faith fully to discharge the duties thereof, and shall severally give bond, with sufficient sureties, in a reasonable sum for the use of the county, for the punctual performance of their respective trusts. JUDICIARY POWPJR. The tenure, that all commission officers shall have by law m their offices, shall be expressed in their respective commis- 872 NEW HAMPSHIRE sions. All judicial officers, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, shall hold their offices during good behaviour, ex cepting those concerning whom there is a different provision made In this constitution : Provided nevertheless, the Governor,. with consent of council, may remove them upon the address of both houses of the legislature.. Each branch of the legislature, as well as the governor and council, shall have authority to require the opinions of the justices of the superior court upon important questions of law, and upon solemn occasions. In order that the people may not suffer from the long con tinuance In place of any justice of the peace, who shall fail in discharging the Important duties of his office with ability and fidelity, all commissions of Justices of the peace shall expire and become void, in the term of five years from their respect ive dates ; and upon the expiration of any commission, the same may if necessaiy, be renewed, or another person ap pointed, as shall most conduce to the well-being of the State. The judges of probate of wills, and for granting letters of administration, shall hold their courts, at such place, or places, on such fixed days, as the convenience of the people may require. And the legislature shall from time to time, hereafter appoint such times and places, until which appoint ments the said courts shall be holden at the times and places which the respective judges shall direct. All causes of marriage, divorces and alimony, and all ap peals from the respective judges of probate, shall be heard and tried by the superior court, until the legislature shall, by law, make other provisions. CLERKS OF COURTS. The Clerks of the Superior Court of Judicature, Inferior Courts of Common Pleas, and General Sessions of the Peace, Shall be appointed by the respective courts during pleasure. And to prevent any fraud or unfairness in the entriesand rec ords of said courts, no such clerk shall be of counsel in any cause in the court of which he is clerk, nor shall he fill any writ in any civil action whatsoever. DELEGATES TO CONGRESS. The Delegates of this State to the Congress of the United States, shall sometime between the first Wednesday of June and the first Wednesday of September annually, be elected by the senate and house of representatives in their seperate branches, to serve in congress for one year ; to commence on the first Monday in November then next ensuing. They shall CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 873 have commissions under the hand of the governor, and the great seal of the state ; butmaybe recalled at any time within theyear, and others chosen and commissioned, in the same manner, in their stead. And they shall have the same qualifications In all respects, as by this constitution are required for the governor. No person shall be capable of being a delegate to Congress, for more than three years in any term of six years ; nor shall any person being a delegate, be capable of holding any office under the United States, for which he, or any other for his benefit, receives any salary, or emolument of any kind. ENCOURAGEMENT OF LITERATURE, &C. Knowledge and Learning, generally diffused through a com munity, being essential to the preservation of a free govern ment, and spreading the opportunities and advantages of edu cation through the various parts of the country, being highly conducive to promote this end ; It shall be the duty of the leg islators aud magistrates, in all future periods of this govern ment, to cherish the interest of literature and the sciences, and all seminaries and public schools, to encourage private and public institutions, rewards and immunities for the promotion of agriculture, arts, sciences, commerce, trades, manufac tures, and natural history of the country ; to countenance and inculcate the principles of humanity and general benevolence, public and private charity, industry and economy, honesty and punctuality in their dealings ; sincerity, sobriety, and all social affections, and generous sentiments, among the people. Oaths and Subscriptions ; Exclusion from Offices ; CcviMissiONS , Writs ; Confirmation of Laws ; Habeas Corpus ; the Enacting Stile ; Continuance of Offi cers ; Provision for a Future Revision of the Consti tution, &c. Any person chosen Governor, Counsellor, Senator or Rep resentative, accepting the trust, shall before he proceeds to execute the duties of his office, make and subscribe the fol lowing declaration, viz. I, A. B. do truly and sincerely acknowledge, profess, tes tify and declare, that the State 'of New Hampshire is, and of right ought to be, a free, sovereign, a/id independent State; and do swear that I will bear faith and true alle giance to the same, and that I will defend it agai/ist all treacherous conspiracies and hostile attempts whatever ; and that I do renounce any subjection and obedience to the sov ereign, or govcriimen't of Great Britain, and every foreign power whatsoever, and that no foreign prince, person, pre- §74 NEW HAMPSHIRE late, state or potentate hath, or ought to have, any jurisdic tion, superiority, pre-eminence, authority dispensing or other power, in any matter civil, ecclesiastical, or political within this State, except the power and authority which is, or may be vested by their Constituents in the Congress of the United States : And I do further testify and declare, that no /nan or body of /nen, hath or can have, a right to absolve me from the obligation of this oath, declaration or affirma tion ; and that I do make this acknowledgement, profession, testimony, declaration, denial and renu/iciation, honestly and truly, according to the com/non acceptation of the fore going words, without any equivocation, -mental evasion, or secret reservation whatsoever . So help me God. I A. B. do solemnly and sincerely swear and affirm, that I will faithfull-v and i/npartially discharge and perform all the duties incu7/ibent on me as accordi/ig to the best of 7ny abilities, agreeably to the rules and regulations of this Co7istitution, and the laws of the State of New Hampshire. "So help me God." Provided always, When any Person chosen or appointed as aforesaid, shall be of the denomination called Quakers, or shall be scrupulous of swearing, and shall decline taking the said oath, such shall take and subscribe them, omitting the word " Swear" and likewise the words " So help me God," subjoining instead thereof. This I do under the pains and pen alties of perjury. And the oaths or affirmations shall be taken and subscribed by the Governor, before the President of the Senate in the presence of the two Houses of Assembly; and by the Senate and Representatives first elected under this Constitution, before the President and three of the Council of the former Constitution, and forever afterwards, before the Governor and Council for the time being : and by the residue of the officers aforesaid, before such persons, and in such man ner as from time to time shall be prescribed by the Legisla ture. All commissions shall be in the name of the State of New Hampshire, signed by the Governor, and attested by the Sec retary, or his deputy, and shall have the great seal of the State affixed thereto. All writs issuing out of the clerk's office in any of the courts of law, shall be In the name of the State of New Hampshire ; shall be under the seal of the court whence they issue and bear test of the chief, first or senior Justice of the court ; but when such Justice shall be interested, then the writ shall bear test of some other Justice of the court, to which the same shall be returnable, and be signed by the clerk of such Court. constitutional conventions. 875 All indictments, presentments and information shall con clude against the peace and dignity of the State. The estates of such persons as may destroy their own lives, shall not for that offence be forfeited, but descend or ascend in the same manner, as if such person had died in a natural way. Nor shall any article, which shall accidentally occasion the death of any person, be henceforth deemed a deodand, or in any wise forfeited on account of such misfortune. All the laws which have heretofore been adopted, read and approved, in the Province, Colony or State of New Hampshire, and usually practised on in the courts of law, shall still remain and be in full force, until altered and repealed by the Legisla ture ; such parts there off only excepted, as are repugnant to the rights and liberties contained In this Constitution. The priviledge and benefit of the Habeas Corpus, shall be enjoyed in this State, in the most free, easy, cheap, expeditious, and ample manner, and shall not be suspended by the Legis lature, except upon the most urgent and pressing occasions, and for a time not exceeding three months. The enacting stile in making and passing Acts, Statutes and laws, shall be — Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened. No Governor, or Judge of the Superior Court, shall hold any office or place, under the authority of this State, except such as by this Constitution they are admitted to hold, saving that the Judges of the said Court may hold the offices of Jus tice of the Peace throughout the State ; nor shall they hold any place or office, or receive any pension or salary, from any other State, Government or Power whatever. No person shall be capable of exercising at the same time, more than one of the following offices within this State, viz. Judge of Probate, Sheriff, Register of Deeds ; and never more than two offices of profit which may be held by appointment of the Governor, or Governor and Council, or Senate and House of Representatives, or Superior or Inferior Courts ; military offices and offices of Justices of the Peace excepted. No person holding the office of Judge of the Superior Court, Secretary, Treasurer of the State, Judge of Probate, Com missary General, Military Officers receiving pay from the Continent or this State ; excepting officers of the militia occa sionally called forth on an emergency. Judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, President, Professor or Instructor of any College, Sheriff or officer of the Customs, including naval officers, shall at the same time have a seat in the Senate" or House of Representatives or Council ; but their being chosen or appointed to and accepting the same shall operate as a resig- 876 NEW HAMPSHIRE nation of their seat in the Senate, or House of Representatives or Council, and the place so vacated shall be filled up. No person shall ever be admitted to hold a Seat In the Legis' lature, or any office of trust or importance under this Govern ment, who in the due course of law, has been convicted of bribery, or corruption in obtaining an election or appoint ment. In all cases where sums of money are mentioned in this Constitution, the value thereof shall be computed in silver at six shillings andeight pence perounce. And it shall be in the power of the Legislature to increase such qualifications as to prop erty of persons to be elected to office, as the circumstances of the State may require. To the end that there may be no failure of justice or danger arise to this State from a change of the form of Government, all civil and military officers, holding commissions under the Government and People of New Hampshire, and other officers of the said Government and People, at the time this Constitu tion shall take effect, shall hold, exercise and enjoy all the powers and authorities to them granted and committed, until other persons shall be appointed in their stead. All courts of law In the business of their respective departments, and the Executive and Legislative Bodies and Persons, shall continue in full fcrce, enjoyment and exercise of all their trusts and em ployments, until the General Court and the supreme and other Executive officers under this Constitution, are designated and invested with their respective trusts, powers aud authority. This form of Government shall be enrolled on parchment, and deposited in the Secretary's office, and be a part of the laws of the land, and printed copies thereof shall be prefixed to the books containing the laws of this State, in all future edi tions thereof. To preserve an effectual adherence to the principles of the Constitution, and to correct any violation thereof ; as well as to make such alterations therein, as from experience may be found necessary, the General Court shall after the expiration of seven years from the time this Constitution shall take eifect, issue their precepts to the selectmen of thj several towns, and to the assessors of unincorporated places within this State, di recting them to convene the qualified voters therein, for the purpose of collecting their sentiments on the necessi',:y or ex pediency of revising the Constitution In order for amendments : And If It shall appear by the returns made, that two thirds of the qualified voters through the State who shall assemble and vote In consequence of said precepts, are ir, favor of .such re vision and amendments, the General Court shall issue precepts. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 877 or direct them to be issued from the Secretary's office, to the several towns and unincorporated places to elect delegates to meet in Convention for the purpose aforesaid : The said dele gates to be chosen in the same manner and proportion as the delegates to the annual County Conventions, are by this Con stitution. In Convention, September 14, 1781. Resolved that this Convention be adjourned to the fourth Wednes day of January next, to meet at Concord ; and that seven hundred cop ies of the Plan of Government, which is agreed upon, to be printed, including such as shall be ordered to each member of the General Court, and of the Convention, be sent to the selectmen of each town, and assessors of each plantation, under the direction of the Committee appointed for that purpose : And that the selectmen and assessors be requested as soon as may be to lay the same before the inhabitants of their respective towns and plantations. And if the major part of the inhabitants of said towns and plantations disapprove of any particular part of the same, that they be desired to state their objections distinctly and the reasons therefor. And the selectmen and assessors are desired to transmit the same to the Convention on the fourth Wednesday of January aforesaid, or to the Secretary of the Convention before then, in order for the revision and consideration of the convention at the adjournment ; with the number of voters in said towns and plantations meetings, on each side of the question : That the Convention may be able to collect the general sense of the people of this State on the sev eral parts of the proposed Constitution : And if there should not ap pear to he two thirds of the people in favor thereof, that the Conven tion may alter it in such manner as may be most agreeable to the senti ments of two thirds of the voters throughout this State. NOTE BY THE EDITOR. On the fourth Wednesday of January, 1782, the Convention met ac cording to adjournment; and on examination of the returns of votes, found the Constitution was rejected. The Convention then adjourned to the third Wednesday in August following, at which they agreed on another Plan of Government, which was sent out to the people with another Address. SECOND ADDRESS OF THE CONVENTION FOR FRAMING A NEW CONSTITUTION OR FORM OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, TO THE INHABITANTS OF SAID STATE. [Sent out in 1782. J Note. — This Address, though very similar in many points to the first, is evidently modified by the " reasons" which the people assigned for rejecting the first Constitution. Ed. 878 new hampshire Friends and Fellow-Citizens, The General- Assembly of this State having thought proper to issue precepts to the several Towns within the same, for choosing delegates to form a Convention for the purpose of framing a civil Constitution for the people of this State; and the Convention having repeatedly met in consequence of such choice, maturely deliberated on the impor tant subject, collected as nearly as possible the sentiments of the Inhab itants of this State from their returns laid before the Convention in June last, agree to report the following plan, which with the humblest deference is submitted to your impartial consideration. The forming a Constitution, adapted not only to our present situa tion, but to the probable circumstances of remote posterity, is truly an arduous task ! How far we have succeeded in the attempt, you are the sole judges. It is your interest as well as duty, to examine it with the most critical attention; and it is your unquestionable right to propose such alterations as you may judge necessary, to approve and establish the plan as it now stands, or wholly to reject it. A PERFECT system of Government is not to be expected in the pres ent imperfect state of humanity. But could a faultless one be framed, it would not be universally approved, unless its judges were all equally perfect. Much less then, may we presume to hope that the plan here offered to view will meet with universal approbation. Unanimity of sentiment is seldom to be found in any case ; there are many reasons for despairing of it in the present. Besides the common sources for variety of opinions on points in general, there are new and particular ones in the case before us. There is nothing which our open, avowed enemies more dread than to see the several States, each formed into a permanent and well-constructed body-politick, as nothing under GOD, can more contribute to the stabilitv of their councils, or tlie success of their exertions. Nor have we any reason to doubt but that our secret, internal enemies are equally averse thereto. Every artifice will be de vised, every effort tried, to frustrate an event equally dreaded by both. Let us guard against their machinations. When the people of this State first thought proper to assume gov ernment for themselves, it was a time of difficulty and peril. "That form which was the simplest, and first presented itselfto their view, in the perturbation of spirits that then prevailed, they adopted without that thorough discussion and calm deliberation which so important an ob ject required. It was not intended to be lasting. It was expressly de clared by themselves to be temporary. In this imperfect form, the Legislative and Executive powers of gov ernment were vested in one body, to wit, in a General Court, consist ing of two branches, a House of Representatives and a Council. Nor was any provision made therein for the exercise of the executive power in the recess of the General-Assembly. So great a defect was soon discovered and felt ; and the Court thus established bv the Constitution, were compelled to attempt a remedy by delegating the executive-power to a Committee of Safety in the recess of the General- Assembly; which mode has since been continued, and this Committee has made an important part of the government. A further defect, among many others, is the want of an Exclu sion Bill : In consequence of which, some individuals assist in en acting laws, in explaining and applying them, and even in carrying them into execution. While we forbear to mention a variety of other imperfections, per mit us to suggest, that the great expence incurred by frequent meetings of the Committee of Safety, and the delay necessarily occasioned by the business of the executive department being intrusted to so great a CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 879 number of persons, have been too sensibly felt to require arguments on our part, to convince you that an alteration in this respect, will pro mote the interest of every individual in the community. Having premised these things, we will proceed to consider as criti cally as the limits of our time will admit, the frame of government herewith exhibited to your view ; its principles, and some of the mo tives that induced us to prefer it to any other system which occurred to us. Availing ourselves of the various theories and forms of government we could meet with, whether new or old, examining their principles, and comparing them, as far as we were able, with experience, the sur est touchstone, and most infallible comment, we collected sufficient, and we hoped the best materials, for the political building now pre sented to your view. The three powers of government before hinted at, to wit — The legis lative, or power of making laws — The judicial, or power of expound ing and applying them to each particular case — And the executive, to carry them into effect, and give the political machine life and motion : These three important powers we have thought proper to keep as sep erate and distinct as possible, for the following reasons. If they should be all united, the government would then be a com plete system of tyranny. The same party would be legislator, accuser, judge and executioner. If the legislative and judicial powers should be united, the maker of the law would be the interpreter thereof, and might make it speak what language best pleased him, to the total abolition of justice. If the executive and legislative powers should be vested in one body, still greater evils would follow. This body would enact only such laws as it wished to carry into execution, and would besides, entirely absorb and destroy the judicial power, one of the greatest securities of the life, liberty, and property of the subject ; and in fine, would pro duce the same system of despotism first mentioned. And lastly, should the executive and judicial powers be combined, the great barrier against oppression would be at once destroyed : The laws would be made to bend to the will of that power which sought to execute them with the most unbridled rapacity. These several powers should also be independent; in order to which they are formed with a check upon each other. We shall proceed to consider them distinctly. The legislative-power we have vested in a Senate and House of Rep resentatives (with the reserve hereafter mentioned) each of which branches is to have a negative on the other; and either may originate any Bill, except for the grant of monies, which is always to originate in 'the House. Any alterations or amendments may be proposed by either branch, in all cases. We have given the supreme executive power the right of revising and objecting to all the acts passed by the legislature, for reasons hereafter to be mentioned. The mode of representation is not only the best we could devise, but is conformed to the sentiments of => very great majority of individuals in the State, as appears by the returns which they have been pleased to lay before us ; and doth not materially differ from that which has long been practised upon in this government : consequently not likely to produce those dangerous evils, which too often flow from the adopting systems not recommended by the voice of experience. Every town, parish, or place, however inconsiderable, may be represented by being classed with some other; and where this cannot be done without incon venience, the General-Assembly is impowered to grant relief. And should any defects be discovered in the present mode of representation. 88o NEW HAMPSHIRE a revision at the end of seven years, will afford sufficient opportunity to apply a remedy. The choice and powers of the Senate being sufficiently explained in the Constitution, we shall pass over with a bare mention, and proceed to the executive-power. This power is the active principle in all governments. Its depart ment is to put in execution all the laws enacted by the Legislative- body. Its characteristic requisites are secrecy, vigour, and dispatch. The fewer persons therefore, this supreme power is trusted with, the greater probability there is that these requisites will be found. The Convention therefore, on the maturest deliberation, have thought it best to lodge this power in the hands of o»e, whom they have stiled the Go'VERNOR. They have indeed cloathed him with the necessary pow ers, while every possible provision is made to guard against the abuse of this high betrustment, and protect the rights of the people. — The manner of his choice is such, that he is the most perfect representative of the people. He can take no one step of importance without the advice of his privy Council; and he is elected annually. Every neces sary and useful qualification is required in him, in point of age, relig ion, residency, and fortune. In addition to all which, he is liable for every misconduct to be impeached, tried and displaced, by the two leg islative branches ; and is amenable to the laws besides, equally with the meanest subject of the State. Thus controlled and checked himself, the Convention thought it reasonable and necessary, that he, in turn, should have some c'neck on the legislative power. They therfore gave him the right of objecting to, and suspending, tho' not the absolute control over the acts of that body; which they thought indispensably necessary to repel any encroachments on the executive-power, and pre serve its independency. As the strength and safety of this State will greatly depend on the keeping up a well regulated militia, we have been particularly attentive to this important object; and after the most mature deliberation have adopted a mode for the appointment of militia officers, which we flatter ourselves will receive your approbation. Experience has sufficiently convinced the Americans in general, and some of our neighbouring States in particular, of the ill consequence, resulting from the method adopted in their Constitutions of the Captains and Subalterns being chosen by the soldiers, and the field officers by the Captains and Subal terns. This not only renders every superior officer dependent on his inferior, but opens a dangerous avenue to division, discord and ani mosity in every corps ; where the election of an officer is not unani mous, which cannot be always rationally expected, indolent and un qualified persons, who know how to gain an ascendency over the minds of the soldiers, by art, and address, will probably be preferred to those wiio by a strict attention to the duties of their office, would render the militia respectable in tlie minds of our friends, and formida ble in the eyes of our enemies. At the commencement of the present war with Great-Britain, the want of experience necessarily induced many, if not all the States, to adopt this mode of appointing their officers to serve in the Continental army, which method would have continued to this day, if experience had not sufficiently demonstrated, that subordination, harmony, and regular discipline, could not exist, where such appointments were tolerated. To avoid these, and manjf other evils, too tedious to enumerate, we have vested the Governor Si Council, with the power of appointing the General and field-officers ; and have given the field-officers the power of nominating their Captains and Subalterns. Persons qualified to fill the important posts of General and field- officers, will undoubtedly be sufficiently known in the State; and a CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 88l iknowledge of their talents maj- be acquired by the Governor and Council, without that difficulty, which would attend an examination, respecting the abilities of persons qualified to serve as Captains and Subalterns. The Governor and Council will have every inducement to be partic ular in the appointment of proper persons, as General & field officers, & the field officers must feel their honor too nearly concerned, in the nomination of their under officers, to recommend any, without first availing themselves of every necessary information and advice. We have been thus particular upon this head on account ot its great impor tance to the State, our own observations, and the opinion of every person versed in the art of war, concur in persuading us, that our safety, and yours, as well as that of unborn posterity, will depend upon J'our rejecting the ill-judged method of electing officers by the voice of tumult, dissention, and party spirit, and adopting the natural, and jational mode of appointment which we recommend. The judicial department falls next under our consideration. This comprehends the Judges of the several courts, and the Jus tices of the peace throughout the State. These are all appointed by the Governor, with the advice of Council, but not removable by him in case of mal-conduct, but by the Legislature — and in no case with out the intervention of that body. The Judges all hold their offices during good behaviour; the only proper tenure, especially for the Judges of the Supreme Court of Judi cature, as they ought, in a peculiar manner, to feel themselves inde pendent and free, and as none would be at the pains to qualify them selves for such important places, if they were liable to be removed at pleasure. As another inducement for persons so to qualify themselves, ^s an encouragement to vigilance, and an antidote to bribery and cor ruption ; adequate, honorable, and permanent salaries to the Judges of the Supreme Court in a particular manner, we have made assential in the Constitution, and do now most strongly recommend. The alteration of Justices commissions from life, to five years, is to guard against age, incapacity, and too large a number ; to secure the appointment of the best ; and to prevent too frequent addresses :and impeachments. You will judge of the propriety and expediency of this innovation, and either give it your sanction or not as appears to you best. The reasons for the Exclusion-Bill, are too obvious to need point ing out. Sad experience has evinced the necessity of such provision. Besides the interference ot several offices held by the same person, in point of time, which we have often seen; and the difficulty of one man's giv ing his attention to many matters sufficiently to understand them all, which we have too often felt; there is a still stronger reason, which is the difficulty of a man's preserving his integrity in discharging the duties of each unstained — at least by suspicion. From the deepest impression of the vast importance of Literature in a free government, we have interwoven it with, and made its protec tion and encouragement a part of the Constitution itself. The Bill of Rights contains the essential principles of the Consti tution. It is the foundation on which the whole political fabric is reared, and is consequently, a most important part thereof. We have endeavor'd therein to ascertain and define the most impor tant and essential natural rights of men. We have distinguished be twixt the alienable and unalienable rights ; For the former of which, men may receive an equivalent; for the latter, or the Rights of Con science, they can receive none : The world itself being wholly inade- 56 88a NEW HAMPSHIRE quate to the purchase. " For what is a man profited, though he shoulS ' ' gain the whole world, and lose hts own soulf " The various modes of worship among mankind, are founded in their various sentiments and beliefs concerning the GREAT OBJECT of all religious worship and adoration, — therefore to Him alone, and not to man, are they accountable for them. Thus the Convention have endeavored to explain as particularly as they could without trespassing on your patience, the reasons and prin ciples upon which they have laboured to form this Constitution. They have done it in integrity and faithfulness. They conceived themselves as part of the community for which the Constitution is intended, and therefore equally interested with the other members in framing the best. Whatever latent defects there may be in it, time will discover them — and, at the end of seven years, provision is made that they may be amended — Confiding therefore in your candour, and humbly implor ing on your behalf, that assistance which the fountain of wisdom sees you need, we leave it in your hands, and wait with cheerful acquies cence, your decision. In the name, and pursuant to a Resolution of the Convention. GEORGE ATKINSON, President. Attest, JOHN SULLIVAN, Secretary P. T. note by the editor. The Bill of Rights, included in this second Constitution, is word for word exactly like that sent out with the first (and hence need not be repeated) — except in the following articles, which readers will please notice ; — the difference being marked by parallel lines, thus ||. Article XVI. No subject shall be liable to be tried after an acquit tal, for lithe same crime or offence. || Nor shall the Legislature make any law that shall subject any person to a capital punishment, — except ing for the government of the army and navy, and the militia in actual service, — without trial by Jury. Article XVII. In criminal prosecutions, the trial of facts in the vicinity where they happen, is so essential to the security of life, lib erty and estate of the citizen, that no crime or offence ought to be tried in any other county than where it is committed ; ||except in cases of a general insurrection in any particular county, where it shall appear to the Judges of the Superior Court, that an impartial trial cannot be had in the county where the offence may be committed, and upon their report, the Assembly shall think proper to direct the trial in the near est county where an impartial trial can be obtained. || Article XX. [The last line.] the Legislature shall l|think|| it nec essary hereafter to alter it. Article XXXVI. Economy being a most essential virtue in all States, II more especially in a young one, no person ought to receive any stipend or salary, but as an equivalent for actual services ; and the Legislature ought to be exceeding cautious of granting pensions, es pecially for life. II CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. SSj A CONSTITUTION OR FORM OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. PART II. The People inhabiting the Territory formerly called the Province of New-Hampshire, do hereby solemnly and mutually agree with each other, to form themselves into a free, sovereign, and independent Body- politic or State, by the Name of the STATE of NEW-HAMPSHIRE. The general COURT. The Supreme Legislative power within this State shall be vested in a Senate and House of Representatives, each of which shall have a neg ative on the other. The Senate and House shall assemble every year on the first Wed nesday of June, and at such other times as they may judge necessary, and shall dissolve, and be dissolved, seven days next preceding the said first Wednesday in June; and shall be stiled The GENERAL COURT OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. No bill or resolve of the Senate or House of Representatives shall become a law, and have force as such, until it shall have been laid be fore the Governor for his revisal : And if he, upon such revision, ap prove thereof, he shall signify his approbation by signing the same. — But if he has any objection to the passing of such bill or resolve, he shall return the same, together with his objections thereto, in writing, to the Senate or House of Representatives, in which soever the same shall have originated ; who shall enter the objections sent down by the Governor, at large, on their records, and proceed to reconsider the said bill or resolve : But if upon such reconsideration, three quarters of the said Senate or House of Representatives, shall notwithstanding the said objections, agree to pass the same, it shall, together with the objections, be sent to the other branch of the Legislature, where it shall be also reconsidered, and if approved by three quarters of the members pres ent, it shall have the force of law: But in all such cases, the votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and nays ; and the names of the persons voting for, or against, th,e said bill or resolve, shall be en tered upon the public records of the State. And in order to prevent unnecessary delays, if any bill or resolve having been presented to the Governor, shall not be returned by him within the next eight days of the sitting of the General-Assembly, at the same session ; or if it shall not so long continue, then on the sec ond day of their next session, the same shall have the force of a law. The General Court shall forever have full power and authority to erect and constitute judicatories and courts of record, or other courts, to be holden in the name of the State, for the hearing, trying, and de termining all manner of crimes, offences, pleas, processes, plaints, ac tions, causes, matters, and things, whatsoever; arising, or happening within this State, or between or concerning persons inhabiting, or re siding, or brought within the same, whether the same be criminal or civil, or whether the crimes be capital, or not capital, and whether the said pleas be real, personal, or mixt ; and for the awarding and issuing execution thereon. To which courts and judicatories are hereby given and granted full power and authority, from time to time, to administer 884 NEW HAMPSHIRE oaths or affirmations, for the better discovery of truth in any matter in controversy, or depending before them. And farther, full power and authority are hereby given and granted to the said General Court, from time to time, to make, ordain, and es tablish, all manner of wholesome and reasonable orders, laws, statutes, ordinances, directions and instructions, either with penalties or with out ; so as the same be not repugnant, or contrary to this Constitution, as they may judge for the benefit and welfare of this State, and for the governing and ordering thereof, and of the subjects of the same, for the necessary^support and defence of the government thereof; and to name and settle annually, or provide by fixed laws, for the naming and set tling all civil officers within this State ; such officers excepted, the elec tion and appointment of whom, are hereafter in this form of govern ment otherwise provided for ; and to set forth the several duties, pow ers, and limits, of the several civil and military officers of this State, and the forms of such oaths or affirmations, as shall be respectively ad ministered unto them for the execution for their several offices and places, so as the same be not repugnant or contrary to this Constitu tion ; and also to impose fines, mulcts, imprisonments, and other pun ishments ; and to impose and levy proportional and reasonable assess ments, rates and taxes, upon all the inhabitants of, and residents within the said State ; and upon all estates within the same ; to be issued and disposed of by warrant under the hand of the Governor of this State for the time being, with the advice and consent of the Council, for the public service, in the necessary defence and support of the Government of this State, and the protection and preservation of the subjects thereof, according to such acts as are, or shall be in force within the same. And while the public charges of government or any part thereof, shall be assessed on polls and estates in the manner that has heretofore been practised ; in order that such assessments maybe made with equal ity, there shall be a valuation of the estates within the State taken anew once in every five years at least, and as much oftener as the General Court shall order. SENATE. There shall be annually elected by the freeholders and other inhab itants of this State, qualified as in this Constitution is provided, twelve persons to be Senators for the year ensuing their election ; to be chosen in and by the inhabitants of the districts, into which this State may from time to time be divided by the General Court for that purpose : And the General Court, in assigning the number to be elected by the respective districts, shall govern themselves by the proportion of pub lic taxes paid by the said districts ; and timely make known to the in habitants of the State, the limits of each district, and the number of Senators to be elected therein ; provided the number of such districts shall never be more than ten, nor less than five. And the several Counties in this State, shall, until the General Court shall order otherwise, be districts for the election of Senators, and shall elect the following number, viz. Rockingham, five. Strafford, two. Hillsborough, two. Cheshire, two. Grafton, one. The Senate shall be the first branch of the Legislature : And the Senators shall be chosen in the following manner, viz. Every male in habitant of each Town and Parish with town privileges in the several Counties in this State, of twenty one years of age and upwards, paying CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 885 for himself a poll tax, shall have a right at the annual or other meet ings of the inhabitants of said Towns and Parishes, to be duly warned and holden annually forever in the month of March ; to vote in the Town or Parish wherein he dwells, for the Senators in the County or district whereof he is a member. And every person qualified as the Constitution provides, shall be con sidered an inhabitant for the purpose of electing and being elected into any office or place within this State, in that Town, Parish and Planta tion where he dwelleth and hath his home. The Selectmen of the several Towns and Parishes aforesaid, shall, during the choice of Senators, preside at such meetings impartially, and shall receive the votes of all the inhabitants of such Towns and Par ishes present and qualified to vote for Senators, and shall sort and count the same in meeting, and in presence of the Town Clerk, who shall make a fair record in presence of the Selectmen, and in open meeting, of the name of every person voted for, and the number of votes against his name; and a fair copy of this record shall be attested by the Select men and Town Clerk, and shall be sealed up and directed to the Secre tary of the State, with a superscription expressing the purport thereof, and delivered by said Clerk to the Sheriff of the County in which such Town or Parish lies, thirty days at least, before the first Wednesday of June; and the Sheriff of each County or his deputy, shall deliver all such certificates by him received into the Secretary's office, seventeen days at least, before the first Wednesday of June. And the inhabitants of plantations and places unincorporated, qual ified as this Constitution provides, who are or shall be required to as sess taxes upon themselves towards the support of government, or shall be taxed therefor, shall have the same privilege of voting for Sen ators in the plantations and places wherein tney reside, as the inhabit ants of the respective Towns and Parishes aforesaid have. And the meetings of such plantations and places for that purpose shall be holden annually in the month of March, at such places respectively therein, as the assessors thereof shall direct ; which assessors shall have like author ity for notifying the electors, collecting and returning the votes, as the Selectmen and Town Clerks have in their several Towns by this Con stitution. And, that there may be a due meeting of Senators on the first Wed nesday of June, annually, the Governor and three of the Council for the time being, shall as soon as may be, examine the returned copies of such records ; and fourteen days before the said first Wednesday of June, he shall issue his summons to such persons as appear to be chosen Senators by a majority of votes, to attend and take their seats on that day : Provided, nevertheless, that for the first year the said re turned copies shall be examined by the President and five of the Coun cil of the former Constitution of government ; and the said President shall in like manner notify the persons elected, to attend and take their seats accordingly. The Senate shall be final judge of the elections, returns, and quali fications of their own members, as pointed out in this Constitution, and shall on the said first Wednesday of June annually, determine and de clare, who are elected by each district to be Senators by a majority of votes : And in case there shall not appear to be the full number returned elected by a majority of votes for any district, the deficiency shall be supplied in the following manner, viz. the members of the house of Representatives and such Senators as shall be declared elected, shall take the names of such persons as shall be found to have the highest number of votes in each district, and not elected, amounting to twice the number of Senators wanting, if there be so many voted for ; and 886 NEW HAMPSHIRE out of these shall elect by joint ballot the number of Senators wanted for such district : And in this manner all such vacancies shall be filled up in every district of the State, and in like manner all vacancies in the Senate, arising by death, removal out of the State, or otherwise, shall be supplied as soon as may be, after such vacancies happen. Provided nevertheless, That no person shall be capacle of being elected a Senator, who is not of the Protestant Religion, and seized of a freehold estate in his own right of the value of two hundred Pounds, lying within this State, who is not of the age of thirty years, and who shall not have been an inhabitant of this State for seven years imme diately preceding his election, and at the time thereof he shall be an inhabitant of the district for which he shall be chosen. The Senate shall have power to adjourn themselves, provided such adjournment do not exceed two days at a time. The Senate shall choose its own President, appoint its own officers, and determine its own rules of proceedings. And not less than seven members of the Senate shall make a quorum for doing business. Pro vided, that when less than eight Senators shall be present, the assent of five at least shall be necessary to render their acts and proceedings valid. The Senate shall be a court with full power and authority to hear and determine all impeachments made by the House of Representatives, against any officer or officers of the State, for misconduct or mal-admin- istration in their offices. But previous to the trial of any such im peachment, the members of the Senate shall respectively be sworn, truly and impartially to try and determine the charge in question ac cording to evidence. Their judgment, however, shall not extend farther than removal from office, disqualification to hold or enjoy any place of honor, trust or profit under this State ; but the party so convicted, shall nevertheless be liable to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment, according to the laws of the land. HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES. There shall be in the Legislature of this State a representation of the people annually elected and founded upon principles of equality : And in order that such representation may be as equal as circumstances will admit, every Town, Parish or place intitled to town privileges, hav ing one hundred and fifty rateable male polls, of twenty one years of age, and upwards, may elect one representative ; if four hundred and fifty rateable polls, may elect two representatives ; and so proceeding in that proportion, making three hundred such rateable polls the mean in creasing number, for every additional representative. That such Towns, Parishes or places as have less than one hundred and fifty rateable polls shall be classed by the General Assembly for the purpose of chusing a representative, and seasonably notified thereof. And that in every class formed for the above mentioned purpose, the first annual meeting shall be held in the Town, Parish, or place wherein most of the rateable polls reside ; and afterwards in that which has the next highest number, and so on annually by rotation, through the sev eral Towns, Parishes or places, forming the district. That whenever any Town, Parish, or place intitled to town privileges as aforesaid, shall not have one hundred and fifty rateable polls, and be so situated as to render the classing thereof with any other Town, Par ish, or place very inconvenient, the General Assembly may upon appli cation of a majority of the voters in such Town, Parish, or place, issue a writ for their electing and sending a representative to the General Court. The members of the house of representatives shall be chosen annu- CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 887 ally in the month of March, and shall be the second branch of the Leg islature. All persons qualified to vote in the election of Senators shall be in- titled to vote within the Town, District, Parish, or place, where they •dwell, in the choice of representatives. Every member of the house of representatives shall be chosen by ballot ; and for two years at least next preceding his election, shall have been an inhabitant of this State, shall have an estate within the Town, Parish, or place which he may be chosen to represent, of the value of one hundred pounds, one half of which to be a freehold, whereof he is seized in his own right ; shall be at the time of his election an inhabitant of the Town, Parish, or place he may be chosen to represent ; shall be of the Protestant Religion, and shall <;ease to represent such Town, Parish, or place immediately on his ceas ing to be qualified as aforesaid. The travel of each representative to the General Assembly, and re turning home, once in every session, and no more, shall be at the ex- pence of the State, and the wages for his attendance, at the expence of ihe Town, Parish, or places he represents ; such members attending ¦seasonably and not departing without licence. All intermediate vacan- •cies in the House of Representatives, may be filled up from time to time, in the same manner as annual elections are made. The House of Representatives shall be the grand inquestof the State, .and all impeachments made by them, shall be heard and tried by the Senate. All money bills shall originate in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other bills. The House of Representatives shall have power to adjourn themselves, but not longer than two days at a time. That a majority of the members of the House of Representatives shall be a quorum for doing business : Provided, that when less than two thirds of the representatives elected shall be present, the assent of two thirds of the members shall be necessary to render their acts and proceedings valid. No member of the House of Representatives, or Senate shall be ar rested or held to bail on mean process, during his going to, returning from, or attendance upon the Court. The House of Representatives shall choose their own speaker, ap point their own officers, and settle the rules of proceedings in their own house. They shall have authority to punish by imprisonment, every person who shall be guilty of disrespect to the house in its presence, by any disorderly and contemptuous behavior, or by threatening, or ill treating any of its members ; or by obstructing its deliberations ; every person guilty of a breach of its privileges in making arrests for debt, or ty assaulting any of its members during his attendance at any session, in assaulting or disturbing any one of its officers in the execution of any order or procedure of the house, in assaulting any witness, or other person, ordered to attend by and during his attendance of the house, or in rescuing any person arrested by order of the house, knowing them to be such. The Senate, Governor, and Council shall have the same powers in like cases ; provided that no imprisonment by either for •any offence, exceed ten days. The Journals of the proceedings of both houses of the General Court, 5hall be printed and published, immediately after every adjournment, or prorogation ; and upon motion made by any one member, the yeas and nays upon any question, shall be taken and entered in the journals. 888 NEW HAMPSHIRE EXECUTIVE POWER. GOVERNOR. There shall be a supreme executive Magistrate, who shall be stiled, The GOVERNOR of the STATE op NEW-HAMPSHIRE; and whose Title shall be His EXCELLENCY. The Governor shall be chosen annually ; and no person shall be eligi ble to this office, unless at the time of his election, he shall have been an inhabitant of this State for seven years next preceding, and unless he shall be of the age of thirty years ; and unless he shall, at the same time, have an estate of the value oi five hundred Pounds, one half ot which shall consist of a freehold in his own right, within the State ; and unless he shall be of the Protestant Religion. Those persons qualified to vote for Senators and Representatives,, shall within the several Towns, Parishes, or Places, wherein they dwell, at a meeting to be called for that purpose, some day in the month of March annually, give in their votes for a Governor to the Selectmen, who shall preside at such meeting, and the Clerk in the presence and with the assistance of the Selectmen, shall in open meeting sort and count the votes, and form a list of the persons voted for, with the number or votes for each person against his name, and shall make a fair record or the same in the town books, and a public declaration thereof in the said meeting; and shall in the presence of said inhabitants, seal up a copy of said list attested by him and the Selectmen, and transmit the same to the Sheriff of the County, thirty days at least before the first Wednesday of June, or shall cause returns of the same to be made to the office of the Secretary of the State, seventeen days at least, before- said day, who shall lay the same before the Senate and House of Rep resentatives on the first Wednesday of June, to be by them examined : And in case of an election by a majority of votes through the State, the choice shall be by them declared, and published ; but if no person. shall have a majority ot votes, the House of Representatives shall by ballot elect two out of the four persons who had the highest number of votes, if so many shall have been voted for; but if otherwise, out of the number voted for ; and make return to the Senate of the two persons so elected, on which the Senate shall proceed by ballot to elect one of them, who shall be declared Go'VERNOR. The Governor, with advice of Council, shall have full power andj authority in the recess of the General-Court, to prorogue the same from time to time, not exceeding ninety days in any one recess of said Court;, and during the session of said Court, to adjourn or prorogue it to any time the two houses may desire, and to call it together sooner than the time to which it may be adjourned, or prorogued, if the welfare of the State should require the same. In cases of disagreement between the two houses, with regard to the time of adjournment, or prorogation, the Governor, with advice of Council, shall have a right to adjourn or prorogue the General Court, not exceeding ninety days at any one time, as he may determine the public good may require. And he shall dissolve the same seven days before the said first Wednesday of June. And in case of any infectious distemper prevailing in the place where the said Court at any time is to convene, or any other cause whereby dangers may arise to the healths or lives, of the members from their attendance, the Governor may di rect the session to be holden at some other the most convenient place- within the State. The Governor of this State for the time being, shall be commander in chief of the army and navy, and all the military forces of the State, by sea and land ; and shall have full power by himself, or by any chief CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 889 commander, or other officer, or officers, from time to time, to train, in struct, exercise and govern the militia and navy ; and for the special defence and safety of this State, to assemble in martial array, and put in warlike posture, the inhabitants thereof, and to lead and conduct them, and with them to encounter, expulse, repel, resist and pursue by force of arras, as well by sea as by land, within and without the limits of this State ; and also to kill, slay, destroy, if necessary, and conquer by all fitting ways, enterprize and means, all and every such person and persons as shall, at any time hereafter, in a hostile manner, attempt or enterprize the destruction, invasion, detriment, or annoyance of this State ; and to use and exercise over the army and navy, and over the militia in actual service, the law-martial in time of war, invasion, and also in rebellion, declared by the Legislature to exist, as occasion shall necessarily require : And surprize by all ways and means whatsoever, all and every such person or persons, with their ships, arms, ammunition, and other goods, as shall in a hostile manner invade, or attempt the in vading, conquering, or annoying this State : And in fine, that the Gov ernor be, and hereby is entrusted with all other powers incident to the office of captain-general and commander in chief, and admiral, to be ex ercised agreeably to the rules and regulations of the Constitution, and the laws of the land. Provided, that the Governor shall not at any time hereafter, by virtue of any power by this Constitution granted, or here after to be granted to him by the Legislature, transport any of the in habitants of this State, or oblige them to march out of the limits of the same, without their free and voluntary consent, or the consent of the General Court, nor grant commissions for exercising the law-martial in any case, without the advice and consent of the Council. The power of pardoning of offences, except such as persons may be convicted of before the Senate by the impeachment of the house, shall be in the Governor, by and with the advice of the Council : But no charter of pardon granted by the Governor, with advice of Council, be fore conviction, shall avail the party pleading the same, notwithstand ing any general or particular expressions contained therein, descriptive of offence or offences intended to be pardoned. All Judicial officeis, the Attorney-General, Solicitor-General, all Sheriffs, Coroners, Registers of Probate, and all officers of the navy, and general and field officers of the militia, shall be nominated and ap pointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Council : and every such nomination shall be made by the Governor at least seven days prior to such appointment. The Captains and Subal terns in the respective regiments shall be nominated and recomrnended by the field officers to the Governor, who is to issue their commissions immediately on receipt of such recommendation. No officer, duly commissioned to command in the militia shall be re moved from his office, but by the address of both houses to the Gov ernor, or by fair trial in court-martial, pursuant to the laws of the State for the time being. ,. The commanding officers of the regiments shall appoint their adju tants and quarter-masters; the brigadiers their brigade-majors; the major generals their aids ; the captains and subalterns their non-com missioned officers. ,1 fc c The Governor, with advice of Council, shall appoint all officers ot the Continental army, whom by the confederation of the UJNlIliL* STATES it is provided that this State shall appoint, as also all ofiicers of forts and garrisons. The division of the militia into brigades, regiments and companies, made in pursuance of the militia laws now in force, shall be consiaerea as the proper division of the militia of this State, until the same shall be altered by some future law. 890 NEW HAMPSHIRE No monies shall be issued out of the treasury of this State, and dis posed of, (except such sums as may be appropriated for the redemption of bills of credit or treasurers notes, or for the payment of interest aris ing thereon) but by warrant under the hand of the Governor for the time being, by and with the advice and consent of the Council, for the necessary support and defence of this State, and for the necessary pro tection and preservation of the inhabitants thereof, agreeably to the acts and resolves of the General Court. All public boards, the commissary-general, all superintending offi cers of public magazines and stores, belonging to this State, and all commanding officers of forts and garrisons within the same, shall once in every three months officially, and without requisition, and at other times, when required by the Governor, deliver to him an account of all goods, stores, provisions, ammunition, cannon with their appendages, and small arms with their accoutrements, and of all other public prop erty under their care respectively ; distinguishing the quantity, and kind of each, as particularly as may be ; together with the condition of such forts and garrisons : And the commanding officer shall exhibit to the Governor, when required by him, true and exact plans of such forts, and of the land, and sea or harbor or harbors adjacent. And as the public good requires, that the Governor should not be under the undue influence of any members of the two houses, by a de pendence on them for his support ; that he should in all cases act with freedom for the benefit of the public ; that he should not have his at tention necessarily diverted from that object to his private concerns ; and thatjjhe should maintain the dignity of the State in the character of its Chief Magistrate ; it is necesssary that he should have an honorable salary amply sufficient for those purposes, granted him at the first meet ing of the Assembly annually. Permanent and honorable salaries shall be established by law for the Justices of the Superior Court. Whenever the chair of the Governor shall be vacant, by reason of his death, absence from the State, or otherwise, the President of the Senate, for the time being, shall during such vacancy, have and exer cise all the powers and authorities which by this Constitution the Gov ernor is vested with when personally present ; and whenever the Presi dent shall fill the chair, he shall have no voice in the Senate. COUNCIL. There shall be a Council for advising the Governor in the Execu tive part of Government, to consist of five persons, whom the Governor for the time being, shall have full power and authority to convene from time to time, at his discretion, and the Governor, with the Counsellors, or three of them at least, shall and may from time to time hold and keep a Council, for ordering and directing the affairs of the State, according to the laws of the land. Five Counsellors shall be annually chosen from among the people at large, on the first Wednesday of June annually, by joint ballot of the Senators and Representatives in one room assembled. The qualifica tions for Counsellors, shall be the same as those required for Senators. The resolutions and advice of the Council shall be recorded in a register, and signed by the members present, and this record may be called for at any time, by either house of the Legislature, and any member of the Council may enter his opinion contrary to the resolu tion of the majority. And whereas the elections appointed to be made by this Constitu tion on the first Wednesday of June annually, by the two houses of the Legislature, may not be completed on that day, the said elections may CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 89 1 be adjourned from day to day until the same shall be completed. And the order of the elections shall be as follows ; the vacancies in the Sen ate, if any, shall be first filled up ; the Governor shall then be elected, provided there should be no choice of him by the people; And after wards the two houses shall proceed to the election of the Council. SECRETARY, TREASURER, COMMISSARY-GENERAL, &c. The Secretary, Treasurer, and Commissary-General, shall be chosen by joint ballot of the Senators and Representatives assembled in one room. The records of the State shall be kept in the office of the Secretary, who may appoint his deputies, for whose conduct he shall be answera ble, and he shall attend the Governor and Council, the Senate and Representatives, in person or by deputy, as they may require. COUNTY-TREASURER, &c. The County-Treasurers, and Registers of deeds, shall be elected by the inhabitants of the several towns, in the several Counties in the State, according to the method now practised, and the present laws of the State : And before they enter upon the business of their offices, shall be respectively sworn faithfully to discharge the duties thereof, and shall severally give bond with sufficient sureties, in a reasonable sum for the use of the County, for the punctual performance of their respective trusts. JUDICIARY POWER. The tenure, that all commission officers shall have by law in their of fices, shall be expressed in their respective commissions. All judicial officers, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, shall hold their offices during good behaviour, excepting those concerning whom there is a different provision made in this Constitution : Provided nevertheless, the Governor, with consent of Council, may remove them upon the address of both houses of the Legislature. Each branch of the Legislature, as well as the Governor and Coun cil, shall have authority to require the opinions of the justices of the Superior Court upon important questions of law, and upon solemn occasions. In order that the people may not suffer from the long continuance in place of any justice of the peace, who shall fail in discharging the important duties of his office with ability and fidelity, all commissions of justices of the peace shall expire and become void, in the term of five years from their respective dates ; and upon the expiration of any commission, the same may if necessary, be renewed, or another per son appointed, as shall most conduce to the well-being of the State. The judges of probate of wills, and for granting letters of adminis tration, shall hold their courts at such place or places, on such fixed days, as the convenience of the people may require. And the Legisla ture shall from time to time, hereafter appoint such times and places, until which appointments the said Courts shall be holden at the times and places which the respective judges shall direct. All causes of marriage, divorce and alimony, and all appeals from the respective judges of probate, shall be heard and tried by the Supe rior Court, until the Legislature shall, by law make other provision. CLERKS OF COURTS. The Clerks of the Superior Court of Judicature, Inferior Courts of Common Pleas, and General Sessions of the Peace, shall be appointed 892 NEW HAMPSHIRE by the respective courts during pleasure. And to prevent any fraud or unfairness in the entries and records of said Courts, no such Clerk shall be of counsel in any cause in the Court of which he is Clerk, nor shall he fill any writ in any civil action whatsoever. DELEGATES to CONGRESS. The Delegates of this State to the Congress of the United States, shall some time between the first Wednesday of June, and the first Wednesday of September annually, be elected by the Senate and House of Representatives in their separate branches ; to serve in Con gress for one year, to commence on the first 'Nl.onAs.y of November Va.e.n next ensuing. They shall have commissions under the hand of the Governor, and the great seal of the State ; but may be recalled at any time within the year, and others chosen and commissioned, in the same manner, in their stead : And they shall have the same qualifications, in all respects, as by this Constitution are required for the Governor. No person shall be capable of being a delegate to Congress, for more than three years in any term of six years ; nor shall any person being a delegate, be capable of holding any office under the United States, for which he, or any other for his benefit, receives any salary, or emolument of any kind. ENCOURAGEMENT of LITERATURE, &c. Knowledge, and Learning, generally diffused through a community, being essential to the preservation of a free government, and spreading the opportunities and advantages of education through the various parts of the country, being highly conducive to promote this end ; it shall be the duty of the Legislators and magistrates, in all future periods of this government, to cherish the interest of literature and the sciences, and all seminaries and public schools, to encourage private and public insti tutions, rewards and immunities for the promotion of agriculture, arts, sciences, commerce, trades, manufactures and natural history of the country ; to countenance and inculcate the principles of humanity and general benevolence, public and private charity, industry and ceconomy, honesty and punctuality, sincerity, sobriety and all social affections, and generous sentiments, among the people. Oath and subscriptions ; exclusion from offices ; commissions ; WRITS ; confirmation of LAWS ; HABEAS CORPUS ; the enacting STILE ; CONTINUANCE OF OFFICERS ; PROVISION for a futurc revision of the CONSTITUIION, &c. Any person chosen Governor, Counsellor, Senator or Representa tives, military and civil officers (Town officers excepted,) accepting the trust, shall before he or they proceed to execute the duties of his or their office, make and subscribe the following declaration, viz. /, A. B. do truly and sincerely acknowledge, profess, tes tify and declare, that the State of New Hampshire is, and of right ought to be, a free, sovereign, and independent State ; a/id do swear that I will bear faith and true alle giance to the same, and that I will endeavour to defend it against all treacherous conspiracies and hostile attempts whatever: And I do further testify and declare, that no man or body of men, hath or can have, a right to absolve me from the obligation of this oath, declaration or affirma tion ; and that I do make this acknowledge-ment, profession., CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 893 testimony, and declaration, honestly and truly, according to the common acceptation of the foregoing words, without any equivocation, mental evasio/i, or secret reservation whatever. So help me GOD. /, A. B. do solemnly and sincerely swear and affirm, that T will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties i/icutnbent on -me as accordi/ig to the best of my abilities, agreeably to the rules and regulations of this Co/istitution, and the laws of the State of New Hampshire. So help me GOD. Provided always. When any person chosen or appointed as aforesaid, shall be of the denomination called Quakers, or shall be scrupulous of swearing, and shall decline taking the said oaths, such shall take and subscribe them, omitting the word " swear" and likewise the words " So help me God," subjoining instead thereof. This I do under the pains and -penalties of perjury. And the oaths or affirmations shall be taken and subscribed by the Governor, before the President of the Senate in the presence of the two Houses of Assembly ; and by the Senate and Representatives first elected under this Constitution, before the President and three of the Council of the former Constitution, and forever afterwards, before the Governor and Council for the time being ; and by the residue of the officers aforesaid, before such persons, and in such manner as from time to time shall be prescribed by the Legislature. All commissions shall be in the name of the State of New-Hamp shire, signed by the Governor, and attested by the Secretary, or his deputy, and shall have the great seal of the State affixed thereto. All writs issuing out of the Clerk's office in any of the Courts of law, shall be in the name of the State of New Hampshire ; shall be un der the seal of the Court whence they issue, and bear test of the chief, first, or senior Justice of the Court ; but when such Justice shall be in terested, then the writ shall bear test of someother Justice of the Court, to which the same shall be returnable, and be signed by the Clerk of such Court. All indictments, presentments and informations shall conclude against the peace and dignity of the State. The estate of such persons as may destroy their own lives, shall not, for that offence be forfeited, but descend or ascend in the same manner, as if such persons had died in a natural way. Nor shall any article, which shall accidentally occasion the death of any person, be hence forth deemed a deodand, or in any wise forfeited on account of such misfortune. All the laws which have heretofore been adopted, used and ap proved, in the Province, Colony, or State of New-Hampshire, and usually practised on in the Courts of law, shall still remain and be in full force, until altered and repealed by the Legislature ; such parts thereof only excepted, as are repugnant to the rights and liberties con tained in this Constitution.— Provided that nothing herein contained, when compared with the twenty third article in the bill of rights, shall be construed to effect the laws already made respecting the persons, or The privilege and benefit of the Habeas Corpus, shall be enjoyed in this State, in the most free, easy, cheap, expeditious, and ample manner, and shall not be suspended by the Legislature, except upon 894 NEW HAMPSHIRE the most urgent and pressing occasions, and for a time not exceeding^ three months. The enacting stile in making and passing acts, statutes and laws, shall be — Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened. No Governor, or Judge of the Superior Court, shall hold any office or place, under the authority of this State, except such as by this Con stitution they are admitted to hold, saving that the Judges of the said Court may hold the offices of Justice throughout the State ; nor shall they bold any place or office, or receive any pension or salary, from any other State, Government or Power whatever. No person shall be capable of exercising at the same time, more than one of the following offices within this State, viz. Judge of Probate, Sheriff, Register of deeds ; and never more than two offices of profit which may be held by appointment of the Governor, or Governor and Council, or Senate and House of Representatives, or Superior or Infe rior Courts ; military offices and offices of Justices of the Peace ex cepted. No person holding the office of Judge of the Superior Court, Secre tary, Treasurer of the State, Judge of Probate, Attorney-General, Commissary-General, Judge of the Maritime Court, or Judge of the Court of Admiralty, military Officers receiving pay from the Continent or this State, excepting officers of the militia occasionally called forth on an emergency. Judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, Reg ister of deeds, President, Professor or Instructor of any College, Sheriff, or officer of the customs, including Naval Officers, shall at the same time have a seat in the Senate or House of Representatives, or Council; but their being chosen or appointed to, and accepting the same, shall operate as a resignation of their seat in the Senate, or House of Representatives or Council, and the place so vacated shall be filled up. No person shall ever be admitted to hold a Seat in the Legislature,. or any office of trust or importance under this Government, who in the due course of law, has been convicted of bribery or corruption in obtaining an election or appointment. In all cases where sums of money are mentioned in this Constitu tion, the value thereof shall be computed in silver at iix shillings and eight pence per ounce. To the end that there may be no failure of justice or danger arise to this State from a change of the form of Government, all civil and military officers, holding commissions under the Government and Peo ple of New Hampshire, and other officers of the said Government and People, at the time this Constitution shall take effect, shall hold, exer cise and enjoy all the powers and authorities to them granted and com mitted, until other persons shall be appointed in their stead. All Courts of law in the business of their respective departments, and the Execu tive and Legislative Bodies and Persons, shall continue in full force, enjoyment and exercise of all their trusts and employments, until the General Court and the Supreme and other Executive officers under this Constitution, are designated and invested with their respective trusts, powers and authority. This form of Government shall be enrolled on parchment, and de posited in the Secretary's office, and be a part of the laws of the land, and printed copies thereof shall be prefixed to the books containing the laws of this State, in all future editions thereof. To preserve an effectual adherence to the principles of the Constitu tion, and to correct any violations thereof, as well as to make such alterations therein, as from experience may be found necessary, the CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 895 General Court shall at the expiration of seven years from the time this Constitution shall take effect, issue precepts, or direct them to be issued from the Secretary's office, to the several Towns and incorporated Places, to elect delegates to meet in Convention for the purpose afore said : The said delegates to be chosen in the same manner and propor- tion'd as the Representatives to the General Assembly. Provided that no alteration shall be made in this Constitution before the same shall be laid before the Towns and unincorporated Places, and approved by two thirds of the qualified voters present, and voting upon the ques tion. GEORGE ATKINSON, President. Attest, JOHN SULLIVAN, Secretary P. T. In CONVENTION, August 21, 1782. RESOLVED, that this Convention be adjourned to the last Tuesday of December next, to meet at Concord ; and that eight hundred copies of ihe Plan of Government, which is agreed upon, to be printed, in cluding such as shall be ordered to each member of the General-Court, and of the Convention, be sent to the selectmen of each to-wn, and as sessors of each plantation, under the direction of the Committee ap pointed for that purpose : And that the selectmen and assessors be re quested as soon as may be, to lay the same before the inhabitants of their respective towns & plantations. And if any part of the inhabitants of said towns and plantations disapprove of any particular part of the same, that they be desired to state their objections distinctly and the rea sons therefor. And the select-men and assessors are desired to transmit the same to the Convention on the last Tuesday of December aforesaid, or to the Secretary of the Convention before then, in order for the re vision and consideration of the Convention at the adjournment ; with the number of voters in said towns and plantations meetings, on each side of the question : That the Convention may be able to collect the general sense of the people of this State on the several parts of the pro posed Constitution : And if there should not appear to be two thirds of the people in favor thereof , that the Convention may alter it in such manner as may be most agreeable to the sentiments of two thirds of the voters throughout the State. GEORGE ATKINSON, President. Attest, JOHN SULLIVAN, Secretary, P. T. NOTE BY THE EDITOR. Agreeably to adjournment, the Convention met in Concord, the last Tuesday in Dec', 1782 ; and found that the second Constitution was rejected. They then adjourned to meet in Concord the first Tuesday in June, 1783 ; when they met and agreed upon a third form fora Con stitution, which, as before, was sent out to the people for their ratification or rejection. The Convention then adjourned to October 31", 1783.(1) (1) See N. H. Reg. 18.52, p. 26. The whole time from the beginning of the first Convention, June S, 1781, to the declaration of the Constitution, Oct. 31, 1783, wa» two years, four months, and twenty-six days,— with seven sessions. Ed. 896 NEW HAMPSHIRE and met accordingly. On examination of the votes returned for and against the said third Constitution, they found it was accepted by the people. In order to facilitate a comparison of the Constitution finally adopt ed with the first and second which were rejected ; and to enable persons who have not other means of information on the subject, to trace the process and- progress in the "task" of forming a Constitution which the people approved and accepted ; the Editor, with advice, has judged it expedient to print the whole Constitution, with the Bill of Rights entire, as the closing matter of this Volume — venturing to submit his opinion, in the form of a Note, on the first and second articles of said Bill, touching the application of the principles therein to the subject of Slavery in New Hampshire. A CONSTITUTION, CONTAINING A BILL OF RIGHTS, AND FORM OF GOVERNMENT, Agreed upon by the Delegates of. the people of the State of New-Hampshire, in Convention, held at Concord, on the first Tuesday of June, 1783 ; submitted to, and approved of, by the people of said State ; and established by their Dele gates in Convention, October 31, 1783. PART I. The Bill of Rights. ARTICLE I. All men are born equally free and independent ; therefore, all government of right originates from the people, is founded in consent, and instituted for the general good. II. All men have certain natural, essential, and inherent rights ; among -which are — the enjoying and defending life and liberty — acquiring, possessing and protecting property — and in a word, of seeking and obtaining happiness.* * The Editor respectfully submits the opinion, that the first and sec ond Articles in this Bill of Rights virtually, and in effect, abolished slavery as it existed in New Hampshire. This is evident from the fol lowing considerations and facts : (i) As preliminary, it should be understood that slavery was never legalized in New Hampshire, i. e. never established by authority of law; but as it existed in other Colonies, it gradually crept in and was tolerated and regulated from time to time, here ; so that Indian and negro servants or slaves were owned and held as property. — Laws of N. H. 1771, pp. 52, 53, loi ; Prov. Pap. Vol. IV. pp. 245, 301, 305, 497, 499- (2) Whether the first and second articles in the Bill of Rights, were originally designed to abolish slavery, and were voted on and adopted by the people generally with that understanding, may be a question ; CONSTITUTION — 1 784. 897 III. When men enter into a state of society, they surrender up some of their natural rights to that society, in order to in- ¦but that this was the effect of their adoption cannot be doubted, for the following reasons, viz. : 1. According to the census of New Hampshire taken in 1767. the number of " slaves" in the Province was 633 ; according to the census of 1775, the number of "negroes & slaves for life" was 657. See Prov. Pap. N. H. Vol. VII. pp. 168-170 and 724-780; Comp. Coll. N. H. Hist. Soe. Vol. I. pp. 231-235. By the U. S. census, 1790, only six years after the adoption of the State Constitution, the number of " slaves" in New Hampshire was returned as 158; but by the census of 1800, only 8; of 1810, o; of 1820, o; in 1830, 3 were returned; in 1840, I ; since which, none has been returned. The proper explana tion of these incompatible returns, the Editor conceives to be : That although by the State Constitution adopted in 17S4, slavery was in fact terminated, and a very large proportion of those held as slaves availed themselves of their liberty, or were discharged ; yet as a portion of them still remained in the families where they had lived, and perhaps did not desire a change ; they were inadvertently reckoned by the census-takers, under the head of " Slaves " ; no discrimination being made in regard to their condition, though in reality free. No other supposition can ex plain the inconsistency of the census returns at different periods : that is, 158 "slaves," in 1790; 8, in iSoo; o, in 1810 and 1820. We cannot suppose that in the first decade, 150 slaves died, or otherwise changed their condition, leaving only 8, in 1800; and that of these, not one was left in 1810 and 1820, and yet there were 3 in 1830, and i in 1840. 2. But a still higher proof that the Bill of Rights abolished slavery, is found in the fact that previous and up to the adoption of the consti tution, slaves had been for many years rated and taxed to their owners as horses, oxen and other kinds of property were taxed. See this point fully confirmed in Prov. Papers N. H., Vol. IV. pp. 301, 305, 497; Vol. VI. p. 175 ; Vol. VII. p. 143 : Vol. VIII. pp. 849 and 966. This prac tice of assessing and taxing slaves, it is conceded, extended even a few years beyond 17S4. But the reason or explanation of this is wholly consistent with the fact which we allege as to its proper termination : the explanation is this : That previous to the adoption of the consti tution, preliminary steps were taken, Feb. 21, 1783, fora new proportion and inventory of all ratable estate, for taxation : A committee was ap pointed to prepare and bring in a bill for that purpose ; which however was not completed, reported and passed till the June session, 1784. That bill like former ones included a tax " on male and female negroes and mulatto servants from 16 to 45 years of age;" this act continued in force until a new proportion was made, Feb. 8, 1789. See Prov. Pap. N. H., Vol. VIII. p. 966; also MS. Acts 1780-1784, pp. 562-572, in Sec retary's office, and printed Journals of the House, 1788-9, in library of the N. H. Hist. Soe. ; during which period, some who remained in families as servants were taxed to their owners — at least it so appears from town rates, as paid in Portsmouth, Dover and other places. 3. But as conclusive and final proof on this subject, it appears that when a new proportion was proposed at the fall session, 1788, on the 30"" December, " The House took under consideration the Act for es tablishing an equitable method of making taxes," &c. and "after con siderable debate. Voted, That polls in the said proportion be estimated at ten shillings {male and female servants expunged) horses and oxen four years old and upwards, at three shillings," &c. This vote was concurred by the Senate, and when the Bill was finally passed, 57 8/^ NEW HAMPSHIRE «ure the protection of others ; and, without such an equivalent, the surrender is void. IV. Among the natural rights, some are in their very nature- unalienable, because no equivalent can be given or received for them. Of this kind are the RIGHTS OF CONSCIENCE. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right ta worship GOD according to the dictates of his own conscience and reason ; and no subject shall be hurt, molested, or re strained in his person, liberty or estate for worshipping GOD, in the manner and season most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience, or for his religious profession, sentiments or persuasion ; provided he doth not disturb the public peace, or disturb others in their religious worship. VI. As morality and piety, rightly grounded on evangelica,! principles, will give the best and greatest security to govern ment, and will lay in the hearts of men the strongest obli gations to due subjection ; and as the knowledge of these, is- most likely to be propagated through a society by the institu tion of the public worship of the DEITY, and of public in struction in morality and religion ; therefore, to promote those important purposes, the people of this state have a right to im power, and do hereby fully impower the legislature to author ize from time to time, the several towns, parishes, bodies-cor porate, or religious societies within this state, to make ade quate provision at their own expence, for the support and maintenance of public Protestant teachers of piety, religion and morality : Provided notwithstanding, Thatthe several towns, parishes^ Feb. 8, 1789, and received the consent and signature of the governor, slaves ceased to be known and held as property in New Hampshire. No after legislation recognized the existence of slavery. The institu tion was dead. In this conclusion, the Editor is happy to have the opinion of the Hon. Charles Doe, late judge in our Superior Court, who says, in a letter, Dec. 6, 1875 : " It seems to me that a statement of the two facts that slaves were included in the Act of 1784, and were by an erasure of the MS. omitted in the Act of 1789 — intentionally omitted — and the third fact, that they were taxed as property to their masters for several years unier the Act of 1784, and probably every year until the Act oT 1789; will throw more light on the intention of New Hampshire to abolish slavery, than anything else there is in print : That expunging' of ' male and female servants ' in the MS. of 1789, seems to me very significant as showing an intention to treat slavery as a dead institution." 4. With the above statements and facts, it is manifest, that Dr. Bel knap was mistaken in the opinion which he seemed to favor, that the Bill of Rights had only the effect to give freedom to those who should be born after the adoption of the constit-uiion. [See Belk. Hist. N. H., Vol. 3, pp. 211, 212. 1812.] For facts in illustration and confirmatipn of the foregoing opinioOr see Bouton's Hist, of Concord, pp. 250-254. CONSTITUTION — 1 784. ggO bodies-corporate, or religious societies, shall at all times have the exclusive right of electing their own public teachers, and of contracting with them for their support and maintenance. And no person of any one particular religious sect or denom ination, shall ever be compelled to pay towards the support of the teacher or teachers of another persuasion, sect or denomi nation. And every denomination of christians demeaning themselves quietly, and as good subjects of the state, shall be equally un der the protection of the law : and no subordination of an-y one sect or denomination to another, shall ever be established by law. And nothing herein shall be understood to affect any former contracts made for the support of the ministry ; but all such contracts shall remain, and be in the same state as if this con stitution had not been made. VII. The people of this state, have the sole and exclusive right of governing themselves as a free, sovereign, and inde pendent state, and do, and forever hereafter shall, exercise and enjoy every power, jurisdiction and right pertaining thereto, which is not, or may not hereafter be by them expressly dele gated to the United States of America in Congress assembled. VIII. All power residing originally in, and being derived from the people, all the magistrates and officers of govern ment, are their substitutes and agents, and at all times account able to them. IX. No office or place whatsoever in government, shall be hereditary — the abilities and integrity requisite in all, not be ing transmissible to posterity or relations. X. Government being instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the whole community, and not for the private interest or emolument of any one man, family or class of men ; therefore, whenever the ends of government are perverted, and public liberty manifestly endangered, and all other means of redress are ineffectual, the people may, and of right ought, to reform the old, -or establish a new government. The doctrine of non-resistance against arbitrary power, and oppression, is absurd, slavish, and destructive of the good and happiness of mankind. XI. All elections ought to be free, and every inhabitant of the state having the proper qualifications, has equal right to- elect, and be elected into office. XII. Every member of the community has a right to be pro tected by it in the enjoyment of his life, liberty and property ; he is therefore bound to contribute his share in the expence of *uch protection, and to yield his personal service when neces-' iiary, or an equivalent. But no part of a man's property shall be taken from him, or applied to public uses, without his own 900 NEW HAMPSHIRE consent, or that of the representative body of the people. Nor are the inhabitants of this state controllable by any other laws than those to which they or their representative body have given their consent. XIII. No person who is conscientiously scrupulous about the lawfulness of bearing arms, shall be compelled thereto, pro vided he will pay an equivalent. XIV. Every subject of this state is entitled to a certain rem edy, by having recourse to the laws, for all injuries he may re ceive in his person, property or character, to obtain right and justice freely, without being obliged to purchase it ; completely, and without any denial ; promptly, and without delay, con formably to the laws. XV. No subject shall be held to answer for any crime, or offence, until the same is fully and plainly, substantially and formally, described to him ; or be compelled to accuse or fur nish evidence against himself. And every subject shall have a right to produce all proofs that may be favorable to himself; to meet the witnesses against him face to face, and to be fully heard in his defence by himself, and counsel. And no subject shall be arrested, imprisoned, despoiled, or deprived of his property, immunities, or privileges, put out of the protection of the law, exiled or deprived of his life, liberty, or estate, but by the judgment of his peers or the law of the land. XVI. No subject shall be liable to be tried, after an acquit tal, for the same crime or offence. — Nor shall the legislature make any law that shall subject any person to a capital punish ment, excepting for the government of the army and navy, and the militia in actual service, without trial by jury. XVII. In criminal prosecutions, the trial of facts in the vi cinity where they happen, is so essential to the security of the life, liberty and estate of the citizen, that no crime or offence ought to be tried in any other county than that in which it is committed ; except in cases of general insurrection in any par ticular county, when it shall appear to the Judges of the Su perior Court, that an impartial trial cannot be had in the county where the offence may be committed, and upon their report the assembly shall think proper to direct the trial in the nearest county in which an impartial trial can be obtained. XVIII. All penalties ought to be proportioned to the nature of the offence. No wise legislature will affix the same punish ment to the crimes of theft, forgery and the like, which they do to those of murder and treason ; where the same undis- tinguishing severity is exerted against all offences, the people are led to forget the real distinction in the crimes themselves, and to committhe most flagrant with as little compunction as they do those of the lightest dye : For the same reason a multitude CONSTITUTION — 1 784. 9OI of sanguinary laws is both impolitic and unjust. The true de sign of all punishments being to reform, not to exterminate, mankind. XIX. Every subject hath a right to be secure from all unrea sonable searches and seizures of his person, his houses, his papers, and all his possessions. All warrants, therefore, are contrary to this right, if the cause or foundation of them be not previously supported by oath, or affirmation ; and if the order in the warrant to a civil officer, to make search in sus pected places, or to arrest one or more suspected persons, or to seize their property, be not accompanied with a special des ignation of the persons or objects of search, arrest, or seizure ; and no warrant ought to be issued but in cases, and with the formalities prescribed by the laws. XX. In all controversies concerning property, and in all suits between two or more persons, except in cases in which it has been heretofore otherwise used and practised, the parties have a right to a trial by jury ; and this method of procedure shall be held sacred, unless in causes arising on the high seas, and such as relate to mariners wages, the legislature shall think it necessary hereafter to alter it. XXI. In order to reap the fullest advantage of the inestima ble privilege of the trial by jury, great care ought to be taken that none but qualified persons should be appointed to serve ; and such ought to be fully compensated for their travel, time and attendance. XXII. The Liberty of the Press is essential to the security of freedom in a state ; it ought, therefore, to be inviolably pre served. XXIII. Retrospective laws are highly injurious, oppressive and unjust. No such laws, therefore, should be made, either for the decision of civil causes, or the punishment of offences. XXIV. A well regulated militia is the proper, natural, and sure defence of a state. XXV. Standing armies are dangerous to liberty, and ought not to be raised or kept up without the consent of the legisla ture. XXVI. In all cases, and at all times, the military ought to he under strict subordination to, and governed by the civil power. XXVII. No soldier in time of peace, shall be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner ; and in time of war, such quarters ought not to be made but by the civil mag istrate, in a manner ordained by the legislature. XXVIII. No subsidy, charge, tax, impost or duty shall be established, fixed, laid or levied, under any pretext whatsoever, without the consent of the people or their representatives in the legislature, or authority derived from that body. 902 NEW HAMPSHIRE XXIX. The power of suspending the laws, or the execution of them, ought never to be exercised but by the legislature, or by authority derived therefrom, to be exercised in such partic ular cases only as the legislature shall expressly provide for. XXX. The freedom of deliberation, speech, and debate, in either house of the legislature, is so essential to the rights of the people, that it cannot be the foundation of any action, com plaint, or prosecution, in any other court or place whatsoever. XXXI. The legislature ought frequently to assemble for the redress of grievances, for correcting, strengthening, and con firming the laws, and for making new ones, as the common good may require. XXXII. The people have a right in an orderly and peace able manner, to assemble and consult upon the common good, give instructions to their representatives ; and to request of the legislative body, by way of petition or remonstrance, redress of the wrongs done them, and of the grievances they suffer. XXXIII. No magistrate or court of law shall demand ex cessive bail or sureties, impose excessive fines, or inflict cruel or unusual punishments. XXXIV. No person can in any case be subjected to law mar tial, or to any pains, or penalties, by virtue of that law, except those employed in the army or navy, and except the militia in actual service, but by authority of the legislature. XXXV. It is essential to the preservation of the rights of every individual, his life, liberty, property and character, that there be an impartial interpretation of the laws, and adminis tration of justice. It is the right of every citizen to be tried by judges as impartial as the lot of humanity will admit. It is therefore not only the best policy, but for the security of the rights of the people, that the judges of the supreme (or supe rior) judicial court should hold their offices so long as they be have well ; and that they should have honorable salaries, as certained and established by standing laws. XXXVI. Economy being a most essential virtue in all states, especially in a young one ; no pension shall be granted, but in consideration of actual services, and such pensions ought to be granted with great caution, by the legislature, and never for more than one year at a time. XXXVII. In the government of this state, the three essen tial powers thereof, to wit, the legislative, executive and judi cial, ought to be kept as separate from and independentof each other, as the nature of a free government will admit, or as is consistent with that chain of conne;ction that binds the whole fabric of the constitution in one indissoluble bond of union and amity. XXXVIII. A frequent recurrence to the fundamental prin- CONSTITUTION 1784. 9OJ ciples of the Constitution, and a constant adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, industry, frugality, and all the social virtues, are indispensably necessary to preserve the blessings- of liberty and good government ; the people ought, therefore, to have a peculiar regard to all those principles in the choice of their officers and representatives : and they have a right to require of their law-givers and magistrates, an exact and con stant observance of them in the formation and execution of the laws necessary for the good administration of government. PART II. THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT. The people inhabiting the territory formerly called the Prov ince of New-Hampshire, do hereby solemnly and mutually agree with each other, to form themselves into a free, sover eign, and independent Body-politic, or State, by the name of the STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. THE GENERAL COURT. The supreme legislative power within this state shall be Vested in the senate and house of representatives, each of which shall have a negative on the other. The senate and house shall assemble every year on the first Wednesday of June, and at such other times as they may judge necessary ; and shall dissolve, and be dissolved, seven days next preceding the said first Wednesday Of June ; and shall be stiled THE GENERAL COURT OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. The general court shall forever have full power and author ity to erect and constitute judicatories and courts of record, or other courts, to be holden in the name of the state, for the hearing, trying, and determining all manner of crimes, offences, pleas, processes, plaints, actions, causes, matters and things whatsoever, arising or happening within this state, or between or concerning persons inhabiting or residing, or brought within the same, whether the same be criminal or civil, or whether the crimes be capital or not capital, and whether the said pleas be real, personal, or mixed ; and for the awarding and issuing execution thereon. To which courts and judicatories are hereby given and granted full power and authority, from time to time to administer oaths or affirmations, for the better discovery of truth in any matter in controversy, or depending before them. And farther, full power and authority are hereby given and granted to the said general court, from time to time, to make, ordain and establish, all manner of wholesome and reasonable 904 NEW HAMPSHIRE orders, laws, statutes, ordinances, directions and instructions,, either with penalties or without ; so as the same be not repug nant, or contrary to this constitution, as they may judge for the benefit and welfare of this state, and for the governing and or dering thereof, and of the subjects of the same, for the neces sary support and defence of the government thereof; and to name and settle annually, or provide by fixed la'ws, for the naming and settling all civil officers within this state ; such officers excepted, the election and appointment of whom are- hereafter in this form of government otherwise provided for ; and to set forth the several duties, powers and limits of the several civil and military officers of this state, and the forms of such oaths or affirmations, as shall be respectively administered unto them for the execution of their several offices and places, so as the same be not repugnant or contrary to this consti tution ; and also to impose fines, mulcts, imprisonments, and other punishments ; apd to impose and levy proportional and reasonable assessments, rates and taxes, upon all the inhabit ants of, and residents within the said state ; and upon all es tates within the same ; to be issued and disposed of by war rant under the hand of the president of this state for the time being, with the advice and consent of the council, for the pub lic service, in the necessary defence and support of the govern ment of this state, and the protection and preservation of the subjects thereof, according to such acts as are, or shall be in force within the same. And while the public charges of government or any part thereof, shall be assessed on polls and estates in the manner that has heretofore been practised ; in order that such assess ments may be made with equality, there shall be a valuation of the estates within the state taken anew once in every five years at least, and as much oftener as the general court shall order. SENATE. There shall be annually elected by the freeholders and other inhabitants of this state, qualified as in this constitution is pro vided, twelve persons to be senators for the year ensuing their election ; to be chosen in and by the inhabitants of the districts, into which this state may from time to time be divided by the general court, for that purpose : and the general court in as signing the number to be elected by the respective districts, shall govern themselves by the proportion of public taxes paid by the said districts ; and timely make known to the inhabit ants of the state, the limits of each district, and the number of senators to be elected therein ; provided the number of such. districts shall never be more than ten, nor less than five. And the several counties in this state, shall, until the gen CONSTITUTION — 1 784. 905 eral court shall order otherwise, be districts for the election of senators, and shall elect the following number, viz. Rockingham, five. Strafford, two. Hillsborough, two. Cheshire, two. Grafton, one. The senate shall be the first branch of the legislature : and the senators shall be chosen in the following manner, viz. Every male inhabitant of each town and parish with town priv ileges in the several counties in this state, of twenty-one years of age and upwards, paying for himself a poll tax, shall have a right at the annual or other meetings of the inhabitants of said towns and parishes, to be duly warned and holden annu ally forever in the month of March ; to vote in the town or parish wherein he dwells, for the senators in the county or dis trict whereof he is a member. And every person qualified as the constitution provides, shall be considered an inhabitant for the purpose of electing and being elected into any office or place within this state, in that town, parish and plantation where he dwelleth and hath his home. The selectmen of the several towns and parishes aforesaid, shall, during the choice of senators, preside at such meetings impartially, and shall receive the votes of all the inhabitants of such towns and parishes present and qualified to vote for sen ators, and shall sort and count the same in the meeting, and in presence of the town clerk, who shall make a fair record in presence of the selectmen, and in open meeting, of the name of every person voted for, and the number of votes against his name ; and a fair copy of this record shall be attested by the selectmen and town-clerk, and shall be sealed up and directed to the secretary of the state, with a superscription expressing the purport thereof, and delivered by said clerk to the sheriff of the county in which such town or parish lies, thirty days at least, before the first Wednesday of June ; and the sheriff of each county, or his deputy, shall deliver all such certificates by him received, into the secretary's office, seventeen days at least, before the first Wednesday of June. And the inhabitants of plantations and places unincorporated, qualified as this constitution provides, who are or shall be re quired to assess taxes upon themselves towards the support of government, or shall be taxed therefor, shall have the same privilege of voting for senators in the plantations and places wherein they reside, as the inhabitants of the respective towns and parishes aforesaid have. And the meetings of such plan tations and places for that purpose, shall be holden annually in the month of March, at such places respectively therein, as the assessors thereof shall direct ; which assessors shall ha-ve like authority for notifying the electors, collecting and returning the 906 NEW HAMPSHIRE votes, as the selectmen and town-clerks have in their several towns by this constitution. And, that there may be a due meeting of senators, on the first Wednesday of June, annually, the president and three of the council for the time being, shall as soon as may, examine the returned copies of such records ; and fourteen days before the said first Wednesday of June, he shall issue his summons to such persons as appear to be chosen senators by a majority of votes, to attend and take their seats on that day : Provided, nevertheless, that for the first year the said returned copies shall be examined by the president and five of the council of the former constitution of government ; and the said president shall in like manner notify the persons elected, to attend and take their seats accordingly. The senate shall be final judges of the elections, returns, and qualifications of their own members, as pointed out in this constitution, and shall on the said first Wednesday of June an nually, determine and declare, who are elected by each district to be senators by a majority of votes : and in case there shall not appear to be the full number returned elected by a major ity of votes for any district, the deficiency shall be supplied in the following manner, viz. The members of the house of rep resentatives and such senators as shall be declared elected, shall take the names of such persons as shall be found to have the highest number of votes in each district, and not elected, amounting to twice the number of senators wanting, if there be so many voted for ; and out of these shall elect by joint bal lot the number of senators wanted for such district : and in this manner all such vacancies shall be filled up in every district of the state, and in like manner all vacancies in the senate, aris ing by death,- removal out of the state, or otherwise, shall be supplied as soon as may be after such vacancies happen. Provided nevertheless. That no person shall be capable of being elected a senator, who is not of the protestant religion, and seized of a freehold estate in his own right of the value of two hundred pounds, lying within this state, who is notof the age of thirty years, and who shall not have been an inhabitant of this state for seven years immediately preceding his elec tion ; and at the time thereof he shall be an inhabitant of the district for which he shall be chosen. The senate shall have power to adjourn themselves, pro vided such adjournment do not exceed two days at a time. The senate shall appoint their own officers, and determine their own rules of proceedings. And not less than seven mem bers of the senate shall make a quorum for doing business ; and when less than eight senators shall be present, the assent of five at least shall be necessary to render their acts and pro ceedings valid. constitution — 1784. 907 The senate shall be a court with full power and authority to hear and determine all impeachments made by the house of representatives, against any officer or officers of the state, for misconduct or mal-administration in their offices. But previ ous to the trial of any such impeachment, the members of the senate shall respectively be sworn, truly and impartially to try and determine the charge in question according to evidence. Their judgment, however, shall not extend further than re moval from office, disqualification to hold or enjoy any place of honor, trust or profit under this state ; but the party so con victed, shall nevertheless be liable to indictment, trial, judg ment, and punishment, according to laws of the land. house of representatives. There shall be in the legislature of this state a representa tion of the people annually elected and founded upon princi ples of equality : and in order that such representation may be as equal as circumstances will admit, every town, parish, or place intitled to town privileges, having one hundred and fifty rateable male polls, of twenty-one years of age, and upwards, may elect one representative ; if four hundred and fifty rate able polls, may elect two representatives ; and so proceeding in that proportion, making three hundred such rateable polls the mean increasing number, for every additional representa tive. Such towns, parishes or places as have less than one hun dred and fifty rateable polls shall be classed by the general- assembly for the purpose of chusing a representative, and sea sonably notified thereof And in every class formed for the above-mentioned purpose, the first annual meeting shall be held in the town, parish, or place wherein most of the rateable polls reside ; and afterwards in that which has the next highest num ber, and so on annually by rotation, through the several towns, parishes or places, forming the district. Whenever any town, parish, or place intitled to town priv ileges as aforesaid, shall not have one hundred and fifty rate able polls, and be so situated as to render the classing thereof with any other town, parish, or place very inconvenient, the general-assembly may upon application of a majority of the voters in such town, parish, or place, issue a writ for their elect ing and sending a representative to the general-court. The members of the house of representatives shall be chosen annually in the month of March, and shall be the second branch of the legislature. All persons qualified to vote in the election of senators shall be intitled to vote within the town, district, parish, or place where they dwell, in the choice of representatives. Every 908 NEW HAMPSHIRE member of the house of representatives shall be chosen by bal lot ; and for two years at least next preceding his election, shall have been an inhabitant of this state, shall have an estate within the town, parish, or place which he may be chosen to represent, of the value of one hundred pounds, one half of which to be a freehold, whereof he is seized in his own right ; shall be at the time of his election, an inhabitant of the town, parish, or place he may be chosen to represent ; shall be of the protestant religion, and shall cease to represent such town, parish, or place immediately on his ceasing to be qualified as aforesaid. The travel of each representative to the general-assembly, and returning home, once in every session, and no more, shall be at the expenceof the state, and the wages for his attendance, at the expence of the town, parish, or places he represents ; such members attending seasonably, and not departing without licence. All intermediate vacancies in the house of represent atives, may be filled up from time to time, in the same man ner as annual elections are made. The house of representatives shall be the grand inquest of the state, and all impeachments made by them, shall be heard and tried by the senate. All money bills shall originate in the house of representa tives, but the senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other bills. The house of representatives shall have power to adjourn themselves, but no longer then two days at a time. A majority of the members of the house of representatives shall be a quorum for doing business : but when less than two thirds of the representatives elected shall be present, the assent of two thirds of those members shall be necessary to render their acts and proceedings valid. No member of the house of representatives or senate, shall be arrested or held to bail on mean process, during his going to, returning from, or attendance upon the court. The house of representatives shall choose their own speaker, appoint their own officers, and settle the rules of proceedings in their own house. They shall have authority to punish by imprisonment, every person who shall be guilty of disrespect to the house in its presence, by any disorderly and contempt uous behaviour, or by threatening, or ill treating any of its members ; or by obstructing its deliberations ; every person guilty of a breach of its privileges in making arrests for debt, or by assaulting any member during his attendance at any ses sion ; in assaulting or disturbing any one of its officers in the execution of any order or procedure of the house, in assault ing any witness, or other person, ordered to attend by and dur- constitution — 1 784. 909 ing his attendance of the house, or in rescuing any person ar rested by order of the house, knowing them to be such. The senate, president and council, shall have the same powers in like cases ; provided that no imprisonment by either, for any offence, exceed ten days. The journals of the proceedings of both houses of the gen eral-court, shall be printed and published, immediately after every adjournment, or prorogation ; and upon motion made by any one member, the yeas and nays upon any question, shall be taken and entered in the journals. EXECUTIVE POWER. PRESIDENT. There shall be a supreme executive magistrate, who shall te stiled. The PRESIDENT of the STATE of NEW- HAMPSHIRE ; and whose title shall be HIS EXCEL LENCY. The PRESIDENT shall be chosen annually ; and no per son shall be eligible to this office, unless at the time of his elec tion, he shall have been an inhabitant of this state for seven years next preceding, and unless he shall be of the age of thirty years ; and unless he shall, at the same time, have an estate of the value of five hundred pounds, one half of which shall consist of a freehold, in his own right, within the state ; and unless he shall be of the protestant religion. Those persons qualified to vote for senators and representa tives, shall within the several towns, parishes or places, where they dwell, at a meeting to be called for that purpose, some day in the month of March annually, give in their votes for a president to the selectmen, who shall preside at such meeting, and the clerk in the presence and with the assistance of the selectmen, shall in open meeting sort and count the votes, and form a list of the persons voted for, with the number of votes for each person against his name, and shall make a fair record of the same in the town books, and a public declaration thereof in the said meeting ; and shall in the presence of said inhabit ants, seal up a copy of said list attested by him and the select men, and transmit the same to the sheriff of the county, thirty days at least before the first Wednesday of June, or shall cause returns of the same to be made to the office of the secretary of the state, seventeen days at least, before said day, who shall lay the same before the senate and house of representatives on the first Wednesday of June, to be by them examined : and in case of an election by a majority of votes through the state, the choice shall be by them declared, and published ; but if no person shall have a majority of votes, the house of representa- 9TO NEW HAMPSHIRE tives shall by ballot elect two out of the four persons who had the highest number of votes, if so many shall have been voted for ; but if otherwise, out of the number voted for ; and make return to the senate of the two persons so elected, on which the senate shall proceed by ballot to elect one of tliem who shall be declared president. The president of the state shall preside in the senate, shall have a vote equal with any other member ; and shall also have a casting vote in case of a tie. The president with advice of council, shall have full power and authority in the recess of the general court, to prorogue the same from time to time, not exceeding ninety days in any one recess of said court ; and during the session of said court, to adjourn or prorogue it to any time the two houses may de sire, and to call it together sooner than the time to which it may be adjourned or prorogued, if the welfare of the state should require the same. In cases of disagreement between the two houses, with re gard to the time of adjournment, or prorogation, the president, with advice of council, shall have a right to adjourn or pro rogue the general court, not exceeding ninety days, at any one time, as he may determine the public good may require. And he shall dissolve the same seven days before the said first Wed nesday of June. And in case of any infectious distemper pre vailing in the place where the said court at any time is to con vene, or any other cause whereby dangers may arise to the healths or lives of the members from their attendance, the presi dent may direct the session to be holden at some other the most convenient place within the state. The president of this state for the time being, shall be com mander in chief of the army and navy, and all the military forces of the state, by sea and land ; and shall have full power by himself, or by any chief commander, or other officer, or of ficers, from time to time, to train, instruct, exercise and gov ern the militia and navy ; and for the special defence and safety of this state to assemble in martial array, and put in warlike posture, the inhabitants thereof, and to lead and conduct them, and with them to encounter, expulse, repel, resist and pursue by force of arms, as well by sea as by land, within and without the limits of this state ; and also to kill, slay, destroy, if necessary, and conquer by all fitting ways, enterprize and means, all arid. every such person and persons as shall, at any time hereafter, in a hostile manner, attempt or enterprize the destruction, in vasion, detriment, or annoyance of this state ; and to use and exercise over the army and navy, and over the militia in actual service, the law-martial in time of war, invasion, and also iiL rebellion, declared by the legislature to exist, as occasion shall constitution — 1784. 911 necessarily require: and surprize by all ways and means whatsoever, all and every such person or persons, with their ships, arms, ammunition, and other goods, as shall in a hostile manner invade, or attempt the invading, conquering, or annoy ing this state : and in fine, the president hereby is entrusted with all other powers incident to the office of captain-general and commander in chief, and admiral, to be exercised agree ably to the rules and regulations of the constitution and the laws of the land : provided that the president shall not at any time hereafter, by virtue of any power by this constitution granted, or hereafter to be granted to him" by the legislature, transport any of the inhabitants of this state, or oblige them to march out of the limits of the same, -without their free and vol untary consent, or the consent of the general court, nor grant commissions for exercising the law-martial in any case, with out the advice and consent of the council. The power of pardoning offences, except such as persons may be convicted of before the senate by impeachment of the house, shall be in the president by and with the advice of the council :^ but no charter of pardon granted by the president with advice of council, Isefore conviction, shall avail the party pleading the same, notwithstanding any general or par ticular expressions contained therein, descriptive of the offence or offences intended to be pardoned. All judicial officers, the attorney-general, solicitor-general, all sheriffs, coroners, registers of probate, and all officers of the navy, and general and field-officers of the militia, shall be nom inated and appointed by the president and council ; and every such nomination shall be made at least seven days prior to such appointment, and no appointment shall take place unless three of the council agree thereto. The captains and subalterns in the respective regiments shall be nominated and recommended by the field-officers to the president, who is to issue their com missions immediately on receipt of such recommendation. No officer duly commissioned to command in the militia, 5hall be removed from his office, but by the address of both houses to the president, or by fair trial in court-martial, pur suant to the laws of the state for the time being. The commanding officers of the regiments shall appoint their adjutants and quarter-masters ; the brigadiers their brig ade-majors, the major-generals their aids ; the captains and subalterns their non-commissioned officers. The president and council, shall appoint all officers of the continental army, whom by the confederation of the United States it is provided that this state shall appoint, as also all of ficers of forts and garrisons. The division of the militia into brigades, regiments and 912 NEWHAMPSHIRE companies, made in pursuance of the militia laws now in force, shall be considered as the proper division of the militia of this «tate, until the same shall be altered by some future law. No monies shall be issued out of the treasury of this state, and disposed of (except such sums as may be appropriated for the redemption of bills of credit or treasurer's notes, or for the payment of interest arising thereon) but by warrant under the hand of the president for the time being, by and with the ad vice and consent of the council, for the necessary support and defence of this state, and for the necessary protection and preservation of the inhabitants thereof, agreeably to the acts and resolves of the general court. All public boards, the commissary-general, all superintend ing officers of public magazines and stores, belonging to this state, and all commanding officers of forts and garrisons within the same, shall once in every three months, officially, and with out requisition, and at "other times, when required by the presi dent, deliver to him an account of all goods, stores, provi sions, ammunition, cannon, with their appendages, and small arms, with their accoutrements, and of all other public prop erty under their care respectively ; distinguishing the quantity, and kind of each, as particularly as may be ; together with the condition of such forts and garrisons : and the command ing officer shall exhibit to the president, when required by him, true and exact plans of such forts, and of the land and sea, or harbour or harbours adjacent. The President and council shall be compensated for their services from time to time by such grants as the general court shall think reasonable. Permanent and honorable salaries shall be established by law for the justices of the superior court. Whenever the chair of the president shall be vacant, by reason of his death, absence from the state, or otherwise, the senior senator for the time being, shall, during such vacancy, have and exercise all the powers and authorities which by this constitution the president is vested with when personally pres ent. council. Annually, on the first meeting of the general court, two members of the senate and three from the house of representa tives, shall be chosen by joint ballot of both houses as a coun cil, for advising the president in the executive part of govern ment, whom the president for the time being, shall have full power and authority to convene from time to time, at his dis cretion, and the president with the counsellors, or three of them at least, shall and may from time to time hold and keep constitution — 1784. 913 a council, for ordering and directing the affairs of the state ac cording to the laws of the land. The qualifications for counsellors, shall be the same as those required for senators. The members of the council shall not intermeddle with the making or trying impeachments, but shall themselves be impeachable by the house, and triable by the senate for mal-conduct. The resolutions and advice of the council shall be recorded in a register, and signed by the members present, and this record ma}' be called for at any time, by either house of the legislature, and any member of the council mav enter his opin ion contrary to the resolution of the majority. And whereas the elections appointed to be made by this con stitution on the first Wednesday of June annually, by the two houses of the legislature may not be completed on that day, the said elections may be adjourned from day to day until the same shall be completed. And the order of the elections shall be as follows : the vacancies in the senate, if any, shall be first filled up ; the president shall then be elected, provided there should be no choice of him by the people : and afterwards the two houses, shall proceed to the election of the council. secretary, treasurer, commissary-general, 4C. The Secretary, treasurer, and commissary-general, shall be chosen by joint ballot of the senators and representatives as sembled in one room. The records of the state shall be kept in the office of the secretary, who may appoint his deputies, for whose conduct he shall be answerable, and he shall attend the president and council, the senate and representatives, in person or by deputy, as they may require. county-treasurer, *c. The County-treasurers, and registers of deeds shall be elected by the inhabitants of the several towns, in the several counties in the state, according to the method now practised, and the present laws of the state : and before they enter upon the business of their offices, shall be respectively sworn faith fully to discharge the duties thereof, and shall severally give bond with sufficient sureties, in a reasonable sum for the use of the county, for the punctual performance of their respective trusts. judiciary power. The tenure, that all commission officers shall have by law in their offices, shall be expressed in their respective com missions. All judicial officers, duly appointed, commissioned 58 914 NEW HAMPSHIRE and sworn, shall hold their offices during good behaviour, ex cepting those concerning whom there is a different provision made in this constitution : Provided nevertheless, the presi dent, with consent of council, may remove them upon the address of both houses of the legislature. Each branch of the legislature, as well as the president and council, shall have authority to require the opinions of the justices of the superior court upon important questions of law, and upon solemn occasions. In order that the people may not sufler from the long con tinuance in place of any justice of the peace, who shall fail in discharging the important duties of his office with ability and fidelity, all commissions of justices of the peace shall become void, at the expiration of five years from their respective dates ; and upon the expiration of any commission, the same may, if necessary, be renewed, or another person appointed, as shall most conduce to the well-being of the state. The judges of probate of wills, and for granting letters of administration, shall hold their courts at such olace or places, on such fixed days, as the convenience of the people may re quire. And the legislature shall, from time to time, hereaf ter appoint such times and places, until which appointments, the said courts shall be holden at the times and places which the respective judges shall direct. All causes of marriage, divorce and alimony, and all ap peals from the respective judges of probate, shall be heard and tried by the superior court, until the legislature shall, by law make other provision^ clerks OB' courts. The clerks of the superior court of judicature, inferior court of common pleas, and general sessions of the peace, shall be appointed by the respective courts during pleasure. And to prevent any fraud or unfairness in the entries and rec ords of said courts, no such clerk shall be of counsel in any cause in the court of which he is clerk, nor shall he fill any writ in any civil action whatsoever. delegates to congress. The delegates of this state to the Congress of the United States, shall some time between the first Wednesday of June, and the first Wednesday of September annually, be elected by the senate and house of representatives in their seperate branches ; to serve in Congress for one year, to commence on the first Monday in November then next ensuing. They shall haye commissions under the hand of the president, and the great seal of the state ; but may be recalled at any time within constitution — 1784. 915 the year, and others chosen and commissioned, in the same manner, in their stead ; and they shall have the same qualifi cations, in all respects, as by this constitution are required for the president. No person shall be capable of being a delegate to Congress, for more than three years in any term of six years ; nor shall any person being a delegate, be capable of holding any office under the United States, for which he, or any other for his benefit, receives any salary, or emolument of any kind. encouragement of literature, &c. Knowledge, and learning, generally diffused through a community, being essential to the preservation of a free gov ernment ; and spreading the opportunities and advantages of education through the various parts of the country, being highly conducive to promote this end ; it shall be the duty of the legislators and the magistrates, in all future periods of this government to cherish the interest of literature and the sci ences, and all seminaries and public schools, to encourage private and public institutions, rewards and immunities for the promotion of agriculture, arts, sciences, commerce, trades, manufactures and natural history of the country ; to countenance and inculcate the principles of humanity and general benevolence, public and private charity, industry and economy, honesty and punctuality, sincerity, sobriety, and all social affections, and generous sentiments, among the people. oath and subscriptions ; exclusion from offices ; com missions ; writs ; confirmation of laws ; habeas cor pus ; THE enacting st:le ; continuance of officers ; provision for a future revision of the constitution, &c. Any person chosen president, counsellor, senator, or repre sentative, military or civil officer, (town officers excepted,) accepting the trust, shall, before he proceeds to execute the duties of his office, make and subscribe the following declara tion, viz. /, A. B. do truly and sincerely acknowledge, profess, tes tify and declare, that the state of New-Hampshire is, and cf right ought to be, a free, sovereign and independent state; and do swear that I will bear faith, and true alle giance to the same, and that T will endeavor to defend it against all treacherous conspiracies and hostile attempts whatever : and I do further testify and declare, that no man or body of m.en, hath or can have, a right to absolve /nefrom the obligation of this oath, declaration or affirmation ; and tfiat I do make this acknowledgement, prof ession, testimony, gi6 NEW HAMPSHIRE and declaration, kotiestly and truly, according to the com mon acceptation of the foregoing words, withotit any equiv ocation, mental evasion, or secret reservation whatever. So help me GOD. /, A. B. do solemnly and sincerely swear a/id affir/zt, that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perfor/n all the duties incumbent on me as according to the best. of /ny abilities, agreeably to the rules and regulations of this constitution, and the laws of the state of New- Hampshire. .So help me GOD. Provided always. When any person chosen or appointed as aforesaid, shall be of the denomination called quakers, or shall be scrupulous of swearing, and shall decline taking the said oaths, such shall take and subscribe them omitting the word '¦'¦swear" and likewise the words '¦'¦So help t/ie God" sub joined instead thereof. This 1 do under the pains and penal ties of perjury. And the oaths or aflirmations shall be taken and subscribed by the president before the senior senator present, in the pres ence of the two houses of assembly ; and by the senate and representatives first elected under this constitution, before the president and council for the time being; and by the residue of the officers aforesaid, before such persons, and in such manner as from time to time shall be prescribed by the legislature. All commissions shall be in the name of the state of New- Hampshire, signed by the president, and attested by the secre tary, or his deputy, and shall have the great seal of the state affixed thereto. All writs issuing out of the clerk's office in any of the courts of law, shall be in the name of the state of New-Hampshire ; shall be under the seal of the court whence they issue, and bear test of the chief, first, or senior justice of the court ; but when such justice shall be interested, then the writ shall bear test of some other justice of the court, to which the same shall be returnable ; and be signed by the clerk of such court. All indictments, presentments and informations shall con clude against the peace and dignity of the state. The estates of such persons as may destroy their own lives, shall not for that offence be forfeited, but descend or ascend in the same manner, as if such persons had died in the natural way. Nor shall any article which shall accidentally occasion the death of any person, be henceforth deemed a deodand, or in any wise forfeited on account of such misfortune. All the laws which have heretofore been adopted, used and approved, in the province, colon}', or state of New-Hampshire, and usually practised on in the courts of law, shall remain and constitution — 1784. 917 be in full force, until altered and repealed by the legislature ; such parts thereof only excepted, as are repugnant to the rights and liberties contained in this constitution : Provided that noth ing herein contained, when compared with the twenty-third article in the bill of rights, shall be construed to affect the laws already made respecting the persons or estates of absentees. The privilege and benefit of the habeas corpus, shall be en joyed in this state, in the most free, easy, cheap, expeditious, and ample manner, and shall not be suspended by the legisla ture, except upon the most urgent and pressing occasions, and for a time not exceeding three months. The enacting stile in making and passing acts, statutes and laws, shall be — Be it enacted by the Senate and house of rep resentatives, i/i General Court convened. No president or judge of the superior court, shall hold any office or place under the authority of this state, except such as by this constitution they are admitted to hold, saving that the judges of the said court may hold the offices of justices of the peace throughout the state ; nor shall they hold any place or office, or receive any pension or salary, from any other state, government, or power whatever. No person shall be capable of exercising at the same time, more than one of the following offices within this state, viz. Judge of probate, sheriff, register of deeds ; and never more than two offices of profit, which may be held by appointment of the president, or president and council, or senate and house of rep resentatives, or superior or inferior courts ; military offices, and offices of justices of the peace, excepted. No person holding the oflice of judge of the superior court, secretary, treasurer of the state, judge of probate, attorney- general, commissary-general, judge of the maritime court, or judge of the court of admiralty, military officers receiving pay from the continent or this state, excepting officers of the mili tia occasionally called forth on an emergenoy ; judge of the in ferior court of common pleas, register of deeds, president, professor or instructor of any college, sheriff, or office of the customs, including naval-officers, shall at the same time have a seal in the senate or house of representatives, or council ; but their being chosen or appointed to, and accepting the same, shall operate as a resignation of their seat in the senate, or house of representatives, or council ; and the place so vacated shall be filled up. No person shall ever be admitted to hold a seat in the legis lature, or any office of trust or importance under this govern ment, who in the due course of law, has been convicted Of bribery or corruption, in obtaining an election or appointment^ In all cases where sums of money are mentioned in this con_ 9l8 NEW HAMPSHIRE stitution, the value thereof shall be computed in silver, at six shillings and eight pence per ounce. To the end that there may be no failure of justice or danger arise to this state from a change of the form of government, all civil and military officers, holding commissions under the gov ernment and people of New-Hampshire, and other officers of the said government and people, at the time this constitution shall take effect, shall hold, exercise and enjoy all the powers and authorities to them granted and committed, until other per sons shall be appointed in their stead. All courts of law in the business of their respective departments, and the executive, and legislative bodies and persons, shall continue in full force, enjoyment and exercise of all their trusts and employments, until the general court, and the supreme and other executive officers under this constitution, are designated, and invested with their respective trusts, powers and authority. This form of government shall be enrolled on parchment, and deposited in the secretary's office, and be a part of the laws of the land, and printed copies thereof shall be prefixed to the books containing the laws of this state, in all future editions thereof. To preserve an effectual adherence to the principles of the constitution, and to correct any violations thereof, as well as to make such alterations therein, as from experience may be found necessary, the general court shall at the expiration of seven years from the time this constitution shall take effect, is sue precepts, or direct them to be issued from the secretary's office, to the several towns and incorporated places, to elect delegates to meet in convention for the purposes aforesaid : the said delegates to be chosen in the same manner, and propor tioned as the representatives to the general assembly ; provided that no alteration shall be made in this constitution before the same shall be laid before the towns and unincorporated places, and approved by {wo thirds of the qualified voters present, and voting upon the question. IN CONVENTION, held at concord, the thirty-first day of OCTOBER, 1783. The Returns from the several towns being examined, and it appearing that the foregoing Bill of Rights and Form op Government, were approved by the People ; the same are hereby agreed on and established by the Delegates of the People, and declared to be the Civil Constitution for the State of New-Hampshire, to take place on the first Wed- constitution — 1784 919 iiesday of June, 1784; and that in the mean time the General Court under the present government, make all the necessary arrangements for introducing this Constitution, at that time, and in the manner therein described. NATHANIEL FOLSOM, President, P. T. Attest. J. M. Sewall, Secretary. INDEX OF NAMES. Readers will please take notice, that in thie Index, names which very frcqnentlj occur in the same town, are not always noted page by page, but designated by a - joining the pages on which they are found. Hence, when the residence of a partic ular name is once ascertained, it may be well to look for its repetition on every page of the town thereto related. It will be seen that the same name is often spelt in different ways. The names of Governors, Clerks, Secretaries, &o., which are officially signed, occurring more or less on every page, are not repeated. Errors will probably he found, but the Index has cost the Editor immense labor, to make it accurate. Abbot or Abbott, 19, 24, 42, 44, 64, 132, 141, 402, 560, 69-2, 759, 794. Abell «f>6 Accason 240 Ackerman 561 Acres 292 Adams, 2, 87', 88,172,173,' ' igij '202,' '211, 212, 213, 214, 234,236, 238, 239, 241, 304, 317, 398, 402, 415, 429, 489-533 ; 560, 589, 604, 605, 672, 708-715; 716, 721-729; 783,794,808. Addison or Adeson 308, 309, 515, 623 Aiken, 113,114, 115, 118, 482, 485-532; 759,801-823; 825. Akerman 41, 301 , 714 Alcock or Olcott 41, 42, 708-715 Alden 159, 162 Alexander, 319, .384, 389, 392, 482, 484- 533; 585,717,787,794. Alexaxdkia 82.5 Alger 715 Alld 23, 201, -211, 213, 214, 220, 549, 561 Allen, 24, 166, 170, 174, 238, 305, 308, 309, 321, 523, 543, 545, 674, 588, 640, 060- 664; 672, 717, 723-729; 760, 787, 792, 825. Allenstown 826 Alierd 7-25 Allison 482,484-532 Ally 160, 174, 175 Almary 42,43 Alstead 5 Amaskeen 660 AmliTOS 182, 184, 292 Ames or Eames, 194, 397, 402, 464, 573, 602,745-752; 826. AmcT 675, 745 AXHEBBT 6,13-26 Amors 42 Anderson 482, 484-533 Andover 825 Andrae 384 Andrews, 317, 379, 381, 389, 390, 482, 490-532; 835. Anie or Annes... 122, 405, 406, 526, 5.51, 679 Antkim 825 Appleton 605, 607 Apthorp 708 Arbuckel 490-533; 551 Archibald or Arohibel, 482, 484-533; 589, 802-823. Armes 716, 788, 78T Armour .'vie, 761, 805-823 Armstrong. 41, 48.5-533; 805-823 Asbery Oil Ash 170, 173, 360, 608-630 ; 768, 769 Ashby 75S Ashley 384, 716, 787, 799, 814, 826, 836 Aston or Austen, 170, 171, 173, 402, 745, 760. Atkinson, Theodore, Secy— passim, 68, 77, 125, 141, 142, 1B2, 163, 167, 263, 259, 459, 463, 647, 703-715; 717, 746, 788, 830, 842, 852. ATKINSON & Pi-ASrow 26-40 Atwood or Atworde, 31, 100, 331, 362, 681, 793. Auchmuty ^ 1?I^':;--;;;;;;;;;;;::::::::::::::S Averill ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ • ¦ • 1* Avery, 97, 255, 384, 464, 588, 592, 642, 784, 827. Ayer or Ayres, 40, 42, 44, 141, 142, 143, 172, 325, 458, 491, 515, 664, 681, 745-753. 922 INDEX. B Babb 42, 43, 561, 692 Bachelder or Batcheldor, 110, 112, 340, 342, 344, 347, 367, 359, 376, 436, 438, 44!"), 450, 673,583-580; 639-646; 648- 651;792, 827, 829. Badger 537, 541, 592, 604, 835, 843 Bagley 360, 440, 608 Baker, 75, 100, 112, 181, 359, 360, 390, 522, 592, 664, 716, 764, 836, 843, 844. Balch 680,751,814 Baldwing or Baldwin, 19, 379, 381, 418, 421, 422, 646-651; 652, 672. Baley or Bailey, 41, 407, 411, 412, 415, 427, 464, 611, 670, 681, 760, 792, 813, 843. Ball ' 10, 23, 43, 330, 560 Balord 7a6 Bamford 91, 396 Bampton 171, 176 Banfll or Banfleld, 42, 43, 44, 561, 642, 708. Bantom 174 Barbor, 173, 573, 689, 592-803; 632-844; 656. Barker, 59, 79, 102,276,292,376,571, .684, 588, 592, 643, 653, 753, 758, 797, 828, 834. Barlow 251 , 464 Barnard, 147, 301, 336, 451, 626, 771, 790, 835. Barns. ...41, 42, 44, 50, 51, 305, 660, 551, 686 Barnstead 429 Barnstead 826 Barnet 482, 484-533 ; 651, 552, 671 Barnum 164 BaiT 189, 308, 309, 482, 484-533 Barrel 143 Barret, 388, 391, 402, 416, 430, 423, 469, 612, 661. Barrington 41-49 Barron 4, 60, 660 Barter 317 Bartlett, 32, 34, 42, ,373, 450, .523, 572, 589, 611-630; 636-645; 664, 792, 834, 835, 841. Barton 568 Basford or Besford . . ^ 106, 443 Bath 825 Batson 666, .568 Bayls 759 Bavne 829 Baxter 548, 551, 649 Beadel or Bedell 428, 465, 611 Beal 429 Bean or Been, 24, 69, 77, 79, 85, 86, HI, 112, 253, 255, 258, 259, 263,268, 269, 273, 276, 280, 291, 358, 436, 440, 447, 672, 583, 585, 592, 685, 687, 719. Beard or Baird 170, 572, 635-644 Beauchamp 211, 214, 222 Beck 42,560-568; 708,714 Beckwith 6, 546,548 Bedford 50-56 Bedford 432 Beede or Bedy 358, 441 Beetel 750 Belcher, 106, 126, 171, 253, 327, 341, 344, 34S, 437-, 465, 468, 459, 498, 503, 633, 690, 692, 696. JJelding 384, 388, 390, 3»1, 786 Belknap 27, 28, 29, 35, 673, 674-684 Bell, 61, 52, 54, .56, 317, 482,485-533; 663, 566, 568, 834. BeUey? 524 BeUows 6, 393, 830, 836, 844 Bemaine 381 Beming 12 Bennet, 44, 142, 172, 173, 239, 240, 243, 673, 684, 589, 605, 656, 692, 744, 779- 785. Bennick or Bannick 167, 239, 689 Bennington 56 Benson 692 Benton 826 Bergin 244, 573, 58« Berry or Bary, 44, 106, 110, 112, 115, 249, 250, 321, 324, 344, 522, 562, 563, 574, 643, 722-729; 735-744. Bettenham 548 Beverlin 572 Bibard or Biber 170, 175 Bickam 317 Bickford, 43, 170, 171, 172, 174, 175, 177, 179, 235, 2,39, 240, 243, 244, 249,536, 540, 542, 544, 560, 722-729; 829. Bigelow 4 Bingham 546, 548 Bird 212-217:2-31,5-26 Bishop.. 41, 69 Bixbe 8 Black 249, 255, 341, 583, 585, 680 Blackston 159 Blair or Blare 60, 397, 482, 486-533; 566 Blake, 216, 249, 256, 324, 340, 342, 345, 346, 348, 357, 375, 376, 441, 451, 464, 583, 585, 592. Blanchard, 1, 2, 4, 21,23, 91,118,194, 198, 201, 206, 208, 210, 211, 212-234; 402, 427, 539, 549, 651, 552, 671, 794, 796, 798, 829. Blaney 203, 536, 540 Blasedel 358, 408, 415, 436, 438, S2S Blaso 249, 250 Bliss 646-651 Blodgett or Bloget, 24, .307, 309, 310, 418, 423, 426, 426, 427, 464, 473, 477, 672, 685, 687, 794, 836. Blood, 23, 25, 194, 202, 204, 208, 210, 212, 222, 227, 402, 687, 717,-786, 835. Blunt 113, 119, 138, 522, 564, 568, 664 Bly 40, 426 Bodge 169,174 Bodman 786 BogeU 482, 484-533 ; 647 Bohonon 58 Boice or Boyes, 56, 102, 485-533; .554, 555, 808. Boin or Bowen 59 Bolton 498, 504, 808-82S Bond 332, 445,446,677 Bonner 475,476 Boody 543,544 Bordman 589-599 BordweU 786 Borland 672 BosCj> wen 67-62 Bouttel 19 BoutweU 19 Bow(l) 62-76 Bowdage or Bowditch 536, HO (1) The running heading from p. 62 to p. 76 should be Bow instead of Boscsiren. Ed. INDEX. 923 Bowde 170, 317 Bowers 26, 211, 214, 221, 222, 536, 540 Bowles 539,715,716 Bowman 24 Boyd, 107, 153, 317, 364, 553, 555, 601, 708-715; 806. Boydeu 292 Boynton or Bonton, 194, 401, 438, 586, 588,656. Brackenbury 415 Bracket, 186, 327, 574, 588, 647-651 ; 708, 714,735-744; 784. Bradbury 420 Bradden 41 Braden 560 Bradford 8, 12, 19, 43, 379, 381, 644, 759 Bradford 825 Bradly or Bradley, 27, 32, 34, 132, 441, 680. Bragg 142 Bramard 730-733 Branscombe 568 BratUe 208 Breed 605 Brenton 467 Brentwood 76-86 Brew 170 Brewer 843 Brewster or Bruster, 42, 43, 48, 181, 624, 526, 692-715; 722-729. Briant or Bryant, 29, 31, 34, 63, 69, 24S, 506, 589-599; 603, 661-664; 672, 800. Briard 43 Brickett or Brecket 113, 115, 573 Bridge : 2 Bridges 721 Bridgewater 825 Bridgham 41 Bridgman 388, 389 , 390 Brier 571,779-785 Brigham 670 Brinley 644 Broadstreet or Bradstreet 688 Brock 171 Brockway 305, 546, 548 Brooellne 826 Brooks 297, 384 Brown, 4, 6, 27, 28, 29, 35, 42, 44, 77, 80, 103, 110, 113, 114, 118, 141, 144,147, 150, 161, 169, 175, 194, 208, 237,246, 269, 270, 272, 299, 340-402, 415, 425, 440, 460, 466, 490-533 ; 648, 562, 583, 606, 614-630; 638-644; 647-651; 685, 687, 692, 719, 735, 743, 767-776 ; 786, 787, 792, 807-823 ; 825. Bruce 570 Brusel 460 Bryen 674 Buck 213 Budey or Boody 175, 179 Bulger 251 Bunker 169, 170, 174, 235 Bunting or Buntin. . .143, 632, 661-664; 825 Burbank, 59, 141, 144, 405, 406, 409, 410, 412, 415, 433, 426. Burbeen 523 Burdit 173, 239 Burge or Borge 4, 403 B lu-ges 644 Burkhard 670 Burley or Berley, 141, 149. 151, 571, 573, 585, 588-599; 603, 756, 784. BUKNET 493,740 Burns, 9, 10, 17, 19, 50, 51, 62, 376, 418, 421, 422, 425, 427, 830, 836. Burnsides 497, 828 Burnum or Barnum, 166, 181, 235, 240, 375, 376. Buron 490 Burpey 36 Burroughs 17, 419, 465, 6U Burse 172,173 Burt 384, 389, 390, 392, 656 Burton 79T Bushnel 60 Buskell 643 Bussel or Buzzel, 176, 179, 180, 237, 436, 543, 544. Buss 44,708,716 Bussy 170,174,725 Buswell 238,441 Butler, 122, 186, 342, 373, 376, 388, 391, 418, 421, 422, 684, 643, 715, 716, 787, 843. Butterfield, 106, 201, 211, 212, 214, 220, 232, 234, 299, 308, 308, 309, 476,477, 512,646-651; 794,829. Butters 670 Button " O Cabot 540 Cady 787 Caldwell or Calwell, 24, 60, 54, 56, 103, 104, 421, 432, 426, 427, 473, 475, 476, 482, 498-533 ; 5.52, 563, 5.55, 557, 807- 8-23 - 835. Caleyor'Caliey, 523, 670-672; 592, 779- 7&5. Calf or Calfe, 45, 105, 113, 114, 118, 447, 5-24, 644, 687. Calkins 640-651 Call 59, 62, 90, 715 Calland 760 Camfield 546, 548 Campbell or Camell, 14, 18, 23,419, 426, 450, 476, 482, 485-533; .556, 805-823; 60n, 681, 753. CAMPrON 826 Canaan 826 Canada or Kanada 51, 5* Candia 826 Canney or Cenny, 156, 169, 161, 168, 169, 171, 173, 180, 183. CANTERBnRY ~e i?? Capron 'i 836, 844 Card '86 Cargil 103, 482, 485-532 Carhan *69 Caries o'r 'Oarll 164, 169, 171 Carlton or Call ton, 4, 19, 30, 34, 102, 606, 613, 62-2-630; 635-645; 664, 675-684; 744-752. C3pi*T)Gn.tcr -•••• ..,....••••••••••• •Vt™ Carr or Karr, 50, 105, 109, 112, 142, 143, 18(i, 307, 310, 421, 473, 475,476, 524, 661,762,786,814. _^^^^, Carson 299,*641 924 INDEX. Carter or Cater, 41, 61, 62, 69, 74, 13-J, 135, 138, 142, 170, 174, 314, 317, 358, 360, 402, 436. 623, 608-639 ; 771 , 776. Carty '. 255 Cary lOii Cass 24H, 341 , 3 12 Caswell i(;4, 604 Cate or Cates, 42, 48, 321, 324, 534, 574, 643, 6i7-i:51 ; 75!i. Caverly 43 Center or Senter 45, 826 Centre-Hakbocr S-20 Chadbouin 186 Chadwick, 186, 405, 408, 407, 400, 410, 412, 761. Chaloss or Chaliss, 360, 450, 608-630; 708-770. Chamberiain, 51, 52, 233, 2.34, 402, 491- 533; .551,716,733-729; 788. Champion 733 Champney 186, 708 Chandler or Chanler, 5, 6, 27,35. 37, 50, 69, 74, 132, 138, 408, 409, 411, 412, 416, 601, 605, 626, 771. Chaney or Cheney, 27, 33, 34, 35, 37, 6-26, 673. Chaplin 29, 35 Chapman, 304, 340, 341, 673, 574, 683, 689, 5.92. 732. Charles, King -251 Charlestown, No. 4 96-101 Chase, 6, 32, 34, 113, 115, 119, 132, 146, 146, 179, 219, 2-20, 246, 255, 342, 344, 364, 372, 375, 393, 410, 429, 446, 469, 471, 472, 478, 512, 528, 568, 575, 682, .584, 691, 613, 632, 640-645; 681, 757, 784. Chatham 836 Chatterton 4 Cheever 8, 9, 6.56 Chesle or Chesley, 160, 16-2, 166, 166, 1(59, 170, 171, 172, 174, 182, 185, 194, 236, 237, 238, 210, 243, '246, 542, 544, 569, 686. Chester lOl, 120, 352 Chesterfield 120-122 Cheswick, now Littleton 1-22 Cheswill 573 Chioheste r 123-r27 Choate 839 Church 3, 170, 171, 175, ,546 Churchill 42 Churchwood 814 Chusing 175 Chute or Chote .-;ij2, 436, 444 Cilley 642, 643, 843 Cindinor 668 Claggett 2, 94, 647, 708-715 Clapp OOO Claremont 82u Clark, 2, 8, 18, 19, 25, 41, 42, 44, .52, 1.59- 177; 241, 379, 381, 415, 426, 430, 478, 482, 484-633 ; 613, 615, 663, 555, 566, 571-604; 632-645; 6.5(i, 661- 664; 693, 711, 7-23-729; 731, 756- 758; 779-785; 803,839. Clarkson, A., passim 616, 709-715 Clay lOS, 110, 112, 719 Clements, 31, 32, 160, 168, 170, 173, 174, 175, 182, 18p, 407, 409, 410, 412, 415, 5-22, 543, 545,675-S84; 716, 760, 837. Clemons 201 Clendinen 483,484-533; 813 Clerick 314 Cleveland 466 Cleves 357 CliflfOl-d, 79, 111, 112,151, -2.5.5, 268, -271, 374, '276, 342, 344, 436, -141, 450, 5SJ. 040-645; 731,829. (;IJYg ^3^• Clogston' 309,5-21 Clough, 26, 32, 57, 73, 77-a5; 8i)-9(;; 111, 112, 399, 333, 342, 344, 360, 365, 372, 430, 441, 445, 446, 451, 630, 610, 692, (;-20, 027, 640-645 ; 677-684 ; 7.32, 74.)- 732; 763,843. Clow 771 Clyd 752, 805-82;; Coats WJ Cobbit 53S Coben 792 Coburn ^24 Cochran or Coghran, IS, 104, 107, U6, 142, 477, 482, 48.5-333 ; 564, 555, 5.57, 631-664; 667, 668, 802-823. Codd 379 Coffin, 60, 64, 176, 182, 632, 573, 616, 63-2- 645; 672, 714, 769, 770, 793. Cofran 8. 532, 533, 660-664; 745-7.5-2 Cofrass 65(j Cogswell 681 Coker 592 Colbath 674 Colbe or Colby, 106, 112, 132, 332, -405, 406,407, 410, 412, 415, 446, 446, 431, 611-630; 677, 732, 768-776, Colburn, 9, 10, 11, 25, 194, 200, 202, 40-2, 418, 433, 435, 437, 478, 794. Colcord, 79, 85, 353, 268, 263, -268, 271, 276, 292, 431, 436, 446, 447, .592, 602, 632- 644. Cole 165, 261, 682, 760, 777-7S.'> COLEBROOK 8-26 Coleman 670, 792 Colkett 376, 572 Colledge .379 CoUings or Collins, 45, 341,344,359, 436, 449, 451, 623, 624-030; 763, 773, 774, 843. Combs 201, 313, 232, 794 Comings, Cummins, or Cumings, 2, 14, 19, 194, 204, 214, 221, 227, 331, 399, 400, 401, 416, 419, 421, 432, 426, 426, 469, 470, 472, 473, .177, 512, 536,640, 550, 606, 686, 687, 717, 730, 787,794, 843. Comstock 516, 548 Conahie 490 Conant 401 Concord 127-140 Cone 6 Conn 606,670 Connel 523 Conner, 114, 119, 160, 162, 170, 171, 174, 185, 253, 268, 262, 341, 622, 583, 585, 659-664. Contoocook 58 Converse 468 Conway 140-145 Cook 59, 169, 175, 179, 297, 332, 761 Cooper 170, 388, 391, 792 Cope 756 Copey 62* Copp or Copps, 28, 32, 34, 35, 3.1, 40, 91, 332, 722, 788. Corfee 541 Corgel 748, 760 Corlis ,50, 745, 792, 825 Coriy 784 Corninj: 744-752, 813 Coknish 14,5-146 Corser or Co.^er 69, 62 44» 925 Cory 605 Cosen 133, 15'.', 7'25, 760 Coston 517, 521 , 534 Cotten or Cotton, 41, 42, 43, 44, 347, 458, 560, 670, 692, 610-614; 647, 692, 713, 743, 744, 783-7&5. Coulkain 127 Ccventky 826 Cowel 14 Cowin or Cowans. .59, 311, 313, 230, 550, 551 Cox 201, 397,437, 616 Craford or Crawford 119, 333, 836 Cragin 24, 841 Craige 3, 108, lis, 114, 115, 119, 484-533 Cram, 77, 80, 110, 149, 1.50, 151, 203, 344, -251, 253, 379, 391, 392, .342, 348,3.57, 377, 536, 311, 381,584, 589, 640-S45; 710, 797. Cran 115, 259 Crawley 231 Crense or Creyes 482, 644 Cremmet 172, 173 Cretchett 113, 167, 236, -241, 374, 589 Crison 78fi Criste 489, 554, 555, 808-833 Crocker 656 Crockett 42, 172, 671, 373, 589, 779, 784 Crombie lis, 114, 517,-.523 Cromen 235 Cromey or Cnimmey 482, 484-533 Cionimett or Crummet. . ..171, 239, 340, 698 Ciomwell 171 , 173, 235, 760 Crosby, 10. 14, 483, 672, 605, 646-651; aBn-'i73. Croset 524 Cross, 1, 4, 43, 43, 171, 338, 416, 419, 426, 430, 469, 470, 471, 472, 560, 562, 592, 646-6.51; 676, 701. Crowel 7.5S Cullimore 661 Cunningham, 119, 308, 309, .5-22, 525, 637, 552, 661, 661, 066-673. Currier, 36, 28, 29, 32, 35, 147, 307, 308, 309, 317, 344, 440, 611-630; 676-684, 714, 719, 744-7.53; 768-776. Curry 94, 397, 745 Curtice or Curtis 18, 170, 464 Cushing, 31, 236, 333, 609, 615, 67B-684; 770. Cushman 655, 656 Cutt or Cutts, 41, 43, 96, 186, 317, 468, 601,689-715; 7.34. Cutter 672, 711, 824, 842 D Dakins 421, 422, 423, 427 Dale 536, 537, 794 Dalling 317, 714 Dalton 336, 340, 347, 601, 681 Dam or Dame, 162, 172, 174, 186, 543, 647,722-729; 834. Damrell 317 Dana 826 Danbury 826 Danforth or Danford, 36, .59, 194, 198, '208, 209, 756. Daniel or Daniels, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 179, 237, 238, 340, 243, 543, 544, 835. Darbee or Darby 648 Darling 344, 430, 451, 760, 792 Darrah 419, 475, 478, 477, 498 Darte 305 Dauson 808 Davis, 2. 8, 18, 19, 34, 36, 42, 43, 166,186, 202, 233, 235-244; 332, 341, .365,371, 376, 415, 436, 427, 449, 454, 522, .542, 644, .560, 670, 588, 392, 613, 623, B13, 670,681, 737, 78-;, 790, 794, 835, 843. Davison or Davidson, 4, 376, 377, .507, 520, 534, .533, 670, 797, 807-823. Day 732 Dealand 537, .539 Deale 797 Dean or Deane, 266, 279, 282, 292, 672, 787. Dearing or Deerin 722-729 Deerfield I4u-l.-)l Delano 6 Demedy 169 Demerit 335, 238, 543, 543, 544 Denbow 173 Denel 522 Dennet. . . .41, 42, 439, 468, 459, 695, 712-715 Dent 44, 436, 449 Derbon or Dearborn, 103, 109, 111, 113, 116, 119, 250, 251, 327, 335, 340, 345, 347, 431, 590, 639-616 ; 685, 687, 783, 834. Derby 646-661 Deri; vfield 161-163, 827 Devell 787 Deverson 42 Dewey 616-661 Dickey 119, 120, 299 Dickinson 384, 467 Dimerest or Demerett, 164, 166, 170, 174, 175, 179. Dimond 450, 661, 614-830; 767, 768-776 Dinsmoor, 113, 114, 115, 119, 120, ,308, 309, 402, 497-533; 637, 751, 802-823. Ditty 44 Dix 473, 664 Dockem 574, 594 Dodge 19, 308, 309, 449, 829, 834, 842 Doe 172, 235, 240, 244, 673, 674, 588, 643 Dogan 623 Dogiden 59 Doke 483, 484-532 Dolbuer 662, 644 Dole 28, 29, 35, 344 , 670, 674-684 Dollof, 77, 91, HO, 144, 263, 269, 274, 279, 292, 560, 719. Dolton 524 Donaldson 534, 527 Doolittle 3g4 Dooly 573 Door 183 Dorchester 187-188 Dorety 779 DoiT 723 Doues 574 Dover 153-187 Dovost or Doust 663, 563, 735-744 Dow, 23, 28, 29, 34, 35, 40, 307, 332, 337- 3!2; .344,343, 339, 425, 445, 44fj,46.5, 566, 572, 593, 676-684; 685, 739, 745, 753,763, 777-786; 829. Down 317 Downer 263, 647 Downing 104, 269, .575, 788 Downs, 1.54, 159, 160, 171, 183, 760-762; 777-785. 926 Doyne 661 Drake 335, 601, 639, 843 Draper 342, 348, ,367 Drcs'iPi' ... ..••••••••. 759 Drew or 'dtu,' ii' ' s's', ' 165', 'ib'e',' i69, 'm, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 179, 239, 240, 341, 243, 241, 396, 643, 544, 725, 762. Drisco 173 Drown 169, 632, 644 Di-ummond 17,0 Drury 401 Dublin 188 Dudley, 77, 79, 85, 112, 246, 263, 268, 269, 263, 265, 268, 270, 271, 274, 376, 277, 320, 336, 432, 4-33, .558, 585, 719, 834, 843. Dudy or Duda 59, 235, 239, 240, 589 Duglass 103, 398, 421, 422, 489, 787 Dunbarton 189 Dunkin or Duncan 497, 533, 801-823 Dunckly or Duncklee .19,26 Dunlap 308, 309, 498-532; 672, 807-823 Dunmore 240 Dunstable 193-234 Durent 379, 381 Durgan, 172, 176, 235, 239, 240, 243, 244, 573. Durgee 50 Durham (Oyster River) 234-245 Durham 516 Duston 426, 526, 674r-684; 756-758 Dutch 279,589 Dutton 26, 420, 425, 436, 470, 471 Dwight 828 Dwyer 708 E Eacens 'i 623 Eames. [See Ames.] 829 Easman or Eastman, 57, 69, 64, 75, 112, 128, 132, 141-144; 150, 331, 342,358, 360, 362, 406-416 ; 434, 436, 441-453 ; 583, 608-630 ; 640-645 ; 67.5-684 ; 768- 776; 792,829. Easterbrooke 4 East Kingston 826 Baton,29, 3],:a2, 33, 34, 36, 39, 40, 246, 331, 359, 362, 364, 371,395, 415, 585, 682. Eayre or Ayres 201, 291, 482, 484-5X3 Edgerly, 79, 172, 175, 235, 237, 239, 240, 244, 246, 268, 272,276, 643, 546, 598, 727. Edgley 256, 258 Edmonde 12, 44, 737, 744, 792 Effingham 826 Ekin. [See Aiken.1 496 Elderkin ^ 656 Elgar 384 Elfins, 90, 91, 94, 246, 251, 255, 431-4.50; 672, 685, 640, 792. Ellinwood 8, 19, 745-752 EUiot or Eliot, 19, 43, 59, 360, 397, 589, 608-630; 656, 664, 760, 768-776. Ellis or Elice 91, 160, 573, 723 Ellison 396 Ellsworth 826 Elmer or Elmore 384, .388, 390, 391 Ely or Ealy 267,526 Emanuel 52;^ Emerson, 25, 26, 31 , 32, 34, 35, 38, 40, 104, 108, 109, 112, 114, 153, 169, 170, 175, 194, 206, 216, 332, 401, 402, 410, 412, 425, 443, 504, 620, 523, 543. 544, 673, 592, 681-684; 685, 687, 748, 792,834, 844. Emery or Emory, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 37, 69, 62, 144, 246, 523, 646-661; 664, 667-672; 704, 792, 794, 844. Emons, Emmone or Amons, 342, 344, 388, 391, 436, 826. Enfield 826 England 777-785 Ennie 397 Epping 245-246 Epps 536, .540 Epsom 246-350 Errol 826 Estes or Esteare 169, 176 Estey 379 Estibrook 606,667 Ethridge HI Evens, 132, 170, 175, 177, 179, 238, 249, .343, 348, 384, 388, 389, 391, 396, 421, 543, 545, 685, 687, 792, 826. Eversden 12 Evenly 263, 321 Ewins 618 Exeter 260-298, 3,53 F Fairweather 43 Fales 341 Fannier 42 Farley, 10, 194, 211, 212, 313, 222, 227, 330,402. Farmer, 1, 60, 467, 480, 650, 652, 632, 688, 720, 763, 834. Farnum 17, 19, 132, 411, 413, 415, 664 Farnsworth 97, 100 Parr 169, 170, 523 Farran 360, 398, 608-630 ; 768-776 Farrar 23,611,835,844 Farrington 132,142 Farson 759 Farwell .2, 4, 9, 10, 201, 787, 794 Fay 175 (1) By error, Fitchgaul. Ed. Felch 366, 372 Fellows, 44, 344, 445, 449, 450, 458, 460, 583, 737, 829. Felton 19 Fenton 330, 685 Ferall 761 Ferry or Frarey 786 Ferson 563, 654, 656 Field. . . .167, 169, 174, 351, 305, 318, 384, 787 Fife 522,661-664 Fifield, 77, 253, 269, 273, 280, 341, 344, 435, 436, 440, 441, 445, 447, 448, 449, 454, 570, 684, 756, 779-785. Fisher 299, 617, 626, 530, 633, 672, 829 Pitch 233,234 Fitchgerill (1) 5». INDEX. 927 Fitts or Fites 112, 344, 772 Fittswilliam 826 |;ia